To go to Portsmouth by train today?

[Bestseller]

It's a long planned trip to attend an event. We're due to leave Waterloo at 9:30 and return on the 17:45. Trains booked weeks ago.

However, there's industrial action on Sothwestern and an amended timetable.

Our trains are still there (although I know seat bookings unlikely to stand and will be crowded) but how likely are things to run to the new timetable?

I'm going with a male friend (both married) and whilst everyone's accepting and relaxed about our friendship, an impromptu overnight stay might not be well received!!

What do you think, will we get home?

I think you’ll be fine. Do you take the train often? I used to commute to London from the SW and trains always run in some capacity (unless line is completely blocked). You’ll get a train back to London unless there’s some sort of natural disaster or something. You may just have to stand and it may be miserable. I’ve been delayed 4 hours before but never stuck overnight anywhere. Worst case scenario, you get a bus if it gets too late.

Thank you, we do a similar trip (on various train lines) about once a month and have never had any trouble at all. We used to drive but then discovered booking early and a railcard and have been amazed at how cheap, reliable and hassle free train travel is.

I think you will be fine, they tend to run on time-ish but just busier. If you get on at Waterloo as soon as they announce the platform (usually in the middle platforms) and go towards the other end of the train it will be less busy.

If you're planning to return on the 17.45 I can't believe you won't get home. If you'd said the 22.45 it might be a bit different.

You might find the 17.45 crowded with football fans.

There are no seat reservations on the direct line. Look at live updates and if it’s cancelled move to Victoria and go via Gatwick and Horsham. You’d need to change at Fratton as it’s a Southampton train but only takes about 20 minutes more.

I don’t know about Portsmouth but on the SW bit nearest me there often end up being a bus replacement. If you are ok with potentially doing part of the trip by bus, defo go for it. (FWIW I am fine doing part by bus on my own but very much not fine if I have my DC with me, they are both under 3 and I get anxious about car seats). You’ll certainly get there (at some point) and be able to get back (again, at some point), so should be fine.

Worst case scenario would be a bus replacement and it's not a long journey. You won't need a hotel, don't worry.

If your train gets cancelled going back you could get to Chichester and take the London Victoria train from there. There's a lot of options. I'd be amazed if there wasn't a fix.

Which station is the 17:45 leaving from? Portsmouth are playing at home today