It's just a bit of hot weather...

Travelling safely during hot weather

We’re here to help you travel comfortably and safely during the hot weather – whether you’re commuting, heading out for a day trip or enjoying a sunny adventure by train.

Here are a few simple tips to help you stay safe and well while travelling in the heat:

• Stay hydrated – Carry a bottle of water with you. If you’re at one of our larger stations, feel free to ask a member of staff where the nearest water fountain is.
• Protect yourself from the sun – If you're travelling on a sunny day, remember to wear sunscreen and consider a hat or sunglasses to stay cool and protected.
• If you feel unwell, don’t board the train – If you’re already on board and start to feel unwell, please speak to the conductor or get off at the next station and seek help from station staff or use a help point.
• Avoid using the emergency alarm between stations – It’s always better to wait until the train is in a platform, where help can reach you more quickly and safely.
• Plan ahead – Check your journey before you travel, and if you’re travelling during the hottest part of the day, allow extra time just in case we need to run at reduced speeds.
• Know where to get help – If you're unsure where help points or staff are located at a station, check the signage or ask a member of the team.
• Take extra care with children and older passengers – Hot weather can affect vulnerable travellers more quickly, so make sure they have water, shade and a seat where possible.

Let’s all enjoy the sunshine safely, and thank you for choosing to travel with us this summer.

How hot weather can disrupt the railway.

When temperatures rise, it can sometimes cause disruption on the railway. Things like overhead wires can expand, rails can get too hot and buckle, and prolonged dry spells can even cause cracks beneath the track.

That’s why we work closely with Network Rail to monitor conditions and keep services running safely. On particularly hot days, we may need to run trains at slower speeds to protect the track and avoid any damage.

As always, it’s a good idea to check before you travel – you’ll find live updates on how your train is running further down this page.

You can find out more about how hot weather affects the railway and the work the industry does during hot weather on the National Rail website.