On Trains & Buses

The Transformation Ahead

Cork’s bus network is set for its most significant transformation in decades. Following government approval in October 2025, the city will gain two 24-hour bus routes for the first time, a 53% increase in bus services and connectivity improvements that will bring an additional 13,000 people within 30 minutes of the city centre by public transport. The changes represent a fundamental shift in how Cork residents will travel, making spontaneous bus journeys possible across more of the city, at more times of day, than ever before.

The BusConnects Cork programme combines this redesigned network with approximately 90 km of planned bus lanes, 95 km of cycle routes and supporting infrastructure including new shelters, electric buses and modern ticketing systems. With an estimated cost of between €2.3 billion and €3.5 billion, the programme aims to make bus travel faster, more reliable and more attractive across the Cork Metropolitan Area. Planning applications for the infrastructure schemes are expected in 2026, with construction to follow later in the decade.

The network redesign was published in June 2022 after extensive public consultation. To date, only one new route from the redesigned network has been implemented: Route 31, which launched in April 2025, connecting Knockraha to Parnell Place Bus Station. The full network rollout, including the new route numbering system and service restructuring, awaits implementation.

The Redesigned Network

At the heart of the programme is a complete rethinking of the route map. The National Transport Authority published the redesigned network in June 2022, proposing to replace the current complex system of overlapping routes with a simpler, more legible structure. Where the existing network funnels most journeys through the city centre, the new design will create strong cross-city corridors that allow passengers to travel between suburbs without necessarily routing through the downtown area.

Two new spine routes will form the backbone of the system. Route 1 will run east to west from Ovens and Ballincollig through the city centre to Mahon, closely following the corridor of a proposed future light rail line. Route 4 (comprising Routes 4A and 4B) will run north to south, linking the town of Carrigaline to Hollyhill via the city centre. Routes 4A and 4B will take different paths through the southern suburbs (4A via Maryborough Hill, 4B via Donnybrook) but will overlap for much of their route, combining to provide frequent service on the core north-south corridor. Both routes will operate 24 hours a day, marking Cork’s first all-night bus services. During night hours, buses on these routes will run at least every 30 minutes, extending the network’s usefulness for late shifts, early starts and city centre activity outside traditional daytime hours.

The redesign will also create direct cross-city links that reduce the need for passengers to interchange in the city centre. Route 3, for example, will run from Jacob’s Island to Lehenaghmore via the city centre, providing connectivity between these areas. Several other routes will be realigned or through-routed to connect suburbs directly, shortening journey times and simplifying travel patterns. Crucially, the network will maintain service to all areas that currently have bus routes whilst expanding into places that have never been served before. Upper Glanmire (now within Cork City administrative area following the 2019 boundary extension) in the northeast, the village of Waterfall (which remains in Cork County) to the west, and Kerry Pike (brought into Cork City in 2019) will all gain bus connections for the first time.

Route numbers will be simplified and standardised as part of the redesign. The new numbering uses locally-focused numbers, meaning that Cork’s route numbers are specific to the city and may overlap with Bus Éireann Expressway numbering or routes in other cities. The intention is that passengers should be able to grasp the basic structure of the network at a glance, with clear, consistent corridors replacing the current pattern of overlapping and duplicative lines. To date, only Route 31 has been introduced under the new numbering system, launched in April 2025 to serve Knockraha to Parnell Place.

More Buses, More Often

The redesigned network will deliver a substantial 53% increase in bus service levels, measured by bus kilometres operated. This boost in resources will enable seven high-frequency routes that run every 15 minutes or better throughout the day, with even higher frequencies during peak periods. On the busiest corridors, services will reach intervals of around 10 minutes or less during weekday middays, creating a turn-up-and-go service where passengers can rely on a bus appearing shortly without consulting a timetable.

The service improvements will extend beyond peak commuting hours. The redesigned network includes significantly more evening and Sunday trips, addressing long-standing weaknesses in weekend and off-peak provision. For many passengers, this will matter as much as rush-hour frequency. A network that becomes difficult to use outside commuting hours tends to discourage trust over time, whereas consistent all-day service makes public transport a practical option for shopping, social visits and work patterns that fall outside standard office hours.

Specific areas will see dramatic improvements. The town of Carrigaline (which remains within Cork County Council’s jurisdiction) will experience about 50% more buses per hour to the city centre under the new network. This increase will not only improve access to Cork city itself but will also open up connections to other destinations via easy interchange. According to the network designers, the share of residents within a short walk of a frequent (15-minute or better) service will jump by roughly one-third once the plan is fully implemented. Combined with the two 24-hour routes, the frequency improvements will transform the bus from a service requiring careful planning to one that supports spontaneous travel.

Faster and More Reliable Journeys

The combination of network redesign and infrastructure investment is expected to deliver notably faster and more reliable bus journeys. The new routes will generally be more direct than their predecessors, cutting in-vehicle travel times. Higher frequencies will reduce waiting times and make timed connections less burdensome, meaning overall door-to-door journey times will drop for numerous origin-destination pairs.

An analysis of the draft network showed that the average Cork resident would be able to reach 17% more jobs or school places within 30 minutes of travel under the new system. This represents a clear indicator that trips will be quicker and more opportunities brought within reach. In practical terms, many existing bus journeys are expected to become shorter in duration, whilst new trips will become feasible within reasonable timeframes. The government has highlighted that an extra 13,000 people will be able to reach Cork city centre by public transport within half an hour once the BusConnects enhancements are in place.

Infrastructure improvements will be critical to these gains. The programme will deliver 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors across Cork city, providing approximately 90 km of new bus lanes or other bus priority measures on key roads. These corridors, divided into north, south-east and south-west schemes, are designed to give buses dedicated right-of-way, allowing them to bypass traffic congestion. By reducing the time buses spend stuck in queues, journey time variability will decrease and schedules can become more dependable.

The corridors will also include bus gates and priority signalling at junctions, further improving reliability during peak hours. About 95 km of high-quality cycle lanes will be built alongside the bus infrastructure, helping to segregate cyclists and ensure buses can run unimpeded in their own lanes. The government promises that these changes will result in more reliable, frequent and faster bus services for Cork residents.

New technology will contribute to smoother operations. The adoption of next-generation ticketing, allowing contactless payments via card or mobile phone, is expected to reduce dwell times at stops and speed up boarding. Modern electric buses will improve comfort and ride quality whilst also supporting a perception of a more contemporary and dependable service.

Better Connections Across Cork

One of the programme’s core goals is to improve how different parts of the metropolitan area connect with each other. The redesign will succeed in adding new coverage: the National Transport Authority estimates a 7% increase in the number of residents living within a five-minute walk of any bus service, and a 5% increase in jobs accessible near a bus stop. Several outlying communities that currently lack service will be included in the network for the first time.

Connectivity between suburbs will also be strengthened through new orbital and cross-suburban routes. Rather than forcing all journeys through the city centre hub, the redesigned network will establish direct links between major suburban areas. The two 24-hour spine routes will effectively form cross-city axes connecting outer areas on opposite sides of Cork, allowing one-seat rides across town. Additional routes will be created to link suburbs to each other or to key destinations such as University College Cork, Cork University Hospital and major employment centres, without requiring a detour into the central city.

These changes will reduce travel distances and open up new trip patterns. For residents near the centre of the town of Carrigaline (in Cork County), the new network would provide access to 35% more jobs within an hour’s commute. Such improvements stem from both increased service frequency and the introduction of more direct routes between outlying areas. Crucially, the redesign will maintain service to all areas that currently have it, so no communities will be left stranded. By balancing this coverage mandate with expansion into new areas, BusConnects Cork will significantly broaden the geographic reach of the bus system whilst strengthening connections between residential areas, employment hubs and other key destinations.

