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Everyone knows holidays only really begin when you step off the plane. All the travel before that is stressful at the best of times, but if you’re heading off on an early September break, you might be feeling even more anxiety than normal, as the RMT union has announced a week of tube and DLR strikes starting next Friday (September 5).
It’s usually very straightforward to get to any one of London’s six airports, but with transport disrupted, you might need to take a slightly 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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đź“ŤHow to get around London during next week’s tube strikes
When are the tube strikes in September?
The tube strikes will last a total of six days: September 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. From 6pm on Friday 5, all Underground lines will be out of service until industrial action ends or is called off by the union.
The DLR will be shut on September 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. On these days, no DLR services will be available at any time.
How to get to Heathrow during the tube strike
Luckily, 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 Thamesline services that go through to the airport and leave from Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras. These are not involved in tube strikes, so 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 plenty of buses and Overground services you can hop on instead. Taxis and Ubers are also an option, albeit a pricey 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 station, 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.
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, 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.
What about the other London airports?
The Luton 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.
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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