Piccadilly Line Closed 26 to 27 September: How to Reach Heathrow

The Piccadilly line is closed from Cockfosters to Uxbridge on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, and the eastern Central line is shut the same weekend, according to Transport for London’s planned closures list published on 18 September.

For anyone flying in or out of Heathrow that weekend, the question is how to reach the airport. TfL’s list does not name the Heathrow branch, and there are workable routes, set out below.

The closure also runs through the Friday and Saturday Night Tube, so the change starts late on Friday 25 September. Deep Arrival covered last weekend’s District, Piccadilly and DLR disruption, and this is the next weekend in the same upgrade run.

Piccadilly Line Closed Cockfosters to Uxbridge

TfL lists the Piccadilly line closure as Cockfosters to Uxbridge, across Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September. That takes in the line’s central London core, including the stations between King’s Cross and Hammersmith that visitors use most.

The closure includes the Friday and Saturday Night Tube. In practice, that means no Piccadilly trains on this section from late Friday until the start of service on Monday morning.

Construction Magazine, which published the weekend’s list on 19 September, says the closure is part of the continuing upgrade that is preparing the line for its new trains.

The Uxbridge end of the line is also covered by the Metropolitan line between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge, which is the route Construction Magazine suggests for that stretch.

Three Ways to Reach Heathrow That Weekend

The closure is listed as Cockfosters to Uxbridge. The Heathrow branch splits from that route at Acton Town and is not on TfL’s list, and Construction Magazine reports that trains continue between Acton Town and Heathrow.

District line to Acton Town. From central London, take the District line west to Acton Town, then change for a Piccadilly train on the Heathrow branch. It is slower than a direct Piccadilly ride, so allow extra time.

Elizabeth line. The Elizabeth line runs from central London to Heathrow. On Sunday it has its own work in the west, set out in the next section, so check the timing before relying on it early that morning.

Heathrow Express. The Heathrow Express from Paddington is run separately from TfL and does not appear on TfL’s closure list. It costs more than the Tube.

Whichever route you use, add time on top of your usual airport buffer. Rail replacement works, diversions and busier trains all add minutes, and TfL’s own advice is to check before you travel.

Getting Around Central London Without It

Most central Piccadilly line stops share a station with another line, so the closure changes the route more than whether you can get there.

For King’s Cross St Pancras, the Victoria and Northern lines run as normal on TfL’s list. The Northern line also reaches Leicester Square, and the Victoria line reaches Green Park.

For South Kensington and its museums, and for Earl’s Court, the District and Circle lines stop at both. Covent Garden is a short walk from Leicester Square.

Plan the change before you set off, not on the platform. A route that is normally one direct Piccadilly ride may need one change that weekend.

Elizabeth Line Changes on Sunday Morning

The Elizabeth line has a separate closure on Sunday 27 September.

TfL lists no service between West Drayton and Maidenhead until 08:15, followed by a reduced service between Paddington and Maidenhead and at Heathrow Terminal 4 after 08:15.

That matters most for early Sunday flights from Terminal 4. For Terminals 2, 3 and 5, the Heathrow branch of the Elizabeth line is not listed as closed, but a reduced service west of Paddington can still mean longer waits.

For a very early Sunday departure, the District and Piccadilly route via Acton Town, or a taxi, may be the steadier option.

Central Line Shut East of Liverpool Street

The Central line has its own weekend closure, on the eastern side of London.

From Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 September, TfL lists the Central line as closed between Liverpool Street and Woodford and Newbury Park, including during the Saturday Night Tube.

On Friday 25 September, there is a Night Tube only closure from Marble Arch to Loughton and to Hainault via Newbury Park.

That section includes Stratford, the stop for Westfield and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Construction Magazine points to the Elizabeth line, Greater Anglia trains and buses as the alternatives.

The Other Weekend Closures on TfL’s List

Several shorter closures are also listed for Sunday 27 September.

The DLR is closed between Tower Gateway and Shadwell. The Weaver line is closed between Liverpool Street and Chingford until 10:15. The Windrush line is closed between Wandsworth Road and Clapham Junction until 09:00.

The Lioness line is closed between Euston and Kilburn High Road until 12:00 and after 20:30. The Mildmay line is closed between Camden Road and Stratford after 22:15.

None of these is long, but a Sunday morning journey across London may meet more than one.

How to Check Before You Travel

TfL’s planned closures list is the official source for which sections are shut and when. It is marked as correct at 18 September 2026, and plans can change.

For the fuller weekend picture, including suggested alternatives, see Construction Magazine’s list for 26 to 27 September.

On the day, TfL’s status page and journey planner show what is actually running. For a flight, check the morning of travel, not the night before.

This month’s rail problems around Heathrow are not only planned work. Deep Arrival also reported the Paddington rail fire disruption earlier in September.