Train provider issues warning ahead of FA Cup Semi Final and London Marathon clash
London is expected to be plunged into travel chaos at the end of this month as the FA Cup Final and London Marathon clash on April 27. Trains will be "extremely busy" with many likely to be unable to sit or board their required services, warns East Midlands Railway.
The sporting events will also clash with planned engineering works taking place on the Midland Mainline in the London St Pancras International area which will see some lines closed. London St Pancras International Low Level will be closed, and Thameslink services will be diverted to the High-Level platforms.
Intercity services will be "extremely busy" and customers are likely to experience long delays and queues at both London St Pancras International and Nottingham. Travellers may also be unable to find a seat for some or all of their journey, say the train operator.
READ MORE: The South London neighbourhood named 1 of UK's best places to live that feels like a secret village
READ MORE: Bloody 72 hours on London's streets sees 7 stabbings and 3 crashes
On 27 April, EMR services to and from London are expected to be incredibly busy due to the FA Cup Semi Final and the London Marathon, as well as planned engineering works that will limit services to one train per hour, all taking place on this day.For customers not attending… pic.twitter.com/WLvmSPmMtJ
— East Midlands Railway (EMR) (@EastMidRailway) April 7, 2025
There will only be one train per hour between London St Pancras International and Sheffield (vis Beighton), Nottingham, Corby and on the shuttle service between Kettering and Corby.
Customers may not be able to board their required service, especially before or after the FA Cup Final, which will take place at Wembley Stadium at around 4.30pm on April 27. If the match goes to extra-time there will be a "very limited" number of services back to Nottingham.
Anyone who is able is being asked to not make their journey on Sunday and EMR say will honour tickets for travellers with a Sunday ticket change to a service a day either side. Customers who must travel between Nottingham and London St Pancras on Sunday, 27 April, are advised to travel after 2pm from Nottingham and before 7pm from London.
Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, 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.
"Unfortunately, customers should expect delays, queues, and standing. Customers should know that if the Semi Final was to go to extra-time the number of services back to Nottingham are very limited.
"We advise those not attending the match to travel after 2pm from Nottingham and before 7pm from London to avoid peak times.
"We would like to thank customers for their patience during these engineering works and would like to apologise for any inconvenience."
Got a story? Please get in touch at katherine.gray@reachplc.com
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London is expected to be plunged into travel chaos at the end of this month as the FA Cup Final and London Marathon clash on April 27. Trains will be "extremely busy" with many likely to be unable to sit or board their required services, warns East Midlands Railway. The sporting events will also clash with planned engineering works taking place on the Midland Mainline in the London St Pancras International area which will see some lines closed. London St Pancras International Low Level will be closed, and Thameslink services will be diverted to the High-Level platforms. Intercity services will be "extremely busy" and customers are likely to experience long delays and queues at both London St Pancras International and Nottingham. Travellers may also be unable to find a seat for some or all of their journey, say the train operator. READ MORE: The South London neighbourhood named 1 of UK's best places to live that feels like a secret village READ MORE: Bloody 72 hours on London's streets sees 7 stabbings and 3 crashes On 27 April, EMR services to and from London are expected to be incredibly busy due to the FA Cup Semi Final and the London Marathon, as well as planned engineering works that will limit services to one train per hour, all taking place on this customers not attending… — East Midlands Railway (EMR) (@EastMidRailway) April 7, 2025 There will only be one train per hour between London St Pancras International and Sheffield (vis Beighton), Nottingham, Corby and on the shuttle service between Kettering and Corby. Customers may not be able to board their required service, especially before or after the FA Cup Final, which will take place at Wembley Stadium at around 4.30pm on April 27. If the match goes to extra-time there will be a "very limited" number of services back to Nottingham. Anyone who is able is being asked to not make their journey on Sunday and EMR say will honour tickets for travellers with a Sunday ticket change to a service a day either side. Customers who must travel between Nottingham and London St Pancras on Sunday, 27 April, are advised to travel after 2pm from Nottingham and before 7pm from London. Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, 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. "Unfortunately, customers should expect delays, queues, and standing. Customers should know that if the Semi Final was to go to extra-time the number of services back to Nottingham are very limited. "We advise those not attending the match to travel after 2pm from Nottingham and before 7pm from London to avoid peak times. "We would like to thank customers for their patience during these engineering works and would like to apologise for any inconvenience." Got a story? Please get in touch at Stay updated on the latest travel news for London's roads with our London Traffic and Travel newsletter. Sign up HERE.
