Extra trains planned for King’s Coronation but travellers warned that central London will be extremely busy

A swathe of additional trains and extra carriages is being laid on for the weekend of the King’s Coronation but those travelling are being advised to allow plenty of time for their journeys.

With around 1.2 million people expected to line the streets of London on Saturday 6 May for the procession to Westminster Abbey, Great Western Railway is to provide extra very early morning trains from South Wales, Devon and Cornwall and in London and the Thames Valley to take customers into central London. An hourly, overnight service is being provided Friday into Saturday.

GWR Sales and Marketing Director Amanda Burns said:

“The Coronation really will be a one-off event for so many people, and one that showcases Great Britain on the global stage.

“We are incredibly proud to be able to serve the communities that we do across the south west and Wales, and we will be pulling out all the stops to help those who wish to travel to the capital to do so.

“Trains will however be really busy, so please do check your journey in advance, and allow plenty of time.”  

GWR will also operate as many trains as possible on the Windsor branch line, between Slough and  Windsor, for ticket-holders to coronation concert. This will increase services from two to three-per-hour, as  well as adding extra carriages. A queueing system will however be in place at Slough and for return journeys from Windsor to ensure well-wishers can board trains safely.

After the big event on Saturday, up to 30,000 people are expected to be at Windsor on the Sunday night for a concert within the grounds of the castle. Once again, GWR will operate extra late night/early morning services between Windsor and Slough and between London Paddington and Reading. Those travelling are being warned to expect to have to queue in the designated area to board trains safely.

For more information please visit www.gwr.com/coronation.