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It’s been nearly nine months since the last tube strikes hit London, but our period of peace has officially come to an end. Last week, a wave of industrial action was announced by the RMT union, stretching all the way from next Friday (September 5) until the following Thursday (September 11).
There are a few different reasons that the tube staff are striking and there are various different workers in different parts of the network who will be walking out. The main disputes are over pay and hours, as well as Transport for London (TfL) allegedly failing to deliver on previous promises.
Staff from the DLR will also strike during this period, which will make it even trickier to navigate London for the next week. Don’t fear though – this city is well equipped for times like these, and you’ll still be able to get wherever you need to go. Here’s our guide to getting around during the upcoming strikes.
What dates are the tube strikes in September?
The strikes will begin at 6pm on Friday September 5, with different people walking out on each day until September 11, but the effect – halted tube trains – will be the same whichever people are striking on a given day. Here’s what that will look like in practice:
- Friday September 5: No service on Underground lines after 6pm.
- Saturday September 6: No service on Underground lines all day
- Sunday September 7: No service on Underground lines OR DLR all day
- Monday September 8: No service on Underground lines OR DLR all day
- Tuesday September 9: No service on Underground lines OR DLR all day
- Wednesday September 10: No service on Underground lines OR DLR all day
- Thursday September 11: No service on Underground lines OR DLR all day
How to travel around London during the tube strikes
The Overground, buses, and the Elizabeth line will still be running throughout this period, as their staff are under a different union. They might be more busy than usual, but there shouldn’t be any changes to their timetables unless previously specified.
The DLR will operate normally until September 7, when its workers will also walk out until September 11.
TfL recommends walking or cycling where you can. If that doesn’t work, use the company’s journey planner to figure out the fastest way to get to your destination.
Which lines are affected?
All Underground lines will be affected by this period of strike action. This includes the following lines:
- Bakerloo
- Central
- Circle
- District
- Hammersmith & City
- Jubilee
- Metropolitan
- Northern
- Piccadilly
- Victoria
- Waterloo & City
Will the Elizabeth line be running?
Yes, the Lizzie line will be running as normal. It’s technically separate from the other tube lines, so is usually not impacted during periods of strike action.
Is there any other travel disruption to be aware of?
Elizabeth line or Overground trains may not stop at certain stations if they are closed as part of the industrial action.
There are also some planned engineering works on certain Overground lines and at points on the Elizabeth line throughout the period – you can find out exactly when these are and if they’ll disrupt your trip on TfL’s website.
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