Putney faces its most complex transport weekend in recent memory over Easter: a District Line partial closure running all four days, no trains through Putney at all on Easter Sunday, Albert Bridge still shut to motor traffic, and 200,000 Boat Race spectators arriving on Saturday. Here is exactly what breaks, what still works, and how to get around.
The trains (SWR)
Easter Sunday (5 April) is the day to plan around. South Western Railway runs no trains through Putney on Sunday, with the Waterloo to Barnes line closed entirely. Replacement buses run between Clapham Junction and Barnes via Putney, but journey times will be significantly longer.
On Good Friday (3 April), Easter Saturday (4 April), and Easter Monday (6 April), trains do run through Putney – but Reading, Windsor, and Weybridge services all start from Clapham Junction rather than Waterloo. If you need those routes, factor in the change.
The tube (District Line)
The Wimbledon branch of the District Line is running normally over Easter, so Putney Bridge and East Putney stations have service toward Earl’s Court, Victoria, and central London throughout the bank holiday.
What is not running: the Whitechapel to Upminster section and the Earl’s Court to Kensington (Olympia) branch are both closed all four days. If you need to reach Canary Wharf or east London via the District Line, use a different route. The Hammersmith & City Line is also fully closed across all four days.
Check TfL’s journey planner before travelling to find the best alternative if your specific destination is affected.
The roads
Albert Bridge has been closed to motor traffic since February, adding pressure to Putney Bridge approach roads that was already the main diversion route. On Easter Saturday, that pressure reaches a new level.
Putney Embankment is closed to vehicles from 8:30am to 5pm on Saturday 4 April for the Boat Race, with the Women’s race at 2:21pm and the Men’s at 3:21pm. Lower Richmond Road and the Putney Bridge approach will be at maximum pressure through Saturday morning as the crowds arrive. If you need to drive anywhere on Saturday, do it early or leave it until the evening.
What still works
Despite the combination of closures, there are good options:
SWR from Putney station runs every day except Easter Sunday, with direct trains to Waterloo. For anyone at East Putney who finds the District Line disrupted for their particular destination, Putney station is about 500 metres away and offers six trains per hour to Waterloo during off-peak times.
Bus routes 22, 39, 74, 85, 93, 220, and 265 serve the area throughout Easter. Expect heavier-than-normal Saturday loads with the Boat Race crowd.
Putney Bridge remains open to cyclists and pedestrians throughout the bank holiday.
For up-to-date information on your specific journey, TfL’s journey planner will show Easter-specific routing. If you are coming to watch the Boat Race, our Boat Race day guide covers the best viewing spots and timings.
Putney.news has been tracking the series of transport disruptions hitting the area since early March.
