London is wonderful at Christmas, with lights, markets and ice rinks across the city. But if you are travelling over the festive period, one fact matters more than any other: on Christmas Day, almost all public transport in London stops.
Christmas Day
On 25 December there are no Underground, bus, Overground, Elizabeth line, DLR or tram services, and no National Rail trains anywhere in the country. That includes the Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express. The only ways to get around are walking, cycling, licensed taxis and pre-booked private hire cars.
If you are flying on Christmas Day, visiting family across London or going out for Christmas lunch, you will need a car. Book well ahead: demand is high and the number of drivers working is lower than usual.
Christmas Eve and Boxing Day
On Christmas Eve, services usually finish early in the evening. Boxing Day has a reduced service: the Underground and buses run, but in recent years there has been no Elizabeth line service on Boxing Day, which affects journeys to Heathrow, and only a few National Rail services, mainly airport links such as the Stansted Express and Heathrow Express. Check TfL's Christmas travel page closer to the time for the exact 2026 arrangements.
Between Christmas and New Year
Most services run, but engineering works often close lines and major stations over the holiday period. In recent years these have included closures at big terminals such as Liverpool Street and Waterloo. If you have a train or flight to catch, check the plans for your route before you travel.
On New Year's Eve, TfL usually runs services through the night, but stations near the fireworks on the Thames are very crowded and some close for safety.
Driving in London over Christmas
The Congestion Charge usually does not apply between Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) still applies every day except Christmas Day. That matters if you are driving yourself; in a pre-booked car it is not something you need to think about.
Plan ahead
- Book early for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.
- Flying home on 25 or 26 December? Book your airport transfer when you book your flight.
- Visiting several family homes? Book the car by the hour rather than separate journeys.
- Christmas market and lights tour? Ask us about an evening bespoke tour of the lights.
Questions we are often asked
Does the Tube run on Christmas Day?
No. There are no Underground, bus, Overground, Elizabeth line, DLR or tram services in London on Christmas Day, and no National Rail trains. Taxis and pre-booked private hire cars are the only option.
Can I get to Heathrow on Christmas Day?
Not by public transport, as the Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line and Underground do not run. Book a private transfer well in advance.
What runs on Boxing Day?
A reduced Underground and bus service runs on Boxing Day, but recent years have had no Elizabeth line service and only a few National Rail trains. Check TfL's Christmas plans before you travel.
Do you work on Christmas Day?
Yes. We run transfers over Christmas and New Year, but demand is high, so please book as early as you can.
Is the price per person?
No. Our prices are per vehicle and agreed before you travel.