Rail commuters have been urged to travel as early as possible as services end earlier than usual due to strike action.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern and Thameslink services, said that trains later this afternoon will be extremely busy, with some Sussex services ending as early as 5pm.

The disruption for rail passengers comes as thousands of RMT workers begin the first day of strikes, with further walk-outs set to take place tomorrow, Friday and Saturday.

What time are the last trains today?

  • 16.54 - Brighton to London Bridge
  • 17.35 - London Bridge to Brighton
  • 17.37 - Gatwick Airport to Wiveslfield, Burgess Hill, Hassocks, Preston Park
  • 17.40 - Brighton to Gatwick Airport, London Victoria
  • 17.50 - London Victoria to Brighton
  • 18.05 - London Bridge to Gatwick Airport
  • 18.07 - Gatwick Airport to Balcombe, Haywards Heath
  • 18.09 - Brighton to Hove
  • 18.22 - Gatwick Airport to Brighton

Only trains along the Brighton to London main line, as well as services between Brighton and Hove, are in operation on strike days by the RMT.

However, all services across Sussex will be suspended on Thursday as members of the union ASLEF, which make up 96 per cent of all train drivers in Great Britain, take industrial action.

A spokesman for GTR urged people only to travel if absolutely necessary and to expect severe disruption.

He said: “The railway will operate limited opening hours with services starting later than normal and finishing in the late afternoon.

“Some stations will not be served on strike days.

“Please check your first and last trains carefully, as there will be no alternative travel outside of these services.”