London rail services disrupted on 28-29 November 2026
Network Rail will close railway lines at Dolphin Junction on 28 and 29 November 2026, disrupting the Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express and Great Western services. The shutdown impacts travellers heading to and from Heathrow, Paddington, Maidenhead and the Thames Valley during the weekend.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Rail lines at Dolphin Junction close for two days
- Timing
- Saturday 28 November and Sunday 29 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Passengers using the Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express and Great Western routes
The details
- Announced by
- Network Rail
- Takes effect
- Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November 2026
- Previous rule
- Before the closure, regular passenger services operated between Heathrow Airport, Maidenhead, London Paddington and along the Great Western line.
- New rule
- During the two‑day engineering works, trains will not run between Heathrow Airport, Maidenhead and London Paddington, and limited services will operate only between Reading and Maidenhead.
Engineering works and service suspension
Network Rail has scheduled the first phase of a £27.8 million upgrade at Dolphin Junction for the weekend of 28‑29 November 2026. The work involves replacing part of the track layout near Slough to improve future reliability.
- All passenger trains between Heathrow Airport, Maidenhead and London Paddington will be cancelled on both days
- Heathrow Express will not run, removing the direct link between Heathrow and Paddington
- Elizabeth line services will be suspended on the affected sections
Replacement transport arrangements
Network Rail will provide replacement bus services on the disrupted sections. Buses will run between Maidenhead and Slough, and between Slough and Ealing Broadway, as well as between Stratford and Romford and between Romford and Shenfield.
- A limited two‑trains‑per‑hour service will continue between Reading and Maidenhead
- Passengers are advised to allow extra travel time and check journeys before departure
Broader context and future works
The Dolphin Junction closure is part of a wider programme of railway upgrades across the Thames Valley. Network Rail has also announced further engineering works over the Christmas and New Year period, so travellers should monitor official updates beyond the November weekend.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with tickets for the Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express or Great Western services on 28‑29 November should expect cancellations
- Passengers should check alternative routes via London Underground or other rail services before travel
- Those connecting to flights or business meetings may need to allow extra time for airport transfers
Cost and documents
- No additional fees are introduced for the replacement bus services
- Travelers do not need to provide new documentation for the temporary service changes
What you need to do
- Review journey plans for 28‑29 November and identify suitable replacement transport
- Monitor Network Rail and operator websites for real‑time service updates
- Consider booking alternative tickets if the disruption affects critical travel
Who this affects
-
Elizabeth line passengers
The line will be partially closed during the Dolphin Junction engineering works.
What to do Check alternative routes and use replacement bus services.
-
Heathrow Express travellers
Direct rail link between Heathrow and Paddington will be suspended on the weekend.
What to do Plan for bus replacements or other transport to reach the airport.
-
Great Western Railway passengers
Services between Heathrow, Maidenhead and Paddington are cancelled during the closure.
What to do Use limited Reading‑to‑Maidenhead trains or buses for the affected segment.
Frequently asked questions
What rail services are cancelled on 28 November 2026 in London?
All passenger trains between Heathrow Airport, Maidenhead and London Paddington, including the Heathrow Express and affected Elizabeth line sections, are cancelled on 28 November 2026 due to engineering works at Dolphin Junction.
Will there be any replacement buses for the November 2026 rail closure?
Yes, Network Rail will operate replacement bus services between Maidenhead and Slough, Slough and Ealing Broadway, as well as between Stratford and Romford and Romford and Shenfield during the two‑day closure.
How many trains will still run between Reading and Maidenhead on 28‑29 November?
A limited service of two trains per hour will continue to operate between Reading and Maidenhead throughout the weekend.
Do I need to buy new tickets for the replacement buses?
No new tickets are required; the replacement bus services are provided free of charge to passengers holding valid tickets for the cancelled rail journeys.
When will Network Rail provide updates on the November rail disruption?
Travelers should monitor Network Rail and the relevant train operator websites for real‑time updates before and during the 28‑29 November 2026 disruption.
