Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Significant travel disruptions are expected on Sunday, April 27, for passengers using rail routes between the East Midlands and London. Due to essential engineering works, all East Midlands Railway (EMR) and Thameslink trains will operate only from the high-level platforms at London St Pancras. At the same time, two major events, the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley and the London Marathon are forecast to cause a sharp rise in passenger numbers, putting additional strain on reduced rail service.

EMR will run just one train per hour between London and each of Nottingham, Sheffield, and Corby. A shuttle will operate between Kettering and Corby. Trains are expected to be extremely crowded, with queuing systems at key stations and passengers potentially unable to board their intended services. Thameslink’s usual route through the central tunnel will be closed, further limiting options for northbound travelers.

Tourists, marathon spectators, and anybody else going for leisure or personal reasons will also be impacted by the inconveniences. Long lines, long waits, and fewer trains available can lead to missed connections and route changes. Those not attending the match or the marathon are strongly encouraged to avoid peak travel times or consider rescheduling their trips to Saturday or Monday, when services will return to normal.

A major source of increased travel will be the FA Cup semi-final between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, taking place at Wembley Stadium. Thousands of Forest fans are expected to travel from the East Midlands, which will result in crowding both before and after the game. Due to the restricted number of services, it might not be feasible to return to Nottingham the same evening if the game continues into extra time. Passengers should be aware that there are likely to be more delays and cancellations during peak hours after the game.

Rail operators advise all travelers to check for live updates and plan alternative routes where possible. EMR tickets for April 27 will be valid on April 26 or 28 at no extra cost. Thameslink passengers may use the London Underground to reach West Hampstead and connect to northbound trains, but this route does not offer step-free access. All travelers should expect delays, limited comfort, and longer journey times throughout the day.