Yes, trains are generally very busy on 27th December in the UK as services resume after the Christmas break, making it one of the busiest travel days of the festive period. Expect modified, reduced timetables, potential engineering works, and crowds, particularly on major routes like LNER and GWR.
Do I need to pay congestion charge on 27th December?
No, you do not need to pay the London Congestion Charge on December 27th, as it is suspended during the Christmas and New Year period, specifically between Christmas Day and the New Year's Day bank holiday (inclusive). You only need to pay for driving in the zone Monday-Friday (7am-6pm) and Saturday-Sunday (12pm-6pm) on normal days, with the charge resuming on the first working day after the holiday period, usually January 2nd.
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Is Christmas Eve a busy travel day?
Yes, Christmas Eve is a very busy travel day, especially in the afternoon and evening, with millions driving, flying, and taking trains as people rush to reach family and celebrations, making roads congested and airports crowded, although Christmas Day itself can sometimes be less busy for flights if you're already there.
Boxing Day 2026 falls on a Saturday, so the UK bank holiday will be moved to Monday, December 28 instead. Here are all the confirmed dates for 2026. Boxing Day is the day after Christmas Day. This is just a public holiday because Boxing Day falls at the weekend.
Yes, some trains run on Boxing Day (December 26th), but services are very limited, usually a small number of routes, especially airport transfers, and often on a reduced Sunday or special timetable; most operators run few, if any, services due to essential engineering works and lower demand, so checking operator websites like National Rail is crucial.
No, you do not have to pay the London Congestion Charge on Boxing Day (December 26th), as there is no charge between Christmas Day (December 25th) and the New Year's Day bank holiday (inclusive). However, you must still pay the ULEZ charge if your vehicle doesn't meet standards, and be aware of parking restrictions and general traffic, as parking wardens are active and roads can still be busy.
If you're travelling within the next two hours and wish to find out how busy your train may be, simply check your journey on our Live Departure Boards and look for the colour coded symbols.
No, it is always best to book advance train tickets up to 12 weeks in before your journey for the cheapest fares. However, if that's not possible and you are traveling last minute, an Advanced on-the-day ticket is a cheaper option and is available up to 15 minutes before the train departs.
What are the busiest travel days for Christmas 2025?
Boxing Day (December 26) and the weekend of Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 December are predicted to be extremely busy this year, with big sales impacting road transport. And with workers returning to work on 29 December, rush hour will also return in the mornings and evenings. Try to avoid driving during these periods.
Yes, some things are open on Christmas Day in London, but it's very limited, with most major attractions, supermarkets, and public transport closed; expect options in Chinatown, select pubs and hotel restaurants (booking essential), some pharmacies, and parks for walks, but plan ahead as it's a very quiet day with no Tube/bus service.
The £17.50 charge is for paying the London Congestion Charge late, specifically up to three days after travel, acting as a penalty to encourage timely payment, with the standard charge being £15 if paid in advance or on the day; this late payment fee incentivizes drivers to use faster payment methods and avoid potential Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs).
Do you have to pay if you live in a congestion zone?
You can apply for a 90% discount on the Congestion Charge if you qualify as a resident of the charging zone. If you have just moved into the zone and are waiting for your proofs of residency you can start the application process now and then complete it later when your proofs are available.
Yes, buses generally run on December 26th (Boxing Day), but usually with reduced schedules, often operating on a Sunday timetable, a special holiday timetable, or sometimes with specific routes only, so always check your local bus operator's website for exact times as services vary by region and company.
The M.T.A. has reported more than 250 train strikes in each of the past two years, the highest level in at least a decade. The number has risen even as similar incidents across other American transit systems have fallen, but the reasons for the increase are not clear. Demetrius Crichlow, the president of the M.T.A.
The first Monday in May has been proclaimed a bank holiday since 1978. Spring bank holiday (the last Monday in May). Summer bank holiday (the last Monday in August). Boxing Day (if not a Sunday), otherwise 27 December.
On 8 December 2022, following mounting pressure from the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the Federation of South African Trade Unions, President Cyril Ramaphosa finally declared 27 December a public holiday in terms of section 2A of the Public Holidays Act 36 of 1994 (Act).
Holy Innocents Day, observed annually on December 28th. The day commemorates the execution of the innocent, male children in Bethlehem as told in Matthew 2:16.
