Thameslink and Southern issue "do not travel" warning - alternative routes and compensation
Rail passengers across South East England are facing severe disruption today after multiple incidents hit the Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express networks. Train operators are warning people not to travel this morning “if at all possible” as major problems continue to cause cancellations and long delays.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) says services may be cancelled, diverted or delayed by 60–90 minutes, with major disruptions expected to last until the end of the day.
Below is everything you need to know, including alternative travel routes and how to claim compensation.
Which services are affected today?
Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express are experiencing widespread issues this morning. Passengers may face:
severe delays of up to 60–90 minutes
cancellations across key routes
reduced services into London Bridge
suspended or diverted routes
A derailment at Selhurst depot is also affecting London Overground, as several trains are stuck and unable to leave the site.
Major disruption is expected until the end of the day. The advice is not to travel if you can avoid it.
Which lines and routes are affected by the Southern cancellations?
Below are the lines and routed affected by the Southern rail cancellations today (4 February, 2026).
Thameslink
London Bridge – East Grinstead is suspended.
Brighton – Cambridge is suspended.
Bedford – Three Bridges is suspended.
Trains via London Bridge are delayed by 45–60 minutes.
Southern
Epsom – London Bridge is suspended.
Tattenham Corner / Caterham – London Bridge is diverted via an alternative route.
Uckfield – London Bridge is running a reduced service.
Inner London “metro” services may change at short notice.
Selhurst derailment
Highbury & Islington to West Croydon trains cancelled, revised or diverted to Crystal Palace.
Penge West, Anerley, Norwood Junction and West Croydon won't be served.
However, Clapham Junction, Crystal Palace and New Cross services will run as expected.
For the most up-to-date information, keep an eye on National Rail.
Alternative routes – what to do if you have to travel today
National Rail says your ticket will be accepted on a wide range of alternative services at no extra cost if you need to make your journey today. Here’s what’s on offer depending on where you are.
Across London
Other Thameslink or Southern services
London Buses
London Underground
Elizabeth line (Farringdon and Abbey Wood)
London Trams (Wimbledon, Mitchum Junction and East Croydon)
North of London
Other Thameslink services
Great Northern services
East Midlands Railway (Bedford and London St Pancras)
South of London
Other Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern services
Gatwick Express
Southeastern (London Bridge to Sevenoaks/Dartford and Tonbridge to London Terminals)
There are also a range of buses available, including several Brighton & Hove bus services and the Metrobus. More details are available via the National Rail website.
If you need help choosing an alternative route, you can use:
Live departure boards
If you do need to travel, allow at least 60-90 minutes extra, and check for live updates before you go.
Your rights – refunds and train delay compensation under Delay Repay
If your train is cancelled or delayed today, you may be able to get money back.
If your train is cancelled
You can get a full refund if you choose not to travel.
Alternatively, you can take the next available train or another reasonable route for free (see above for alternative routes).
If your train is delayed
Most operators offer Delay Repay; this includes Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express. You can usually claim if you’re delayed by more than 15 minutes.
Compensation varies by operator, but typically:
15–30 minutes gets you 25% of your ticket price back.
30–60 minutes gets you 50% of your ticket price back.
60+ minutes gets you up to 100% back.
You'll need:
your e‑ticket or a photo of your paper ticket
your booking reference
the Delay Repay form for your train operator
Many people miss out; almost half of travellers never claim. But it's quick and worth doing.
If you choose not to travel
If you decide not to travel because of delays or cancellations, you can ask for a refund for the unused part of your ticket. Do this within 28 days of the ticket’s expiry date.
Key takeaways
Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express are warning passengers not to travel today.
Delays of 60–90 minutes and cancellations are expected all day.
Several key routes, including London Bridge to East Grinstead, are fully suspended.
Tickets are being accepted on buses, Elizabeth line and other rail services.
You can claim Delay Repay if you’re delayed by 15 minutes or more.
If you decide not to travel, you can get a full refund for your unused ticket.
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