Major disruption to UK trains: How it affects tourists and travellers

Posted on November 2, 2025

The operator of London North East Railway (LNER) said that all lines under its control were closed on Saturday evening after a serious accident occurred on the line between Peterborough and London Kings Cross, UK.
The closure followed reports of several people being stabbed on board the LNER service.
The authorities treated this as a major incident. They don’t now see it as being linked to terrorism.

What happened

• The train left Doncaster at around 18:25 for London and stopped near Huntingdon after the attack was reported.
• The attack began shortly after leaving Peterborough.
• The road was immediately closed while police and emergency services responded.
• Two British men in their 30s have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
• Ten or more people were taken to hospital, some in life-threatening conditions.

Service outages and network impact

• The LNER has issued a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning for services along the East Coast Main Line.
• The station at Huntingdon remains closed, and there are alternative bus services between Huntingdon, St Neots and Peterborough.
• More police officers are being deployed on major railway lines and at stations to reassure passengers.

Advice for travelers

1. Check before traveling – Visit the LNER website or the National Rail Inquiries Portal for the latest updates on your route.
2. Allow extra time – If you have to travel between London and Peterborough (or interchange at Huntingdon), expect delays or cancellations.
3. Alternative flights – Consider avoiding the affected section completely. Use alternative bus or train routes where possible.
4. Flexibility of tickets – If your journey falls on the affected routes, keep your ticket – many operators will honor it for later travel.
5. Safety on board – Be alert, note the location of exits, and keep your cell phone charged in case you need to make an emergency call.
6. If you start from Huntingdon – Be aware that your station is still closed and you may need to travel to a nearby station to depart.

What does this mean moving forward?

The accident led to a review of high-speed road safety protocols. While no terrorist motive has been identified, the scale of the violence has raised concerns about security on board and emergency response. The government pledged to monitor developments and support railway operators as services recover.

Impact on tourism from train interruption

1. Uncertainty in travel
   Tourists planning to visit key UK destinations along the East Coast Main Line, such as London and Edinburgh, may experience delays or cancellations, affecting their plans and reducing overall travel comfort.
2. Access to popular attractions is disrupted
   Stopping trains at major hubs such as London King’s Cross and Peterborough may make it difficult for visitors to reach popular attractions such as the British Museum or Cambridge University, impacting sightseeing opportunities.
3. Decrease in regional tourism
   Rail line closures and halted services may deter travelers from exploring regional sites such as Huntingdon, adding to the challenge for local tourism businesses that rely on rail visitors for day trips and weekends.
4. Increased travel costs
   With disruptions and the availability of alternative means of transportation such as buses, tourists may incur additional costs. Delays and the need for alternative arrangements may result in an overall increase in travel expenses for tourists.
5. Low confidence in rail travel
   Constant service interruptions and concerns about safety on trains may make international and domestic tourists reluctant to travel by rail, and choose private or safer travel routes, reducing tourism revenues associated with rail transportation.
6. Impact on seasonal tourism
   As we approach the holiday season, train service disruptions could prevent tourists from visiting the UK. This could be particularly harmful to the tourism industry, which relies heavily on the end-of-year travel boom.

summary

A mass stabbing on an LNER train has led to the closure of the East Coast main line, halting all services and the arrest of two suspects. The station in Huntingdon remains closed. Alternative means of transportation are provided and additional security measures are implemented across the network. Passengers are advised to review their travel plans, allow additional time, and avoid the affected area if possible.