Yes, some buses run on Christmas Day in London—but it’s a skeleton service. Think of it as the bus equivalent of a zombie apocalypse: there, but barely functioning.
TfL (Transport for London) operates a Sunday service on most routes, but with massive cuts. On Christmas Day, you’ll find fewer buses, they start later, and they stop earlier. Don’t expect a ride after 8 PM, unless you fancy a long, cold walk.
And here’s the kicker: night buses? They don’t run at all. Yes, the N-number buses take the day off. Merry Christmas to you too, TfL.
Which Routes Actually Run?
Key routes like the Red Arrow (numbers 9, 10, 11, 38) and some central lines usually operate, but check the specific timing. For example, the 25 route from Oxford Circus to Stratford? Yeah, it’s running, but only between 8 AM and 6 PM.
If you’re relying on bus route 205 or 243, you might be out of luck. They often get swapped out for single-decker buses that look like sad little caterpillars. TfL publishes a PDF every year, and honestly, it’s as confusing as IKEA instructions in the dark.
Pro tip: Don’t assume any bus is running just because it’s a major road. I once saw a bus stop on Oxford Street empty for four hours on Christmas Day. It looked like a lonely prop from a post-apocalyptic movie.
Christmas lights and decorations seen in London - Global Times
