Tonbridge Bean

If you’ve got travel plans on Sunday 4th May, you might want to double-check your journey before heading to Tonbridge Station — especially if you’re airport-bound or heading towards the coast. Due to planned engineering works, no trains will call at Tonbridge all day. Yes, really.

Here’s what’s going on — and how it might affect you.

What’s Happening?

Network Rail is carrying out major engineering work in the Tonbridge area on Sunday, meaning all lines through the station will be closed. That includes services run by both Southeastern and Southern.

This will affect multiple routes and essentially disconnect Tonbridge from the mainline rail network for the day. But don’t panic — rail replacement buses will be running, and we’ve got the key info for you below.

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Travelling to Gatwick Airport?

If you’re heading to Gatwick via the Redhill line (Tonbridge > Redhill > Gatwick), you’re going to need a bit of extra time.

• Southern trains between Tonbridge and Redhill won’t be running.
• Instead, buses will replace trains between Tonbridge and Edenbridge.
• From Edenbridge, you can pick up a train to Redhill and continue your journey to Gatwick.

👉 Our advice? Leave earlier than you think you need to — rail replacement buses tend to be slower and sometimes busier than expected.

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Heading to Hastings or the Coast?

Travelling towards Tunbridge Wells, Hastings, Dover or Ramsgate?

• Southeastern trains between London and Hastings will only go as far as Sevenoaks.
• Replacement buses will run between Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells, calling at Tonbridge and High Brooms.
• Some diverted services will run via Maidstone East, so check your journey carefully if you’re trying to connect beyond Ashford.

Replacement bus services will also be in place between:

• Sevenoaks and Paddock Wood (via Tonbridge)
• Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells (all stations)
• Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells (Tonbridge and High Brooms only)

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How Much Extra Time Should You Allow?

Plan for at least 30–60 minutes of extra travel time, depending on your destination. And remember — rail replacement services may be busier than usual, especially during peak airport transfer times.

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✅ Top Tips:

• Plan ahead using the National Rail Journey Planner
• Check signage at the station for rail replacement pick-up points
• Leave early, particularly if you’re catching a flight
• Pack your patience — engineering works are a pain, but they’re keeping our trains running smoothly in the long run

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In Short:

No trains will serve Tonbridge on Sunday 4th May. If you’re travelling, especially to Gatwick or the coast, make sure to check your route, allow extra time, and expect buses.

Got questions or chaos stories to share from your rail-replacement adventures? Drop us a comment or tag us on social!

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