According to IanVisits, most of the Elizabeth line in London will be closed over the final weekend of November, on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November 2026. Transport for London (TfL) is asking passengers to plan alternative routes before they travel.
What is still running
The only service expected to operate is a shuttle between Reading and Maidenhead, with two trains an hour. IanVisits notes that the extension from Maidenhead to Reading was added after the line was first planned.
Why services are closed
Services on the east and central sections are closed so that rail and crossing renewals, along with maintenance of overhead line equipment, can be carried out. In the west, Network Rail is carrying out a major overhaul of Dolphin Junction near Slough. While this work takes place, no trains on any service can enter or leave Paddington. This also means that no GWR or Heathrow Express services will run.
Replacement buses and alternatives
TfL will operate rail replacement buses on affected sections of the Elizabeth line. The information released by IanVisits does not list the individual sections, so passengers should check the details before travelling.
Passengers heading to Heathrow Airport should note that the Heathrow Express will not run from Paddington. According to IanVisits, the Piccadilly line to Heathrow will operate normally.
Advice from TfL
Trish Ashton, TfL's Director of Rail, thanked passengers for their patience and said the work is essential to the safety and reliability of the line. TfL advises customers to allow extra time for their journeys and to check the Journey Planner or the TfL Go app before they travel. Rail replacement buses and other alternative travel options will be available throughout the closure.
Impact on main line trains
For rail passengers, IanVisits reports that some GWR trains from the west of England and Wales will be diverted to Euston station during the closure.