London late-night travel set to rise as summer events drive demand, says TfL
- Perry Richardson
- May 26
- 2 min read
Millions of Londoners are expected to travel late into the night this summer as major sporting events, concerts, outdoor screenings and extended pub opening hours place heavy demand on the capital’s transport network.
Transport for London (TfL) said recent major events had already shown the scale of demand, with London Marathon day on Sunday 26 April generating millions of journeys. TfL also expected Sunday 24 May, the final day of the Premier League season, to have seen more than 5.8 million Tube and bus journeys.
Demand is forecast to continue, with Arsenal’s victory parade on Sunday 31 May and this summer’s FIFA Men’s World Cup expected to increase evening and late-night travel. Although World Cup matches will be held overseas, fan zones, public screenings and longer licensed hours are likely to create busy periods across Tube, bus and rail services.
Frontline transport staff representing World Cup nations gathered at Wembley Park Underground station as part of preparations. The station is among London’s busiest during major events and will play a key role in moving crowds safely around the capital.
TfL expects major football screenings, concerts and extended pub hours to push millions of late-night journeys across the capital this summer.
The Mayor has also introduced a new Weekend Hopper fare, allowing passengers to use buses and trams throughout Saturdays and Sundays for the price of a single fare. The offer will run for six weekends during the school summer holidays from 25 July to the end of August, including the bank holiday Monday when Notting Hill Carnival takes place.
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: "We’ve already seen the positive impact that major events like the London Marathon and the end of the Premier League season have on the city, and we expect this summer’s FIFA Men’s World Cup to bring the same energy to London with people coming together to support their teams.
"London is a truly global city, and that is reflected in the diversity of our brilliant transport workforce. Our teams work around the clock to keep customers moving safely and reliably – whether they’re heading to a concert, watching football with friends or enjoying a night out."
Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, said: "London is the world’s sporting and cultural capital, and this summer is no exception. Whether you’re attending a World Cup screening, a headline concert or dining al fresco with friends, TfL will ensure you can travel around the city safely, efficiently and reliably.
"The Mayor and I are proud of our world-class public transport system, which provides great sustainable travel options to help millions of Londoners and visitors make the most of everything our incredible city has to offer, as we continue to build a better London for everyone."
