Ceremony of the Keys & transportation
 

I have tickets for the ceremony on August 12 and I'm just wondering what kind of options we have for getting back to our hotel (South Kensington) at that hour. As of yesterday the TFL website said the circle line is still closed (plus we're not sure if we'll be using the tube at all - crazy we may be but that's how we feel). Are regular buses running at that hour? From what I can tell I could catch the route 15 bus, change at ? and then catch the route 14. Does that sound right? How much would a taxi be at that hour from the Tower to South Kensington? Thank you in advance for any assistance.

The District Line also runs from the Tower to South Kensington. The trains run at least every ten minutes until after midnight. Buses run all night, but will take longer, and you'll have to change. You'll have no luggage so presumably changing buses or walking part of the way wouldn't be a problem.

GeoffHamer has explained the best options - Some people who have not ridden the tube before don't understand the map. Circle and District trains run on the same tracks from Tower Hill to Gloucester Rd but are totally different tube lines - so unless there are advisories that there are problems on the District line it will be very easy.

It will only be a bit past 10:30 when you start your trip back so regular buses will still be running if you decide against the tube.

And if you decide to walk across the river to a pub or just stroll along the southbank to see the sights, or go somewhere else after the Ceremony - there are night buses that run til dawn.

A taxi would be very expensive - you'd be traveling across the whole width of central London. But you could take a bus part way and then catch a cab for the final stretch back to S Kensington.

It would take three buses, but it could be quite a nice tour if you don't begrudge the time: 15 to Charing Cross, change to the 9 to Knightsbridge/Harrods and then the 74 or 14.

Thank you for the replies! My next question is this - it's just myself and my 13 year old son so would it be safe walking back along the southbank at that hour? That sounds like a wonderful idea!!

yes - it is safe. The entire route is built up w/ pubs, cafes, etc. and many people will be out and about. Along the southbank are the HMS Belfast, Globe theatre, Tate Modern, OXO Tower, National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, Millenium Bridge, London Eye, etc. Plus great views across the river to St Pauls. If it is a nice evening there will be hundreds of people out walking.

And if walking it late at night bothers you at all (I've walked it many times by myself) - you could walk TO the Tower instead. There is a Pizza Express across from the Globe, and many other good places to eat - so you could eat somewhere along the southbank, then walk to the Tower and take the bus or tube back to S Kens after the Keys Ceremony.