Will Trains Run on New Year’s Day 2026? UK Rail Service Guide
• December 26, 2025
Planning to head out on 1st January 2026? Whether you’re returning home after a New Year’s Eve celebration, commuting to work, or setting off on a winter getaway, knowing whether trains are running on New Year’s Day in the UK is essential.
As with every year, the Bank Holiday brings schedule changes, reduced services, station closures, and engineering works that can impact your journey.
This detailed guide provides everything you need to know about train services across the UK on New Year’s Day 2026, including which operators are running, what disruptions to expect, and how to plan your travel with minimal stress.
Do Trains Run on 1st January 2026 Across the UK?
Yes, trains do run on 1st January 2026, but with significant alterations. As it is a Bank Holiday, the majority of train companies will operate on a revised Sunday or holiday service, and many lines will be affected by pre-planned engineering works.
Timetables are generally reduced, especially early in the morning and late at night. Some central stations may be closed entirely, while others will have trains diverted or limited access. In areas where rail lines are unavailable due to engineering work, replacement bus services are typically provided.
It’s strongly advised that travellers check live updates and use journey planning tools before heading out on New Year’s Day.
What Is the Southeastern Railway Service Plan for New Year’s Day 2026?
Southeastern is expected to run a revised Sunday service on 1st January 2026. However, there are several major changes affecting its operations, including significant station closures and diverted routes.
Key Station Changes and Diversions
- Charing Cross, Cannon Street, and Waterloo East stations will be closed on New Year’s Day.
- Most trains will be diverted to London Victoria and a limited number will operate to and from London Bridge.
Replacement Bus Services
Engineering works will necessitate replacement buses on the following routes:
- Lewisham to Orpington via Grove Park
- Greenwich to Dartford via New Cross and Sidcup
- Canterbury East to Dover
- Sevenoaks to Ashford via Maidstone East
- Folkestone to Dover and Deal
In these areas, journey times will be longer, and passengers are advised to allow extra time for their trip.
Ticketing and Travel Tips
- Off-peak fares apply all day on New Year’s Day.
- Seat reservations are not required, Southeastern operates a turn-up-and-go system.
- Travellers looking to avoid crowded services can use the operator’s SeatFinder tool to find quieter trains.
Passengers planning to travel with Southeastern on New Year’s Day 2026 should check journeys in advance, allow extra time for diversions or replacement buses, and stay alert to last-minute updates to ensure a smoother and less stressful trip.
Is South Western Railway Running Trains After Midnight on New Year’s Eve?
South Western Railway will offer extra overnight services after midnight on New Year’s Eve, helping passengers return home from central London events. These services depart from London Waterloo and serve key commuter routes.
Additional South Western Services After Midnight:
| Departure Time | Destination | Route |
|---|---|---|
| 01:20, 02:25, 02:55 | Twickenham | Via Wimbledon |
| 01:35, 02:10, 03:10 | Basingstoke | Stopping service |
| 01:45, 02:45, 03:45, 04:45 | Guildford | Via Woking |
| 03:55, 04:25 | Twickenham | Via Kingston |
The day service on 1 January resumes with a Sunday-level timetable, and passengers are encouraged to check train times for any early morning changes.
Will TfL Trains and Tubes Operate on New Year’s Day 2026?
Yes, Transport for London (TfL) services, including the Tube, Elizabeth line, DLR, and London Overground, are expected to operate on New Year’s Day 2026.
Services generally run on a special Bank Holiday timetable, meaning trains may be slightly less frequent than on a normal weekday but still widely available across the network. This allows residents and visitors to travel around the capital with relative ease during the holiday.
However, some stations may experience temporary restrictions. To manage large crowds, TfL may introduce exit-only access or short-notice closures at busy locations such as Hyde Park Corner, Green Park, and Knightsbridge, particularly due to Winter Wonderland. Normal fares will apply, and Oyster and contactless payments will be accepted throughout the day.
Which National Rail Operators Will Run on New Year’s Day 2026?
National Rail operators offer a mixed picture on New Year’s Day, with some running limited services and others cancelling operations entirely. Here’s a summary of the expected service status by major operator:
UK Train Operator Status – 1 January 2026
| Train Operator | Status on New Year’s Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern | Limited Sunday service | Major station closures and bus replacements |
| South Western Railway | Running + overnight | Overnight from Waterloo and limited daytime |
| TfL (Tube & Overground) | Night & day service | Some stations exit-only |
| Grand Central | No service | No trains on New Year’s Day |
| GWR, Avanti, LNER | Limited or early end | Reduced timetable, early last trains |
| Chiltern Railways | Overnight & limited | Late-night extras from Marylebone |
| Northern Railway | Regional variability | Limited in some northern areas |
| Elizabeth Line | Overnight reduced | 2–4 trains per hour in early hours |
Travellers should note that even operators running services may still have last-minute changes, so checking before travelling is vital.
What Is the London Train Station Status on New Year’s Day?
New Year’s Day brings widespread closures of central London rail terminals, particularly those managed by Southeastern. However, alternative stations will remain open and continue to serve diverted or scheduled services.
Key Station Status Table
| Station | Status on 1 Jan | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Charing Cross | Closed | No trains running to/from this station |
| Cannon Street | Closed | All services diverted |
| Waterloo East | Closed | Closed from 23:45 on New Year’s Eve |
| London Victoria | Open | Main diversion point for other services |
| London Bridge | Limited | Restricted access; check timetable |
| Paddington | Open | Normal holiday operations |
| Farringdon | Early closure | Last train around 00:30 |
| Blackfriars | Exit only | From 20:30; no trains after 23:30 |
Knowing which stations are operational can help reduce delays or unnecessary detours.