Integration with other transport modes is built into the project’s rationale. The bus network redesign sits within the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy to 2040, which aligns bus improvements with rail, active travel and longer-term proposals such as light rail. The redesigned bus network is intended not just as an end state but as a foundation that will mesh with future projects. Route 1, the east-west 24-hour spine from Ballincollig to Mahon, closely follows the corridor of a proposed light rail line. Building strong bus travel patterns along this axis is intended to support an easier transition when rail is delivered.

The bus system will also connect more effectively with suburban rail, including stronger links to stations such as Kent Station and improved coordination so that buses can act as feeders for longer trips. Park and Ride sites are planned at the outskirts to allow drivers to transfer to frequent bus services for the remainder of their journey. Cork has adopted the Transport for Ireland 90-minute fare system, which permits unlimited bus, rail or Luas transfers within 90 minutes for one fare. In practice, this reduces the penalty for changing services, which becomes important in a network that values connectivity and frequency.

Making It Accessible

Accessibility and user experience improvements run throughout the programme’s plan. The National Transport Authority will roll out hundreds of new bus stops and shelters, with improved signage and real-time passenger information displays. This means passengers will have better facilities and live updates on bus arrivals, making waits for connections more comfortable and predictable. In a city known for frequent rain, enhanced shelter provision addresses a practical concern that often shapes travel choices.

All buses in the fleet are already low-floor and wheelchair-accessible. The programme plans to invest in a zero-emission bus fleet as part of its wider ambitions. The National Transport Authority, in collaboration with Bus Éireann, has commenced the transition to zero-emission buses nationally, with electric buses already operating in Athlone (since January 2023), Galway and Dublin. For Cork, planning permission is currently being sought for an additional temporary bus depot to enable the planned service increases and facilitate fleet electrification. Planning and design work for the electrification of the existing Capwell depot is underway. Once implemented, modern electric buses will be quieter and more comfortable, with smoother acceleration that will improve ride quality for all passengers including those with mobility challenges. The bus livery and information will be standardised under Transport for Ireland branding, offering a consistent look and clear information across services.

Next-generation ticketing will introduce contactless payment by bank card or mobile phone, streamlining the boarding process and making the system simpler for irregular passengers. This upgrade, combined with the 90-minute fare allowing seamless transfers, will remove friction from multi-leg journeys. A passenger will be able to board a bus, transfer to rail or another bus within 90 minutes, and pay just one fare, encouraging use of the best route even when it involves a change.

The infrastructure programme also supports accessibility in broader ways. The 95 km of cycle lanes being built alongside bus corridors will create safer active travel routes, whilst Park and Ride facilities will allow travellers to combine driving with public transport. These measures position the bus network as the backbone of a true multimodal system, making sustainable travel accessible to more people in more circumstances.

How the Network Was Designed

Public and stakeholder engagement played a notable role in shaping the new Cork bus network. The National Transport Authority held two rounds of public consultation in 2021. The first, a “Choices Report” survey in July 2021, received about 1,200 responses from members of the public. This early engagement focused on trade-offs that tend to define bus network design, such as whether people would accept a longer walk or a transfer in exchange for higher frequency and faster journeys.

Responses indicated that Cork residents wanted public transport to become useful enough to reduce car dependence whilst also maintaining coverage and adding new services. These sometimes competing priorities guided the network design: the final plan manages to increase frequency and shorten trips for most travellers without cutting off any community that currently has service.

A Draft New Network was published in November 2021 and opened to public feedback. The second consultation round drew hundreds of additional submissions from the public, local businesses and community representatives. The National Transport Authority’s report on this consultation indicates that many suggestions were incorporated, resulting in adjustments to route alignments and stop locations where feasible. Where concerns were raised about loss of access or increased walking distance, planners tweaked alignments to keep service within reach. New service to areas like Upper Glanmire featured in feedback and was reflected in the final network.

Bus Éireann, the state bus operator in Cork, collaborated with the National Transport Authority during design workshops and supported the goal of a simpler network that would be easier to operate reliably. Cork City Council and Cork County Council were involved in ensuring the bus network redesign aligned with land use plans and complementary projects such as road reconfigurations and future light rail. Local councillors and advocacy groups generally welcomed the promise of better bus connectivity, though concerns were raised.

One recurring worry was the need to interchange under the new network. Some residents expressed anxiety that a trip which is currently a one-seat ride might require changing buses at a suburban hub, particularly if they worried about missed connections or waiting without shelter. In response, the National Transport Authority has emphasised that interchange works best when supported by high frequency and high-quality facilities, including shelters and real-time information. The expectation is that shorter waits and more regular service will reduce the practical burden of changing. Nevertheless, the National Transport Authority has committed to monitor the network after implementation and make adjustments if certain areas or passenger groups are adversely affected, with ongoing engagement through community forums planned.

Timeline and Implementation Status

The BusConnects Cork network redesign was published in June 2022, following extensive public consultation. The plan outlined a phased implementation approach that was expected to begin in 2023 and continue through 2024, introducing the new routes, route numbers and increased service levels in stages.

However, as of January 2026, the full network redesign remains largely unimplemented. Only one route from the new network has been introduced: Route 31, which launched in April 2025. This service connects Knockraha to Parnell Place Bus Station via Glanmire, replacing journeys previously provided on Route 214. Route 31 operates every 90 minutes with nine daily return trips, serving key locations including Crestfield and Hazelwood Shopping Centres, Glanmire Business Park and Glanmire Community College.

All other Cork city bus services continue to operate under the existing route numbering system (Routes 201-225), including the current 24-hour Route 220 service linking Ballincollig and Carrigaline via the city centre. The planned new routes (Routes 1, 3, 4A, 4B and others) have not yet been introduced, and the 53% service increase remains to be implemented.

In parallel, the infrastructure side of BusConnects is moving through planning stages. The Irish Government gave its approval to the overall programme in October 2025. This cleared the way for statutory planning applications in 2026 for the 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors covering bus lanes and cycle lanes. Construction of these corridors will be subject to planning consent and is expected to commence later in the decade. The National Transport Authority has indicated it will implement interim measures where possible, such as bus priority at certain junctions, to begin realising benefits even before all corridors are built.

Meanwhile, improvements such as new shelters, signage and ticketing systems are being rolled out gradually across the Transport for Ireland network. The simplified 90-minute fare was introduced nationally, and the contract for the next-generation ticketing system was awarded in 2024, with full deployment expected over subsequent years. The transition to a zero-emission bus fleet has begun nationally, with electric buses already operating in Athlone, Galway and Dublin. For Cork specifically, planning permission is being sought for an additional temporary bus depot to facilitate the planned service increases and fleet electrification, whilst planning and design work for electrification of the existing Capwell depot is underway.

Both Cork City Council and the National Transport Authority continue to provide information about the programme. Updated network maps and planning documents are available on the BusConnects website, and the public will be advised of implementation schedules as they are confirmed. The phased approach is intended to ensure that bus users can transition to the new routes with minimal disruption once implementation proceeds.

What It Will Mean for Cork

When the programme is fully implemented, Cork bus users can expect a markedly different travel experience. Passengers will benefit from more frequent buses and shorter wait times on nearly all main routes. The days of infrequent, hourly services on important corridors should be gone. Instead, many areas will have service every 15 minutes or better throughout the day, with some routes running around the clock. This frequency boost will translate to more spontaneous travel and flexibility, as passengers can simply go to a bus stop knowing a service will arrive soon.

Bus riders will also experience faster and more reliable journeys. The new direct routes will eliminate time-consuming detours, whilst the planned bus lanes and traffic signal priorities will allow buses to glide past congestion. Commuters can expect quicker trip times into the city centre and more consistency day-to-day in how long the bus takes. The reliability improvements, combined with real-time information displays, will mean less uncertainty and stress. If a bus is delayed, the displays will keep users informed, and the next bus will never be far behind on frequent lines.

