London Charing Cross and Waterloo East train stations will shut completely from Sunday, July 26 until Sunday, August 16, 2026, to undertake a £20 million railway infrastructure upgrade, Network Rail announced.
Details of Upgrade Works
The upgrade involves the replacement of approximately 1,800 metres of track and the installation of 16 new sets of switches and crossings, the mechanisms allowing trains to switch tracks. Track and equipment dating back to 1990 will be replaced to improve reliability and safety. Improvements to track drainage at Waterloo East will support maintenance of track condition and enable trains to run at full line speed. Sections of Charing
Cross station will be rebuilt, including new foundations and platform surfaces at its country end. Structural repairs will be carried out on the 175-year-old Hungerford Bridge over the Thames and on the pedestrian link bridge connecting Waterloo East and London Waterloo stations to extend their operational lifespan.
Service Diversions and Refunds
During the 22-day closure, no trains will call at Charing Cross or Waterloo East stations. Southeastern Railway services normally running into Charing Cross will be diverted to London Victoria, London Cannon Street, London Blackfriars, and London Bridge. Southeastern has warned customers of potential delays and cancellations during this period. Passengers impacted by the
closures can claim refunds for all ticket types, including journeys taken via reasonable alternative routes, through a dedicated refund form available on the Southeastern website starting July 26, 2026.
Timing and Planning
The closures are scheduled in summer to coincide with approximately 20 percent lower passenger numbers and school holidays, reducing the overall impact on travellers. Scott Brightwell, Train Services Director at Southeastern Railway, stated that consolidating the upgrade into a single 22-day closure, supported by preparation and follow-up weekend closures, enables completion faster and with less disruption than alternatives such as 60 weekend closures or four to five nine-day closures.
Passenger Impact and Advice
Rail passengers
planning to use Charing Cross or Waterloo East during the closure must prepare for disruptions and use alternative routes via the stations designated for diversions. Additional weekend closures before and after the main 22-day period will have varying travel arrangements, requiring passengers to check schedules and route changes before travelling. Southeastern advises travellers to review the latest information and plan accordingly.
