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Original poster

AIBU to be surprised that the trains don't run over Christmas?

380 replies

HeritageQuay · 22/12/2024 18:13

So I've been invited by friends to their Christmas lunch in central London. Having been on my own for the last few years, I was delighted to be invited and immediately accepted.

I live about 50 miles outside London and so travel by train is clearly the most sensible option. Accordingly I have been ordering presents etc. on Amazon for delivery to my hosts.

So today I tried to look up train times, only to find that there are no trains at all on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. This came as complete surprise to me, is this a one-off or is it a regular thing?

Not quite sure how to get there now as the last thing I want to do is drive through London with all the issues re Congestion Charge / Ulez / Street parking etc., and in any case I wanted to enjoy a few drinks at Christmas!

How do other people travel at Christmas?

OP posts:
Overthebow · 22/12/2024 18:30

It’s been always been this way. I like that rail staff get time off at Christmas to be with their families.

DappledThings · 22/12/2024 18:28

I was astounded when I was in Melbourne one Christmas and not only were the trams running but they were free too. I wouldn't ever expect public transport to be running on Christmas Day in the UK.

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 22/12/2024 18:27

Nourishinghandcream · 22/12/2024 18:18

Has been the case for as long as I can remember.

Don't they do essential maintenance over the break?

Yes, always. People amazed that trains don't run on Christmas Day may also be amazed to learn that sometimes the essential maintenance overruns and trains don't run normally once the Bank Holiday is over either. I am still not over the chaos at Euston on the Wednesday after Easter this year. Should have reached my Mum's at 4.30pm that day (alarm went off at 5am), actually got there just before lunchtime the next day after an unscheduled overnight hotel stay. Pah.

AtmosAtmos · 22/12/2024 18:26

As someone who can’t drive for medical reasons it’s crap but normal.

Original poster
HeritageQuay · 22/12/2024 18:25

Wolfpa · 22/12/2024 18:16

Why would you expect the trains to be running?

Simply because people clearly want to travel at that time, and successive governments have been trying to persuade you to give up your car and use public transport.

OP posts:
MrsMagoooo · 22/12/2024 18:25

Wolfpa · 22/12/2024 18:16

Why would you expect the trains to be running?

Why wouldn't you?

Ablondiebutagoody · 22/12/2024 18:25

Destiny123 · 22/12/2024 18:16

Always happens.. fantastic when you're a Dr working in London and have a 3h commute in (not out of choice as health education england allocated you there), to a 13h day and have to pay £90 each way in taxis (which sometimes the trust refunds you half off whilst taking tax/ni/student loans of the receipt value)... no extra pay just an 8h day in lieu.

Not bitter much :P

You shouldn't be bitter. £90 for a 3hr taxi journey is outrageously cheap!

tilypu · 22/12/2024 18:23

Wolfpa · 22/12/2024 18:16

Why would you expect the trains to be running?

Maybe because some essential workers (think hospital staff, nhs24, police etc) commute by train?

Travel isn't always a luxury.

maverickfox · 22/12/2024 18:23

fiftiesmum · 22/12/2024 18:21

Buses and tubes ran in London but only until about 5pm when I was a child think it stopped in the 70's.
Congestion charge is cancelled but not ulez.
Tube running boxing day.
Tis a real pain for people who have to work (NHS etc) although some trusts will lay on taxis.
Afraid you will have to drive (if you can)

I’ve just checked and ULEZ is waived on Xmas day.

MoveOnTheCards · 22/12/2024 18:21

I’ve never known trains to run on Christmas Day, same with tubes. I imagine congestion charge, parking etc will also be paused but check. Then drive.

fiftiesmum · 22/12/2024 18:21

Buses and tubes ran in London but only until about 5pm when I was a child think it stopped in the 70's.
Congestion charge is cancelled but not ulez.
Tube running boxing day.
Tis a real pain for people who have to work (NHS etc) although some trusts will lay on taxis.
Afraid you will have to drive (if you can)

maverickfox · 22/12/2024 18:21

It is always the case. Check websites regarding charge, ULEZ etc. . I’m fairly certain that they are waived on the day itself. London will be dead so there will be hardly any traffic.

Kazziek · 22/12/2024 18:20

There are never trains on Xmas Day, and very few services on Boxing Day.
Congestion Charge is suspended between Xmas Day and NY Day, if that helps

mynameiscalypso · 22/12/2024 18:20

Always happens. Could you get a cab? We have lot of taxis around us who have a steady stream of very well paid business on Christmas Day

Tubetrain · 22/12/2024 18:19

Congestion charge usually doesn't apply, ULEZ may be the same and those two would anyway probably be cheaper than your ticket. Roads are empty. Just drive.

shellyleppard · 22/12/2024 18:19

Book a hotel overnight or stay with friends??? Trains rarely run over Christmas, they do a lot of engineering work then as its a quiet period

UndeniablyGenX · 22/12/2024 18:19

You're lucky to find trains running on a normal weekday where I live😀

ohidoliketobe · 22/12/2024 18:19

Trains barely run on a Sunday, never mind a public holiday!

katmarie · 22/12/2024 18:19

I would check on the congestion charge and ulez though, I don't think they charge on Christmas day.

TiramisuCheesecake · 22/12/2024 18:18

How do other people travel at Christmas

By completing their journey by Christmas Eve at the latest, obviously. Or drive.

Nourishinghandcream · 22/12/2024 18:18

Has been the case for as long as I can remember.

Don't they do essential maintenance over the break?

AnyoneSomeone · 22/12/2024 18:18

Any chance you can drive there and stay over? Would your friends be up for that?

Sprogonthetyne · 22/12/2024 18:17

It's always been the case. Sometimes there are coaches, definitely on boxing day if not Christmas. Any possibility of staying over?

tilypu · 22/12/2024 18:16

Normal. I was invited to join friends for Christmas. It will be an amazing day - one is a chef, and their friends that are also going are entertainers.

But to get home in time for work on 27th would involve 4 buses and at least 8 hours, more likely 9, of travel on Boxing Day.

I will instead be going to family, which will involve bus travel on Boxing Day - that's worth a look for a 50 mile journey. Mine is more than double that.

redgingerbread · 22/12/2024 18:16

This is always the case!

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