News article

Major changes to Chiltern Railway journeys during five-day upgrade in late July

Chiltern Railways customers are being urged to check before they travel ahead of a five-day closure of the Chiltern mainline between Bicester North and Leamington Spa from Saturday 27 to Wednesday 31 July.

As part of a £9 million investment Network Rail will work around the clock to replace a bridge which carries customers over the River Cherwell in King’s Sutton near Banbury. Engineers will also upgrade over 500 metres of railway north of Banbury station which includes replacing sections of track and drainage to help make journeys smoother.

While the work takes place the railway will be closed between Bicester North and Leamington Spa stations.

To keep passengers moving railway replacement buses will operate as follows, connecting with trains to/from Marylebone at Bicester Village, and connecting with trains to/from Birmingham Moor Street at Leamington Spa:

  • Bicester Village – Banbury – Leamington Spa
  • Bicester Village – Banbury – Stratford Upon Avon
  • Bicester Village – Kings Sutton – Banbury

Improvements will also be taking place this weekend. The railway will be closed between Bicester and Dorridge before 10am on Sunday 21 July. In addition, the railway will be closed between Bicester and Leamington Spa all day on Sunday 21 July and rail replacement buses will be in operation.

For more information and for journey planning advice please visit:

Major Engineering works in July – Five day closure between Bicester North and Leamington Spa 27 – 31 July 2024 | Chiltern Railways