No Elizabeth line trains run from Paddington to Heathrow, Ealing Broadway, Abbey Wood or Shenfield on 28 and 29 November. Updated November 2026.

There will be no Elizabeth line trains between Paddington and Heathrow Airport, or between Paddington and Maidenhead, on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November. That takes out the two stops most Richmond borough readers use, Ealing Broadway and the Heathrow terminals.

Transport for London (TfL) announced the closure on Wednesday 11 November. Most of the rest of the line shuts too. No trains will run between Paddington and Abbey Wood, or between Paddington and Shenfield, on either day.

The same weekend is the busiest of the month at Allianz Stadium. The Nations Cup finals are due there on both days, with kick-offs at 1.10pm and 4.45pm and 82,000 expected each day, so the roads around Twickenham will be closed and parking restricted as well (match-day road closures and parking hours).

What still runs on 28 and 29 November

  • Maidenhead to Reading: a limited Elizabeth line service of two trains per hour in each direction.
  • Everything between Paddington and Heathrow or Maidenhead: no Elizabeth line trains.
  • Everything between Paddington and Abbey Wood or Shenfield: no Elizabeth line trains.

TfL says rail replacement buses will run on affected sections of the line. The routes it lists are:

  • Ealing Broadway to Slough
  • Slough to Maidenhead
  • Stratford to Romford
  • Shenfield to Chadwell Heath and Newbury Park

The list does not include a replacement bus between Paddington and Ealing Broadway, or one to Heathrow. TfL tells passengers to use other Tube, National Rail and local bus services where they can.

Why the line is closing

TfL says engineers will use the two days for rail and crossing renewals and for maintenance of the overhead line equipment. It calls the Elizabeth line the single busiest railway service in the UK.

Trish Ashton, TfL’s director of rail, said: “We understand that these closures can impact customers’ journeys and would like to thank them for their patience while this essential work takes place. The work we’re carrying out is essential to maintaining the safety and reliability of the Elizabeth line for the millions of customers who rely it on every year.”

She added: “We encourage customers to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and check before they travel on TfL’s Journey Planner or the TfL Go app. Rail replacement buses and alternative travel options will be available throughout the closure.”

What it means for you

  • Flying from Heathrow that weekend: the Elizabeth line will not get you there from Paddington or Ealing Broadway. Plan a different route before the day and leave extra time.
  • Going into central London from Ealing Broadway: there are no Elizabeth line trains to Paddington, and no replacement bus on that stretch is listed.
  • Travelling west towards Slough or Maidenhead: replacement buses run from Ealing Broadway to Slough, and on from Slough to Maidenhead.
  • Heading to the rugby at Twickenham: visitors who would normally change onto the Elizabeth line at Paddington or Heathrow will need another way in.

Check your journey on TfL’s Journey Planner or the TfL Go app before you set out. TfL’s announcement has the full details.