Public transport in London at Christmas

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

CHRISTMAS EVE SUNDAY 24 DECEMBER
London Underground There’s a regular Sunday service with the normal Sunday closing times.
Buses A Sunday service, no Night buses, and buses on the 24 hour routes will run to just after midnight
Docklands Light Railway Will have a revised Sunday service
Victoria Coach Station There’s a reduced service from early evneing, the last coaches will leave at 9pm
National Rail Most of the operators will have a reduced service, the last trains will leave at 10pm.

CHRISTMAS DAY MONDAY 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 Has replacement coaches between Victoria and Gatwick.
Heathrow Express Has replacement coaches between Heathrow and Paddington.
Taxis If you can find one the black cabs add an extra £4 Christmas Day charge to the fare.

BOXING DAY TUESDAY 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 finish and 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 Comapnay and The Original Tour will be be open for business.
Gatwick Express Coaches will replace trains on this service.
Heathrow Express They’ll be an amended train service operating from Paddington.
Stansted Express A half hourly train service will run.

WEDNESDAY 27-FRIDAY 29 DECEMBER.
A Saturday service will be running on the London Underground, Bus, Docklands Light Railway and Tramlink systems. National Rail will have a modified timetable in operation. Riverboats will operate close to normal. On the Gatwick Express and Stansted Express coaches will replace trains.

You won’t have to pay the Congestion Charge for driving into central London between 23 December-1 January.