Public Transport in London at Christmas

If you’re going to be visiting London over Christmas, be aware that the public transport system goes into a kind of semi-hibernation during the holiday period, with some major changes in service.

Full details are available on the Transport for London website, but here are some of the main changes to keep in mind if you’re planning to (try and) get around town throughout the holidays.

CHRISTMAS EVE
24 DECEMBER

London Underground There’s a regular Sunday service normal Sunday closing times.
Buses A Sunday service, no night buses, and buses on the 24-hour routes will run until just after midnight
Docklands Light Railway Will have a revised Sunday service
Victoria Coach Station Reduced evening service – the last coaches will leave at 9pm
National Rail Reduced night service – the last trains will leave at 10pm

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CHRISTMAS DAY
25 DECEMBER

London Underground No services, all stations closed
Buses No daytime or night buses
Docklands Light Railway No service
Tramlink No service
Riverboats No service
National Rail No service
Gatwick Express Replacement coaches available between Victoria and Gatwick
Heathrow Express Replacement coaches available between Heathrow and Paddington
Taxis If you can find an available black cab, add an extra £4 holiday charge to the fare

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BOXING DAY
26 DECEMBER

London Underground There will be a reduced train frequency on all lines, the first trains in central London will be around 8:30am, there’s a Sunday schedule. Be aware that many stations will be closed all day.
Buses A Sunday service will operate from around 8:30am.
Docklands Light Railway Will operate a reduced service on all routes.
National Rail Only a very limited service will operate.
Tramlink A Sunday service will operate from 8:30am.
Riverboats Some services will available.
Tourist Bus The Big Bus Company and The Original Tour will be be open for business.
Gatwick Express Coaches will replace trains on this service.
Heathrow Express There will be an amended train service operating from Paddington.
Stansted Express A half-hourly train service will run.