Plan Your Holiday Travel with MTA’s 2025 Christmas & New Year’s Transit Schedule

Published on December 21, 2025

With the holidays closing in, the MTA has announced changes to public transportation in New York over Christmas and New Year’s. In anticipation of holiday traffic, riders will be encouraged to check ahead of time for their travel plans. For the holidays, most transportation services will be on holiday schedules.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services

Subway Service:
On Christmas Eve, the subway will operate according to a regular weekday timetable. On Christmas Day, service will follow a Sunday schedule, with trains running less frequently and at reduced hours.

Bus Service:
For Christmas Eve, bus routes in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and parts of Queens will operate with reduced service. Some routes in Queens will run on a normal weekday schedule, while Staten Island buses will follow a regular weekday timetable.

On Christmas Day, all bus routes will run on a Sunday service schedule across all five boroughs.

Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad:
Both the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North will follow a Sunday service schedule for Christmas Day. Travelers can expect fewer trains, so it’s crucial to check schedules ahead of time.

Access-A-Ride:
Paratransit services will be available 24/7, including on Christmas Day. Passengers should allow for extra travel time due to potential holiday traffic and adjusted pickup locations, particularly near crowded areas like Times Square.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Services

Subway Service:
Subway services on New Year’s Eve will follow regular weekday timetables. However, additional trains will be added to certain lines in the evening and after midnight to accommodate the increased holiday demand. The 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, C, D, G, N, Q, and R lines, along with the 42nd Street Shuttle, will see extra services. On New Year’s Eve, A trains will run express until 2:30 a.m.

Bus Service:
Bus services on New Year’s Eve will be adjusted with reduced schedules on many routes in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. In Queens, select routes will run as usual. Some Midtown routes might be diverted due to road closures related to New Year’s Eve celebrations. Staten Island buses will operate on a weekday schedule, but will be modified for school closures.

On New Year’s Day, all bus routes will follow the Sunday service schedule in every borough.

Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad:
The Long Island Rail Road will add 11 additional trains in the evening, running from the Babylon, Montauk, Ronkonkoma, Port Jefferson, and Port Washington branches to Penn Station and Grand Central Madison. New Year’s Day will feature 12 additional trains during the overnight hours for returning travelers. Service will be generally reduced on the holiday but will be supplemented with extra trains for those heading to and from major destinations.

Metro-North will adjust its timetables, particularly on the East of Hudson lines, operating Friday schedules with extra midday and afternoon services. West of Hudson services will generally follow regular weekday timetables but will operate on weekend patterns for public holidays, including New Year’s Day.

Key Holiday Tips for Travelers

1. Check Schedules Early:
   Since both the subway and bus systems will operate on modified schedules, it’s critical to plan your trip ahead of time. The MTA website offers up-to-date information on service changes and timetable adjustments for both buses and trains. Keep in mind that services may run less frequently or operate on a different timetable than usual.
2. Be Prepared for Crowds:
   New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are some of the busiest travel days in New York City, particularly around major celebration sites such as Times Square. Expect crowded trains, buses, and stations, especially during the evening hours.
3. Allow Extra Time:
   Due to the holiday traffic and road closures, travel times may be longer than usual. Make sure to leave extra time to reach your destination, particularly if you’re heading to an event or gathering. For example, travel times around Times Square on New Year’s Eve may be significantly longer due to the crowds and street closures.
4. Paratransit Services:
   If you rely on Access-A-Ride services, be aware that these services will run 24 hours a day, even on Christmas and New Year’s Day. However, there may be delays and altered pick-up or drop-off points. Be sure to allow additional time for your journey, particularly on busy days.
5. Stay Updated:
   Keep an eye on the MTA’s website and social media channels for real-time updates and any last-minute changes to service. The MTA provides frequent updates on train schedules, bus routes, and any service interruptions.

Conclusion

During the Christmas and New Year’s time in 2025, the MTA will release a schedule that will account the increased travel demand as a result of the snowy season and holidays. There will be adjusted time tables for the subways, buses, and the rail networks. Therefore, travelers should check the time tables in advance, and give themselves plenty of time to travel as there may be unexpected delays. It is a good idea to plan ahead. This is especially the case if one needs to travel to a holiday gathering, to a friend’s house, or to wander the city. Having a plan will make the busy time holiday travel easier.