Christmas in London 2022: Will TfL services run over the festive period?

Transport for London (TfL) has said it will keep most of its services running throughout the festive period but is advising customers to plan journeys ahead.

Over the Christmas and New Year period between December 23 and January 2 2023 most TfL public transport will be open, except for Christmas Day.

However there will be some planned works and closures which will impact the Elizabeth line and the London Overground and some services will be impacted by industrial action on Network Rail.

Travel on Christmas Day

TfL says there will be no service on the majority of public transport on Christmas Day and no services on some parts of the network on Boxing Day​.

Night Tube and Night Overground services will also not operate on Saturday December 24.

Planned closures

The Elizabeth line will be fully suspended between Whitechapel and Shenfield between December 25 and January 2.

London Overground will be suspended on all routes from Liverpool Street to Enfield, Cheshunt and Chingford and will also be suspended between Romford and Upminster due to Network Rail track maintenance works during this period.

Liverpool Street mainline station will also be closed.

The Bakerloo line will be fully suspended between Queen’s Park and Harrow & Wealdstone from December 17 to 23.

London Overground will be fully suspended between Euston and Watford Junction during this period.

Customers are advised that additional bus services on routes 718, 719, and 720 will be in place.

Strike action

Industrial action by Network Rail staff will also affect the network, particularly on the London Overground, Elizabeth line and District and Bakerloo line services as they share Network Rail infrastructure.

During the strike action, there will be a reduced service on London Overground and the Elizabeth line will revert to running as three separate railways rather than running direct through London.

During this time, strike action is also expected on train operating companies in and around the capital, which may affect customers travelling into London.

Customers are advised to check the TfL website for full details: tfl.gov.uk/strikes

Network Rail strikes are scheduled for December 13,14, 16, 17 and December 24 to 27.

There will also be strikes on January 3, 4, 6 and 7.

Action short of a strike on train operating companies between December 18 and January 2 may also affect services.

Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “Most of London’s transport network will remain open over the festive season to help everyone make the most of the city, but customers are asked to check before they travel as some essential planned works and Network Rail industrial action will be taking place.

“We will be welcoming everyone with cheer as we do all we possibly can to ensure that everyone can travel safely and smoothly.”

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "This latest round of strikes will show how important our members are to the running of this country and will send a clear message that we want a good deal on job security, pay and conditions for our people.

"We have been reasonable, but it is impossible to find a negotiated settlement when the dead hand of the government is presiding over these talks.

"In the meantime, our message to the public is we are sorry to inconvenience you, but we urge you to direct your anger and frustration at the government and railway employers during this latest phase of action.”