Christmas in London 2022: will there be any interruption to travel in London over Christmas and Boxing Day?

As Londoners start planning their escape routes during one of the busiest commuting times of the year, the Christmas break, there is always the question of whether public transport will run a skeletal service across their services. Transport For London have recently issued their travel advice ahead of Christmas and Boxing Day 2022.

The organisation has stated that despite some routine work taking place on the rail and road system, most services would be running as normal from December 23 to January 3 2023 as far as they’re concerned, with a notable exception being Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2022 itself.

In their advice to potential commuters looking to leave London on Christmas Day, Transport For London have confirmed that the only transport running would be taxis and private hire services, Santander Cycles, coaches, Dial-a-Ride (for registered members only) and electric scooter rental trials in some London Boroughs.

Those using the London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, Elizabeth line, London Overground and London Trams will also see services finishing earlier than usual on Christmas Eve, though what time those services will cease will be confirmed closer to the time.

The period between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day will also have some services affected but that these would be confirmed closer to the time. Transport For London have advised all passengers using the bus, tube or overground rail service to check the TfL Journey Planner for more updated information closer to the Christmas Day to New Years Day schedule.

There will be a partial closure to the Bakerloo Line and London Overground from December 17but this is set to be completed by Friday December 23, 2022 - the final Friday before Christmas Day arrives in the capital.

For drivers in London, despite the threat of heavy traffic as ever when it comes to public holidays, there have been some allowances made for not wishing to use public transport. London’s Congestion Charge will not be in effect between Christmas Day and January 2 2022, while the Ultra Low Emissions Zone will also not operate on Christmas Day 2022.

The Low Emission Zone in London however will be in effect and per the usual advice to drivers that are on the road during public holidays, official advice from Transport for London is to aim to quiet during quieter times to avoid road congestion in the capital.