A speed restriction remains in place on the line between Oxted and Uckfield. As a result, between Monday and Saturday a small number of services which normally run between between London Bridge and Uckfield will be revised to run between London Bridge and Crowborough only, with a replacement bus running between Crowborough and Uckfield.
The usual timetable will operate on Sunday, with no planned changes to services.
This is expected until at least Monday 2 November.
Customer advice:
Southern are sorry that some customers travelling on the Uckfield line will continue to experience disruption.
The record-breaking hot weather this summer and sustained low rainfall has affected track conditions in some areas, meaning temporary speed restrictions need to remain in place. Safety is and will always remain the highest priority.
Because trains need longer to complete their journeys, running the normal timetable could lead to delays building up throughout the day and increase the risk of short-notice cancellations.
To provide customers with greater certainty and help keep services running as reliably as possible, we've temporarily revised the timetable and will operate replacement buses between Crowborough and Uckfield at certain times of the day.
Southern know many customers rely on these services every day for work, education, appointments and important time with family and friends, and are very sorry for the disruption these changes may cause. The revised timetable has been designed to minimise the impact on customers wherever possible, including protecting key services used by children travelling to and from school.
Travel advice:
The following services will be reintroduced from Monday 12 October:
- 08:33 Uckfield to London Bridge
- 10:07 London Bridge to Uckfield
- 16:07 London Bridge to Uckfield
- 17:33 Uckfield to London Bridge
Some journeys will take longer than usual and a small number of services between Crowborough and Uckfield will be replaced by rail replacement buses.
Please check before you travel for the latest journey information, including train times, replacement bus services and alternative travel options. You should also allow a little extra time for your journey where needed. Journey planners online are up to date for future travel information.
Staff will also be on-site to assist you with any additional further queries you may have for your onward travel.
Car park season ticket holders at Uckfield and Buxted are also eligible to park at Crowborough and Eridge with no additional cost.
You can also use your ticket at no additional cost on the following services:
- Southeastern services between Tunbridge Wells and London
- Alternative Southern and Thameslink services between Haywards Heath / Three Bridges and London
Monday - Friday service changes:
The following services will terminate at Crowborough:
- 07:07 London Bridge to Uckfield
- 10:07 London Bridge to Uckfield
- 13:07 London Bridge to Uckfield
- 16:07 London Bridge to Uckfield
- 19:07 London Bridge to Uckfield
- 22:07 London Bridge to Uckfield
The following services will start from Crowborough:
- 08:33 Uckfield to London Bridge
- 11:33 Uckfield to London Bridge
- 14:33 Uckfield to London Bridge
- 17:33 Uckfield to London Bridge
- 20:33 Uckfield to London Bridge
Rail replacement buses will run between Crowborough and Uckfield. Bus timings are available online.
Saturday services changes:
The following services will terminate at Crowborough:
- 07:07 London Bridge to Uckfield
- 10:07 London Bridge to Uckfield
- 13:07 London Bridge to Uckfield
- 16:07 London Bridge to Uckfield
- 19:07 London Bridge to Uckfield
- 22:07 London Bridge to Uckfield
The following services will start from Crowborough:
- 08:33 Uckfield to London Bridge
- 11:33 Uckfield to London Bridge
- 14:33 Uckfield to London Bridge
- 17:33 Uckfield to London Bridge
- 20:33 Uckfield to London Bridge
Rail replacement buses will run between Crowborough and Uckfield. Bus timings are available online.
No changes to Sunday:
The usual timetable will operate on Sunday, with no planned changes to services.
Planning your journey:
For help planning your journey, check live departure boards, view a live network map or see alternative route guides.
If you’re travelling within London, you can use the TfL Journey Planner.
Stay up to date on the move with Southern’s WhatsApp channel. Live updates are available Monday to Friday, 07:00–21:00.
Why are temporary timetable changes needed?
These targeted changes are needed because temporary speed restrictions have been introduced by Network Rail on sections of the railway following a period of prolonged hot and dry weather, which has affected track conditions in some areas.
Network Rail has a programme under way to protect the railway from extreme weather and climate change, supported by a £2.6 billion investment in track maintenance and renewals.
Investment includes drainage, earthworks, track and overhead power improvements, as well as monitoring and predictive technologies to identify risks earlier and enable proactive intervention.
The speed restrictions being introduced will ensure trains can continue operating reliably while work is carried out to address track conditions that have been affected by the recent weather.
Check before you travel:
You can check your journey up to and including Friday 9 October using the National Rail real-time Journey Planner. For travel on Saturday 10 October and beyond, please check back closer to the time of travel as the Journey Planner has not yet been updated to reflect the amended timetable.
For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please use our Rail Replacement Services page.
You can find the pick-up and drop-off location of rail replacement services by checking station signage or by searching for your station on our Find a Station page.
Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.
Compensation:
You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.