South Western Railway (SWR) has announced changes to services in the Guildford and Woking area as the Met Office forecasts temperatures peaking at 32C. The alterations, in force on Monday 3 August and Tuesday 4 August between 10:00 and 17:00, are intended to maintain a more reliable operation during the hot spell.
What passengers should expect
SWR says some Portsmouth Line trains bound for London Waterloo will be diverted after they reach Guildford, running via Cobham & Stoke D'Abernon. Customers travelling to Woking are being advised they will need to change at Guildford. Online timetables further indicate that between midday and 17:00 a couple of trains per hour will be cancelled on the stretch between Guildford and Woking.
- Dates affected: 3 and 4 August
- Times affected: 10:00–17:00
- Temperature forecast: up to 32C
- Key operational changes: diversions via Cobham & Stoke D'Abernon; cancellations between Guildford and Woking
“These changes will help us provide a more reliable and resilient service during the period of hot weather.”
The rail operator framed the moves on social media as precautionary steps to protect overall reliability while temperatures are at their highest. After Tuesday the forecast suggests temperatures will remain in the twenties and will feel cooler, with prolonged rain expected from Wednesday.
Practical advice for commuters
Commuters and occasional travellers should allow extra time for journeys and consult SWR online timetables or station information before setting out. Where services are diverted, journey times may be longer and connections at Guildford could be necessary for onward travel to Woking.
| Issue | Effect |
|---|---|
| Diversions | Some Portsmouth Line services routed via Cobham & Stoke D'Abernon after Guildford |
| Cancellations | Several trains per day cancelled between Guildford and Woking (midday–17:00) |
| Travel advice | Allow extra time; change at Guildford for Woking |
Passengers planning to travel on the affected routes should check live updates from South Western Railway before leaving home and factor in possible delays when arranging onward connections. Local councils and emergency services have previously issued guidance on travelling in high temperatures; passengers may wish to carry water and take precautions against heat while waiting on platforms.
The changes reflect operational measures increasingly seen across the rail network as extreme weather becomes more frequent. For now, travellers in Surrey should prepare for altered services on the Portsmouth Line over the two-day period and expect a return to more normal timetables once the hottest days have passed.
