Rail travellers from Luton and Bedfordshire will have to change trains if they plan to go through London to Gatwick Airport or Brighton at the weekend.

Work on the Thameslink route means that there will be no trains through central London on either Saturday or Sunday, August 16 and 17.

Travellers have been advised to allow at least 40 minutes to cross central London by either tube of buses. When the tube is not running buses will be operating.

Trains will still be running into St Pancras International to and from Beds and from London Bridge southbound.

Train operator First Capital Connect say they will be running two trains per hour in both directions between Moorgate and Bedford calling at Farringdon, St Pancras International, West Hampstead Thameslink and all stations between St Albans and Bedford inclusive.

FCC adds that a further two trains per hour will operate in both directions between Moorgate and Bedford calling at all stations. These arrangements may be subject to alteration in the early morning and late evening.

In addition, FCC says the 2310 Bedford to Brighton service and the 2337 Brighton to Bedford service on Friday evening/Saturday morning will not be calling at London Bridge station

The Thameslink programme of work involves work at stations across the route. There will be no trains through central London during the weekends of August 23 and 24, 25 and 30 and later in the year.

To confirm the current situation and for further information on the above changes, please click here.

For the latest news on the Thameslink Programme click here.