Are Buses Running on Christmas Day? Essential UK Travel Information for 2025

Christmas Day Bus Services Across the UK

For many travellers across the United Kingdom, Christmas Day 2025 presents unique transport challenges. In London, everything stops running on Christmas Day: the tube, buses, TfL Rail, DLR, Overground, trams, river buses, the cable cars and National Rail, making it one of the most disrupted travel days of the year for the capital’s residents.

However, the situation varies significantly depending on your location. Understanding which services operate on 25 December is crucial for those needing to visit family, travel to work, or attend festive celebrations.

London Transport on Christmas Day

With no Transport for London (TfL) services or National Rail trains running on December 25th, Londoners are set to rely once again on shared e-bikes to get around the capital. The only transport available will be taxis, private hires and Dial-a-Ride. Despite the widespread shutdown, coach services are running on Christmas Day, and there will be coaches and some local buses running to Heathrow Airport.

Special Bus Services in Regional Areas

Outside London, several regions offer limited festive transport options. A special network of free bus services, funded by Merseytravel, will run once again this Christmas Day, covering most hospital routes across Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Knowsley, Wirral and Halton. Running between approximately 12.00pm and 6.00pm, Stagecoach will operate services on a number of key routes.

Similarly, Portsmouth has made arrangements for festive travellers, with special bus services operating on Christmas Day to help residents reach their destinations.

Why Most Buses Don’t Run on Christmas Day

Most bus services outside London finish early (any time from 6 – 7 pm onward) on 24 and 31 December, and do not run on 25 December. This reflects the national tradition of giving transport workers time off to spend with their families during the festive period. Office for National Statistics figures suggest more than 95,000 Londoners work on December 25th alongside others travelling to see family or moving between shifts, highlighting the continued need for some transport options.

Planning Your Christmas Day Journey

For those who must travel on Christmas Day 2025, advance planning is essential. Check your local bus operator’s website for specific timetable information, as services vary considerably by region. Alternative transport options include taxis, private hire vehicles, car sharing with family and friends, or cycling. In London, bike-sharing schemes remain operational throughout the festive period.

Boxing Day sees a gradual return to service, with most areas resuming operations on reduced Sunday timetables from early morning, allowing shoppers to take advantage of the traditional sales.