Londoners and festive visitors are urged to plan ahead this weekend as significant engineering works will disrupt several key Tube and train lines across the capital. The planned closures, scheduled from Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, will impact the Piccadilly, Northern, Metropolitan, and Elizabeth lines, alongside parts of the London Overground and DLR.
With Christmas markets, ice rinks, and West End shows in full swing, the timing is critical for anyone looking to explore the city. While the festive spirit is high, navigating London will require extra time and consideration due to these essential transport upgrades.
Major Tube Line Closures and Disruptions
The most widespread disruption will affect the Underground network. On the Northern line, there will be no service between Archway and High Barnet or Mill Hill East after 5.30am on both Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7. Additionally, overnight services between Charing Cross and Golders Green or High Barnet will be suspended from 1.45am to 5.30am on those same days.
Piccadilly line travellers face a closure between Acton Town and Uxbridge all day on Saturday and Sunday. Furthermore, Holloway Road station will see temporary eastbound closures on Saturday, shutting from 11.30am to 12.30pm and again from 2.10pm to 3.40pm.
On the Metropolitan line, services between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Uxbridge will not run on Saturday and Sunday. The Elizabeth line will also see a late start on Sunday, with no trains running between Paddington and Ealing Broadway until 7.40am.
Overground and DLR Service Alterations
Several London Overground lines, recently rebranded, will also operate amended timetables. On Friday, December 5, the Lioness line (Watford Junction to Euston) will see its 5.29am service start from Willesden Junction at 6.04am instead.
The Mildmay line (Stratford to Richmond/Clapham Junction) will have no southbound service from Willesden Junction to Shepherds Bush until 6.15am on Friday. On the Suffragette line (Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside), the 5.48am train from Barking Riverside and the 6.24am from Gospel Oak are cancelled on Friday.
On Sunday, December 7, the Suffragette line will have no service between South Tottenham and Barking Riverside until 12.30pm, after which there will be no trains between Barking and Barking Riverside for the rest of the day.
For Docklands Light Railway users, there will be no service between Shadwell and Tower Gateway on Sunday. Passengers should also note that Cutty Sark station remains closed for major works until spring 2026.
Planning Your Weekend Journey
With the city bustling ahead of the holidays, these closures are likely to cause longer journey times and increased crowding on alternative routes. Transport for London (TfL) advises allowing extra time for travel and checking live journey planners before setting out.
While the Waterloo & City line is closed as usual on weekends, all other lines are expected to run a normal service unless specified. These essential works are part of TfL's ongoing programme to maintain and upgrade the network's infrastructure.
Travellers are encouraged to consider using bus services, Santander Cycles, or walking for shorter journeys where possible. Staying informed via TfL's official website or app is the best way to navigate the weekend's travel disruption successfully.
