London Train Stations Closure - Summer 2026

Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations are to be closed throughout the summer starting from today, 26 July - and continuing until 16 August, as a £20m programme of engineering works will be upgrading the infrastructure around the network to improve reliability and safety. 1,800 metres of new track and 16 sets of switches and crossings will be installed between London Charing Cross and Waterloo East, replacing the existing kit that’s been in use for since 1990. However these exciting improvements come with inevitable interference for commuters, as well as families planning London day trips during the summer holidays...

The country end of the platforms at Charing Cross station will be rebuilt with new foundations and surfaces to keep them safe and open for passengers to use. Track drainage will be upgraded at Waterloo East station, helping to maintain track quality and a smooth ride at full line speed for passengers.

Structural repairs will also be carried out on the 175-year-old Hungerford Bridge, which takes the railway over the Thames, and the pedestrian link bridge between Waterloo East and London Waterloo. The work will keep the structures safe and open for decades ahead. Recent faults have caused over 21,000 minutes (350 hours) of delays to customers. Without intervention, faults and delays would continue to increase, causing more frustration for commuters.

However, the work means that no trains will call at Charing Cross or Waterloo East stations on the following dates:

• Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July
• Sunday 26 July to Sunday 16 August – 22-day closure
• Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August
• Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October

Customers have been told to be aware that alternative service plan for preparation and follow-up weekend closures may be different than the main 22-day closure and, as always, to check before travelling.

In response to being questioned as to why the works are being carried out over the summer holidays, South Eastern have issued the following statement:

"A 22-day closure, plus some preparation and follow-up weekends either side, is the most efficient and least disruptive way to complete the work.

Engineers, planners and timetable specialists assessed a range of delivery options, including:

• Weekend-only working: Would require around 60 weekend closures over 14 months, including bank holidays and would create prolonged and repeated disruption.
• Four separate 9-day closures would need to be spread over 10–16 months, causing repeated impacts on commuters, schools and businesses and add significant cost and complexity.

The chosen option of 22-days avoids months of rolling disruption and takes advantage of the summer period, when passenger numbers are lower, making it the least disruptive approach overall"

More information

More information about this programme of work can be found on the South Eastern website.