The network’s design, with easy connections, will open up better connectivity across the city. It will become feasible to travel from one suburb to another by bus in reasonable time, which will be transformative for accessing jobs, education and social opportunities in different parts of the metropolitan area. Many more people, including those living in newly served areas, will have the option of using public transport for their daily needs, reducing reliance on private cars.

Accessibility and comfort are set to improve as well. With new shelters and bus stop upgrades, waiting environments will be better, and the fully accessible fleet ensures people of all abilities can board safely. The planned transition to electric buses will bring quieter, more comfortable vehicles with zero emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a more pleasant urban environment. The integration of ticketing and fares across modes will make journeys involving a bus plus train, or multiple buses, seamless. There will be no penalty for transferring within 90 minutes. This encourages use of the best route for the trip even when it involves a change, ultimately saving time for the passenger. The addition of Park and Ride options and safe cycling routes to bus corridors means travellers can easily combine driving or cycling with public transport, positioning the bus network as the backbone of a true multimodal system.

In summary, the project is designed to transform the bus user experience: more buses when needed, going to more places, with quicker journeys and easier connections. The anticipated outcome is a public transport network that is far more useful to more people, thereby attracting higher ridership. By improving journey times and reliability, and by offering extensive coverage and seven-day service, the project aims to make taking the bus an attractive and convenient choice for getting around Cork. This will benefit not only existing passengers with better service but will also have wider impacts: reduced traffic congestion, lower emissions and a more connected city. As the National Transport Authority puts it, this transformation will deliver a modern, efficient and sustainable transport system for Cork, making daily travel faster, easier and more accessible for all.

Getting around Merseyside over Christmas and New Year tends to follow a familiar pattern: most of the public transport network winds down sharply on the key bank holidays, while a smaller set of services remains in place to keep essential journeys possible. For anyone planning visits to family, travel to work, or hospital trips, it helps to know in advance what will still be running and when, particularly because the available options differ significantly from a normal weekday.

Across the festive period, Merseytravel brings together information from bus and rail operators and also confirms arrangements for Mersey Ferries. Services can change at short notice, so it remains sensible to check operator updates before travelling, but the published plan provides a clear outline of how the region will be served on each key date.

20^th to 23^rd December: normal services with exceptions

The period leading up to Christmas Eve operates largely to normal patterns. On Saturday 20^th and Sunday 21^st December, buses and trains run to their usual weekend timetables. Mersey Ferries operate River Explorer Cruises on both days, departing from the Pier Head at 10:00 and then hourly until the last service departs at 15:00, with the final departure from Seacombe at 15:20.

Monday 22^nd and Tuesday 23^rd December see normal weekday bus services across all operators. Merseyrail runs normal weekday services on both the Northern and Wirral lines. City Line services to Manchester, Wigan, Blackpool and Chester operate to their regular Monday-to-Friday timetables. Mersey Ferries provide normal commuter and River Explorer services on both days.

Christmas Eve, 24^th December: early finish across the network

Christmas Eve marks the first significant change to services. Buses generally run to normal timetables but finish early, typically between 17:30 and 20:00 depending on the operator and route. Most commercial operators wind down service progressively through the evening rather than maintaining a full schedule until close of service.

Merseyrail operates normal timetables on both the Northern and Wirral lines until an early evening finish. On the Northern Line, last trains depart around 20:30 to 21:00. The Liverpool Central to Southport service has its last departure at 20:32 from Liverpool Central and 20:03 from Southport. The Hunts Cross service sees last trains at 20:13 from Liverpool Central and 20:21 from Hunts Cross. The Liverpool to Headbolt Lane service finishes with a 20:35 departure from Liverpool Central and 20:11 from Headbolt Lane. Services to Manchester Victoria via Headbolt Lane have their last departure from Manchester at 19:27 and from Liverpool Central at 20:35, though Headbolt Lane to Manchester finishes at 19:48.

On the Wirral Line, the Liverpool to Chester service has last trains at 20:36 from Moorfields and 20:29 from Chester. The Ellesmere Port service finishes at 20:24 from Moorfields and 20:17 from Ellesmere Port. West Kirby services end at 20:31 from Moorfields and 20:01 from West Kirby, while New Brighton sees a last departure of 20:46 from Moorfields and 20:23 from New Brighton. The final cross-river train leaves Moorfields at 20:46, calling at Liverpool Lime Street at 20:48, Liverpool Central at 20:50 and James Street at 20:52 before reaching New Brighton. The Bidston to Wrexham line, operated by Transport for Wales, has its last trains at 20:47 from Bidston and 20:51 from Wrexham Central.

City Line services also finish early. The Liverpool to Manchester service via Warrington Central has last departures at 20:22 from Liverpool and 20:46 from Manchester Oxford Road. The Liverpool to Manchester Piccadilly service via Newton-le-Willows finishes at 20:00 from Liverpool and 19:54 from Manchester. Services to Blackpool see a final departure at 19:39 from Liverpool, with the last Blackpool to Liverpool service at 20:05 and the last from Wigan North Western to Liverpool at 20:52.

There is no ferry service on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day, 25^th December: free bus network only

Christmas Day represents the most restricted day for public transport. No trains run anywhere in the Merseyside area, Mersey Ferries do not operate, and most bus services do not run. Instead, Merseytravel provides a dedicated set of free Christmas Day bus services operated by Stagecoach on selected routes only.

The Christmas Day bus network runs approximately between midday and early evening, generally from around 11:30 to 19:30 depending on route and direction. Services typically operate every 60 to 90 minutes on most routes. The network is designed around essential movement: it links Liverpool city centre with St Helens, Huyton, Speke and Kirkby, provides access to major hospitals including Whiston, Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen, Alder Hey, Royal Liverpool, Liverpool Women’s and Clatterbridge, and maintains some local mobility in Southport and on the coast. Key Wirral links connect New Brighton, Birkenhead, Arrowe Park Hospital and Clatterbridge Hospital.

Free services operate on the following routes: 10A (Liverpool to St Helens via Page Moss and Whiston Hospital), 12A (Liverpool to Huyton via West Derby and Stockbridge Village), 21A (Liverpool to Kirkby and Tower Hill circular via Fazakerley), 44 (Formby to Southport to Crossens), 62A (Crosby to Bootle to Aintree University Hospital), 102 (Aintree University Hospital to Croxteth, Alder Hey and Broadgreen Hospital), 201 (Liverpool to Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool Women’s Hospital and Speke), 410 (New Brighton to Clatterbridge Hospital via Birkenhead), H1 (Mill Park to New Brighton via Arrowe Park Hospital), and H2/H3 (St Helens circular services via Whiston Hospital and Prescot).

Liverpool city centre acts as the main hub, with services based around Queen Square Bus Station and Liverpool ONE Bus Station. With trains not running, rail stations shown on maps are reference points only rather than interchanges.

Boxing Day, 26^th December: partial network with reduced frequencies

Boxing Day sees a significant reopening of services, though on reduced timetables rather than normal schedules. Many bus operators run Boxing Day timetables with services generally less frequent than weekdays. A wide range of routes operate, including most of the major corridors and hospital links, though frequencies are typically reduced, and some routes may not run at all.

