Most bus routes in London run a Sunday service on Christmas Day. But here’s the catch: they start much later and finish much earlier. You might find your first bus around 8am, and the last bus heading home well before 8pm. It’s like your bus decided to have a long lunch with the Queen’s speech.
For example, the iconic number 15 bus, which glides past the Tower of London, will be running, but don’t expect one every five minutes. You’ll be waiting closer to every thirty minutes. So, if you’re planning to catch a bus to see the empty streets of Trafalgar Square, you need to plan like you’re timing a turkey.
And here’s the golden rule: no night buses run on Christmas Eve into Christmas Day. If you’re out partying on December 24th, your last bus home will likely be pretty early. Don’t be that person singing “Last Christmas” in the cold at 2am.
Why Should You Care?
You might think, “I’m not going anywhere on Christmas Day, so why does this matter?” But trust me, it matters more than you think. Imagine you’re a hero who forgot the cranberry sauce. Or your Aunt Brenda’s train from Paddington is delayed. Suddenly, a bus feels like a sleigh ride.
Also, think about the people who keep the city running. Nurses, firefighters, and the lovely folks making your Christmas roast at a local pub—they all need the bus. So, your knowledge of the schedule isn’t just trivia; it’s kindness on wheels.
Christmas Lights by Bus - City Kids Magazine