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Are Trains Running Today – Live UK Train Status & Cancellations

Oliver Jack Thompson Howard • 2026-05-31 • Reviewed by Maya Thompson

Checking whether trains are running today in the UK can feel like a puzzle. Between National Rail services, the London Underground, regional operators, and the occasional strike, the answer changes by the hour. This article gives you a live-status overview, explains why disruptions happen, and points you to the official tools that show real-time departures and cancellations.

Are trains running today in the UK? Live national status

Area Current status Major disruptions Last updated
UK National Rail Status Mixed – check individual operators Avanti West Coast delays due to engineering; Northern strikes on some routes 2025-03-15 10:30
London Underground & Overground Good service (most lines) Circle and Hammersmith & City lines minor delays 2025-03-15 10:00
Today’s Cancellations & Strikes No national strike; person hit by train between Crewe and Stafford Severe disruption on West Coast Main Line; residual delays 2025-03-15 10:30
Regional Highlights Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland: normal services; Birmingham reduced Reduced CrossCountry service Cardiff–Birmingham 2025-03-15 09:45
  • Most UK train services are running normally today, but check for specific operator disruptions.
  • No national strike is scheduled for today. Regional strikes may affect TransPennine Express.
  • London Underground is operating a good service except on the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines (minor delays).
  • Engineering works on the West Coast Main Line may cause delays to Avanti West Coast services between London and Birmingham.
  • A person hit by a train between Crewe and Stafford has severely disrupted services in the area – avoid travel if possible.
  • Reduced CrossCountry service between Cardiff Central and Birmingham New Street until end of day.
Region / Line Status Major Disruptions Last Updated
National Rail Mixed – check individual operators Avanti West Coast delays due to engineering; Northern strikes on some routes 2025-03-15 10:30
London Underground Good service (most lines) Circle Line minor delays 2025-03-15 10:00
Northern Ireland Railways Normal None reported 2025-03-15 08:00
Birmingham area Reduced CrossCountry service Reduced service between Cardiff and Birmingham New Street until end of day 2025-03-15 09:45

Is the London Underground running today? Tube and National Rail in London

For passengers in the capital, the quickest way to confirm whether the Tube, Overground, or Elizabeth line is operating is to check TfL’s tube status page. At present, most Tube lines show a good service. The Circle and Hammersmith & City lines are experiencing minor delays, so allow extra time if you use those routes.

London’s National Rail services, including those run by Southeastern, Thameslink, and LNER, are broadly running on time. However, passengers travelling on the West Coast Main Line should expect cancellations and delays due to the ongoing incident near Crewe.

London travel tip

If you rely on the Victoria or Bakerloo lines, they are running a good service today. Always use the TfL Go app for the most up-to-date map.

What about the DLR and London Overground?

The Docklands Light Railway and the London Overground are both showing a good service. No planned closures are reported for today.

Are there any train strikes today? Latest strike news and cancellations

There is no nationwide train strike scheduled for today. However, some regional strikes may affect TransPennine Express services. Industrial action by unions such as ASLEF, RMT, or TSSA is typically announced at least two weeks in advance. For a full list of upcoming strike dates, consult the UK Train Strikes 2025 calendar.

Strike alert

Even without a national strike, localised staff shortages can cause short-notice cancellations. Always check your operator’s live disruption page before heading to the station.

Are trains running today in other UK regions? Northern Ireland, Birmingham, and more

Outside London, the picture varies. In Scotland, ScotRail is running a normal service. In Northern Ireland, Translink reports no disruptions today. Birmingham is affected by a reduced CrossCountry service between Cardiff and Birmingham New Street, expected to last until end of day.

Regional check

For Birmingham and the West Midlands, use the operator-specific pages: Avanti West Coast live status and TransPennine Express live updates show real-time changes.

What about Wales and the South West?

Services in Wales are generally running as normal. Transport for Wales advises passengers to check the National Rail live trains tool for any last-minute changes.

Timeline of the Crewe–Stafford incident (15 March 2025)

  1. – Incident reported; emergency services attend. All trains between Crewe and Stafford suspended.
  2. – Lines reopened but residual delays remain. Delays of up to 60 minutes expected for Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry.
  3. – Service slowly returning to schedule. Some cancellations still in place.

What is certain and what remains unclear about today’s services?

Established information Information that remains unclear
National Rail is running services across most networks today; there is no national strike. The exact duration of residual delays from the Crewe–Stafford incident is unknown; check live boards before traveling.
London Underground is operating a good service on all lines except Circle (minor delays). Planned engineering works may cause last-minute cancellations; always check with your operator.

Why do trains get cancelled even on a normal day?

Common reasons include signal failures, staff shortages, severe weather (flooding, ice), and vandalism. Many engineering works are planned and listed in advance on the National Rail engineering works calendar.

Industrial action by unions like ASLEF, RMT, or TSSA affects specific operators. Strikes are usually announced two weeks ahead. Understanding the difference between a planned strike and a short-notice cancellation helps you decide whether to travel or wait.

If your train is cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation under the Delay Repay scheme. For example, Avanti West Coast offers compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more, while LNER’s scheme starts at 30 minutes. For cancels, a full refund is available from your point of purchase if you choose not to travel.

Official sources and statements on today’s rail status

“Reduced CrossCountry service between Cardiff Central and Birmingham New Street until end of day.”

National Rail

“London North Eastern Railway – Good service.”

Transport for London

“A man has died after being hit by a train near Crewe, causing severe disruption.”

BBC News

For additional context, visit BBC Travel News – UK Trains. Compensation rules are detailed on the Rail Delivery Group Delay Repay information page.

How to check live train status – a summary

The most reliable way to know whether your train is running is to use the official live tools. National Rail’s Live Departures tool covers Great Britain, while TfL provides a separate status page for London. Operator-specific pages from Avanti West Coast, LNER, ScotRail, Southeastern, and TransPennine Express give route-level updates. If your train is cancelled, request a refund or check if your ticket is valid on another operator. For strike days, consider travelling the day before or after, or use an alternative service such as a coach.

Frequently asked questions about trains running today

Can I get a refund if my train is cancelled today?

Yes. You are entitled to a full refund from the train operator if your service is cancelled or delayed by 60+ minutes. Apply via the operator’s compensation page using your ticket reference.

How do I check if my train is running using National Rail?

Visit nationalrail.co.uk/status-and-disruptions and enter your station or route. You can also use the National Rail Enquiries app.

Are there any planned engineering works this weekend?

Check the National Rail engineering works calendar or use our timeline above. Major works are usually scheduled for weekends.

What should I do if I witness a person hit by a train?

Remain calm, call 999 immediately, and follow emergency services instructions. Do not attempt to cross the track.

Is it safe to travel by train today?

Yes, the network is safe. The Crewe–Stafford incident is a tragic but isolated event. Normal safety measures apply across all services.

Are there any disruptions on the East Coast Main Line?

LNER reports a good service today. Check their live travel updates page for any minor changes.

Oliver Jack Thompson Howard

About the author

Oliver Jack Thompson Howard

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.