Routes confirmed as operating with reduced Boxing Day timetables include: 1/X1 (Liverpool to Chester and Cheshire Oaks), 10A/10B (Liverpool to St Helens and Huyton), 12/13 (Liverpool to Stockbridge Village), 14/14A (Liverpool to Kirkby), 15 (Liverpool to Huyton), 17A (Liverpool to Aintree University Hospital and Kirkby), 18 (Liverpool to Croxteth Park circular), 19 (Liverpool to Kirkby), 20/21 (Liverpool to Kirkby via Tower Hill and Northwood), 26/27 (Sheil Road circulars), 31/32/33 (Maghull circulars and St Helens to Parr), 34 (St Helens to Newton-le-Willows), 36 (Aintree University Hospital to Maghull circular), 44 (Formby to Crossens), 46 (High Park to Hillside), 47 (Liverpool to Crossens), 49 (Crossens to Woodvale), 52A (Liverpool to Netherton), 53 (Liverpool to Crosby), 55 (Liverpool to Old Roan), 56/58A (Netherton circulars), 62 (Bootle to Penny Lane), 63 (Bootle to Fazakerley Hospital circular), 75 (Liverpool to Halewood), 79 (Liverpool to Netherley), 81 (Bootle to Speke), 82 (Liverpool to Speke and Liverpool South Parkway), 86/86A (Liverpool to Liverpool South Parkway and Liverpool John Lennon Airport), 89 (St Helens to Liverpool John Lennon Airport), 102 (Broadgreen Hospital to Aintree University Hospital), 156 (Ashton-in-Makerfield to St Helens), 159 (Walton Park to Aintree University Hospital), 166/188 (Belle Vale and Halewood circulars), 201 (Speke to Royal Liverpool Hospital), 204 (Belle Vale to Liverpool ONE), 320 (St Helens to Ashton-in-Makerfield), 410 (New Brighton to Clatterbridge Hospital), 423 (Seacombe to Liverpool), 432 (New Brighton to Liverpool), 437 (Liverpool to West Kirby), 464 (Liverpool to New Ferry), 471/472 (Liverpool to Heswall), 500 (Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Liverpool circular), 602 (Ashton to Newton Hospital), and 921 (Gillars Green to Omega Boulevard).

First departures on Boxing Day typically begin between 08:00 and 10:00, with last services generally between 18:00 and 20:00 depending on route. Frequencies vary considerably by route, with some running every 20 to 30 minutes and others every 60 minutes.

Merseyrail operates a special Boxing Day service rather than a normal timetable, with trains calling only at selected main stations. On the Northern Line, services run between Liverpool Central and Southport, Liverpool South Parkway to Southport, Liverpool Central to Headbolt Lane via Kirkby, and Headbolt Lane to Liverpool Central. Trains generally operate every 30 minutes on these routes, with first trains around 09:40 to 10:00 and last trains around 19:00 to 19:40.

On the Wirral Line, services operate between Liverpool Central and New Brighton, Liverpool Central and West Kirby, and Liverpool Central and Hooton. Again, frequencies are approximately every 30 minutes, with first trains around 09:40 to 10:00 and last services around 19:30 to 19:50. Stations served are limited to the major interchange points only.

City Line services do not run on Boxing Day.

There is no ferry service on Boxing Day.

27^th and 28^th December: normal weekend services

Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th December see a return to normal weekend service patterns across the bus network. Most routes operate to their usual Saturday or Sunday timetables depending on the day. Merseyrail runs normal Saturday and Sunday services on all lines.

There is no ferry service on 27^th or 28^th December, though this is part of the normal closure pattern rather than a festive restriction.

29^th and 30^th December: normal weekday services

On Monday 29^th and Tuesday 30^th December, services operate to normal weekday timetables across buses, trains and ferries. Mersey Ferries run River Explorer Cruises only, with no commuter service. Cruises depart from the Pier Head at 10:00 and then hourly until the last service departs at 15:00, with the final departure from Seacombe at 15:20.

New Year’s Eve, 31^st December: early finish

New Year’s Eve follows a similar pattern to Christmas Eve, with normal services during the day but an early finish in the evening. Most bus operators run to normal timetables with services finishing early, typically between 17:30 and 20:00 depending on operator and route.

Merseyrail operates normal timetables until an early evening finish. On the Northern Line, last train times mirror those of Christmas Eve. The Liverpool Central to Southport service has its last departure at 20:32 from Liverpool Central and 20:03 from Southport. The Hunts Cross service sees last trains at 20:13 from Liverpool Central and 20:21 from Hunts Cross. The Liverpool to Headbolt Lane service finishes with a 20:35 departure from Liverpool Central and 20:11 from Headbolt Lane. Services to Manchester Victoria via Headbolt Lane have their last departure from Manchester at 19:27 and from Liverpool Central at 20:35, though Headbolt Lane to Manchester finishes at 18:46 on New Year’s Eve, earlier than Christmas Eve.

Wirral Line last trains match Christmas Eve timings. The Liverpool to Chester service has last trains at 20:36 from Moorfields and 20:29 from Chester. The Ellesmere Port service finishes at 20:24 from Moorfields and 20:17 from Ellesmere Port. West Kirby services end at 20:31 from Moorfields and 20:01 from West Kirby, while New Brighton sees a last departure of 20:46 from Moorfields and 20:23 from New Brighton. The final cross-river train again leaves Moorfields at 20:46.

City Line services finish early following the same pattern as Christmas Eve, with last departures around 19:30 to 20:30 depending on the route.

Mersey Ferries run River Explorer Cruises only, with no commuter service. The operating pattern matches 29^th and 30^th December, with departures from the Pier Head at 10:00 and then hourly until 15:00.

New Year’s Day, 1^st January 2026: Sunday service pattern

New Year’s Day operates to a Sunday service pattern rather than a normal weekday or complete shutdown. Many bus routes run, but to reduced Sunday frequencies and timings. The range of routes operating is extensive and similar to Boxing Day, though specific departure times and frequencies follow Sunday rather than Boxing Day patterns.

Routes confirmed as operating with Sunday-style timetables include the same broad range as Boxing Day: 10A/10B, 12, 14, 15, 18, 26/27, 31/32/33, 34, 36, 44, 46, 47, 49, 52A, 53, 55, 56/58A, 62, 63, 75, 79, 81, 82, 86/86A, 89, 102, 156, 159, 166/188, 201, 204, 320, 410, 423, 432, 437, 464, 471/472, 500, 602, and 921.

Merseyrail operates a Sunday service on all lines. On the Northern Line, services between Liverpool Central and Ormskirk operate with a complex pattern, with some trains running every 30 minutes and others hourly depending on the time of day. Services generally start around 09:30 to 10:00 and continue until around 19:00 to 19:30. The Wirral Line similarly follows Sunday frequencies, with trains every 30 minutes on the main routes to New Brighton, West Kirby and Hooton.

City Line services operate to Sunday timetables where applicable, with Transport for Wales and Northern services running reduced frequencies.

There is no ferry service on New Year’s Day.

2^nd to 4^th January: gradual return to normal

Friday 2^nd January sees the return of normal weekday services across buses and trains. Merseyrail resumes normal Monday-to-Friday timetables on all lines. Bus operators return to standard weekday schedules. Mersey Ferries resume normal commuter and River Explorer services.

On Saturday 3^rd and Sunday 4^th January, services operate to normal weekend timetables. River Explorer Cruises run on both days, departing from the Pier Head at 10:00 and then hourly until the last service departs at 15:00, with the final departure from Seacombe at 15:20.

Planning journeys in a restricted network

The main practical message from the festive timetable is that transport availability varies significantly by date. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day represent the most restricted days, with Christmas Day requiring careful attention to the limited free bus network. Boxing Day and New Year’s Day offer more options but with reduced frequencies. The days either side of the key holidays see early finishes rather than full closures.

With trains not running on Christmas Day and services limited on other key dates, journeys that might normally be straightforward can require more planning. Hospital access remains prioritised throughout, but general travel, particularly cross-city or between towns, becomes more constrained. As services may be subject to late changes, updates via Merseytravel, individual operator websites and National Rail Enquiries remain the most reliable way to confirm arrangements before setting out.

The festive period brings its familiar mix of altered timetables and special services across Scotland’s coach network. Scottish Citylink has now published its schedule of services for the 2025-26 festive period, detailing operations from 24^th December through 5^th January. From overnight New Year services to Boxing Day Highland connections, here is what travellers can expect during this traditionally disrupted fortnight.

Christmas Eve Services

Christmas Eve services will operate to normal timetables during the day, with early evening finishes on most routes. The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh service will conclude with final departures at 20:00 from Glasgow, whilst Edinburgh offers multiple late options with departures at 21:15, 21:45 and 22:15.

