Police carried out a controlled explosion near East Croydon station after a suspicious package was discovered.
The drama unfolded on Addiscombe Road, with bomb disposal experts and police rushing to the scene just after 4pm on Friday.
Commuters faced travel chaos as all trains through East Croydon were halted. Southern Rail warned passengers: "DO NOT TRAVEL" to the station.
By 5pm, the station and surrounding areas were cordoned off while specialists assessed the package.
Around 6pm, the all-clear was given after a controlled explosion was carried out "as a precaution".
A Met Police spokesperson said: "At about 16:07hrs on Friday, 20 September, police were made aware of a suspicious package in Addiscombe Road, Croydon. Members of the public were evacuated and safety cordons were put in place while specialist officers assessed the item.
"As a precaution, specialist teams have conducted a controlled explosion at the location. This incident has now been stood down and enquiries remain ongoing."
Normal service has since resumed at the station, but police investigations continue.
