Some cities are holiday angels. New York City runs buses 24/7, even on Christmas. They treat it like a normal Tuesday. Meanwhile, London does this charming thing where the Tube shuts down early, but night buses—called “N” routes—keep rolling. It’s a Christmas miracle.
Small towns? Good luck. If your bus runs once an hour on a good day, on Christmas it might run once at noon and then ghost you. You’re better off calling a rideshare. Or a very forgiving friend with a car.
The Unofficial Rules of Holiday Rides
Rule one: Dress warm. You’ll be waiting longer than usual. Bring gloves, a scarf, and maybe a tiny flask. (I’m not saying that’s for emergencies, but I’m not not saying it.)
Transdev John Holland Won First Place in TfNSW’s Christmas Bus
Rule two: Expect crowds. Everyone who didn’t get a ride from family is on your bus. It’ll be full of people carrying gifts, crying children, and that one person who’s already drunk. It’s a festive circus.
Rule three: Be patient. The bus might be late. The driver might be grumpy. The heat might break. But you’re on a bus on Christmas. That’s a story. Lean into it.
