We want you to complete as much of your journey as possible by rail. When that is not possible because of engineering works or disruption, we will provide a rail replacement bus or coach service.
What is a Rail Replacement service and how does it work?
A Rail Replacement service is usually a bus or coach which replaces a train for part of the journey. This normally happens when there is major engineering works or disruption.
You can check if a Rail Replacement service is running at stations, on X (twitter), and through our website and app. Buses take fewer people than a train so we recommend using alternative transport if possible. If you are going to travel, make sure to add extra time to your journey.
Major engineering works are usually scheduled and published 12 weeks in advance. You can look further ahead through our service alterations calendar.
Is Rail Replacement free?
You can only board a rail replacement service if you have a valid train ticket; there is no additional charge. Simply show the driver your ticket when you board.
Facilities on board
Buggies & Prams:
On coaches, buggies and prams should be collapsible and will need to be transported in the vehicle luggage hold.
On buses, buggies and prams need to be folded and placed in the luggage area. The area designated for wheelchair may be used if it is available (although wheelchair users will take priority during any journey).
Wheelchair: All Rail Replacement vehicles have wheelchair spaces. In order to travel safely, wheelchairs and mobility scooters must be no larger than 700mm X 1200mm and weigh less than 300kg (occupant and chair).
- Bikes: You can take any foldable bike, except for foldable e-bikes on a Rail Replacement bus. To maximise space for all customers, we do not allow full-size bikes or e-scooters on board. Please note that there may be limited space available for folded bicycles, and this will be at the driver’s discretion.
- Luggage: Customers can bring 3 items of luggage onboard, including one large item and two smaller items (max weight 23kg). All luggage must be packed and stored safely to ensure it is not obstructing aisles and gangways and you must be able to manage it yourself unless you have a disability and are using our assisted travel service where we will be able to assist, providing it does not exceed these limits. If you’re changing on to another operator’s network, they may have a different luggage policy and London Underground may not provide luggage assistance for London journeys.
- Pets: not allowed on any Rail Replacement Service, except for assistance dogs.
- Food and drink: not allowed on any Rail Replacement Service.
Assisted Travel
The accessibility of buses and coaches used for Rail Replacement is regulated by law, and we will always have an accessible bus option. Sometimes we may need to use taxis.
Whether you have booked assistance or not, we will help you continue your journey as smoothly as possible.
Where to catch a Rail Replacement bus
If you're not sure where to get on the Rail Replacement bus, or where the buses stop, feel free to ask a friendly staff member at the station. You can also check where the stop is on our station pages and live train map.
Frequently asked questions
Rail Replacement Buses generally do not have seat belts because their construction will not allow seat belts to be installed with adequate safety, and they are designed to carry standing passengers. Always make sure that your child stays seated throughout the journey.
Rail Replacement coaches and minibuses manufactured or first used on or after 1 October 2001, will have seat belts or lap-belts on forward or rearward-facing seats, as required by law.
No, there is no legal requirement for buses or coaches to provide booster seats for children, and it is not practical for the bus/coach operator to carry a range of different child seats on their vehicles.
If you would prefer your child to sit on a booster seat whilst travelling on a Rail Replacement bus service, please take your own booster seat with you.
Rail Replacement buses are provided in areas where trains cannot run due to engineering works or disruption. There's no extra cost and you can get back on the train again to finish your journey.
You can find the rail replacement bus stop location for Greater Anglia stations on our station pages or live map.
You can check if there's Rail Replacement services running through our booking engine or app.
Yes, you will need a valid train ticket to use a Rail Replacement. The good news, is there's no extra charge!
Rail Replacement bus journey times depend on the route and if there's traffic on the day, so we recommend allowing extra time to complete your journey. You can check times using our booking engine or app.
Sometimes, we run a very limited number of buses so we recommend using alternative transport if possible.
No, some types of rail replacement vehicles may have toilets, but it cannot be guaranteed.
Some rail replacement buses do go from the station but this is not always possible at every station due to the road network, station access and having a safe and legal stopping point. Find your station or check our live map to see its pick up point.
No, only assistance dogs are allowed on Rail Replacement buses.
Yes, you can take any foldable bike, except for foldable e-bikes on a Rail Replacement bus.
To maximise space for all customers, we do not allow full-size bikes, or e-scooters on board. Please note that there may be limited space available for folded bicycles, and this will be at the driver’s discretion.
Yes, you can get a refund if there was a train delay or cancellation and you didn't travel. If you did travel, you can get delay repay compensation if your bus journey was delayed en route by 15 minutes or more.
Rail Replacement bus journey times depend on the route and if there's traffic, so we recommend adding extra time to complete your journey. You can check times through our booking engine or app.
No, food and drink is not allowed on Rail Replacement buses.