Route 902 (Glasgow-Edinburgh Airport via Livingston) experiences significant evening disruption, with the 19:45 Glasgow departure terminating at Livingston rather than continuing to the airport. Additionally, the 21:45 Glasgow to Edinburgh Airport service, the 21:40 Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow service and the 23:45 Glasgow to Chapelhall service all do not operate.

Highland routes maintain normal service throughout the day, with standard evening finish times. Cross-border services to Belfast see selective cancellations, with the 16:20 and 18:20 departures from Glasgow to Stranraer not operating. However, an additional 14:20 service from Glasgow to Stranraer provides extra capacity for those needing to connect with earlier ferry sailings.

On the Saltire Cross network connecting Edinburgh, Glasgow and the north-east, several late evening M-series departures are withdrawn. From Edinburgh, cancelled services include numerous M92 Aberdeen departures (07:35, 16:35, 18:35, 21:25 and 23:25) and certain M90 services to Perth and Inverness. From Glasgow, the evening M9 Aberdeen services from 15:40 onwards do not operate.

Christmas Day Operations

On Christmas Day, a special service will operate on the Glasgow-Edinburgh route 900, with hourly departures from Glasgow between 08:30 and 20:30, and from Edinburgh between 10:15 and 22:15, with no other routes in operation. Special fare conditions apply because these services are classified as premium services. Thus, standard concessionary travel passes, open return tickets and multi-journey tickets are not valid and neither are regular child, student and other promotional discounts.

Boxing Day and Return to Service

Boxing Day sees the resumption of services across the network, though with modified schedules. The Glasgow-Edinburgh service begins early, with first departures at 04:00 from Glasgow and 05:45 from Edinburgh. Highland services include three return journeys between Glasgow and Fort William/Skye, departing Glasgow at 08:00, 11:20 and 16:20. A special Glasgow-Oban service operates with one return journey, leaving Glasgow at 12:15 and returning from Oban at 18:20. Regular service patterns resume between 27^th and 30^th December.

New Year’s Eve Arrangements

New Year’s Eve (31^st December) mirrors Christmas Eve arrangements, with services operating normally during the day before early evening finishes. The Glasgow-Edinburgh route 900 provides multiple evening options from Glasgow at 20:00, 21:30 and 22:30, whilst Edinburgh maintains its late departures at 21:15, 21:45 and 22:15.

Route 902 encounters similar disruption to Christmas Eve, with the 19:45 Glasgow service again terminating at Livingston, and the same evening cancellations applying. The cross-border Belfast services also follow the Christmas Eve pattern, with the 16:20 Glasgow to Stranraer service cancelled, though the additional 14:20 departure again provides alternative capacity.

The Saltire Cross network sees extensive evening cancellations matching those on Christmas Eve, particularly affecting services from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and from Glasgow to Aberdeen after mid-afternoon.

New Year’s Day Enhanced Services

New Year’s Day features an enhanced service on the Glasgow-Edinburgh corridor, with route 900 operating half-hourly during the day and hourly during overnight hours. The first departures are at 01:00 from Glasgow and 00:45 from Edinburgh, with services continuing through the night. The timetable includes late departures at 19:00, 19:30, 20:00, 22:00 and 23:59 from Glasgow. Airport services run hourly on New Year’s Day, with buses from Glasgow to Edinburgh Airport operating between 09:15 and 18:15, and return services from 10:30 to 19:30.

The intercity network maintains significant coverage on New Year’s Day, with regular services connecting Glasgow and Edinburgh with Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness. Detailed special timetables operate across the M-series routes serving these corridors throughout the day.

Service Resumption Pattern

Sunday service levels apply on 26^th-27^th December and 2^nd-3^rd January across most of the network. Regular service resumes between 28^th-30^th December and returns permanently from 4^th January onwards.

Route-Specific Alterations

Several routes have specific alterations during the festive period beyond those on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Route 909 (Edinburgh-Stirling-Dunblane) withdraws its 19:30 Dunblane to Edinburgh and 22:20 Edinburgh to Stirling services on both 24^th and 31^st December, with additional Boxing Day cancellations of the 06:20 Stirling to Edinburgh departure.

The Inverness-Portree corridor sees a consistent midday service gap between 26^th December and 4^th January, with the 13:15 and 13:00 departures not operating. Route 926 (Glasgow-Campbeltown) runs a single return journey on Boxing Day and 2^nd January, with only the 09:10 from Glasgow and 17:00 from Campbeltown operating.

The Inverness-Ullapool route (961) similarly operates just one return journey on Boxing Day, with the 15:10 from Inverness and 17:00 from Ullapool being the sole services. Route 913 (Edinburgh-Fort William) does not operate at all on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day or 2^nd January.

Overview

Everything runs as normal until Christmas Eve when most routes operate albeit with specific evening journeys cancelled. After a complete stop on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, the weekend returns to normal Saturday and Sunday patterns, before the network moves into a more complicated late-December and early-January schedule. New Year’s Eve resembles that late-December pattern but also includes additional journey cancellations like on Christmas Eve, then New Year’s Day brings another full shutdown before a final day of mixed arrangements on 2^nd January. From 3^rd January, normal timetables resume.

Normal Service Days

On Monday 22^nd December and Tuesday 23^rd December, normal weekday timetables operate on all route, which this means that anyone travelling to work, college or appointments can plan as they would on a typical Monday or Tuesday. During the weekend immediately following Christmas, Saturday 27^th December and Sunday 28^th December, reverts to normal patterns for those days.

Christmas Eve (24^th December)

Christmas Eve, which falls on Wednesday 24^th December, is where the first significant changes appear. The overall framing is that normal weekday timetables operate on all routes, but there are two important exceptions and a series of specific journeys that do not run.

The exceptions are that no buses operate on services 11 or 22. For regular users of those corridors, this is a full-day suspension rather than an early finish, so alternative arrangements are needed throughout the day.

Beyond those two routes, the main Christmas Eve pattern is about trimming later journeys, a common approach as evening travel demand reduces, and staff availability can be more constrained.

Service 8 loses journeys from Wistaston Green at 19:40, 20:40 and 21:40 and also from Sydney at 20:10, 21:10 and 22:10, while service 8A does not run the 20:40 journey from Hanley.

Service 9 does not operate journeys from Biddulph at 19:18 and 19:48.

Service 12 is affected in both directions, with journeys from Leighton Hospital at 19:25 and 20:30 not running and journeys from Shavington at 19:54 and 20:59 not running.

Service 16 does not run the 19:30 journey from Hanley and the 20:15 journey from Leek.

On service 24, the 20:52 journey from Norton and the 22:08 journey from Trentham Lakes do not run, while on service 27A the 21:21 journey from Bentilee and the 22:08 journey from Trentham Lakes do not run.

Service 31 does not run the 19:08 journey from Crewe, service 32 does not run the 19:13 journey from Uttoxeter and service 85 does not run the 19:40 journey from Newcastle.

Some of the most notable reductions on Christmas Eve are on longer cross-town and interurban routes where later departures can be important for shift workers and evening social travel.

Service 37 does not run from Sandbach at 20:04, 21:04, 22:04 and 23:04 and from Northwich at 19:00, 20:05, 21:05, 22:05 and 23:05.

Service 38 does not run from Crewe at 19:45, 20:35, 21:35 and 23:05 and from Macclesfield at 19:15, 20:20, 21:50 and 22:50.

Service 41 does not run from Chester at 19:00 and from Whitchurch at 19:12.

Service 42 does not run from Congleton at 18:45 and from Leighton Hospital at 20:15.

Service 84X does not run from Crewe at 18:58, 19:58 and 20:58 and from Nantwich at 19:31, 20:31 and 21:31.

Taken together, these changes mean that while daytime travel is broadly weekday-normal, evening options narrow, sometimes earlier than passengers might assume if they simply look at a standard Wednesday timetable.

