No Elizabeth line trains run between Paddington, Abbey Wood and Shenfield on 28 and 29 November. Plan another way to Heathrow, the City or Canary Wharf.

No Elizabeth line trains will run through central London on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, so anyone in Dulwich, Herne Hill or Peckham who changes onto the line at Farringdon or Whitechapel that weekend will need another route. Transport for London (TfL) said on Wednesday 11 November that the whole line will be shut between Paddington and Abbey Wood, Paddington and Shenfield, and Paddington and Heathrow Airport and Maidenhead, on both days, for engineering work.

The only Elizabeth line trains running will be a shuttle between Maidenhead and Reading, two an hour in each direction.

Why the line is closing

TfL said the closure lets engineers renew rails and level crossings and maintain the overhead line equipment that powers the trains. It called the Elizabeth line “the single busiest railway service in the UK”.

Trish Ashton, TfL’s Director of Rail, said: “We understand that these closures can impact customers’ journeys and would like to thank them for their patience while this essential work takes place. The work we’re carrying out is essential to maintaining the safety and reliability of the Elizabeth line for the millions of customers who rely it on every year.”

She added: “We encourage customers to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and check before they travel on TfL’s Journey Planner or the TfL Go app. Rail replacement buses and alternative travel options will be available throughout the closure.”

Where the replacement buses run

TfL’s notice lists rail replacement buses on four sections, all at the far ends of the line:

  • Stratford to Romford
  • Shenfield to Chadwell Heath and Newbury Park
  • Ealing Broadway to Slough
  • Slough to Maidenhead

None of those is in central London or on the branch to Abbey Wood. For the central stretch, TfL is pointing people to the Tube, National Rail and local buses.

What it means for you

From Dulwich the two usual ways onto the Elizabeth line are Thameslink from Herne Hill to Farringdon and the Windrush line from Peckham Rye, Denmark Hill or Queens Road Peckham to Whitechapel. On 28 and 29 November both of those changes lead to a closed platform.

  • Heathrow: with no Elizabeth line trains between Paddington and the airport, the Piccadilly line still reaches the airport. Leave more time than usual, especially with luggage.
  • Canary Wharf, Woolwich and Abbey Wood: there are no trains on the Abbey Wood branch either. The Jubilee line and the DLR serve Canary Wharf.
  • Liverpool Street, Stratford and Essex: use the Central line, then the replacement buses east of Stratford.
  • Before you set off: TfL’s notice does not cover Thameslink or the Windrush line, so check TfL’s Journey Planner or the TfL Go app on the day, and National Rail Enquiries for Thameslink.

TfL’s notice covers only Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November. Our Dulwich roadworks and travel page carries the latest local closures.

Source: TfL media briefing, 11 November 2026.