May Rail Closures to Impact Travel Across Gloucestershire and Beyond

By Ivan PetrenkoApr 24, 2025 09:44 AMNews
Share:
Train tracks stretching through a quiet landscape
Weekend rail closures affect routes. Source: unsplash

Travelers in Gloucestershire should expect some disruption from early May 2025, as Network Rail begins important upgrade work on routes linking Gloucester, Stroud, and Yate. These upgrades, scheduled over several weekends, will result in full or partial closures of routes commonly used by both local commuters and tourists. Train services between major hubs such as Swindon, Cheltenham, and Bristol will be restructured, and replacement buses will cover certain journeys.

Rail services by Great Western Railway and CrossCountry will be disrupted over three weekends in May: the 3rd to 5th, 10th to 11th, and 17th to 18th. On certain days, trains between London and key Gloucestershire destinations will be suspended, while CrossCountry services will divert through Newport. Replacement bus routes are being introduced to help passengers reach locations like Gloucester, Temple Meads, and Worcestershire Parkway, with revised schedules already published on operator websites.

Network Rail worker overseeing track maintenance on a railway line
Crews prepare key routes for upgrades. Source: Network Rail

Visitors making their way to southwest England by train, particularly to destinations like the Cotswolds, are likely to feel the effects of the upcoming service changes. Delays, reduced frequency, and mandatory bus transfers could challenge international visitors unfamiliar with local transport. The need for prior planning becomes especially urgent around holiday weekends when traffic volumes are expected to surge and seating availability may be limited.

Although the current disruptions may be inconvenient, the upgrades are designed to improve future journeys with new track, improved platforms at Gloucester station and early work underway for the reopening of Charfield station. The upgrades are focused on improving reliability across the network, with a particular boost for connections between smaller towns and major routes.

We’re closing the railway briefly to complete essential maintenance. Passengers should check their journeys as replacement bus services will be in place on some routes and services may be altered.
Mark Parker, Network Rail lead portfolio manager

For now, travellers are being urged to stay flexible and keep an eye on updates as changes roll out in the coming weeks. While the improvements are welcome in the long run, they currently demand patience and preparation. Checking timetables, reserving seats where required, and being open to alternate routes will help passengers maintain smoother journeys during this period of disruption.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
TransPennine Express train at a platform

Late-night trains added after Sam Fender gigs in Newcastle

Jun 14, 2025 22:36 PM
Crowded transit hub with travellers and departure boards

Traffic Warning for Edinburgh Flyers During Highland Show

Jun 14, 2025 20:49 PM

Cathay Group Expands to 100 Destinations, Opening New Travel Opportunities for Passengers

Jun 14, 2025 18:33 PM

Summer Rail Suspension in Sardinia to Affect Travel Between Key Towns

Jun 14, 2025 16:54 PM
Renovated hotel room with king-size bed and modern lighting

San Juan’s La Concha Returns with Major Changes After Long Closure

Jun 14, 2025 14:47 PM
SAS aircraft preparing to land under cloudy sky

Scandinavian and Vietnam Airlines to Link Northern Europe with Southeast Asia via New Codeshare

Jun 14, 2025 12:31 PM
Commercial airplane in flight against a clear sky

SAS Expands Aalborg-Winter Routes, Opening Easier Access to Nordic Ski Destinations

Jun 13, 2025 23:23 PM
Railway signal showing red light on quiet train tracks near Verona

Verona Train Routes Suspended 15 June Amid WWII Bomb Removal

Jun 13, 2025 21:49 PM
Construction workers repairing railway tracks on a city street

Norfolk Rail Disruption: Buses Replace Trains Between Norwich and Ely This July

Jun 13, 2025 19:37 PM

New direct route from Amsterdam brings Cairo closer for travellers

Jun 13, 2025 17:51 PM

Krabi’s Natural Sites Gain Quiet Spotlight After Jurassic World Filming

Jun 13, 2025 15:44 PM
Air India aircraft parked on the ground with boarding platform nearby

Air India Crash Near Ahmedabad Leaves Over 200 Dead Shortly After Takeoff

Jun 13, 2025 13:39 PM
Modern hotel room interior with wooden accents and cozy bed

New Resort in Crete Blends Comfort with Nature and Local Traditions

Jun 12, 2025 23:28 PM
View of an SAS aircraft wing during flight above the clouds

SAS and WestJet to Launch Easier Canada–Scandinavia Connections from Summer 2025

Jun 12, 2025 21:42 PM
Rail workers using heavy machinery to install large pipe sections on train tracks

Train Disruptions Near Naples Affect Summer Travel Plans

Jun 12, 2025 19:34 PM

Virgin Australia Opens New Travel Opportunities to Europe and Africa via Doha

Jun 12, 2025 17:29 PM

One-Month Train Halt in Northern Italy Alters Summer Travel Routes

Jun 12, 2025 12:43 PM
Lufthansa plane taking off from runway

New Flight Links via Rome Simplify Travel Between Europe and Distant Cities

Jun 12, 2025 02:35 AM
Train showing "Caerdydd C" arrives at quiet station

Concert Crowds Prompt Rail Changes Across Cardiff This Summer

Jun 11, 2025 23:24 PM
Emirates aircraft approaching landing with cityscape below

Emirates and Bahamasair Partnership Opens New Travel Routes to The Bahamas Through Florida

Jun 11, 2025 21:49 PM
Finnair aircraft taxiing on a runway surrounded by trees

Finnair Resumes Direct Flights from Helsinki to Toronto Starting in 2026 Expanding Travel Options

Jun 11, 2025 19:32 PM
Construction worker in safety gear at a railway maintenance site

Summer Train Closures in Northern Italy to Disrupt Access to Regional Destinations

Jun 11, 2025 17:26 PM

Air New Zealand Starts Domestic WiFi Trial on Selected Flights

Jun 11, 2025 16:48 PM

InterContinental Hotel to Open in Manchester Bringing New Options for Travellers

Jun 11, 2025 07:31 AM
Modern hotel room with large bed and warm lighting

Familiar Hotels in Unfamiliar Places: voco Reaches 100 Locations Worldwide

Jun 10, 2025 23:22 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off into cloudy sky

Free Emirates Coach Now Available Between Manila and Clark

Jun 10, 2025 21:44 PM