Passengers flying from London's second-busiest airport will face significant rail disruption at the start of 2026, with three consecutive weekends of closures on the main train line to Gatwick.
Essential Upgrade Works to Cause Major Disruption
Network Rail has scheduled essential maintenance and upgrade works along the Brighton Main Line, leading to a full closure of the route between Purley/East Croydon and Gatwick Airport on three separate weekends. The engineering programme includes critical track renewals, bridge repairs, and drainage improvements.
The confirmed closure dates affecting London to Gatwick services are:
- Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January 2026
- Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January 2026
- Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January 2026
These works will also impact the branches between Reigate and Redhill and between Redhill and Tonbridge on the same dates. Separate closures affecting services between Brighton/Lewes/Hove and Three Bridges are planned for February and later in the spring, but these will not disrupt London-Gatwick travel.
Alternative Travel Options to Reach the Airport
Travellers are advised to allow considerable extra time for their journeys to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) during these weekends. The standard 30 to 40-minute train journey from central London is expected to take around 90 minutes via the available alternatives.
Network Rail will operate rail replacement bus services along the closed route. Additional bus links will connect Three Bridges or Gatwick Airport to East Grinstead station, from where frequent trains will run to London via East Croydon.
A diverted train service will also run from London Victoria station, calling at Clapham Junction before proceeding on an alternative route to Gatwick. Passengers are strongly encouraged to check the latest travel advice with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries before setting off.
Plan Ahead for Winter Getaways
The timing of these closures, early in the new year, is likely to affect those heading off for winter sun holidays. The disruption adds to other already-announced transport issues in the capital, including closures on the London Underground's Northern and Piccadilly lines.
This essential investment in the Brighton Main Line's infrastructure is aimed at improving future reliability and safety for the millions of passengers who use this critical route annually, including those travelling to and from Gatwick Airport.
