Central London on New Year’s Eve is extremely busy, especially around the Thames for the fireworks. If you’re visiting food markets, street-food areas, or meeting friends in Zone 1, you’ll want to plan around road closures, bridge restrictions, station controls, and crowd-managed walking routes.
If you’re planning food before or after the fireworks, you can explore food markets in Central London, late-night street food spots, and food halls near Tube stations to plan your route more easily.
This guide covers the key things that will affect your journey on Wednesday 31 December 2025 and the early hours of 1 January 2026.
Key timings to know (Central London)
Pedestrian restrictions in the event area can start from midday (12:00).
Vehicle access restrictions are planned from 2:00pm (14:00) on 31 Dec until around 6:00am on 1 Jan (and some areas may close from 12:00pm depending on safety).
TfL guidance also highlights that road closures start from early afternoon, and some bridges close from 14:00.
These timings are especially important if you’re heading to markets near the Thames, street food around Waterloo and South Bank, or central London food halls earlier in the day.
Fireworks: ticketed event (important)
If you’re heading near the fireworks footprint: do not go without a ticket — access is controlled and you won’t be allowed into ticketed viewing areas.
If you’re looking for non-ticketed options, see our guide to free places to watch London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks and smart backup plans away from the main crowd zones.
🎆 Still Looking for London Eye Fireworks Tickets?
If you don’t have plans yet, it’s not too late to secure a spot for New Year’s Eve in London.
While the main London Eye fireworks viewing areas are ticketed and often sell out, last-minute tickets and alternative experiences may still be available, including:
Official London Eye fireworks viewing tickets
Thames river cruises with fireworks views
Dinner cruises and late-night celebration experiences
Guided viewpoints away from the main crowd zones
These options can be a great way to avoid the busiest areas, stay warm, and enjoy the fireworks from a unique perspective.
Central London bridge closures (31 Dec 2025)
From 14:00, some bridges in central London will be closed to traffic, and some also to walking/cycling.
Bridge closure times (planned):
Westminster Bridge — from 14:00
Waterloo Bridge — from 14:00
Golden Jubilee Footbridges — from 14:00 (no pedestrians)
Lambeth Bridge — from 18:00
Blackfriars Bridge — from 19:00
Millennium Footbridge — from 19:00 (no pedestrians)
Southwark Bridge — from 22:00
Vauxhall Bridge — short closure around midnight
Other bridges may close at short notice for crowd safety.
Tip for food market visitors: if you need to cross the river while bridges are closed, plan to use the Tube instead.
Station closures and “exit-only” controls
TfL plans to restrict or close some stations during the evening and reopen them when safe. Planned controls include:
Charing Cross (Tube) — closed from 18:00 (National Rail remains open)
Covent Garden — exit-only from 19:00
Leicester Square — exit-only from 20:00, then closed from 23:30
Westminster — closed from 21:30
Embankment — closed from 23:00
Temple — closed from 23:00
Blackfriars — closed from 23:30
Piccadilly Circus — closed from 23:30
Lambeth North — closed from 23:30
Russell Square — exit-only from 23:30
Buses, Tube and all-night transport
All-night services
Some TfL services (including the Tube) run all night on New Year’s Eve.
Buses
Daytime: Saturday day service (plus a special service on route SL6)
Night: Saturday night service on night routes + some extra frequency + some diversions in central London
Tube (high-level)
Reduced Saturday service in the day
All-night running
Stations near fireworks and busy areas may be exit-only, interchange-only, or have queues
(TfL also lists some specific line disruptions for the day — worth checking live before you travel.)
Walking & cycling (expect restrictions)
From early afternoon you may not be able to walk through certain areas due to closures for the fireworks
From 14:00, some bridges close to people walking
Cycling may be affected, and you may need to dismount in crowds
Some Santander Cycle docking stations around Waterloo, Westminster and Embankment may be out of service until early 1 January.
Driving in Central London (not recommended)
If you can avoid driving, do. TfL’s key points:
Roads close from early afternoon
From 14:00, you won’t be able to drive across some bridges
Congestion Charge does not operate
Tunnel charges may still apply, and ULEZ/LEZ may apply depending on your vehicle
Extra notes that matter for New Year’s Eve
Primrose Hill will be closed all day until after the fireworks.
Taxi & Private Hire: from 20:00 until 06:00 on 2 Jan, black cabs charge an extra £4 per journey (private hire may add charges too).
Westminster Council warns closures happen in phases from 12pm, and deliveries/waste collections can be disrupted inside closure areas.
Food market travel tips (Food Marketplace advice)
If you’re visiting a central London food market or street-food area on NYE:
Arrive earlier than usual
Plan your route assuming bridge crossings may not be possible
Choose your side of the river early - it can be hard to cross later
Use Tube/night services to get home
Always check the market’s Instagram/social media for last-minute opening hours or access changes (especially on NYE)
Final reminder
New Year’s Eve in London is incredible - but the city runs differently. Give yourself time, avoid driving into central areas, and plan your return trip before you head out.
For last-minute plans, explore food markets open now, indoor food halls, and places to eat after midnight in London.
Have a great New Year 🎆🥂
