Is the Elizabeth line affected by the April 2026 tube strikes?

You’ve probably heard by now, but even more tube strikes are on the way. RMT drivers will be walking out for six 24-hour periods in April, May and June. The first day of strikes will be next week, taking place on Tuesday, April 21. 

Before you panic and sign up to a Lime bike subscription, you do have options. Here’s everything you need to know about using the Elizabeth line during the strike period. 

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RMT union members voted in favour of action back in February, with strikes called for the London Underground. Walk-outs that were supposed to take place in March were suspended, but for now further action will still be going ahead. The action will only be affecting services on the Underground, meaning that the DLR, Overground and Elizabeth lines will all still be operating. London buses will be affected by separate strikes in April and May. 

RMT drivers are striking over a proposal to condense the working week into four days, resulting in changing shift patterns. 

A representative from RMT said: ‘Our members will not accept TfL's plan to condense the working week for tube drivers where shift patterns will become unpredictable leading to fatigue and increasing safety risks.

‘A majority of tube drivers when asked have rejected these proposals. And our members are prepared to take industrial action if there is no change in course by TfL.’

When are the spring 2026 tube strikes?

Here are all the dates when drivers will strike for 24 hours. 

• April 21-22 (12pm to 11.59am)
• April 23-24 (12pm to 11.59am)
• May 19-20 (12pm to 11.59am)
• May 21-22 (12pm to 11.59am)
• June 16-17 (12pm to 11.59am)
• June 18-19 (12pm to 11.59am)

Will the Elizabeth line be affected?

No, strikes won’t be happening on the purple line, but services may be busier than usual. 

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Some good news: You can ride a vintage 1930s tube train in London next month. 

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