Oxford Street to become traffic-free from 26 October

Oxford Street is set to become traffic-free between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street from Monday 26 October 2026, Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed.

Buses and other traffic will be diverted away from a wider section of Oxford Street, between Portman Street and Winsley Street, from the evening of Sunday 25 October while final preparations take place. The traffic-free area will be reduced to the section between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street on Monday morning.

The changes will affect journeys through the surrounding area, including some bus routes and stops near Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place and Cavendish Place. TfL says preparations and changes to services will begin from Saturday 24 October. Anyone travelling to work, visiting a business or arranging a delivery is encouraged to check their route before setting off and allow extra time.

What will change?
Buses, taxis, private hire vehicles and cyclists will no longer be permitted on the traffic-free section of Oxford Street. Mobility scooters and emergency vehicles will retain access at all times.

North–south routes will remain open at Orchard Street/North Audley Street, Duke Street, Stratford Place/Davies Street, Vere Street/New Bond Street, Holles Street/Harewood Place, Regent Street and Great Portland Street, although some may close temporarily during construction work.

TfL expects alternative bus stops to be approximately 200 metres from the traffic-free section, with taxi ranks approximately 100 metres away. Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road stations will remain step-free, with no changes to access at either station.

Advice for local businesses
Businesses that use Oxford Street for deliveries, servicing or waste collections will need to plan for the new access arrangements. From 26 October, freight and servicing vehicles will be able to enter the traffic-free section between midnight and 7am using defined access routes. Deliveries onto that section will not be permitted outside those hours.

TfL has published an Oxford Street deliveries and servicing guide and is offering workshops to help businesses prepare.

TfL advises visitors to use public transport where possible. Nearby Tube and Elizabeth line stations include Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road and Marble Arch.

Bus diversions and stop changes will be published on TfL’s Oxford Street travel advice page. Travellers can also use TfL Journey Planner or the TfL Go app for the latest route information. Taxi and private hire pick-up and drop-off points may change.

Enabling works are already taking place on roads around Oxford Street. TfL says it is carrying out work overnight where possible to reduce disruption, though some daytime work will be needed.

The traffic changes mark the start of a phased programme to improve Oxford Street. TfL says construction will be kept to a minimum during the busy Christmas period. Longer-term plans include seating, rest areas, trees, planting and clearer signage.

For the latest information, visit TfL’s Oxford Street area works page. Queries about TfL works can be raised through TfL’s help and contact page or by calling 0343 222 1234.