Rail replacement services

About rail replacement services

We sometimes need to run rail replacement services instead of trains because of planned engineering work or unexpected disruption. Information about upcoming rail replacement services can be found by checking the dates in the calendar on our planned engineering work page.

Rail replacement services use different types of vehicles, so your journey may be different from travelling by train:

Facilities can vary depending on the vehicle used. Some services such as toilets, space for bicycles, and accessibility for disabled or elderly customers may not be available.
Please buy your rail ticket before you travel. Tickets cannot be bought onboard buses and you may be denied boarding if you attempt to board a bus without a ticket (unless ticket issuing facilities are not available). If you have a smartcard you can touch in and out at the station as usual.
A temporary timetable operates when rail replacement services are in use and journeys may take longer than usual.

Travel advice for using rail replacement services

The following applies to all rail replacement services:

You must have a valid train ticket before boarding.
Non-folding bicycles are not permitted on replacement buses or coaches.
Pushchairs and prams should be folded down where possible.
Assistance dogs are always allowed.
Alcohol must not be consumed on replacement buses or coaches.
Replacement buses only stop at designated rail replacement stops and cannot make additional stops upon request.

If services are significantly delayed compared with the temporary timetable you may be able to claim Delay Repay.

Accessible travel and rail replacement buses

When we provide rail replacement buses or coaches for planned disruption, we use accessible vehicles. In circumstances where this is not possible, our Assisted Travel and customer facing teams will always identify an alternative journey plan to enable disabled customers to complete their journey. More information about accessible travel and rail replacement buses can be found here.

How will I know if my journey includes a rail replacement service?

If you plan your journey using the Journey Planner, it will show where planned rail replacement services are operating for part or all of your journey, and our Planned engineering works calendar displays details of engineering work which may have rail replacement services.

Our live map displays current replacement services on our network, and our Live departures and arrivals page displays which services will be replaced with buses under the platform information column.

Check live departures or arrivals at any station

Delay Repay

Download the app

Mobile app

Finding rail replacement services at the station

At most stations staff will be available to direct you to the correct vehicle, and most buses will display a sign in the window or use onboard electronic displays to show the stations they are calling at.

You can find pick-up and drop-off points for rail replacement services:

At the station

Signs and posters
Customer information screens
Ask a member of staff

Online

Check the Passenger Service section on our station information pages

Find your station

Looking for station information about location, facilities, and services?

What types of vehicles are used for rail replacement services?

We use different vehicles depending on the journey and customer needs:

Buses – usually used for shorter journeys or routes with frequent stops
Coaches – used for longer journeys where extra comfort and luggage space may be needed
Taxis or minibuses – may be provided for customers with accessibility requirements, such as wheelchair users or those travelling with assistance dogs

We aim to use the most suitable vehicle available to meet customer needs wherever possible.

Our bus supplier complies with relevant regulations including Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) subject to any official derogations. This contract is reviewed on an annual basis to consider any changes to increase the availability of accessible vehicles.