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Lothian Buses Festive Period Services 2024-25

Posted on December 18, 2024

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This is now retained for historical record. For 2025/6 information, consult the latest guide for festive services.

Lothian has announced its comprehensive service arrangements for the festive period, covering operations for Lothian Buses, East Coast Buses, and Lothian Country from December 22, 2024 through January 8, 2025, serving Edinburgh and the surrounding regions.

Normal Service Period

All Lothian operations will maintain regular service patterns through December 23^rd. Lothian Buses, East Coast Buses, and Lothian Country will provide normal Sunday service on December 22^nd and regular weekday service on December 23^rd.

Christmas Period

On Christmas Eve (December 24^th), all services across the Lothian network will operate on Saturday timetables, with last journeys running earlier than usual. Christmas Day (December 25^th) will see special services operating on selected Lothian Buses routes, including Services X18, X27, X28, X40, 43, 72 and 74. East Coast Buses and Lothian Country will operate modified services on Christmas Day with financial support from East Lothian Council and West Lothian Council respectively.

Boxing Day (December 26^th) will see modified service levels across the subsidiaries. Lothian Buses will operate special timetables on various routes, while East Coast Buses and Lothian Country will maintain special timetables with council support. Eve Coaches services (120, 121, 123 and 130) will operate separately, with Service 120 following Sunday timetables while Services 121, 123 and 130 will not operate.

Between Christmas and New Year

The period between Christmas and New Year will follow weekend patterns across all subsidiaries. All services will operate Saturday schedules on December 27^th, normal Saturday service on December 28^th, and normal Sunday service on December 29^th. December 30^th and 31^st will operate on Saturday timetables throughout the network.

For Hogmanay celebrations on December 31^st, Lothian will provide extended ‘H’ night bus services running from midnight until 0400 on January 1^st. A special Hogmanay ticket, valid across all subsidiaries, will be available at £5 for travel within one fare zone or £10 for two zones, covering both regular services after 1800 on December 31^st and the night bus network.

New Year Period

Regular Lothian services will be suspended on New Year’s Day (January 1^st), though East Coast Buses and Lothian Country will maintain council-supported operations. January 2^nd will see modified timetables across the network, with Eve Coaches maintaining the same arrangements as Boxing Day. All operations will follow Saturday service patterns on January 3^rd, returning to normal weekend services on January 4^th and 5^th.

Return to Normal Service

The entire network will resume regular weekday service patterns from Monday, January 6^th, 2025, aligning with the reopening of schools after the holiday period.

Travel Information

Passengers across all services are encouraged to check specific journey times before travelling, as seasonal traffic conditions may affect schedules. Real-time bus information will remain available via Lothian’s digital platforms throughout the festive period. The company’s travel shops will operate modified opening hours, and passengers should consult Lothian’s website and mobile apps for the most current service information and updates.