Christmas and Boxing Day Shutdown

After Christmas Eve, the network moves into its clearest cut-and-dried phase. On Thursday 25^th December (Christmas Day) and Friday 26^th December (Boxing Day), no buses operate. This is a full network shutdown with no route exceptions. Anyone needing to travel on either day will need to look at other ways of getting around in places where no other operator is running services, including walking or cycling where possible.

Late December Mixed Operations

The more intricate part begins on Monday 29^th December and Tuesday 30^th December. On these days, normal weekday timetables operate, but only on services 27, 33, 35, 47, 48, 96, 316, 318, 319 and N1. That group, running as a standard weekday, is important for those whose work continues between Christmas and New Year or for anyone making regular weekday trips such as medical appointments. Alongside that, there is a clear set of routes that do not operate at all: no buses run on services 6, 32, 32A, 34 and 150.

For all other routes not already named, Saturday timetables operate. This pattern of weekday on some routes, Saturday on many routes and no service on a few can catch passengers out if they assume an all-or-nothing bank holiday pattern. It makes checking the right timetable for a specific route essential, particularly where Saturday services are less frequent or start later than weekday ones.

New Year’s Eve (31^st December)

New Year’s Eve, Wednesday 31^st December, broadly follows the same structure as 29^th and 30^th December but with additional constraints. Normal weekday timetables operate on services 27, 33, 35, 47, 48, 96, 316, 318, 319 and N1, matching the late-December approach, while Saturday timetables operate on all other routes.

However, the list of routes not operating expands compared with 29^th and 30^th December. No buses operate on services 6, 11, 22, 32, 32A, 34 and 150. The inclusion of services 11 and 22 in this no-service group echoes the Christmas Eve position for those routes, reinforcing that they are not running on that day.

New Year’s Eve also brings a second set of journey-level reductions, similar in style to Christmas Eve, which effectively means that some routes running to a Saturday timetable lose some later journeys.

Service 8 again does not run from Wistaston Green at 19:40, 20:40 and 21:40 and from Sydney at 20:10, 21:10 and 22:10, while service 8A again does not run the 20:40 journey from Hanley.

Service 9 does not run from Biddulph at 19:48.

Service 12 does not run from Leighton Hospital at 19:25 and 20:25 and from Shavington at 19:54 and 20:54.

Service 16 does not run from Hanley at 19:30 and from Leek at 20:15.

Service 24 does not run from Norton at 20:52 and from Trentham Lakes at 22:08, and service 27A does not run from Bentilee at 21:21 and from Trentham Lakes at 22:08.

Service 31 does not run the 19:08 journey from Crewe.

On service 37, the New Year’s Eve reductions mirror the late-evening pattern but with slightly different detail from the Christmas Eve list. Journeys from Sandbach at 20:04, 21:04, 22:04 and 23:04 do not run, while journeys from Northwich at 19:20, 20:05, 21:05, 22:05 and 23:05 do not run and there is also a journey from Winsford at 19:25 that does not run.

Service 38 again loses multiple evening trips, with journeys from Crewe at 19:45, 20:35, 21:35 and 23:05 not running and journeys from Macclesfield at 19:15, 20:20, 21:50 and 22:50 not running.

Service 41 does not run from Chester at 19:00 and from Whitchurch at 19:12.

Service 84X does not run from Crewe at 18:58, 19:58 and 20:58 and from Nantwich at 19:31, 20:31 and 21:31.

Service 85 does not run from Newcastle at 19:40.

Although the day often involves later travel for celebrations, these reductions mean the network does not provide a late-night uplift and instead finishes earlier on a selection of routes, so return journeys may need particular attention.

New Year’s Day (1^st January)

New Year’s Day, Thursday 1^st January, is another complete stop, with no buses operating. As with Christmas Day and Boxing Day, this is a network-wide shutdown rather than a modified timetable, making the overall message simple but with the travel impact being significant for anyone working on the day or trying to reach any rail and coach services that do operate.

Return to Near-Normality (2^nd January)

Friday 2^nd January then reprises the late-December weekday mix. Normal weekday timetables operate on services 27, 33, 35, 47, 48, 96, 316, 318, 319 and N1. No buses operate on services 6, 32, 32A, 34 and 150. Saturday timetables operate on all other routes. For passengers, this means that even though the calendar has moved into January, the network does not yet fully return to standard weekday operation across the board. That waits until after Saturday 3^rd January, when normal timetables resume.

Here is a guide that navigates the intricate changes to Edinburgh and Lothian’s public transport network during the festive period from Christmas 2025 through to early January 2026. The bus and tram services operate under a series of distinct arrangements rather than following a single pattern, with variations across different operators, special provisions for key dates such as Christmas Day and Hogmanay, and the introduction of dedicated overnight services for New Year celebrations. What follows below breaks down the specific arrangements for Lothian Buses, East Coast Buses, Lothian Country and Edinburgh Trams, providing date-by-date clarity on what to expect and how to plan journeys effectively during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Different Networks

The bus and tram network changes substantially over the festive period. There is no single timetable that covers everything. Instead, different operators run separate arrangements and there are special ones for Hogmanay itself too:

• Lothian Buses covers city services, Airlink 100 and city NightBuses
• East Coast Buses serves routes to East Lothian (Musselburgh, Tranent, Haddington, North Berwick, Dunbar)
• Lothian Country covers West Lothian (Livingston, Bathgate, Queensferry, Broxburn, Fauldhouse)
• Edinburgh Trams operates between the airport, city centre and Newhaven
• Hogmanay H services (buses) operate separately on New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day

What Changes

The familiar pattern of daytime routes and NightBus services shifts between 24^th December and 5^th January:

• Service levels vary by date - Saturday, Sunday, Special or Normal
• Earlier finishing times on Christmas Eve and Hogmanay for buses (typically around 21:30)
• Limited routes on public holidays - Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day for buses
• Trams don’t run on Christmas Day but maintain normal service most other days
• NightBus runs intermittently - not available after every day
• Hogmanay overnight uses special H bus services - different routes, different tickets
• Trams are free after midnight on Hogmanay - buses require Hogmanay Ticket

Key Dates at a Glance

🎄 Christmas Eve - Wednesday 24^th December

• Buses: Saturday timetable, finish early (last buses around 21:30)
• Trams: Normal weekday service, every 7 minutes
• NightBuses: Run in early morning only

🎄 Christmas Day - Thursday 25^th December

• Buses: Special timetables, limited routes only
• Trams: No service operates
• NightBus: Does not operate overnight into Boxing Day

🎁 Boxing Day - Friday 26^th December

• Buses: Special timetables, expanded from Christmas Day
• Trams: Normal weekday service resumes, every 7 minutes
• NightBus: Does not operate overnight into 27^th December

📅 Weekend Return - 27^th-28^th December

• Saturday 27^th: Buses on Saturday timetable, no NightBus; Trams normal service
• Sunday 28^th: Buses on Sunday timetable, NightBus resumes Sunday morning; Trams normal service

📅 Pre-Hogmanay - 29^th-30^th December

• Monday 29^th: Buses on Saturday timetable, NightBus operates normally; Trams normal service
• Tuesday 30^th: Buses on Saturday timetable, NightBus operates normally; Trams normal service until 17:50, then split operation (Princes Street closes for Hogmanay preparations)

🎉 Hogmanay - Wednesday 31^st December

• Buses: Saturday timetable, finish early (last buses around 21:30), NightBuses in early morning only
• Trams: 10-minute service on split operation (Airport-West End AND Picardy Place-Newhaven)
• After midnight (buses): Special H services run midnight to 04:00 (£6/£12 Hogmanay Ticket required)
• After midnight (trams): FREE service, every 10 minutes until 02:00, then frequent until early hours

🎊 New Year’s Day - Thursday 1^st January

• Buses: Special timetables, limited routes only; HogmanayBus H services in early morning
• Trams: Split operation until Princes Street reopens, then normal service resumes
• NightBus: Does not operate overnight into 2^nd January

📅 Early January - 2^nd-4^th January

• Friday 2^nd: Buses on Sunday timetable, no NightBus; Trams normal service
• Saturday 3^rd: Buses on Saturday timetable, no NightBus; Trams normal service
• Sunday 4^th: Buses on Sunday timetable, NightBus resumes; Trams normal service

✅ Back to Normal - Monday 5^th January

• Service level: Normal weekday services resume for all operators
• Schools return

Lothian Buses (City Network)

22^nd - 23^rd December

Timetables are as per normal weekdays across all Lothian services, including Airlink and NightBus.

