Southern Rail passengers face widespread disruption across London, Surrey and Sussex this weekend as engineering works close key sections of the network on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13. Trains are being diverted or suspended on several routes, while replacement buses will add extra time to journeys.
Passengers travelling through London Bridge, Horsham, Barnham, Redhill and Reigate — as well as those heading towards Brighton, Portsmouth and Gatwick Airport — should check their full journey before leaving home.
Southern Rail routes affected this weekend
- London Bridge–Streatham: Lines via Peckham Rye are closed Saturday and Sunday.
- Horsham–Barnham: All lines are closed throughout the weekend.
- Three Bridges–Horsham: No Southern trains during the works.
- London Victoria–Portsmouth Harbour: Services are diverted.
- London Victoria–Reigate: No direct trains on Sunday.
- Redhill–Tonbridge: Replacement buses run Sunday.
- Purley–Redhill/Reigate/Horley: Replacement buses run Sunday.
London Bridge to Streatham line closed
All lines between London Bridge and Streatham via Peckham Rye are closed during the weekend engineering work.
Buses replace trains between London Bridge and Streatham, with additional stops at Herne Hill, Streatham Hill and Streatham Common. Connecting trains continue between Streatham and East Croydon.
Passengers using the buses should allow extra time because road journeys and transfers will increase overall travel times.
Horsham to Barnham closed all weekend
One of the most significant closures is between Horsham and Barnham, where all lines are shut on Saturday and Sunday.
Fast and all-stations replacement buses are operating between Horsham and Barnham. There are also no Southern trains between Three Bridges and Horsham, although passengers can use Thameslink services over that section at no extra cost.
A train shuttle continues between Barnham and Bognor Regis.
Victoria to Portsmouth trains diverted
London Victoria–Portsmouth Harbour trains will operate to an amended timetable and are diverted via Hove and Littlehampton or Worthing.
Services additionally call at Three Bridges, while Saturday trains also make an additional stop at Ford. Passengers can use South Western Railway between Havant and Portsmouth Harbour where ticket acceptance applies.
Redhill and Reigate disruption on Sunday
Sunday brings another major closure as track renewal between Guildford and Earlswood closes all lines and affects Southern, Thameslink and Great Western Railway.
Replacement buses will run between Purley and Redhill, Purley and Reigate, Purley and Horley, and Redhill and Tonbridge.
Direct London Victoria–Reigate trains will not run, while normal Redhill–Tonbridge rail services are also suspended.
Brighton and Gatwick journeys affected
Early-morning London Victoria–Brighton trains before 9am will operate to an amended timetable on Sunday, with longer journey times. Trains will also make additional stops at Purley and Horley.
The Guildford–Earlswood closure affects some Gatwick Airport journeys too. Great Western Railway replacement buses will operate between Guildford and Gatwick Airport, making extra planning particularly important for passengers with flights.
Airport passengers may also want to check the wider travel picture following the recent Heathrow and Gatwick disruption after the NATS fault, particularly if their journey involves multiple connections.
Sydney Airport Delays: Air Traffic Controller Shortage Disrupts Flights
Qantas QF122 Engine Flames Reported After Christchurch Departure
Thameslink services also change
On Sunday, Thameslink trains will not call at Earlswood, Redhill, Merstham or Coulsdon South. Thameslink passengers can use Southern services between Purley and Horley via Redhill at no extra cost.
Late-night Hastings services affected
Separate Saturday-night engineering work affects services towards Ashford International. The 9:50pm Eastbourne–Ashford International train terminates at Hastings, while the 11:25pm Ashford International–Hastings service will not run.
Replacement buses operate between Hastings and Rye or Ashford International.
Normal Arun Valley timetable expected Monday
The Horsham–Barnham work follows temporary speed restrictions on the Arun Valley route after prolonged hot and dry weather affected track conditions.
Regular services between London Victoria, Horsham, Barnham, Bognor Regis and Portsmouth Harbour are expected to return from Monday, September 14, although minor delays may remain while track work continues.
Check the entire journey before leaving
Replacement buses can take longer than trains and may depart from locations away from the normal station entrance. Passengers with bicycles, luggage or accessibility requirements should check arrangements in advance.
Passengers can check their route through the National Rail service disruption information shortly before departure.
Those considering switching to a car or coach should check road conditions as well. Recent disruption including the M42 closure near Redditch highlights the importance of checking alternative routes before setting out.
Because several engineering projects overlap this weekend, a journey may begin normally but require a replacement bus, diversion or extra connection later. Checking the entire itinerary — rather than only the first train — can help passengers avoid unexpected delays.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
