In London during Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend on 2-5 June? Here's what you need to know about the transport situation.
Getting into London
Clearly this is a very special bank holiday indeed, because there are no line closures planned for routes into ANY of London's major train stations. Excuse me while I pinch myself...
The Elizabeth line will be running
That's right — royal revellers can celebrate Liz's 70 years on the throne by riding on the brand new train line, named after her. (She unveiled a plaque to mark the completion of the line, at Paddington station in mid May.) TfL has already told us that the regally-coloured line won't run on Sundays until autumn 2022, HOWEVER, Sunday 5 June will be an exception — the Elizabeth line WILL run that day.
A good service on all lines
The rest of the TfL network's in fine fettle for the bank holiday weekend too, with no planned closures anywhere — a rare treat for Londoners (we should celebrate these jubilee things more often...). Night tube services will also run on the Central, Jubilee and Victoria lines — but only on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 June (so no special add-on services, then). Do be aware that those night tube strikes on the Central and Victoria lines are still ongoing, but so far that's just meant that night tube services on these lines are still running, just less frequently than usual.
Special Jubilee buses will be in service
Eight of London's red Routemasters have been wrapped in Elizabeth line purple/white to mark the occasion (see top image). These buses will appear on routes 6, 52, 98, 29, 319, 148, 65, 281, 371, 205, 106, 212, 230, 357 and 270 (not all at the same time, of course, as that's more than eight routes). The routes variously pass landmarks synonymous with the royals — think Westminster Abbey, Kensington Palace and Hyde Park. Nice little touch.
Avoid driving in central London
I mean, duh. But central London will be very congested on this bank hol weekend, especially as there'll be some major road closures for events. Once you've had a go on the Elizabeth line, consider cycling to get around — although note that some routes, including the Cycleway 3 stretch on Constitution Hill near Buckingham Palace, will be closed, so you'll have to get off and push.
There'll be special announcements at certain stations
Find yourself at Queen's Road Overground station in Walthamstow, Queensbury, Royal Victoria DLR or somewhere else with a regal name, and you may hear special 'royal' messages over the public announcement system. Rumours that these feature the Queen crowing: "Ha ha, I ride in a golden coach you utter plebs!" are 100% fabricated.
After more info? TfL has compiled a page dedicated to travel in London over the Jubilee weekend.