Christmas Eve: Wednesday 24^th December

Daytime: Saturday timetable operates, but services finish earlier than a normal Saturday. Last buses through the city centre typically depart around 21:30, though precise times vary by route.

NightBus: Operates in the early morning only (for travel after midnight at the start of the day).

Airlink 100: Reduced service.

Christmas Day: Thursday 25^th December

Daytime: Special timetable on selected routes only. Check the dedicated Christmas Day leaflet for which routes operate.

Airlink 100: Limited daytime service only.

NightBus: Does not operate overnight into Boxing Day.

Boxing Day: Friday 26^th December

Daytime: Special timetable with core routes running at reduced frequencies.

Airlink 100: Daytime only.

NightBus: Does not operate overnight into Saturday 27^th December.

Weekend Return: 27^th-28^th December

Saturday 27^th December: Saturday timetable returns. Airlink early morning journeys operate. NightBus does not operate overnight.

Sunday 28^th December: Sunday timetable. NightBus runs on Sunday morning only.

Pre-Hogmanay: 29^th-30^th December

Monday 29^th and Tuesday 30^th December: Both days operate to Saturday daytime timetables.

NightBus: Returns to normal operation in the early mornings.

Hogmanay: Wednesday 31^st December

Daytime: Saturday timetable operates.

Evening: Services finish early, typically with last buses through the city centre around 21:30.

NightBus: Operates in the early morning only (at the start of the day).

After midnight: Normal NightBus does not run. Instead, special H services replace normal overnight provision (see Hogmanay Services section for full details).

New Year’s Day: Thursday 1^st January

Daytime: Special timetable on selected routes only.

NightBus: Does not operate overnight into Friday 2^nd January.

Early January: 2^nd-4^th January

Friday 2^nd January: Sunday timetable. No NightBus services.

Saturday 3^rd January: Saturday timetable. No NightBus services.

Sunday 4^th January: Sunday timetable. NightBus resumes in the early hours.

Return to Normal: Monday 5^th January

Normal weekday services resume across the network. Schools return on this date.

East Coast Buses (East Lothian Routes)

Coverage: Edinburgh, Musselburgh, Tranent, Haddington, North Berwick, Dunbar and intermediate communities.

Christmas Eve: Wednesday 24^th December

Daytime: Saturday timetable with earlier last departures from Edinburgh city centre.

NightBus: Routes N107, N113 and N124 operate in the early morning only (helpful for travel after midnight at the start of the day, but not late on Christmas Eve night once services have finished).

Christmas Day: Thursday 25^th December

A tightly focused service operates on three core corridors only:

Route 107: Edinburgh - Musselburgh - Tranent - Haddington - Dunbar

Route 113: Edinburgh - Musselburgh - Tranent - Ormiston - Pencaitland

Route 124: Edinburgh - Musselburgh - Prestonpans - Longniddry - Gullane - North Berwick

Special operational note: On 25^th December only, East Coast Buses serve all stops between Brunstane and Abbeyhill.

NightBus: Does not operate overnight into Boxing Day.

Boxing Day: Friday 26^th December

Special timetable continues with a wider daytime spread across the key network.

Routes operating: X7 (Dunbar - Haddington - Edinburgh via A1), 106, 107, 113, 124

Frequencies: Generally hourly on most routes.

NightBus: Does not operate overnight into Saturday 27^th December.

Weekend Return: 27^th-28^th December

Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th December: Normal weekend timetables return.

NightBus: Resumes on the morning of Sunday 28^th December.

Pre-Hogmanay: 29^th-30^th December

Monday 29^th and Tuesday 30^th December: Operate broadly to Saturday daytime timetables.

NightBus N107: Runs to a normal weekday timetable in the early morning hours. This reinforces that the overnight offer is not a uniform on-or-off switch across all festive dates.

Hogmanay: Wednesday 31^st December

Daytime: Saturday timetable with earlier last departures from the city centre.

NightBus N107: Runs as normal in the early hours (at the start of the day).

After midnight: Hogmanay services are separated out into the special H network rather than being part of the ordinary NightBus arrangements.

New Year’s Day: Thursday 1^st January

Daytime: Special timetable operates on routes 106, 107, 113, 124 and X7, generally at hourly frequencies.

Early morning: HogmanayBus services H107 and H124 operate.

NightBus: Does not operate overnight into Friday 2^nd January.

Early January: 2^nd-4^th January

Friday 2^nd and Saturday 3^rd January: No NightBus services in the mornings.

Sunday 4^th January: Returns to a Sunday timetable with overnight services resuming in the early hours.

Return to Normal: Monday 5^th January

Normal weekday services return.

Lothian Country (West Lothian Routes)

Coverage: South Queensferry, Livingston, Bathgate, Whitburn, Broxburn, Fauldhouse, Winchburgh and connections into Edinburgh.

The festive pattern is similar in shape to other operators but different in the details of which corridors are maintained.

Christmas Eve: Wednesday 24^th December

Daytime: Saturday timetable with earlier last buses, especially towards Edinburgh.

NightBus: Routes N18, N28 and N43 operate in the early morning only.

Christmas Day: Thursday 25^th December

Very limited special service with only a defined set of routes operating:

Route X18: Whitburn - Bathgate - Broxburn - Edinburgh

Routes X27 and X28: Bathgate - Livingston - Edinburgh

Route 43: Queensferry - Dalmeny - Edinburgh

Route X40: St John’s Hospital - Livingston - Royal Infirmary

Route 72: Fauldhouse - Livingston - Winchburgh

Route 74: Fauldhouse - West Calder - Livingston - Bathgate

Frequencies: Reduced, generally hourly or less.

NightBus: Does not operate overnight into Boxing Day.

Boxing Day: Friday 26^th December

Special timetable continues with the same core routes, typically with improved frequencies compared with Christmas Day.

NightBus: Does not operate overnight into Saturday 27^th December.

Weekend Return: 27^th-28^th December

Saturday 27^th December: Saturday timetable returns, although NightBus does not operate in the early hours.

Sunday 28^th December: Sunday timetable. NightBus routes operate on Sunday morning only.

Pre-Hogmanay: 29^th-30^th December

Monday 29^th and Tuesday 30^th December: Both use Saturday daytime timetables.

NightBus: Returns to normal operation in the early morning.

Hogmanay: Wednesday 31^st December

Daytime: Saturday timetable with earlier last journeys in the evening.

NightBus: Operates in the early hours only (at the start of the day).

After midnight: Handled through the Hogmanay H network rather than the standard NightBus.

New Year’s Day: Thursday 1^st January

Daytime: Special timetable on the same core routes that operated on Christmas Day.

Early morning: HogmanayBus services H18, H28 and H43 operate.

NightBus: Does not operate overnight into Friday 2^nd January.

Early January: 2^nd-4^th January

Friday 2^nd January: Sunday timetable, no NightBus.

Saturday 3^rd January: Saturday timetable, no NightBus.

Sunday 4^th January: Sunday timetable with NightBus resuming in the early hours.

Return to Normal: Monday 5^th January

Normal weekday services return. Schools restart on this date.

Edinburgh Trams

Edinburgh Trams operate a simpler festive pattern than the bus network, maintaining normal weekday service on most days with just a few key changes.

