London transport at Christmas and New Year 2026

During the Christmas and New Year period in London, the Tube, buses, trains and other forms of public transport do not always follow their usual timetables. Changes are particularly significant between 24 December and 1 January, with public transport almost completely suspended on Christmas Day.

Does public transport run in London over Christmas and New Year?

25 December is the main day to plan ahead for: regular public transport is almost completely suspended in London. On other days, the situation varies depending on the network.

Details of TfL services over Christmas and New Year 2026 are generally confirmed closer to the festive period. Check the timetable for your specific line and travel date before setting off.

Transport in London on 24 December

On 24 December, public transport runs in London, but some services begin to finish earlier in the evening. This is particularly important if you are planning a dinner, show, Christmas service or journey to an airport.

On the national rail network, National Rail confirms that on 24 December 2026, many trains will finish earlier than usual. Normal weekday timetables are therefore not a reliable guide for Christmas Eve.

If you are spending Christmas Eve in the capital, our guide to London on 24 December also covers activities, attractions and events taking place that day.

Transport in London on 25 December

Christmas Day is the most difficult day of the year for getting around London. Regular public transport is suspended, so do not rely on the Tube, buses, trams or trains for your journeys.

National Rail confirms that no rail services run on 25 December 2026. The Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express will not operate that day either.

Your main alternatives are walking, taxis, private-hire vehicles or certain private services operating on Christmas Day. Availability may be limited and fares can be higher than on a normal day.

Can you travel to an airport on 25 December?

Flying on 25 December requires some extra planning. The usual rail connections to London's airports may be suspended: in 2026, this includes the Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express to Heathrow.

For Gatwick, Stansted, Luton or Heathrow, check the options available for your airport and book well in advance if you need to use a taxi, private-hire vehicle, coach or private transfer.

If you are staying in the capital, our guide to London on 25 December will help you plan this unusual day, when most attractions, shops and public transport are closed.

Transport in London on 26 December (Boxing Day)

Public transport gradually resumes on 26 December, but services remain limited and vary considerably between networks.

On the national rail network, National Rail states that in 2026, most train operators will not run any services on 26 December. A limited number of operators may run some services, with further details still to be confirmed.

The Elizabeth line will not operate on 26 December 2026.

The Tube, buses and other TfL services may also follow special timetables. Exact arrangements should be checked once TfL has published its final plans for the festive period.

Transport in London on 31 December

On 31 December, London's transport network may operate special timetables, with service changes and restrictions around busy areas during New Year's Eve celebrations.

Stations close to the main celebrations may temporarily close, operate as exit-only or entry-only stations, or become particularly busy.

If you are attending New Year's Eve celebrations, check both your outward and return journeys on the day and keep an alternative route in mind in case a station closes.

Is public transport free in London on New Year's Eve?

Do not assume that public transport is free on the evening of 31 December. Free travel has been offered in some previous years, but it is not a permanent arrangement. Any free-travel scheme must be officially announced for the relevant year.

Transport in London on 1 January

1 January is a bank holiday in the UK. Special or reduced timetables may apply, and engineering works are regularly scheduled during the festive period.

Timetables and closures can vary from one line to another. If you need to take a long-distance train or travel to an airport, check the arrangements of the relevant operator separately.

Tube, buses, Overground, Elizabeth line and trains: what are the differences?

Not all forms of transport in London necessarily follow the same timetable over the festive period. A Tube line may be running while a nearby rail service is suspended.

• London Underground: London's Tube network is operated by TfL.
• Buses: special bus timetables may differ from Tube services.
• DLR and trams: their services should also be checked separately.
• London Overground: closures or special timetables may apply depending on the line.
• Elizabeth line: its timetable can differ from the Tube; in particular, it will not operate on 25 or 26 December 2026.
• National Rail: train services are operated by several companies and are heavily affected by Christmas closures and engineering works.

The former name TfL Rail, which still appears in some guides, is no longer used: the services concerned have been incorporated into the Elizabeth line.

How to check your journey over Christmas and New Year

For the Tube, buses, DLR, trams, London Overground and Elizabeth line, check Transport for London information before travelling. TfL's journey planner allows you to search for a route for a specific date and time.

For trains, use National Rail and also check information from the company operating your service. Over the festive period, timetables may continue to change as engineering works and special services are confirmed.

On 24 December, do not just check your departure time: make sure your connections and the last train on your route are running too.

FAQ: transport in London at Christmas and New Year

Does the Tube run in London on 25 December?

No. Regular public transport is suspended on Christmas Day. Do not plan to travel by Tube on 25 December.

Do buses run in London on Christmas Day?

Regular TfL buses do not run on 25 December. If you need to travel, arrange an alternative in advance.

Do trains run on 25 December?

No. National Rail confirms that no rail services run on 25 December 2026.

Does public transport run on 24 December?

Yes, but services may finish earlier than usual. National Rail has confirmed that many rail services will finish early on 24 December 2026.

Does public transport run on 26 December?

Some public transport resumes on 26 December, but services remain limited. On the national rail network, most operators will not run on 26 December 2026 and the Elizabeth line will be closed.

Can you get to Heathrow by public transport on 25 December?

The main regular rail connections do not operate: the Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express will not run on 25 December 2026. If you have a flight, check the other options available and arrange your transfer in advance.

Is public transport free in London on 31 December?

Not necessarily. Free public transport on New Year's Eve has been offered in some previous years, but it is not a permanent arrangement. Check TfL announcements for the year of your visit.

Does the Night Tube run over Christmas?

Night Tube services depend on the date and the special timetable in place over the festive period. Regular TfL services do not operate on 25 December. For other nights, check the timetable published for the relevant year.

Summary

Between 24 December and 1 January, expect reduced timetables, earlier finishes and closures on some London transport networks. 25 December is the main day to plan ahead for, as regular public transport is suspended.

On 24 December, travel earlier and keep the last service of the day in mind. On 26 December, services resume only partially, particularly on the rail network. For 31 December and 1 January, check the information published by TfL and National Rail shortly before travelling.