Southeastern Trains to Halt Services on Christmas Day and Boxing Day! That’s right – no trains will run on December 25 or 26, as Southeastern shakes up its festive schedule with major timetable changes and engineering works. Passengers must plan ahead to avoid travel chaos.
Festive Travel Shake-Up
- December 23 (Monday): Trains run on a Saturday timetable with extra services on some routes.
- Christmas Eve, December 24 (Tuesday): Saturday timetable continues, with additional trains. But beware – services end early, with no trains after 10pm.
- Christmas Day & Boxing Day (December 25 & 26): No Southeastern trains at all.
- December 27 (Friday): Back to a Saturday timetable, plus extra trains.
- December 28 (Saturday): Usual Saturday timetable, except buses replace trains between Ramsgate and Minster.
- December 29 (Sunday): Sunday timetable runs, but buses replace trains between Margate and Minster.
- December 30 (Monday): Saturday timetable with extra trains in operation.
New Year’s Countdown With Extra Trains – Mostly
- New Year’s Eve, December 31 (Tuesday): Saturday timetable with extra trains plus additional late-night trains from Charing Cross, Victoria, and London Bridge after midnight. But note, no trains from Waterloo East after 11.30pm.
- New Year’s Day, January 1 (Wednesday): Most routes run a Sunday timetable. Buses replace trains on several routes including Folkestone Central to Deal, Canterbury East to Dover Priory, and Sevenoaks to Ashford.
- Enjoy off-peak fares all day on New Year’s Day.
Back to Business After New Year
- January 2 & 3 (Thursday & Friday): Saturday timetable with extra trains.
- January 4 (Saturday): Normal Saturday timetable across the network.
- January 5 (Sunday): Sunday timetable, except buses replace trains on multiple sections such as Greenwich to Dartford via Sidcup, Lewisham to Orpington, Swanley to Borough Green & Wrotham, Canterbury West to Ramsgate, and Deal to Ramsgate.
Top Travel Tips for Festive Rail Journeys
- Check train times before you travel. Don’t rely on usual schedules – they’ve changed.
- Use replacement buses where trains are suspended.
- Grab off-peak fares on New Year’s Day for a bargain ride.
For the latest updates and live info, visit Southeastern’s official website or download their app. Don’t get caught out this Christmas and New Year – plan smart, travel safe!
