In most places, buses do run on Christmas Day, but they run on a special, skeleton schedule. Think of it like a holiday version of your normal bus route—fewer buses, later starts, and earlier finishes. It’s like the bus system is wearing its pajamas and slippers, just like you.
Major cities like London, New York, or Sydney tend to have some service, especially on key routes. But smaller towns? They might shut down entirely after noon, leaving you stranded like a forgotten Christmas card.
The “Aunt Carol’s House” Problem
Imagine this: It’s 3 p.m., you’ve just finished opening presents, and you realize you need to catch a bus to Aunt Carol’s for dinner. You check the app, and—poof—the last bus left at 2:30. Now you’re stuck with a slice of fruitcake and a long walk. This is why you need to plan ahead.
Most bus companies post their Christmas schedules online by mid-December. It’s not exactly a festive newsletter, but it’s more valuable than a lump of coal. Pro tip: Bookmark your local transit authority’s holiday page now, before you’re frantically searching in your socks.
