No Trains, No Tube? London’s Christmas & NYE Transport Disruptions + Airport Travel Explained

London at Christmas is magical, but festive travel needs planning. With station closures, amended timetables and reduced services, knowing what to expect makes all the difference. From Liverpool Street closures to airport travel and New Year’s Eve transport, official updates are essential.

Here’s the Full Scoop!

London’s transport network operates very differently over the Christmas and New Year period, and Christmas Day itself is the biggest outlier. Understanding how services scale back — and where airport routes are redirected — will help you plan realistic journeys and avoid unnecessary stress.

I have included all links to official sites under the Helpful Links section at the end of the post.

London Transport Over Christmas 2025: What Changes and Why

Every year, Christmas Day (25 December) is the only day when most of London’s public transport shuts down completely. This long-standing tradition allows for essential maintenance across the rail and Underground network and affects both residents and visitors alike.

From Christmas Eve through to early January, transport gradually resumes but runs on reduced or amended timetables, with major engineering works often scheduled during this quieter travel period.

No Trains on Christmas Day: What “No Service” Really Means

On Christmas Day (25 December 2025):

• No National Rail services operate anywhere in the UK
• No Tube, bus, DLR, London Overground, or tram services run
• This includes routes to and from London’s major airports

Walking, cycling, taxis, ride-hailing services, and pre-booked coaches are the only practical ways to get around London on the day itself.

This is not a strike or disruption — it’s a planned, nationwide shutdown that happens every Christmas.

Liverpool Street Station Closure: Dates, Impact & Alternatives

One of the most significant rail disruptions over the 2025 festive period is the closure of London Liverpool Street station.

Liverpool Street Station Closure dates

25 December 2025 – 1 January 2026 (inclusive)

How Liverpool Street Closure Could Affect Your Travel

Liverpool Street is a key hub for:

• Greater Anglia services
• Stansted Airport rail connections
• London Overground routes serving East London

What happens instead:

• Greater Anglia trains will not run to or from Liverpool Street and will instead start or terminate at Stratford.
• London Overground services that usually run into Liverpool Street will terminate earlier along the route.
• Passengers must use TfL services to complete journeys into central London.

London Christmas Transport: Major Hubs Beyond Liverpool Street with Holiday Engineering Works

While London Liverpool Street station is the most high-profile closure over the Christmas and New Year period in 2025, other key London rail hubs will also be affected by planned engineering works. These disruptions reflect scheduled improvement projects by Network Rail and train operating companies, taking advantage of the quieter holiday travel period to carry out essential upgrades.

London Waterloo — Major Engineering Works Through New Year

London Waterloo — one of the busiest stations in the country — is undergoing significant planned work from 27 December 2025 through 4 January 2026. During this time:

• Trains will not run between Waterloo and Clapham Junction on 27–28 December.
• Reduced and amended services will operate to/from Waterloo from 29 December through 2 January. Some routes may start or terminate at alternative stations, and ticket acceptance on replacement services may apply.
• Queenstown Road station will be closed for the full work period, and Vauxhall will have closures on selected days. 

How this may affect you:

• If your journey normally uses Waterloo (e.g., to south-west London, Surrey, Hampshire, or beyond), you will likely need to travel via Clapham Junction or other interchange points and allow extra time.
• Rail replacement buses may be in operation for affected sections.

London Bridge — Thameslink Service Amendments

London Bridge will experience planned engineering works on at least one key date over the festive season:

• On 21 December 2025, Thameslink services will not operate to or from London Bridge due to engineering work that affects the routes passing through this central hub.

Thameslink trains on Bedford–Brighton, Cambridge–Brighton or Bedford–Three Bridges routes will be diverted or run to amended timetables, and some will not stop at London Bridge. 

BEST TIP: If you normally use London Bridge for Thameslink journeys (for example, services connecting the north and south via central London), check the Thameslink festive or engineering update timetable and consider alternative routes (such as Southeastern services or London Underground interchanges) for the affected date. 

Southeastern Network Work Around Kent & London

Southeastern Railway has confirmed that engineering work will take place across its network over the Christmas and New Year period (2025–26), affecting multiple stations and routes:

• From 1 January to 4 January 2026, London Charing Cross and Waterloo East will be closed while maintenance continues.
• On selected days, London Cannon Street will also be closed, with services diverted or operated to/from London Bridge or Victoria.
• South Bermondsey station will be closed throughout the works as platforms are rebuilt. 

Planning tip: If your travel involves Kent, southeast London, or commuter routes into London Victoria, Charing Cross or Cannon Street, check the Southeastern festive engineering notices on National Rail Enquiries or Status & Disruptions before travelling. 

