National Rail passengers are being warned that trains are likely to be very crowded between now and the day of Her Majesty’s state funeral, a week from today.
They are also being advised on the day it will not be possible to both see the funeral in London and get to Windsor in time to see the Queen being laid to rest.
Trains to and from London, and services in the London area, are expected to be the busiest, and passengers with the former franchises who had booked journeys before the Queen’s death on 8 September will be entitled to a full refund if they wish to change their plans. The normal administration fees for cancellations will not be charged.
Among the open access operators, Grand Central does not charge for ticket changes in any case, for journeys up to 30 September. Passengers who have booked with Heathrow Express, Hull Trains and Lumo who wish to change their plans are being advised to check directly with them.
The Rail Delivery Group’s customer information director Jason Webb said: ‘Understandably, many people wish to pay their respects to Her Majesty the Queen during this period of national mourning. On the day of the funeral, Monday 19 September, people should plan carefully the timing of their journey home as trains and stations are likely to be extremely busy.’