How to get to London airports during the September 2025 tube strikes

With the time pressure and all your bags, travelling to an airport can be stressful at the best of times. But if you’re heading off on an early September break from London this week, you might be feeling even more anxiety than normal, as the RMT union has started a week of tube and DLR strikes.

It’s usually relatively straightforward to get to any one of London’s six airports, but with transport disrupted, you might need to take a different route. Don’t worry though, you’ll still be able to jet off without too much bother. 

The good news is that the London Underground isn’t the only way to get from A to B in the capital city. From Gatwick to Luton, here’s how to get to London’s airports during the upcoming September strikes.

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📍How to get around London during next week’s tube strikes

When are the tube strikes in September?

The strikes is set to last a total of seven days: September 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. From Sunday September 7, all Underground lines will be out of service until industrial action ends or is called off by the union.

Even when strikes have ended on Friday September 12, you’ll need to plan your journey. Services do not restart until 8am, and the network will not be back to normal until the late morning. 

The DLR will be shut on September 9 and 11. On these days, no DLR services will be available at any time.

How to get to Heathrow during the tube strike

Heathrow is the easiest airport in London to access by public transport. Although the Piccadilly line is a popular option, on days where the tube has been called off you’ll still be able to get there on the Elizabeth line, or on the Heathrow Express which runs from Paddington.

National Express also operates coaches to Heathrow.

How to get to Gatwick during tube strikes 

The easiest way to get to Gatwick is on the Gatwick Express from Victoria station, or on one of the direct Thameslink services that go through to the airport and leave from Blackfriars, Farringdon, City Thameslink, London Bridge and St Pancras. These will be running as normal.

You may find it more difficult than usual to get to the departure stations without the Victoria, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern and Piccadilly lines, but there are buses and other services you can hop on instead. Taxis and Ubers are also an option, albeit a pricier one.

You can also get a National Express coach to Gatwick from various London bus stations.

How to get to Stansted airport during tube strikes 

The Stansted Express, running from Liverpool Street and Tottenham Hale stations, should be working on its normal timetable with no delays or disruptions. However, you will have to opt for a bus or taxi to get you to the station without the Central, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Victoria lines. Tottenham Hale does not have an Overground stop, but (somewhat) nearby Seven Sisters does. 

How to get to London City airport

London City is usually easiest accessed via the DLR, but throughout the strikes you will have to find an alternative route. Some London buses also serve the station (the 129, 473 and 474), so they will likely be your best bet unless you’re up for treating yourself to a taxi.

If you do opt for a cab, book ahead as there is likely to be a higher demand than usual during periods of industrial action.

How to get to Luton airport

The Luton Airport Express and Luton Dart won’t be impacted by strikes, although as before you will have to get either a bus or a taxi to St Pancras rather than relying on the Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, Metropolitan, and Hammersmith & City lines. St Pancras is also walkable from King’s Cross, Euston and Tottenham Court Road stations. 

How to get to Southend airport

You’ll also still be able to get trains to Southend from Stratford and Liverpool Street, but once again you will need to use buses, the Overground, and taxis in order to get to the train station.

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