TfL Christmas travel advice 2025: Full list of Tube, DLR, Overground and bus service changes over festive period
TfL has announced how London’s Tube, buses, trams and DLR will run this Christmas, including early finishes on Christmas Eve, no Tube on Christmas Day and overnight services on New Year’s Eve.
Christmas in London is magical, with twinkling lights, Winter Wonderland, festive markets, the New Year’s Eve fireworks and the iconic London Parade.
And to help Londoners enjoy every mince pie, mulled wine and magical moment, Transport for London (TfL) has announced how services will run over the festive period, from Saturday 20 December 2025 to Monday 5 January 2026.
The headline? Most of the network will be running, but there are some key closures, early finishes and timetable changes that Londoners will need to plan around.
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day
Services will run on Christmas Eve, but everything will finish early, so anyone heading out for last-minute shopping or a festive drink should plan ahead.
As always, there will be no TfL services on Christmas Day, aside from Santander Cycles, rental e-scooters, Dial-a-Ride, taxis and private hire. Many parts of the network, including the Elizabeth line, will also be shut on Boxing Day, with a Sunday service running on London Underground, buses and trams.
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day
TfL is planning to keep London moving through the capital’s biggest night of the year. Most services will run all night, although some stations may close temporarily to manage crowds. Central London buses will also be diverted from midday due to road closures around the fireworks.
Londoners are being reminded not to travel to the Victoria Embankment area without a ticket for the Mayor’s New Year’s Eve fireworks — it always fills up fast. The rest of the city’s pubs, clubs and bars will be open as usual, and the fireworks will be broadcast live on BBC One.
Bikes, coaches and roads
Victoria Coach Station, Santander Cycles, rental e-scooters and Dial-a-Ride will all be available throughout the festive period, including Christmas Day. The IFS Cloud Cable Car will run every day except Christmas Day.
Driving? The Congestion Charge will be suspended from 25 December to 1 January, but the ULEZ, Silvertown Tunnel and Blackwall Tunnel charges will still apply (except on Christmas Day).
DLR festive service changes
The DLR will run a reduced timetable from 13 December to 4 January, giving TfL space to carry out essential work while demand is lower.
Changes include:
- 2-car trains on Bank–Lewisham throughout the period
- A Saturday timetable on weekdays (22 Dec – 2 Jan)
- Reduced Boxing Day service
- 15-minute Bank–Lewisham service on New Year’s Eve
- Sunday timetable on New Year’s Day
Check before you travel
TfL is urging passengers to use the TfL Go app and Journey Planner to avoid disruption, especially around engineering works on both TfL and National Rail services.
Chief Operating Officer Claire Mann said, “London truly sparkles at this time of year. TfL services remain the easiest, safest and greenest way to get around — but we encourage everyone to check before they travel and plan ahead.”
With busy services, TfL is also reminding customers to take care on escalators, avoid rushing, and use licensed taxis or pre-booked minicabs after nights out.
Whether you’re heading to Winter Wonderland, hitting the South Bank, or braving the January sales, this year’s festive timetable keeps London moving — as long as you plan wisely.