Buses will replace trains to Gatwick Airport this weekend, Network Rail warns. Currently, it is easy to get a train to Gatwick Airport, with services running from London Bridge, Victoria Station, Clapham Junction, and East Croydon.
However, this will change on Sunday (January 12), the train body has announced. There will be no trains running between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport, or stations in between South Croydon and Gatwick Airport, including Redhill.
Holidaymakers are being asked to travel either between London Victoria and East Grinstead for rail replacement bus connections to the airport. Attentively they can travel from London Victoria for a direct train service which will take a slightly longer but direct route.
Rail replacement bus services will also be available, but for local journeys such as to-and-from Purley.
Network Rail specialists will use the closure to carry out crucial work to track, signalling, power supply systems and structures at more than 50 spots. Teams will also be cutting back trees, bushes, and clearing litter from the line.
Lucy McAuliffe, Sussex Route Director for Network Rail, said: “The lines between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport are among the busiest in the country. We don’t close them very often and when we do we look to make best use of that access to do as much work as possible to improve passenger journeys.
“This Sunday our teams will be working at more than 50 worksites delivering a massive amount of work to ensure that trains continue to run safely and reliably on this crucial section of the Brighton Main Line. I’d like to thank customers for bearing with us while our teams work hard to improve this integral part of our rail network”.
Jenny Saunders, Customer Service director for Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “If you’re looking to travel between London and the south coast this weekend, please plan ahead and check before you leave for the station.
“Essential engineering works between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport will close the Brighton Main Line all day on Sunday, and late on Saturday night.
“It means journeys will take longer, may involve a bus, and are likely to be busier than normal.”
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