Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that most of its services will operate throughout the festive period, from Saturday 20 December 2025 to Monday 5 January
2026, helping millions of passengers travel across the capital during one of the busiest times of the year. However, planned closures and service changes will affect parts of the network.
While services will run on Christmas Eve, they will finish earlier than usual. As in previous years, the majority of public transport will not operate on Christmas Day, with further disruptions expected on parts of the network on Boxing Day, including the Elizabeth line. A Sunday service will run on the London Underground, buses and trams on Boxing Day.
TfL is advising customers to plan journeys in advance using the Journey Planner or the free TfL Go app to avoid last-minute disruptions.
Services across the network will operate through the night on New Year’s Eve, although stations in central London may close at short notice to manage crowds. Several bus routes will also be diverted from midday due to road closures. Passengers without tickets for the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are advised not to travel to the Victoria Embankment area and to consider celebrating elsewhere or watching the event live on BBC One.
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) will run a reduced and amended service between Saturday 13 December and Sunday 4 January to protect older rolling stock and support the reintroduction of new trains. Key changes include:
- 13 December – 4 January: 2-car services between Bank and Lewisham
- 22 December – 2 January: Saturday timetable on weekdays
- Boxing Day: Reduced service
- New Year’s Eve: 15-minute service on Bank–Lewisham
- New Year’s Day: Sunday service
- 5 January: Full service resumes
Victoria Coach Station, Dial-a-Ride, taxi and private hire services, Santander Cycles and rental e-scooters will operate throughout the festive period, including Christmas Day. Walking and cycling routes will remain largely open, except on New Year’s Eve when certain bridges and roads will close to support fireworks operations. The IFS Cloud Cable Car will be open every day except Christmas Day.
The Congestion Charge will be suspended from Thursday 25 December to Thursday 1 January, resuming on Friday 2 January 2026. The ULEZ will remain in force throughout the period, including Christmas Day. Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnel charges will apply as normal, except on Christmas Day.
Claire Mann, Transport for London's Chief Operating Officer, said: 'London truly sparkles at this time of year, and we're delighted to help everyone experience the incredible entertainment, culture, shops, and celebrations the capital has to offer. TfL services remain the easiest, safest, and greenest way to get around and make the most of the season.
'While the majority of the network will be running throughout the festive period, there will be some planned works and service changes, so we encourage customers to check before they travel and plan ahead for a smooth journey.'
TfL is also reminding passengers to travel safely during the festive season, particularly when using stairs and escalators or travelling after drinking alcohol. Its Safer Travel at Night and Travel Kind campaigns continue to promote courtesy and safe behaviour, including the use of headphones when listening to music or content on public transport.
Contactless and Oyster users will continue to benefit from pay-as-you-go fares, while the Mayor’s £1.75 Hopper fare allows unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour.
Motorists are advised to plan journeys carefully, as roadworks and diversions may be in place in central London. Passengers using National Rail services should also check for engineering works at www.nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/christmas
Full details of all TfL festive service changes are available at tfl.gov.uk/christmas-travel. Photo by Peter Trimming, Wikimedia commons.