Tips for Travellers in 2024-2025

Planning a trip to London over the holidays? It’s important to know how public transport operates from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve to avoid inconvenience. This article will give you all the latest information, including airport transfers and using taxi services like Uber.

Christmas Eve (24 December)

Public transport will operate on a reduced schedule from the evening. Night buses and the Night Tube (night underground) will not operate. Be sure to complete your journey early to avoid problems.

Christmas Day (25 December)

No public transport operates on Christmas Day. The Tube, buses, trams, trains and all other forms of transport will be closed. Your only transport options are taxis, private hire vehicles, and services such as Uber, Bolt and FreeNow.

Uber and other services will operate, but demand will be high, increasing wait times and prices. It's wise to book in advance or check availability early on Christmas morning.

Boxing Day (26 December)

A Sunday service will be available on underground and buses. However, some lines may be closed due to maintenance work and this year this will include the Elizabeth line. Always check the official TFL website for live updates and timetables before you travel.

The Gatwick Express, Stansted Express and Heathrow Express operate on reduced schedules. Be sure to check availability before planning any airport transfer.

New Year’s Eve (31 December)

Public transport generally runs longer to allow people to celebrate the New Year. There is often free travel overnight on TFL services, but this is yet to be confirmed for 2024-2025.

Stations near celebration sites may be temporarily closed due to crowds, such as those near Westminster for fireworks.

New Year's Day (1 January)

Public transport services are available, but with a reduced timetable. Due to maintenance work on some lines, there may be delays or cancellations. Always check the latest updates and timetables.

Getting to and from London's Airports During the Holidays

London Heathrow

There are no Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line services running on Christmas Day. The only option is to take a taxi, Uber or private transport. Also note there is no Heathrow Express on the 26th to 29th either due to maintenance work.

Services resume on Boxing Day, but with a reduced timetable. Always check for updates.

London Gatwick

The Gatwick Express doesn’t operate on Christmas Day, so as with Heathrow, your only option is a taxi or Uber.

The train will resume on Boxing Day with reduced service.

London Stansted

Similar to Gatwick, no Stansted Express trains run on Christmas Day, but services resume on Boxing Day with limited operations.

London Luton

Again, no public transport on Christmas Day, with limited services from Boxing Day.

Taxi Services (Uber, Bolt, FreeNow)

Services such as Uber, Bolt and FreeNow will continue to operate over the festive period, including Christmas, but keep in mind:

• Prices will be higher due to increased demand, particularly over Christmas and New Year.
• Longer waiting times. Not all drivers operate on these days, so plan your journey in advance.
• Book in advance. Some apps allow you to pre-book a car for a specific time.

Travelling in London over the Christmas and New Year period requires extra planning. With no public transport on Christmas Day and reduced services on other days, it’s important to be prepared. Services such as Uber can be a good option, but expect high fares. Always check the latest information before you travel to avoid any problems.