Waltham Cross fire halts trains to Liverpool Street and Stansted until 19:00
National Rail diverts services via Seven Sisters after London Fire Brigade orders all movements stopped
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A fire adjacent to railway tracks near Waltham Cross has halted all train services between Broxbourne and London terminals. National Rail confirmed the disruption will last until 18:00, affecting Greater Anglia and Stansted Express routes.
The London Fire Brigade ordered the suspension of all train movements in the area as a safety measure. Network Rail and emergency response teams are working to extinguish the fire and restore normal operations.
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Passengers face lengthy diversions
Services to London Liverpool Street, including the Stansted Express, are being diverted via Seven Sisters. This change adds significant time to journeys, particularly for those travelling to or from Stansted Airport.
National Rail stated that passengers heading to Stansted from London may take up to two hours and thirty minutes. The recommended route involves taking the Underground to King’s Cross St Pancras, then a Great Northern service to Cambridge, followed by a connection to the airport.
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Travellers from Stansted to London are advised to follow the same route in reverse. Trains between Hertford East and Stratford are operating from Liverpool Street instead, while services from Meridian Water to Stratford have been cancelled.
Ticket acceptance on alternative routes
National Rail is accepting tickets on all reasonable London Underground, London Overground, and bus services. Passengers can also use Great Northern trains between London and Cambridge, and Thameslink services from London St Pancras International to Cambridge.
Advance ticket holders whose booked services are cancelled may travel on earlier or later trains without additional cost. National Rail confirmed this arrangement in a statement to passengers.
What happens next
Network Rail and emergency services remain on site to manage the fire. National Rail has not provided an update on when services will resume beyond the expected 18:00 clearance time.
Passengers are advised to check National Rail’s website or app for real-time updates. Alternative travel options, including buses and Underground services, will continue to accept tickets until the disruption ends.
Questions this report answers
+How long will the train disruption last?
National Rail expects the disruption to continue until 18:00. The London Fire Brigade ordered the stop to all train movements near Waltham Cross, and emergency teams are working to resolve the situation.
+What is the quickest way to Stansted Airport from London now?
Passengers should take the Underground to King’s Cross St Pancras, then a Great Northern service to Cambridge, followed by a connection to Stansted. The journey may take up to two hours and thirty minutes.
+Can I use my train ticket on buses or the Underground?
Yes. National Rail is accepting tickets on all reasonable London Underground, London Overground, and bus services. This includes Great Northern and Thameslink routes to Cambridge.
+What if my advance train ticket is for a cancelled service?
Advance ticket holders can travel on earlier or later trains without additional cost. National Rail confirmed this arrangement for passengers affected by the disruption.
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