London, 5 May 2025 – Commuters using the London Underground today are being urged to avoid two key Tube stations, as the capital plays host to large-scale events marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The city is coming alive to commemorate the historic end of the Second World War in Europe, with a grand military procession and tributes across iconic locations. But the fanfare also brings travel disruption, and Transport for London (TfL) is advising passengers to plan ahead.
Westminster and Green Park Set for Major Crowds
TfL has flagged Westminster station as a congestion hotspot this morning. Between 9am and 11am, thousands of spectators are expected to descend upon Parliament Square, awaiting the midday chimes of Big Ben to signal the start of the procession.
To avoid the throng, TfL recommends that commuters opt for Waterloo or Embankment stations instead, both a short walk from the event zone.
Later in the day, from 1pm to 3pm, Green Park station will likely be overwhelmed as crowds shift toward Buckingham Palace, the final destination of the march. For a smoother journey, travellers are being directed to nearby Victoria or Bond Street stations.
Route Through the Heart of the Capital
The military parade will take a symbolic route, moving from Parliament Square along Whitehall, past Downing Street, through Trafalgar Square, and then westward down The Mall to the gates of Buckingham Palace.
Roughly 1,300 Armed Forces personnel will participate in the procession, with representatives from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force taking part.
Churchill’s Words, Red Arrows’ Wings
Adding emotional weight to the event, actor Timothy Spall will open proceedings by reading excerpts from Winston Churchill’s VE Day speech at the foot of the wartime Prime Minister’s statue.
The finale at Buckingham Palace will feature a dramatic flypast. The Red Arrows will be joined by 23 military aircraft, both modern and historic, to salute the occasion.
TfL Joins the Tribute
TfL itself is commemorating the war’s end with poignant installations across the Underground network. Statues of the ‘Unknown Tommy’ and the ‘Unknown Woman in War’ will appear in five stations that played a role in London’s wartime past.
- Baker Street and Tower Hill boast long-standing war memorials.
- Charing Cross and Balham were both bombed during the Blitz.
- Bethnal Green stands as the tragic site of the worst civilian disaster of the Second World War, where 173 people lost their lives in a crush during an air raid in 1943.
Plan Ahead, Avoid Disruption
TfL has advised that while it welcomes the historic nature of today’s event, those not attending should consider rerouting their journey to avoid delays and packed platforms.
“These events are expected to draw large crowds, and we encourage passengers to check before they travel and use alternative stations where possible,” said a TfL spokesperson.
London is paying tribute in style, with history, ceremony and symbolism woven into every detail of the day. But with celebration comes congestion. Whether you’re heading to the heart of the action or simply trying to get across town, TfL’s advice is clear: plan your journey, avoid hotspots, and travel smart.
