How Can I Avoid Rush Hour in London When Travelling for Work?

Rush hour is something that every traveller and local dreads, and it can get particularly bad in Central London . However, if you are working in the city, there is no avoiding the fact that this is something that you will need to deal with and learn how to handle—but how do you avoid rush hour in London when travelling for work? 

If you are looking for London rush hour tips to help reduce travel times for business meetings and general travel in the big city, we are glad to report that there could be some steps you can take to make commuting in London a bit more bearable. 

When Is Rush Hour in London?

Rush hour in London is generally between 6:30–9:30, then 16:00–19:00, but the exact times and extent of congestion and delays can vary greatly depending on where you are, with specific roads being particularly bad for rush hour traffic. 

Unfortunately, as many of us already know, there isn’t always a way to avoid rush hour in London when travelling for work—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a better time to travel in London for work that can make a difference.

Why Does Avoiding Peak Travel Matter for Business Travellers?

Avoiding peak travel times is preferred for a lot of reasons, whether you are on a business trip or on holiday. By travelling at off-peak times, not only are you able to save money, but you can save yourself a remarkable amount of time and stress.

No one wants to be stuck in traffic for hours when you need to be somewhere, and the frustration that we’ve all experienced during traffic congestion is unmatched. However, finding ways to avoid rush hour in London when travelling for work is not always straightforward. Travel is necessary for most workers, and those who are unfortunate enough to have accommodations on the other side of town from where they work will always suffer the most—but we can offer some London business travel advice that might make the whole situation a bit easier.

Tips to Avoid Rush Hour in London

If you want to avoid rush hour in London when travelling for work, there may be a few things that you can do to beat the mad rush. From travelling in off-peak times wherever possible and using apps to track updates, to walking or cycling shorter distances and even choosing faster transport lines (e.g. The Elizabeth Line) can be immensely helpful in making your commute smoother and stress-free.

Travel Off-Peak When Possible

Travelling at off-peak times is the most straightforward way to avoid the dreaded London rush hour, but it’s important to know when rush hour actually is for your journey. There isn’t any official rush hour to turn to, and these time periods can be just a few minutes, to an hour or more, depending on traffic and congestion on a given day. 

Some parts of London, like a stretch of the A217, is particularly known as a nightmare congestion spot in the city, as are parts of the A215 from Shirley Road to Albany Road. For most parts of the city, rush hour can start around 15:00 as school is finishing, and be worse around 17:00 as most people’s workday is ending.

Peak fares apply Monday to Friday between 06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00.
Off-peak fares apply at all other times, including weekends and public holidays.

If you want to travel more comfortably and save money, plan your journey just before or after these peak windows. For example, starting your trip at 09:45 instead of 09:15 can make a noticeable difference in both crowding and cost.

You can check the full fare and time breakdown on TfL’s official page.

Use Apps Like Citymapper or TfL Live Updates

Since there is no real way to avoid rush hour in the city, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with what is happening with congestion and traffic. You can use apps like TfL Live Updates or Citymapper to get frequent updates and reports about traffic in the area so that you know what to expect and can make plans for any changes. 

Walk or Cycle Short Distances

The best way to travel for business in London is by foot, but this will not always be possible depending on where you need to go. Cycling is another fantastic option, as you are not restricted as you would be in a car or bus.

Anyone who has a short commute, whether to work or anywhere else, is encouraged to walk or cycle these short distances. Not only is this fantastic for reducing traffic in these areas, but it also means that you won’t have to deal with rush hour, and you get some exercise out of it. 

If you haven’t brought your own bicycle with you (we don’t imagine you have), you can get cycles from various Santander Cycles stations around the city and hire them as needed. We only encourage you to be careful when taking and returning these cycles, as you need to ensure that they are registered as returned. Failing to do so will result in fines, so watch out for the green light!

Can Choosing Faster Lines Like the Elizabeth Line Make a Difference?

The Elizabeth Line is faster than the central line, and can make travelling during rush hour slightly more bearable, but don’t expect to outrun the rush! This line will be packed full during the busiest times of day, with all passengers having the same idea as you. 

How Can the Right Hotel Location Save You Time on Travel?

To avoid rush hour in London when travelling for work, or, at least, avoid the worst of it, choosing the right hotel to stay at is crucial. Make sure to book at hotels near transport hubs London offers, like Liverpool Street, Canary Wharf, and Bank, and your commute is already made easier. If you can walk from your hotel to the office, the time and money you save will go a long way—as will the reduced stress!

For those on work trips in London, there is nowhere better than our very own Crown Group of Hotels business stays accommodations across the heart of the city. Choose between Mabledon Court Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel, Arran House Hotel, and Great St. Helen Hotel for the perfect hotel that suits your needs, both inside and out. 

Why Crown Group of Hotels Is Ideal for Business Travel in London

Trying to stick to off-peak travel London transport is key if you want to combat rush hour traffic, but we all know that this is not a viable option for many travellers. If you want to give yourself the least stressful experience possible, taking the time to book at the perfect hotel will make all the difference. 

Luckily, with us, our hotels are strategically located across Central London near all the most popular public transport stations and business districts. Avoid rush hour in London when travelling for work by planning ahead, staying with us, and making smart travel decisions. 

Stay connected, save time, and travel stress-free. Book your business stay with Crown Group of Hotels for quick access to London’s key business districts. Before booking, please read through our booking and privacy policies and terms and conditions.