UK Faces Major Travel Chaos Over Christmas: Strikes, Delays, and Disruptions Across Trains and Airports

Published on December 15, 2025

The 2025 Christmas and New Year holiday period in the UK is set to bring major travel disruptions, with train strikes, airport closures, and planned transport chaos affecting travelers. As the country braces for the festive season, rail services and airports are already making headlines for the disruptions travelers can expect. From delays to cancellations, those planning to travel during the holidays need to be aware of these challenges.

Disruptions to UK Rail Travel Over the Holidays

Rail travelers in the UK have been warned to expect significant disruptions during the Christmas and New Year period due to ongoing engineering works and strike action. A number of rail services will be affected by planned works, resulting in longer travel times and reduced services.

One major disruption will affect the route between Preston and Carlisle, where bridge replacement work over the M6 will impact the schedule between December 31 and January 15. Similarly, between January 1 and January 7, rail replacement buses will be in service on the route between Carlisle and Lockerbie while new signalling is installed. Additional service changes will occur between Leeds and York from December 27 to January 2, and there will be no trains between Cambridge, Cambridge North, Bury St Edmunds, and Stansted Airport from December 27 to January 4 due to signalling system tests.

These disruptions highlight the challenges facing travelers who rely on the train network for commuting or holiday travel. Passengers are advised to check their routes in advance and consider alternative travel options if necessary.

Major UK Stations Affected by Engineering Works

In addition to rail disruptions, major UK stations will also experience significant closures and service interruptions during the festive season. London Liverpool Street, one of the busiest stations in the UK, will be closed between December 27 and January 1. During this period, there will be no trains to or from the station, although the Elizabeth Line and Tube services will continue to run as scheduled. Greater Anglia and London Overground trains will be affected due to engineering works in the Bishopsgate Tunnel and refurbishment work on the station roof. Trains will terminate at Stratford and London Fields, so travelers should make plans for these alterations.

Similarly, London Waterloo station will face service disruptions. Trains will not run on Saturday and Sunday after Christmas. Starting December 29 through January 2, Waterloo will operate with a limited service due to track renewal works. Passengers traveling through this station are encouraged to check service schedules before their journey to avoid unnecessary delays.

Slower Journeys and Bus Replacements: London Euston and the West Coast Main Line

For travelers using London Euston, services are expected to be slower than usual. From December 27 to January 4, bus replacement services will take over some of the routes on the West Coast Main Line, particularly between Milton Keynes Central and Rugby, as well as Northampton. This will cause significant disruptions for passengers traveling from Euston to popular destinations such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Scotland.

Travelers on these routes should be prepared for slower journeys and plan accordingly. National Rail has warned that these delays could significantly affect those traveling to or from Euston during the holiday season.

London Underground and Other TfL Services Impacted

Transport for London (TfL) services, including the Tube, Overground, and Elizabeth Line, will also be impacted during the holiday season. TfL services will be suspended on Christmas Day, and some services will wrap up early on Wednesday, December 24. Boxing Day will feature a Sunday timetable for most services, and certain routes, like the Elizabeth Line, will be closed. Additionally, there will be no Night Tube or Night Overground services on Boxing Day (December 26).

For those traveling by car in central London, there is a small benefit: the Congestion Charge will not apply from December 25 to January 1. On Christmas Day, the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) charge will not be enforced, and driving through the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels will be free on Christmas Day only.

Airport Strikes and Holiday Travel Disruptions

In addition to rail and local transport disruptions, airports across the UK are also preparing for staff strikes and operational challenges during the busy holiday period. Luton Airport will see check-in and baggage handling staff walk out between December 19 and December 21, and again from December 26 to December 28. This will affect easyJet flights heading to destinations like Spain, Germany, Italy, and Czechia. Travelers flying during this time should prepare for delays and check flight statuses in advance.

Another major airport facing disruptions is Heathrow, where more than 130 cabin crew members from Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) are set to go on strike from December 22 to December 26. This could lead to cancellations or delays for flights to and from Scandinavia. Passengers with flights to or from Heathrow during this period should stay updated on the status of their flights and be prepared for potential disruptions.

Travel Advice for the Christmas and New Year Period

For those planning to travel during the Christmas and New Year holidays, it is crucial to stay informed about the various disruptions affecting both rail and air transport. Here are some key travel tips:

• Check schedules regularly: With frequent changes to train and flight services, it is important to check for updated timetables and any disruptions before traveling.
• Plan for longer journeys: Delays due to engineering works and staffing shortages may lead to longer travel times, so plan accordingly.
• Consider alternative travel options: If possible, look into alternative routes or modes of transport to avoid crowded or disrupted services.
• Be prepared for strikes: If your flight or train is affected by strikes, consider contacting your travel provider for options such as rebooking or compensation.

Conclusion: Navigating Holiday Travel Disruptions

With the Christmas and New Year travel period rapidly approaching, UK travelers are facing a host of potential disruptions to their journeys. From rail strikes and engineering works to airport closures and staff strikes, the holiday season promises to be one of significant travel challenges. However, by staying informed and flexible, travelers can still navigate these disruptions and make the most of their holiday journeys. Being prepared for changes to schedules and routes will help ensure a smoother travel experience during this busy time of year.