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The BFI London Film Festival 2025 is back, bringing the best of British and international cinema to the heart of London. From exciting premieres and exclusive screenings to Q&A sessions with filmmakers, this iconic festival offers something for every film lover.
Whether you are a seasoned cinephile, attending with family, or hoping to spot a few celebrities, here’s everything you need to know about enjoying the BFI London Film Festival 2025 and travelling there easily with South Western Railway.
What is the BFI Film Festival
The BFI Film Festival is one of the most anticipated events in the film calendar, bringing together movie fans, industry professionals, and filmmakers from around the world. Hosted by the British Film Institute, this festival showcases a wide range of films from premieres and indie hits to documentaries and international cinema.
Running for decades, the festival has grown into one of the largest public film festivals in the world. It celebrates the art of cinema and promotes British and international films alike. A key part of the UK’s rich film culture, the festival provides an important platform for filmmakers and audiences to connect and experience storytelling on the big screen.
One of the UK’s biggest film festivals, it is a must-visit for anyone who loves cinema and wants to catch the latest releases at London cinemas across the city.
When is the BFI London Film Festival 2025?
The 69th BFI London Film Festival takes place from 8 to 19 October 2025 in London and across the UK. Over these 12 days, you can enjoy a packed programme of film premieres, special screenings, and industry events.
Where is the BFI Film Festival 2025?
The BFI London Film Festival 2025 takes place across a vibrant array of London cinemas and venues. The main events are hosted at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall and BFI Southbank, with additional screenings at the BFI IMAX.
Partner cinemas in the West End include well-known venues such as Curzon Mayfair, Curzon Soho, the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), Prince Charles Cinema, and Vue West End. The festival also screens films at Odeon, Picturehouse, and selected independent cinemas throughout London, bringing a rich cinematic experience to audiences citywide and cementing its status as one of the premier film festivals in London.
How to get to the BFI London Film Festival
London is expected to be very busy during the BFI London Film Festival, especially around Southbank where many screenings take place. To avoid the hassle of traffic and parking, taking a train to London is the simplest way to travel.
South Western Railway runs frequent services straight into London Waterloo, which is only a short walk from BFI Southbank, the heart of the festival. From Waterloo, it takes around 12 minutes on foot; exit the station, head towards Belvedere Road, and follow the signs for the Southbank Centre to reach the BFI Southbank entrance.
If you are attending events at venues such as Leicester Square or other central London cinemas, you can reach them easily from Waterloo using the Northern Line on the London Underground. Trains run every few minutes, and the journey to Leicester Square takes around 3–5 minutes.
Travelling by train
If you’re starting your journey from hubs such as Bournemouth, Southampton Central, or Portsmouth, heading to the festival by train is the most reliable option. South Western Railway offers direct connections to London Waterloo, placing you minutes away from major festival venues.
You can also make the most of flexible ticket types to suit your schedule. Save money by booking off-peak tickets, and check whether you’re eligible for Railcards and discounts. If you’re travelling with friends or in a group, don’t forget about the GroupSave option, which makes your tickets even cheaper.
Travelling within London
South Western Railway trains don’t just serve central London. Festival-goers can also board services at outer London stations like Surbiton, Wimbledon, and Richmond, making it simple to reach screenings across the city. Once in London, you can travel easily between festival venues with a London Travelcard, an Oyster card, or contactless payment. Many of the cinemas are close to major Underground stations, so you’ll never be far from the action.
BFL Tickets and dress code
The full programme for the 69th BFI London Film Festival will be unveiled on 3 September, with general ticket sales starting from 16 September. For detailed ticket pricing and booking information, visit the official festival website.
While the BFI London Film Festival does not enforce a strict dress code, smart casual is generally expected for most screenings. For premieres and gala events, guests often opt for more formal or elegant attire, though comfort and personal style are encouraged. The festival welcomes a diverse range of looks, balancing relaxed chic with red carpet glamour, ensuring all attendees feel comfortable and at ease while enjoying the films and atmosphere. This flexible approach reflects official venue policies and common festival practice.
Key BFL screenings and must-see films
Recognised as one of the UK’s largest film festivals, the BFI London Film Festival celebrates a rich variety of genres and international entries, featuring premieres that often debut exclusively at the festival. Highlights include an exciting mix of feature films, shorts, and special events showcasing iconic directors alongside emerging talent. Whether a die-hard cinephile or casual moviegoer, the festival’s carefully curated programme offers something for everyone.
The 2025 festival opens with the highly anticipated international premiere of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall and cinemas across the UK on October 9. Directed by Rian Johnson, the film reunites Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc, alongside a star-studded cast including Josh O’Connor, Andrew Scott, and Daryl McCormack, all expected to headline the red carpet gala.
Designed to engage a variety of audiences, the festival provides film enthusiasts with exclusive premieres and filmmaker Q&A sessions, families with specially curated screenings for younger viewers, and industry professionals with panels, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Places to stay near the BFI London Film Festival
For convenient access to the BFI London Film Festival venues, here are some recommended hotels:
- Sea Containers London offers stylish rooms and a rooftop bar overlooking the Thames, just a short walk from BFI Southbank.
- CitizenM London Bankside provides modern, tech-savvy accommodation close to Waterloo station, perfect for exploring festival locations.
- The Henrietta Hotel is a boutique hotel in Covent Garden, ideal for attending screenings at West End cinemas and enjoying central London attractions.
BFI London Film Festival accessibility
The BFI London Film Festival is committed to making the event welcoming and accessible to all visitors. Here are some key tips and information to help you have the best experience:
1. No luggage storage is available at festival venues; use left luggage facilities at major train stations like London Waterloo.
2. Keep valuables secure in zipped pockets or small bags during busy screenings.
3. The main festival events held at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX are well-equipped for accessibility, offering wheelchair access, step-free entry, accessible toilets, guide dog assistance, and accessible screenings including audio description, British Sign Language, and relaxed screenings.
4. Selected independent cinemas and venues across London may have varying levels of accessibility; attendees are encouraged to check with individual cinemas and the BFI box office for specific access information ahead of their visit.
5. Staff and volunteers are present throughout venues to provide assistance and support with accessibility and safety needs.
Book your train tickets with SWR
Whatever your plans for the BFI London Film Festival 2025, travelling by train with South Western Railway guarantees a relaxed, hassle-free journey. For the best value, we recommend booking in advance to secure cheap train tickets.
South Western Railway offers a variety of ticket types, including flexible options such as Sunday Out and Semi-Flex Return tickets, so you can find the perfect ticket to suit your festival itinerary.
Travelling with friends or family? Take advantage of our GroupSave discounts to save up to one third on off-peak tickets for groups of 3 to 9 people.
While planning your visit, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive monthly travel inspiration, exclusive offers, and competitions.
Also, explore SWR Rewards to unlock exclusive deals on London dining, attractions, and entertainment to make your festival experience even more memorable.
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