Thameslink & Other Route Changes

In addition to the London Bridge engineering work noted above, Thameslink services more broadly will run with amended timetables throughout the festive period. Specific disruptions include no Thameslink trains to/from London Bridge on 21 December and the likelihood of diversions or reduced services on peak dates shown in Thameslink’s festive timetable. 

Travel Tips for Navigating Holiday Works

Here are some initial tips to consider:

• Plan journeys early: Use the National Rail Journey Planner and Transport for London (TfL) tools to check live information as your travel date approaches.
• Expect replacement buses: For parts of the Waterloo and Southeastern networks, rail replacement buses may be necessary — especially on 27–28 December.
• Allow extra time: Even where services run, amended timetables and slower routing may add to your journey time.
• Alternative routes: Consider using London Underground interchanges (e.g., at Clapham Junction, Stratford, Euston, or Victoria) if your usual hub is affected.

London Christmas Transport: Airport Travel in London Over Christmas 2025 & What to Expect

Airport travel is one of the most searched and most affected areas during the festive period. While London’s airports remain operational, rail connections do not always align with flight schedules, particularly on bank holidays.

The key takeaway:
Do not assume airport trains run as normal over Christmas.

Heathrow Airport: Christmas & New Year Transport Options

Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth line, and the Piccadilly line typically operate throughout the festive period, but not on Christmas Day.

• On 25 December, rail access is extremely limited or unavailable
• Coaches, taxis, and private transfers become the most reliable options
• If you’re flying on Christmas Day, pre-book ground transport well in advance.

Gatwick Airport: Christmas Train Services Explained

Gatwick Express does not operate on Christmas Day.
Services may also be limited on Boxing Day.

From 27 December onwards, some Southern and Thameslink services usually resume with amended timetables.

Travellers to Gatwick Airport should expect longer journey times and fewer departure options.

Stansted Airport: Where Trains Depart When Liverpool Street Is Closed

Travel to Stansted Airport is directly affected by the Liverpool Street closure.

Here’s how services are typically rerouted:

• 25 December: No Stansted Express services
• 26 December (Boxing Day): Trains start and terminate at Tottenham Hale
• 27 December – 1 January: Trains start and terminate at Stratf

Luton Airport: Thameslink & Holiday Engineering Works

• No rail services operate on Christmas Day.
• Thameslink and other operators usually run reduced services from Boxing Day onwards.
• Engineering works are common during this period, affecting frequency and journey times.
• For early or late flights, coaches may be the most reliable option.

Transport for London (TfL): What Runs and When

From 26 December through early January:

• Tube, buses, trams, DLR, and Overground generally operate on Sunday-style timetables.
• Some lines may be closed for planned engineering works.
• New Year’s Eve often includes extended or overnight services to support celebrations.
• New Year’s Day usually runs on a reduced schedule.

New Year’s Eve Overnight Travel in London: What You Need to Know

Travelling on New Year’s Eve in London? Most Tube lines, Overground, Elizabeth Line, night buses, DLR, and trams operate overnight — but National Rail long-distance services are limited. Check official TfL and National Rail sources before travelling.

Planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve in London? Public transport operates differently during the festivities, but official TfL and National Rail sources confirm that extended and overnight services run to help you get home safely after midnight. Here’s everything travellers need to know.

London Underground (Tube) All-Night Services

Most Tube lines run all night from 31 December into 1 January 2026.

Exceptions: Waterloo & City line and District line branches to Kensington Olympia may not operate overnight.

Tip: Expect crowd control and exit-only stations near fireworks zones.

London Overground & Elizabeth Line

Overground overnight routes include:

• Clapham Junction — Shepherd’s Bush
• Willesden Junction — Stratford
• Highbury & Islington — West Croydon / Crystal Palace
• Enfield Town / Chingford / Cheshunt — London Fields

Elizabeth Line: Limited overnight trains operate:

• Shenfield — Hayes & Harlington
• Abbey Wood — Maidenhead & Reading

Airport Travel on New Year’s Eve: London 2025

Even with New Year’s Eve celebrations and overnight services in central London, you do need to plan carefully if heading to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, or Luton.

My Thoughts on Travelling London During Christmas 2025

London at Christmas is undeniably magical, but festive travel comes with its own rhythm. With station closures, amended timetables, and quieter networks, understanding how the city moves during this period can turn potential stress into a smoother experience. Whether you’re navigating the Liverpool Street closure, travelling to the airport, or staying out late on New Year’s Eve, planning ahead makes all the difference.

The festive season is also a moment when London’s transport network pauses, adapts, and resets for the year ahead. Travel slowly where you can, allow extra time, and rely on official tools like TfL and National Rail to guide your journey. With a little preparation, you can still enjoy the season — calmly, sustainably, and on your own terms.

Have a wonderful time in London this Christmas, xx