The UK government has issued information on its website on what to expect in London during the period around the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II, read here.
It expects that public services will continue as usual, although there may be some changes to service availability of certain services, mainly in London, on the day of the State Funeral, September 19.
Throughout the period of National Mourning, particularly on days with ceremonial events and in the build-up to the State Funeral, public transport in key locations will be very busy and journeys may take longer than usual. Further information will be announced by network operators, and people should check their journey before they travel to ensure all services are running as expected.
Events, sporting fixtures and entertainment venues are not obliged to close during the National Mourning period – this is at the discretion of individual organisations. But it is possible that organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral.
The site advises allowing more time for journeys in and around London. There are major road closures in central London (especially Westminster) and visitors should avoid driving in central London. Due to the road closures, some bus services will be diverted or will stop short of their destination, and some may run a reduced service.
Tube and rail trains are running normally. The UK’s National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers has suspended strikes planned for September 15 and 17, following the death of Queen Elizabeth, as the union “will be respecting the period of public mourning”. Stations near commemorative and ceremonial events will be busy, particularly at street level. They may be operating differently or close temporarily at short notice on the busiest days.
Tube stations expected to be busier include: Westminster, Green Park, Charing Cross, Embankment, Victoria, Waterloo, St James's Park, Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch. Green Park Tube station is best avoided unless step-free access is needed. Other Tube stations are a short walk from Buckingham Palace – these include Victoria, Piccadilly Circus and St James' Park.
On the Elizabeth Line, Central section (Paddington-Abbey Wood) will run on Sunday, 18 September. East and West sections will run normally.
For pedestrians, the site advises that while parts of London will be busy during the entire period, the Westminster area will be exceptionally busy from Wednesday, September 14 onwards as ceremonial events take place and Lying in State starts. But, for those who can, walking is likely to be the quickest option for shorter journeys.
The site gives the latest status updates for buses; roads; tube, rail and trams
View our map for walking times between Tube stations.
