Quieter times to travel

There is plenty of space on the network at quieter times.

The quieter times on public transport vary between weekdays and weekends and between stations, lines and services.

On weekdays, it's generally quieter at the following times:

  • On buses, between 08:30 and 15:00 and after 17:30
  • On Tube and Rail, between 09:15 and 16:00 and after 18:45

On weekends, it's currently quieter at the following times:

  • On buses, before 11:00 and after 18:00
  • On Tube and Rail, before noon and after 18:45

If you use Tube or rail in the morning peak and can travel on Mondays and Fridays, these are generally quieter days to travel compared to Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Recent analysis has shown that: 

  • 16 per cent fewer customers travel on a Monday morning peak 
  • 30 per cent fewer customers travel on a Friday morning peak 

If you travel in the morning peak and can be flexible about what time you travel, changing your journey time by just thirty minutes can lead to a quieter journey .Compared to travelling between 08:00 and 08:30, data has shown that: 

  • 20 per cent fewer customers travel between 07:30 and- 08:00 
  • 14 per cent fewer customers travel between 08:30 and- 09:00 

Quieter times may change as circumstances change. Plan ahead, including checking how busy any station on the TfL network is, at any time of day online or using the TfL Go app.

If you are travelling into London via National Rail services, check their quieter times to travel.

Stations and stops may also become temporarily busier due to planned works or events, which often happen at weekends. Check before you travel for the latest information.