Are There Any Rail Replacement Buses Running on New Year’s Day?
Yes, due to extensive engineering works over the festive period, multiple routes across the UK will have rail replacement bus services on 1 January 2026. These buses often add significant time to journeys and may operate on reduced frequencies compared to trains.
Main Bus Replacement Routes:
- Lewisham to Orpington via Grove Park
- Greenwich to Dartford via New Cross and Sidcup
- Canterbury East to Dover
- Folkestone to Deal and Dover
- Sevenoaks to Ashford via Maidstone East
In some regions, buses will also run on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th January, so it’s essential to check specific date-based changes.
Can You Catch a Train After Midnight on New Year’s Eve 2025?
Yes. If you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve in London, several operators will provide extra trains after midnight, allowing safe travel home from fireworks, parties, and other events.
These overnight services are mostly available on:
- South Western Railway (from London Waterloo)
- Southeastern (from Charing Cross and Cannon Street before closure)
- London Overground (select routes running all night)
- Elizabeth line (reduced frequency overnight)
For instance, Chiltern Railways will also run special late-night services to Aylesbury, Oxford, and Banbury. These extras typically operate until around 04:00–05:00 before daytime services resume under the holiday schedule.
Will Train Fares Be Off-Peak on New Year’s Day?
Yes, off-peak fares will generally apply throughout the day on New Year’s Day (1 January 2026) across most UK rail services. As a Bank Holiday, peak-time restrictions are usually lifted, meaning passengers can travel at lower fares even during times that would normally be classed as peak hours. This makes New Year’s Day a more affordable option for rail travel, particularly for longer journeys.
That said, some exceptions can apply. Travelcards and Oyster fares within certain zones may not follow full off-peak rules, and pricing can vary by region.
Advance tickets may still work out cheaper than buying on the day, while Railcards remain valid for standard discounts. To secure the best value and avoid busy services, booking early is still strongly recommended.
How Can You Plan Your New Year’s Day Train Journey Efficiently?
Navigating public transport during the festive season requires advance preparation and real-time awareness. Here are key tools and strategies:
Use the Right Tools
- National Rail Journey Planner: For cross-operator schedules and live disruptions
- TfL Go App: For London Underground, Overground, buses and real-time platform information
- Operator-specific websites: For engineering updates and late-night additions
- Google Maps with transit layer: Helpful for combining walking, buses, and trains
Travel Planning Tips
- Avoid early morning trains where possible, limited availability
- Allow extra time for rail replacements or crowd control delays
- Use less crowded stations like Bond Street or Victoria near popular attractions
- Plan return travel especially after events like fireworks
Being informed is your best tool for smooth holiday travel.
Should You Travel by Train on New Year’s Day 2026?
It depends on your destination, flexibility, and tolerance for changes. Trains do run on 1 January, but travellers must navigate station closures, engineering works, and reduced frequencies.
If your journey:
- Involves a direct route with no engineering works: You’re likely fine
- Requires changes through closed stations: Expect longer travel time
- Can be deferred: It might be easier to travel on 2 January when services begin returning to normal
For essential journeys, trains are a viable option, just plan meticulously and check live updates.
Operator Service Summary for 1 January 2026
| Train Operator | Running on 1 Jan 2026? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern | Limited service | Station closures, diverted services |
| South Western Railway | Yes + Overnight trains | Extra trains from Waterloo |
| TfL (Tube, Overground) | Yes – Night service | Station restrictions possible |
| Grand Central | No service | |
| Chiltern | Limited overnight trains | Modified schedule from Marylebone |
| GWR / LNER / Avanti | Limited or no service | Check early closure times |
| Northern Railway | Regional disruptions | Check journey planner for NE services |
| Elizabeth Line | Reduced frequency early a.m. | Post-midnight only |
Conclusion
So, will trains run on New Year’s Day 2026? Yes, but not as normal. While many services operate under reduced timetables, others are cancelled or significantly altered due to engineering works. Knowing your route, station status, and available alternatives is critical for avoiding delays and disappointment.
Plan ahead, book early where possible, and keep travel tools close to hand. With a little preparation, your journey on 1 January 2026 can be stress-free, even in the midst of festive season disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do trains run on 27th December 2025?
Yes, most services resume after Christmas. However, some trains may start later in the day due to ongoing engineering work.
Do trains run on New Year’s Day in the UK?
Yes, but services are limited. Many follow a Sunday timetable and some operators may cancel routes entirely.
Are London trains free on New Year’s Day?
No. Normal fares apply across the Tube, Overground, and National Rail networks.
Which train companies are not running on 1 January 2026?
Operators such as Grand Central are not running. Others, like LNER and Avanti, may have reduced or early-ending services.
Are there Night Tube and Overground services on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, several routes will run overnight on 31 December into 1 January to support post-event travel.
What time do trains stop running on New Year’s Eve?
Most daytime services end earlier than usual, though special overnight services operate on key lines.
Are there engineering works on New Year’s Day?
Yes. Major works affect Southeastern, South Western, and other routes, leading to diversions and replacement buses.
What apps or tools should I use to check my journey?
Use TfL Go, National Rail Journey Planner, and your train operator’s official website for real-time updates.
