Sussex Train Services During Christmas and New Year: Adjustments Announced
Travelers in East and West Sussex should be aware of changes to train services this Christmas and New Year. Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has announced a revised schedule for the festive season. While there will not be major engineering works in Sussex, disruptions on the Thameslink network will affect local services.
Train Service Adjustments Overview
Passengers should pay attention to the adjusted train schedules from December 21 to January 5. Below is a detailed breakdown of the changes expected during this period.
December 21: Service Limitations
Starting December 21, train services between Bedford/Luton and Three Bridges will be limited. These trains will only run between London Bridge and Brighton. Additionally, all other services will operate on amended timetables. Travelers should prepare for changes and ensure they check their specific routes.
December 22: Northern Services Cancelled
On December 22, further limitations will occur. Trains running between Bedford/Luton and Three Bridges/Brighton/Horsham will stop operating north of St Pancras. Passengers traveling between Cambridge and Brighton will find that these trains will also only run from London Bridge to Brighton. Other services will follow adjusted schedules as well.
December 23: Additional Cancellations
December 23 will see more cancellations. There will be no services operating between Bedford and East Grinstead. The Bedford to Three Bridges/Brighton route will only run trains between London Bridge and Brighton. Amended timetables will also apply to other local routes, impacting many travelers planning their holiday journeys.
December 24: Early Finishes and Cancellations
On Christmas Eve, the service situation remains similar to December 23. There will be no trains between Bedford and East Grinstead. Only the route from Bedford to Three Bridges/Brighton will operate between London Bridge and Brighton. Moreover, travelers should note that train services will finish earlier than usual on this day. If you plan to travel, ensure that you do so earlier in the day to avoid disruption.
December 25: No Train Services on Christmas Day
On December 25, Christmas Day, no train services will be available. Travelers should plan alternative arrangements, as trains will not operate on this day.
December 26: Limited Services for Boxing Day
Boxing Day, December 26, brings a limited service. A select number of Southern services will run on routes, including the path from London Victoria to Three Bridges/Brighton. However, passengers should be aware that Thameslink services will not operate on this day, so it’s important to consult local service updates.
December 27-29: Continued Interruptions
Between December 27 and 29, Thameslink services between Bedford/Luton and Three Bridges will not operate. Passengers traveling between Cambridge/Bedford and Brighton will find that these services will operate solely from London Bridge to Brighton. Furthermore, trains between Peterborough and Horsham will only run from London Bridge to Horsham. Adjusted timetables will apply during these days, so it is crucial to check your journey in advance.
December 30-31: Altered Schedules for Year-End Travel
As the year comes to a close, services from December 30 to 31 will see some adjustments. Cambridge-Brighton trains will operate on altered schedules during these days. Passengers can expect one train per hour between Royston and Brighton, as well as another hourly service running from Finsbury Park to Brighton. Other services will also follow amended timetables. If you have plans during this time, ensure you check for any changes to your route.
January 1-5: Continuation of Holiday Services
The adjustments continue into the New Year from January 1 to January 5. Cambridge-Brighton services will remain on altered timetables, with one train per hour running between Royston and Brighton and another from Finsbury Park to Brighton. Additionally, other services will remain affected by the adjusted schedules. Passengers should be cautious and confirm their travel plans well in advance as the holiday period closes out.
Gatwick Express Services: Closures and Alterations
As for Gatwick Express services, there will be no services on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. From December 21 to January 5, Gatwick Express trains will also run on an amended timetable. Make sure you check local schedules to avoid confusion.