RMT members at Network Rail and UK train operators will go on strike on Wednesday, July 27.
There are very few trains, so crowding and delays are to be expected.
There is no service on many lines south of London, and the network has a late start (7.30am or later) and early finish (from as early as 4.30pm to 6.30pm).
Anyone attempting to travel should look into the first and last trains for their specific station.
Late start-up beginning around 7.15 a.m. the following day (28 July), as well as a modified service
Due to next week’s strike by RMT members at Network Rail and UK train operators, passengers should only travel on the Southern, Great Northern, and Thameslink on Wednesday, July 27 and the morning after.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) will operate the same service plan as during the previous June strikes, and warns that there will be very few trains, with crowding expected, particularly on last trains, and possible delays. Although Gatwick Express will not operate, the airport will have a limited Southern and Thameslink service.

Many lines south of London, as well as the route between Cambridge and King’s Lynn, will have no service at all (see map). Trains will depart around 7.30 a.m. and return between 4.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.

The following morning, on Thursday, July 28, services will begin at around 7.15 a.m. or later, with an amended service. Morning trains are likely to be extremely crowded. Customers are advised to travel later, plan their journeys, and double-check before departing.

Nationalrail.co.uk and other online journey planners will be updated over the weekend.

GTR has contacted local stakeholders, including hospitals, to inform them of the impact of the RMT strike action.

Strike action by the ASLEF drivers’ union at neighbouring train operators is also expected to disrupt GTR services on Saturday, July 30. More information will be provided later.

Govia Thameslink Railway Chief Operating Officer Angie Doll stated:

“Unfortunately, we must once again ask people to travel only if absolutely necessary on Wednesday, July 27th, due to RMT members’ strike action.” There will be few train services, and some routes will be completely closed.

Services will begin much later than usual and end as early as 4.30pm.” All of this may result in extremely crowded trains and possible delays. Passengers should plan ahead of time and consider travelling at a different time.

“We are deeply disappointed that passengers across the country are now fearful of further rail disruption.” Our focus remains on encouraging the RMT to collaborate with the industry in order to reach a quick resolution.”

Striking signallers at Network Rail will have the most impact on the service, forcing GTR to limit service to its busiest mainline routes.

Network Rail’s CEO, Andrew Haines, stated:

“I can only apologise for the inconvenience this pointless strike will cause passengers, particularly those travelling for a vacation or attending events such as the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 semi-final (Wednesday 27th) and the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony” (Thursday 28th). It’s frustrating to have to ask our passengers to change their plans and only make necessary trips.”