Tool
Late-night London decoder
London doesn't really "shut". But the trains do, in stages. Knowing which line runs through to 01:00 and which stops at 23:30 saves you a £40 minicab.
What this solves
Last train times on TfL change every December and May, with engineering works on weekends. The general rule: most tube lines have one night service (Victoria, Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, most of the rest are overnight buses). The Elizabeth line closes around 23:00 most nights. If you're in Zone 2 outer at 01:30, you really need to know your night bus number.
How to read the result
- Good: tube/rail option still runs at your chosen time.
- Bus only: night bus is your answer, plan for 1 hr+ journey.
- Minicab only: no public option, you'll need Uber / Addison Lee / FreeNow. Estimate £30–£80 from central to Zone 2/3 outer.
What it doesn't cover
- Real-time engineering works — always check TfL.
- Strike days: pre-2022 strikes were unheard of; 2022 onwards the unions have called Rallies for RMT; on those days tubes, Elizabeth line, and sometimes Overground run reduced services.
- Match-day fares: Arsenal vs Palace becomes semi-experiential post-match.
FAQ
Does Night Tube run on weekends?
Night Tube resumed weekend service on Central, Victoria, Northern, Piccadilly, Jubilee from autumn 2022. Weekday Night Overground covers the Liverpool Street–Highbury & Islington–Canonbury line Friday/Saturday only. Elizabeth line is NOT night — closes around 23:00.
When does the Elizabeth line close?
Last Elizabeth line from Paddington is 23:40 most nights. There is no night service, but during engineering (rare) the line opens earlier on Sunday.
Are night buses safe?
TfL's N-prefix night buses run from central London every 30 min on most routes, every 10 min on N29 / N5 / N15. Generally well-policed and reliable. Most night buses run with conductors; some passengers.
Is Uber cheaper than minicab?
Surge at last train time (00:00–00:30) and at 02:00 on weekends. From Zone 1 to Zone 3 outer, expect £30–80 with surge. Always agree price or use meter with black cab.
Sources
- TfL — Tube first/last train times (live timetable).
- TfL — Night Bus routes map.
- Transport for London — Engineering works calendar.