Travel advice FA Cup semi-final - Saturday 25 April 2026

Q: Why can’t you run more trains between Southampton Central and London Waterloo?

The FA Cup semi-final coincides with essential engineering work between Basingstoke and Woking, with all trains from the mainline diverted through Havant. We have strengthened services through that route as much as possible, but with an allocation of 33,000 tickets, we do not expect them to be able to cater for all Saints fans looking to travel by train.

Q: What are the works happening?

This long-planned safety critical work includes a major project to refurbish the switches and crossings at Farnborough and power upgrades near Woking. The blockade also includes a package of maintenance and renewal activity to remove defects, improve drainage, clear vegetation and maintain structures and earthworks to support reliable train services.

Q: Why can’t you cancel the engineering works?

The timing of these works has been carefully planned over two years, and finalised in 2025. We have explored all options for moving the works, but, as well as the significant cost to the taxpayer, postponement would delay essential safety interventions and potentially lead to infrastructure failures, speed restrictions and significant disruption in the months ahead.

Q: I’m travelling to the game, what are my travel options?

If supporters must travel by train, journeys before and after the match should be checked carefully ahead of travel and again on the day. All services between Southampton and London Waterloo will be extremely busy. Trains will be diverted through Havant which will increase journey times to at least 2 hours and return journeys after the game are likely to be challenging.

Long-planned and essential engineering work will close the train line between Basingstoke and Woking on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April.

Southampton supporters heading to the FA Cup semi-final are advised to use alternative means of travel if they can.

A limited rail replacement service will operate and some additional services will run on diversionary routes between Southampton and London Waterloo, but these are expected to be very busy.

With the 17.15 kick off and possibility of extra time and penalties, getting home after the game using the limited train service is likely to be particularly challenging.

If you must travel by train, please plan your journey carefully, as services are expected to be extremely busy and will take longer than usual.

Before the Match:

Some additional direct trains have been scheduled to run between Southampton Central and London Waterloo, however, the service is limited and will not cater for all supporters expected to travel to the match.

To ensure the safety of customers, a queuing system will be in place at Southampton Central station. Supporters will need to join the queue and wait for the next available service.

Other stations on our network are also expected to be very busy including, Fareham, Havant, Clapham Junction and London Waterloo.

Please allow extra time to complete your journeys, and to check before you travel.

After the Match:

A very limited number of trains will run from London Waterloo to Southampton Central after the match and are expected to be very busy. Supporters should pay special attention to their return journeys home, especially if the match goes into extra time and penalties. Customers should allow plenty of time to cross London.

Travelling, but not to the match?

If you’re travelling to/from Southampton Central that are not attending the match should consider travelling between 1300 and 1900 when trains are expected to be less busy.

Step-free access at Southampton Central

Southampton Central is undergoing a lift refurbishment programme affecting step-free access at the station. For more information, please visit our dedicated webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t you run more trains between Southampton Central and London Waterloo?

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What are the works happening?

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Why can’t you cancel the engineering works?

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I’m travelling to the game, what are my travel options?

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