We use cookies to track usage and preferences. You can view our cookies policy here.
Home » Train travel disruption

Train travel disruption

Train Travel Disruption

Looking for a guide to UK train travel disruption? You’re in the right place. Here’s our guide to why and when disruption is happening, if you are advised to travel and if your ticket is valid on a different day.

Severe Weather Travel Advice – Storm Goretti

Amber and yellow weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office for Thursday 8 January and Friday 9 January 2026 due to Storm Goretti. Snow, ice, heavy rain and strong winds are expected and may significantly disrupt rail services across England, Wales and Scotland.

In very cold conditions:

  • Snow and ice can build up on tracks, blocking points
  • Ice can form on electrified third rails and overhead power lines, preventing trains from drawing power
  • Lines may be blocked or subject to temporary speed restrictions
  • These conditions can result in delays, diversions and cancellations, and trains or crews may be displaced.
  • Customers are strongly advised to check every journey before travelling at nationalrail.co.uk.

The following train operators are expected to be significantly affected:

  • Avanti West Coast
  • CrossCountry
  • East Midlands Railway
  • London Northwestern Railway
  • LNER
  • TransPennine Express (Manchester–Sheffield route)
  • Transport for Wales
  • West Midlands Railway

These operators have declared, or may declare, a “do not travel” policy and are advising customers to check before setting out. There may be ticket easements in place, meaning you can use your Advance ticket on a service with another operator or on a different day, so it’s worth checking with your train operator if you’d like to use your ticket at another time.

Please note that our journey planner may not reflect all service changes at this time. Before you leave, we recommend you continue to check your entire journey with the train operator you are travelling with, as services may be amended in advance or at short notice.

Can I get a refund if my train service is disrupted or cancelled?

If you have Anytime, Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak tickets or have an Advance ticket and choose to abandon your train journey completely, you can apply for a fee free refund from us.

If you start your journey but abandon it due to cancellations or delays, you are entitled to a refund. But remember, this only applies if you return to your origin station.

Check our refund help pages to see how.

What else do you need to know? If you’d like to know about disruption on the railway you can check our dedicated page for details.