Normal route: Edinburgh Airport - York Place (city centre) - Newhaven

Christmas Eve: Wednesday 24^th December

Service level: Normal weekday service throughout the day.

Frequency: Trams every 7 minutes.

No early finish - trams run to normal hours unlike buses.

Christmas Day: Thursday 25^th December

Service level: No trams operate on Christmas Day.

Staff have the day off to spend with their families.

Boxing Day to Monday 29^th December (26^th-29^th December)

Service level: Normal weekday service resumes immediately on Boxing Day.

Frequency: Trams every 7 minutes.

This is notably different from buses, which run special reduced timetables on Boxing Day.

Tuesday 30^th December

Until 17:50: Normal weekday service operates on the full route.

From 17:50 onwards: Princes Street closes to prepare for the Hogmanay Street Party.

Split operation begins:

• Service A: Edinburgh Airport - West End
• Service B: Picardy Place - Newhaven

Passengers cannot travel through the city centre section. Change at West End or use alternative transport through the closure zone.

Hogmanay: Wednesday 31^st December

Service level: 10-minute frequency on split operation.

Split operation continues:

• Service A: Edinburgh Airport - West End
• Service B: Picardy Place - Newhaven

After midnight: All trams are FREE to help people get home safely.

Midnight to 02:00: Trams run every 10 minutes.

02:00 onwards: Frequent service continues into the early hours of New Year’s Day.

This is a major difference from buses, which require a £6.00 or £12.00 Hogmanay Ticket for overnight travel.

New Year’s Day: Thursday 1^st January

Split operation continues until Princes Street reopens.

Once Princes Street reopens: Normal weekday service resumes on the full route.

Friday 2^nd January onwards

Service level: Normal weekday service resumes.

Frequency: Trams every 7 minutes.

Trams vs Buses: Key Differences

Understanding how trams differ from buses during the festive period can help with journey planning:

Travel Tips for Tram Users

Park & Ride: If driving from beyond Edinburgh, use Ingliston Park & Ride (over 1,000 free spaces, just off A8 Airport Junction). Trams depart every 7 minutes.

Shopping access: For city centre shopping, use Princes Street, St Andrew Square or Picardy Place stops - but note the Princes Street closure from 17:50 on 30^th December through New Year’s Day.

Hogmanay travel: Take advantage of free tram travel after midnight on 31^st December. Frequent service runs until the early hours to help you get home safely.

During Princes Street closure: Plan for the split operation. If you need to travel through the city centre between 30^th December evening and 1^st January, consider:

• Walking between West End and Picardy Place (approximately 15 to 20 minutes)
• Using Lothian Buses routes that aren’t affected by the closure
• Using the free Hogmanay trams for part of your journey after midnight on 31^st December

Hogmanay Overnight Bus Services

The H Network: Midnight to 04:00, Thursday 1^st January 2026

The most distinctive part of the festive network operates on Hogmanay night. Special buses branded as H services run from midnight to 04:00 on Thursday 1^st January 2026. These are designed specifically for late night travel after New Year celebrations and replace normal NightBus operations for Hogmanay night.

Anyone relying on the usual NightBus routes needs to treat Hogmanay as its own separate arrangement, with its own routes, fares and ticket validity.

Ticketing: A Central Difference

You cannot use normal tickets or passes on H bus services.

A Hogmanay Ticket is required for travel on H bus services.

Pricing:

• £6.00 for travel within one fare zone
• £12.00 for travel across two fare zones

What the ticket covers:

• Unlimited travel on day buses after 18:00 on Wednesday 31^st December
• Unlimited travel on H bus services after midnight on 1^st January

How to pay:

• Cash on board (exact cash fare only)
• Contactless on board
• Ridacard is accepted

Not valid on H bus services:

• Concessionary passes
• Season tickets
• Other passes or tickets

This is a significant departure from normal expectations for people who might otherwise use concessionary passes or other season tickets.

Where the Hogmanay Ticket is valid:

• Lothian, Lothian Country and East Coast Buses services
• Excludes: Airlink and the airport tram stop
• Normal zone restrictions apply

Remember: Edinburgh Trams are FREE after midnight on Hogmanay - no ticket required.

Geographic Coverage

The H network is structured to provide radial coverage from Edinburgh city centre out to suburbs and surrounding towns.

West and North West: Silverknowes, Queensferry, Kirkliston, South Queensferry

North and North East: Granton, Newhaven, Leith, Portobello, Musselburgh

South and South East: Liberton, Hyvots Bank, Dalkeith, Gorebridge, Newtongrange

South West and West: Balerno, Colinton, Clovenstone, Wester Hailes

Longer Distance Routes: Some services extend to Bathgate, Penicuik, Dunbar and North Berwick, although not every journey necessarily runs end to end. Late night operation can include city-only journeys or partial routing to outer termini.

Service Frequency

Operations are designed around manageable frequencies overnight, with services generally running every 30 to 60 minutes depending on the route.

Departure Points

Departures are organised from key city centre termini:

• Haymarket
• Princes Street
• Nicholson Street
• Elm Row
• Leopold Place

This reflects how the network is intended to distribute passengers after events in the centre.

HogmanayBus Morning Services

In addition to the overnight H network, special HogmanayBus services operate in the early morning of 1^st January:

East Coast Buses: H107, H124

Lothian Country: H18, H28, H43

Important Notes

As with many special timetables, notes about directionality and partial operation matter more than usual. A service might run to an outer area on one journey but operate only within the city on another.

Planning Your Festive Travel

Treat Each Date as a Separate Scenario

The festive period does not follow a single pattern. Rather than assuming weekend or weekday patterns, check the service level for your specific travel date.

Watch for Earlier Finishing Times

Christmas Eve (24^th December) and Hogmanay (31^st December) - buses finish early.

Last buses typically depart around 21:30 from the city centre. The daytime frequency can look fairly normal right up until services begin to wind down, which tends to catch people out.

Trams run to normal hours on Christmas Eve but operate on split service from 17:50 on 30^th December through New Year’s Day.

Check your specific route’s last departure time if the final journey of the day matters.

Understand NightBus Availability

NightBus availability is intermittent across the period, with notable gaps on the mornings after major public holidays.

NightBus does NOT operate overnight into:

• Friday 26^th December (Boxing Day)
• Saturday 27^th December
• Friday 2^nd January
• Saturday 3^rd January

NightBus DOES operate in early mornings of:

• Wednesday 24^th December
• Sunday 28^th December
• Monday 29^th December
• Tuesday 30^th December
• Wednesday 31^st December
• Resumes from Sunday 4^th January onwards

Expect Limited Networks on Special Days

Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day operate on special timetables with reduced bus networks.

What this means for buses:

• Only selected routes run
• Frequencies are typically hourly at most
• There are fewer early morning and late evening journeys
• Not all areas are served

What this means for trams:

• No service at all on Christmas Day
• Normal service on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day (once Princes Street reopens)

Hogmanay Requires Different Planning

Wednesday 31^st December into Thursday 1^st January stands apart:

For buses:

• Normal NightBus routes do not operate after midnight
• H services use different routes
• H services require a Hogmanay Ticket (£6.00 or £12.00)
• Concessionary passes and other tickets are not valid
• Service operates midnight to 04:00 only

For trams:

• FREE travel after midnight
• 10-minute frequency until 02:00
• Frequent service continues into early hours
• Split operation continues (Airport-West End AND Picardy Place-Newhaven)

Service Level Summary

Download Timetables & Further Information

Lothian Buses (City Network)

Download: Lothian Buses Festive Timetable (PDF)

East Coast Buses (East Lothian)

Download: East Coast Buses Festive Timetable (PDF)

Lothian Country (West Lothian)

Download: Lothian Country Festive Timetable (PDF)

Hogmanay Services

Download: Hogmanay Services Information (PDF)

Edinburgh Trams

Read more: Edinburgh Trams Festive Information