South Western Railway (SWR) is strongly advising Southampton supporters to make alternative travel arrangements to get to Wembley this Saturday, 25 April.
Major engineering work is set to take place between Woking and Basingstoke on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April, which will mean fewer direct trains between Southampton and London.
The safety-critical work, which has been planned since 2024, must be completed before the summer to avoid speed restrictions and reduced performance at one of the busiest parts of the SWR network.
Engineers will refurbish a vital set of switches and crossings at Farnborough and carry out power supply improvements in the Woking area. In Winchfield, engineers will complete a broader package of work that includes signalling maintenance, vegetation clearance and power supply upgrades.
SWR and Network Rail have carefully reviewed options to move this work, but with no alternative dates until at least 2027 and a significant cost impact, it has not been possible to reschedule.
Southampton have sold out their allocation of 33,000 tickets for the semi-final against Manchester City, and while additional services will run, they are not expected to cater for all fans looking to travel by train.
Only a very limited number of direct services will run between Southampton and London, all of which will be diverted via Havant and take longer than usual. Supporters are therefore advised to use alternative means to travel to London.
Supporters who must travel by train are advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time to complete their journeys.
Upon arrival at Southampton Central, supporters will join a queuing system to board the next available train. Other stations including Fareham, Havant, Clapham Junction and London Waterloo are expected to be busier than usual.
Supporters should also note that there are a very limited number of trains from London to Southampton after 8pm, which will affect supporters' journeys should the match go to extra time or penalties. Supporters should allow plenty of time to travel across London, to and from Wembley Stadium.
Stuart Meek, Chief Operating Officer for South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex, said:
“We’ve been working closely with Southampton Football Club since their quarter-final victory earlier this month, and we understand just how much the semi-final means to both their supporters and the City of Southampton.
“We have carefully reviewed the work taking place between Woking and Basingstoke, and because it is safety-critical and must be finished before the summer, it won’t be possible to reschedule. That’s why we must ask supporters to consider alternative travel options this Saturday.
“For those supporters who must travel by train, please be aware that there will only be a very limited number of services, and they’ll take longer than usual. Make sure to plan ahead and allow extra time to complete your journey.
“We’re sorry for the disruption that this weekend’s engineering work will cause. We wish Southampton the best of luck for Saturday’s game and their attempt to repeat the famous run of 1976.”
Andy Darbyshire, Head of Event Safety & Security for Southampton Football Club, said:
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to our supporters for the incredible backing you’re giving the team ahead of this Saturday’s FA Cup semi‑final. South Western Railway has advised that train services will be extremely busy, even with additional services in place, and stations are expected to be very crowded with a queuing system at Southampton Central.
“Please allow plenty of time for your journey and be prepared that you may not be able to board the first train you intend to take. A revised timetable will also be in operation across parts of the network, so we strongly encourage fans to check train times in advance and listen carefully to station announcements.
“Your support means everything to the players and staff — travel safely, allow plenty of time, and we look forward to seeing the red and white in full voice at Wembley.”
