Public Transport in London over Christmas and New Year
Public transport in London during the Christmas season remains restricted. But that’s not the problem; the problem actually is traveling without a plan and finding yourself stuck on your way to grandma, family, friends, or shopping.
So, use this handy guide to public transport in London during the festive season and plan your journey in advance to avoid the hassle.
Most Services Will Run
Throughout the period of Saturday 20 December 2025 to Monday 5 January 2026, most of London’s transport network – Tube, buses, trams, Overground, DLR, and Elizabeth line – will be running full service. TfL is aware that London never sleeps, especially not at Christmas — so they’ll help keep the city moving.
But there will be some scheduled engineering works and timetable changes, so a bit of forward planning doesn’t go amiss.
Transport in London during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
On Christmas Eve, service will ramp down a little earlier than normal, with the last trains and buses leaving around midnight. If you are travelling late, check your route again to avoid being stranded in an empty Tube station.
On Christmas Day, the day when London really stops, the public transport shuts down completely, except taxis, ride-hailing apps, and Santander Cycles—if you don’t mind pedaling to get to Christmas lunch.
Boxing Day and Beyond
Services then resume on Boxing Day (26 December) but with reduced timetables on most networks. Also, expect the closure of a few stations due to ongoing engineering work. The good news? Many of the city’s major shopping districts and attractions are easily accessible, and the Tube is relatively less busy than normal until the afternoon.
From 27 - 30 December, TfL will be back to near-normal, although there may still be some planned works affecting routes.
Please note that Greater Anglia and c2c services from Liverpool Street station will see multiple changes between December 27 and January 1. Likewise, train services into and out of London Waterloo station will be disrupted between 27 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. This is due to planned vital upgrades of the UK's busiest railways.
Also, Read: UK University Launches First “Super-University” in 2026
New Year’s Eve & the Day
On New Year's Eve in London, TfL normally operates transport 24 hours—including the Tube, London Overground, DLR, and bus routes—running overnight. So, you can reach home safely after the celebration.
On New Year’s Day, services begin a bit later than normal, and roads get busier due to parades and other events. Starting Jan. 2, everything begins getting back on schedule during normal weekdays — although some major engineering projects and line upgrades may cause disruptions through early January.
Some Useful Tips for Transport in London
- Check the recent updates on TfL’s official site, closer to your travel dates.
- Get the TfL Go live Tube map app for planning on the move.
- Keep your phone batteries charged and yourself packed properly.
Whether you’re going home, going out, or just enjoying the disco freak lights of the city, staying in family apartments in London lets you experience the festive rhythm of the capital in comfort and style.
Coming to London with Family?
If you’re traveling to London with your family during the Christmas season, you’d love booking a cosy London apartments vacation rental (apartment hotel). At these boutique spaces, you’ll get more value for your budget, with all the amenities, flexibility, and home-like comforts your family will need.
If you’re planning to stay in and around Kensington (which brings a mesmerizing mix of culture, calm, and Christmas sparkle), you can book Presidential serviced apartments near Kensington, London, to experience a luxury stay at a budget. These rental furnished apartments are located near bus transport, train station, and airports. Popular neighbourhoods include Kensington and Chelsea, the West End, and Westminster Borough.
It’s gonna be so much Christmas and New Year fun in London! So, book your apartment now to grab the best deal.
