[title]
There’s going to be all sorts of travel disruption hitting Londoners in the new year. As well as already announced closures along the Northern and Piccadilly lines, another rail shutdown has just entered the chat. There are going to be several weekends of closures on the Brighton Mainline in the first few months of 2026, affecting travel from London to Gatwick Airport.
If you’re planning on jetting off for a bit of winter sun (not jealous at all btw), you are probably going to need to plan your travel ahead. Here’s what you need to know.
Which rail routes from London to Gatwick Airport will be affected?
The closures will mean there will be no connection between Purley / East Croydon and Gatwick airport.
The route between Brighton / Lewes / Hove and Three Bridges will also be affected on dates separate from those affecting trains to Gatwick.
What dates will the line be closed?
The Brighton Main Line will be closed between Gatwick Airport and Purley / East Croydon, as well as its branches between Reigate and Redhill and between Redhill and Tonbridge, on these dates:
- January 10-11
- January 17-18
- January 24-25
The Brighton Main Line will be closed between Brighton / Lewes / Hove and Three Bridges (not affecting London travel to Gatwick) on these dates:
- February 1
- March 21-22
- May 10
How to get to Gatwick during rail closures
Don’t panic, you’ve still got options – however it is going to take a bit longer to get to LGW during the disruption. Rail replacement buses will be in service along the closed route.
Buses will also be running to link Three Bridges or Gatwick Airport to/from East Grinstead from where frequent trains will be running in and out of central London via East Croydon.
A diversion train route will also operate from Victoria station, going via Clapham Junction. The journey will take about 1.5 hours, compared to the usual 30-40 minutes.
Why is the train route from London Bridge to Gatwick closing?
The route is temporarily closing so that Network Rail can carry out essential maintenance and upgrades along the entire line. These works include track renewals, bridge repairs and drainage repairs.
Gatwick Airport is massively increasing passenger drop-off charges in 2026.
South London just got a step closer to getting a brand-new Overground station.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.