Richmond commuters Piccadilly line will find no trains running between Cockfosters and Uxbridge this coming weekend, 1 and 2 August, as Transport for London prepares the track for its new fleet. If you rely on the line for weekend trips into town or connections to Heathrow, you will need to plan alternative routes through South Kensington or use London Overground and National Rail services from Richmond station instead.
The closure is part of ongoing upgrade work ahead of new trains entering service between December 2026 and June 2026.
Which sections are affected
No service between two key stretches
The Piccadilly line will have no trains running between Cockfosters and Uxbridge on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August. TfL is continuing infrastructure work to accommodate the new rolling stock, which requires track and signalling upgrades across multiple sections of the line. The closures affect the entire western branch of the line beyond Acton Town, meaning anyone travelling from Richmond towards Heathrow or Uxbridge will need to use alternative routes.
The disruption is concentrated on the weekend, leaving weekday commutes unaffected for now.
Your alternative routes from Richmond
Plan via South Kensington or use National Rail
If you normally take the District line from Richmond to connect with the Piccadilly at South Kensington or Hammersmith, both those interchange points will still give you access to central London sections of the Piccadilly line. For Heathrow, the Elizabeth line from Paddington or the Heathrow Express remain your fastest options, though you will need to reach Paddington first. London Overground services from Richmond to Clapham Junction also connect you to Victoria and the wider network. TfL recommends allowing extra journey time and checking live updates before you travel.
Weekend engineering work is the price of long-term reliability, but your usual route still has several workable alternatives.
What this means for you
If you have weekend plans that rely on the Piccadilly line between Cockfosters and Uxbridge on 1 or 2 August, check your route now using the TfL Go app or Journey Planner. From Richmond, your best alternatives are the District line to South Kensington for onward Piccadilly connections into central London, or National Rail services to Waterloo and Clapham Junction for wider connections. For Heathrow, plan to use the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express from Paddington. Allow at least 20 extra minutes for any journey that would normally involve the western Piccadilly branches.
The weekend closure is part of TfL’s preparation for new trains due later in 2026, bringing long-term improvements to capacity and reliability. Check your specific route before you travel and build in extra time for connections.
Frequently asked questions
Will the District line from Richmond be affected?
- No, the District line will run as normal. You can still travel from Richmond to South Kensington, where the Piccadilly line towards central London will be operating.
How do I get to Heathrow from Richmond during the closure?
- Take the District line or London Overground to reach Paddington, then use the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express. Alternatively, travel to Waterloo and take South Western Railway services to Feltham, then the 285 bus to Heathrow, though this takes considerably longer.
Are there more closures planned for August?
- The source mentions further disruption later in the month, but specific dates have not yet been confirmed by TfL. Check the TfL website or sign up for service alerts for the Piccadilly line to receive advance notice.
When will the new Piccadilly line trains start running?
- TfL expects the new fleet to enter service between December 2026 and June 2026. The current weekend closures are part of the track and signalling work required before the new trains can operate.
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