Travelling on Sunday 27th April? EMR issue top tips and advice
- EMR services on 27 April will be extremely busy due to Nottingham Forest fans travelling, London Marathon customers, and the impact of engineering works
- EMR Intercity services will be limited to one train per hour and customers can expect queues and may not be able to sit or board their required service
- If the match goes to extra-time the number of services back to Nottingham are very limited
- Customers who must travel between Nottingham and London St Pancras on Sunday, 27 April, and are not going to the match, are advised to travel after 2pm from Nottingham and before 7pm from London
- Customers can use Advance Purchase tickets at different times to avoid the football traffic
- Queuing systems will be in place at stations and trains are expected to be full and standing
East Midlands Railway (EMR) is urging customers to plan ahead and travel smart on Sunday, 27 April, as services are expected to be extremely busy and limited due to major events and essential engineering works.
With Nottingham Forest playing in the FA Cup Semi-Final, thousands heading to the London Marathon, and major engineering works near London St Pancras, travel conditions will be extremely challenging throughout the day.
Essential engineering work by Network Rail means London St Pancras International Low Level platforms will be closed, and Thameslink services will be diverted to the High-Level platforms. This reduces and limits the number of trains EMR can run.
To help customers EMR has released a number of top tips for people who need to travel on the day
Top Tips for Travelling with EMR on Sunday 27 April:
1. Expect very busy and limited services
EMR Intercity services will be reduced to one train per hour between Nottingham and London. Trains are expected to be full and standing, with long queues likely at key stations.
2. Attending the Forest match? Plan for delays
If the FA Cup Semi-Final goes to extra-time, the number of services back to Nottingham will be very limited, and you may not be able to board your preferred train.
3. Not going to the football? Travel at quieter times
To avoid the busiest periods, depart Nottingham after 2pm and leave London before 7pm. These windows offer the best chance of a more comfortable journey.
4. Flexibility with Advance Purchase tickets
Customers holding Advance Purchase tickets can use them on earlier or later services on Sunday to avoid the football rush.
5. Consider travelling via the East Coast Main Line
Customers should consider whether using the East Coast Main Line from Grantham may provide an easier journey. To help customers use this route, EMR has strengthened services from Nottingham to Grantham.
6. Travel on Saturday or Monday instead
If you can, consider travelling on Saturday 26 or Monday 28 April. EMR will honour Sunday tickets used on these days to help ease pressure on Sunday’s services.
7. Queuing systems in place
Queuing systems will be in operation at Nottingham and London St Pancras. Allow extra time and check the EMR website for the latest updates.
Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at EMR, said: "Services will be extremely busy on Sunday, 27 April, due to engineering works, the marathon, and Nottingham Forest fans travelling to the FA Cup Semi-Final.
"We strongly advise customers to plan ahead, avoid peak times where possible, and check our website for updates. We’re sorry for any inconvenience and thank our customers for their patience."
For the latest travel updates and queue information, visit eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk
EMR services running on Sunday 27 April
- 1 train per hour between London St Pancras and Sheffield (via Beighton)
- 1 train per hour between London St Pancras and Nottingham
- 1 train per hour between London St Pancras and Corby
- 1 train per hour shuttle service between Kettering and Corby