Major train chaos is set to hit Kent and South East London this Sunday, January 5. Passengers across the region are warned to prepare for significant disruption as Southeastern announces widespread cancellations, diversions, and replacement bus services due to essential engineering works.
Saturday, January 4, will see services running as normal, providing some relief for weekend travellers. However, from Sunday, key routes including London, Swanley, Sevenoaks, Dartford, Canterbury, Ramsgate, and others will experience a complete service shake-up.
Widespread Cancellations & Replacement Buses
Swanley & Sevenoaks: London Victoria to Ashford International trains will operate only between Borough Green & Wrotham and Ashford. Replacement buses will run between Swanley and Borough Green & Wrotham, stopping only at Otford.
Lewisham & Dartford: There will be no services from London Charing Cross to Sevenoaks or Dartford/Gravesend. Extra trains will run between London Bridge and Gravesend via Greenwich. Replacement buses will operate between Greenwich and Dartford via Sidcup, calling at New Cross and all stations. Buses will also run from Lewisham to Orpington, stopping at every station.
London Bridge & Charing Cross: No trains will run to or from London Charing Cross, Waterloo East, or Cannon Street. Services to Ramsgate and Dover Priory via Tonbridge will be diverted to run from London Victoria. Hastings trains will run to and from London Victoria instead of Charing Cross. There will be no trains from London Charing Cross to Sevenoaks via Grove Park. London Cannon Street to Slade Green trains will be rerouted between London Bridge and Gravesend. No services will operate to Dartford or Gravesend via Sidcup.
Trains Still Running Normally: Services from London Victoria to Dartford via Bexleyheath will continue as usual. London Victoria to Orpington trains will be extended to Sevenoaks, stopping at all stations.
Canterbury West, Deal & Ramsgate: London Charing Cross to Ramsgate trains will run only between London Victoria and Canterbury West. London St Pancras to Margate via Canterbury West trains will operate only up to Canterbury West. London St Pancras to Ramsgate via Dover Priory trains will run only as far as Deal. Replacement buses will operate between Canterbury West and Margate, calling at Thanet Parkway, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs. Buses will shuttle between Canterbury West and Ramsgate, stopping at all stations. Additional buses will run between Deal and Ramsgate, stopping at Sandwich.
Plan Ahead or Miss Out
Southeastern urges all travellers to check their travel plans before setting off and to allow extra time for their journeys. Disruption is expected across the entire network. Passengers are advised to stay informed by checking Southeastern’s live updates and National Rail Enquiries for real-time information on cancellations, alternative routes, and replacement bus services.
Don’t get caught out – prepare now for Sunday’s train disruption across Kent and South East London.
Originally published by UKNIP.
