London train station closures at Christmas 2026: Paddington, Liverpool Street and Euston dates

3rd November 2026

Paddington, Liverpool Street, Euston and Charing Cross are among the London stations affected by engineering work over Christmas and New Year 2026. Every London station is shut on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and some routes stay closed until Sunday 3 January.

🚆 Christmas 2026 rail closures at a glance
❌ All London stations: closed 25 and 26 December
🚧 Paddington: no GWR trains 27 December to 3 January
🚧 Liverpool Street: no trains to Shenfield 27 December to 3 January
⚠️ Euston: reduced service 27 December to 3 January
⚠️ Charing Cross: no Southeastern trains 1 to 3 January

Is Paddington closed over Christmas?

Yes. Trains finish early on Christmas Eve and the station is shut on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. From Sunday 27 December to Sunday 3 January, Great Western Railway will not run trains to or from Paddington because of major engineering work at Dolphin Junction near Slough. Services to Heathrow, the west of England, south Wales and the Thames Valley will all change, so check before you travel.

What is happening at Liverpool Street?

After the Christmas Day and Boxing Day closure, there will be no trains between Liverpool Street and Shenfield from 27 December to 3 January because of engineering work near Forest Gate. The Elizabeth line is also affected, and National Rail says replacement travel arrangements will be in place.

Are Euston and Charing Cross affected?

Euston stays open apart from 25 and 26 December, but from 27 December to 3 January trains run to a reduced timetable. If you are heading to the West Midlands, the north west or Scotland, check your train times in advance.

At Charing Cross there will be no Southeastern trains on 1, 2 and 3 January. Most services will run to and from Victoria instead, with a limited service from London Bridge.

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Which other London stations have changes?

Waterloo has a reduced and amended timetable on 27 and 28 December. There are no Southeastern trains at Waterloo East or Cannon Street on those two days either.

How do I check my journey?

Use the National Rail journey planner or your train company’s website, which will show the replacement buses and diversions once timetables are confirmed. Engineering work is usually planned for Christmas because far fewer people travel, but expect busy trains on the days either side of the closures.

Sources: National Rail, Great Western Railway, Time Out London. Photo: Paddington station, Till Westermayer / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.