Bank Holiday Disruptions Ahead: Hampshire & Surrey Rail Routes Affected

Thinking of hopping on a train this August Bank Holiday? You might want to check the timetable first. Engineering works are set to cause significant disruption across Hampshire and Surrey rail lines, with several key routes out of action and replacement buses stepping in.

Here’s everything you need to know before making your weekend getaway plans

What’s Happening?

Network Rail is carrying out essential upgrade works over the August Bank Holiday weekend (23–25 August), with closures, construction and some serious crane action on the cards.

Key disruptions include:

• No trains between Ascot, Guildford and Alton

• Suspended services between Surbiton and Effingham Junction

• Rail replacement buses cover large parts of the network

Disruption Dates & Routes

Here’s a breakdown of what’s running (and what’s not):

• 23 & 25 August:

  🚌 Buses replace trains between Surbiton and Effingham Junction

• 24 August:

  🚌 Buses replace trains between Guildford and Surbiton, via Effingham and Leatherhead

• All weekend:

  🚌 Replacement buses between:

  • Farnborough and Alton

  • Ascot and Guildford

Bentley Station: Footbridge Replacement

If you’re heading through Bentley station (between Farnham and Alton), expect a bit of construction spectacle. The station’s existing footbridge is being removed and replaced with a shiny new one, lifted into place by crane!

Network Rail has described Bentley as a quaint spot: a small brick station with a modest car park, plenty of bikes, and an elevated footbridge connecting both sides of the track. Not for long, though — that bridge is getting an upgrade!

Ash Vale & Cobham: Extra Works

There’s more than just bridge work going on:

• In Ash Vale, teams will be:

  • Improving the electrical supply

  • Clearing vegetation and litter along the track

• In Cobham and Stoke D’Abernon:

  • Engineers will replace 14 wheel timbers — crucial structural supports made from recycled material, with a 50-year lifespan

  • Earthworks and tree felling are also happening near Cobham

Other smaller works are planned around:

• Effingham Junction

• Horsley

• London Road (Guildford)

• Bookham Tunnel

Mark Goodall, Wessex Route Director at Network Rail, said:

“We are sorry for any inconvenience this causes. Most of our route will remain open as usual, but some services will be affected, so we’re asking passengers to plan and check before they travel. We’re grateful to our passengers for their patience.”

Final Tips Before You Travel

• Check before you travel – National Rail and South Western Railway will have the latest info

• Leave extra time – buses take longer than trains, especially on busy weekends

• Consider car share or alternative transport if you’re heading to rural areas

• Bring a good book – rail replacement buses are a great excuse to catch up on your reading 😉

Stay in the Know

We’ll keep an eye on updates across Hampshire and Surrey as the works progress. Follow us for travel news, local updates, and everything you need to enjoy your August bank holiday — with as few delays as possible.