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Good news, Londoners! May’s tube strikes, which were scheduled to take place this week, have been called off.
In April London was hit by tube strikes for the first time since September 2025. RMT union members walked out in response to the introduction of a ‘compressed four-day working week’ for tube drivers, impacting the entire London Underground network.
While the May strikes have been called off, there are still several strike dates looming over Londoners. The RMT has warned that ‘more strike action will follow if [the union] fail[s] to make sufficient progress’ in talks with TfL.
Worried about strikes hitting the capital? Here’s everything you need to know.
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When are the next London tube strikes?
Tube drivers are still set to walk out on the following two occasions, each a 24-hour period.
- June 2-3 (12pm to 11.59am)
- June 4-5 (12pm to 11.59am)
Which services will be affected by the strikes?
Drivers belonging to ASLEF are not set to strike, and neither are non-driver RMT union members. This meant that the April strikes were not as impactful as previous walk-outs.
In April, TfL ran a reduced service will run across most lines. However, the following services were more severely hit:
- The Circle line was down
- The Piccadilly line was not running
- The Metropolitan line was down between Baker Street and Aldgate
- The Central line was shut between White City and Liverpool Street
Find a full guide to which lines will be hit by the strikes, and how to get around the city, here.
London tube strikes day-by-day breakdown
Here’s the breakdown of how much the strikes are expected to impact services in June, day-by-day.
- June 2 – normal service until midday, severe disruption after midday
- June 3 – severe disruption until midday, some disruption after midday as services return to normal
- June 4 – normal service until midday, severe disruption after midday
- June 5 – severe disruption until midday, some disruption after midday as services return to normal
What are the chances of London Underground strikes being called off?
Well, the chances are certainly higher now that the May strikes have been suspended. While the RMT and TfL are yet to come to an agreement, the two sides appear to be closer to finding a middle ground.
How to get around London during a strike
When the tube is down, bus and National Rail services will offer alternative routes across the city. As we found in the April strikes (and in the major walk-outs last September), e-bike hire schemes prove particularly popular during periods of industrial action.
During the tube strikes, the Elizabeth line, Overground and DLR are still running.
How long will the London train strikes last?
As it stands, the current period of industrial action is set to end on June 5 2026.
However, more strikes could be called if no agreement is reached.
Why are there new tube strikes?
The RMT says that the strikes are down to introduction of a compressed four-day working week for tube drivers. The union says that bosses are planning to compress a normal working week into four days, raising concerns about shift lengths, working time arrangements and the ‘potential impact on fatigue and safety’.
What have union and rail bosses said about the strikes?
Commenting on the May strike being called off, a spokesperson for the RMT said: ‘At the 11th hour the employer has shifted its position, allowing us to further explore our members’ concerns around the imposition of new rosters, fatigue and safety issues.
‘The dispute is not over, and more strike action will follow if we fail to make sufficient progress.’
Nick Dent, director of customer operations for London Underground, said: ‘We are pleased that RMT has withdrawn its planned industrial action this week.
‘Our proposal for a voluntary four-day week is designed to improve both work-life balance for drivers and the reliability of service for customers.
‘We look forward to further discussions on the implementation of these proposals with all of our trade unions.’
When are the next London Overground strikes?
There are no strikes currently planned for the London Overground network.
Will strikes affect the Eurostar?
Eurostar is not expected to be affected by any strike action.
Will the Elizabeth line be on strike?
No Elizabeth line strikes are currently planned. The purple line is expected to run normally on tube strike days, though it will likely be much busier than usual.
How to get to London airports during strikes
Tubes and trains are rarely on strike at the same time, so travellers can usually get the other, non-striking one to the airport. For example, if you plan on using the on-strike Piccadilly line to get to Heathrow, you can always use the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express.
Coaches frequently run from central and outer London areas by the likes of National Express. All airports are also, obvs, all accessible by road – whether you’d like to drive or get a taxi. Expect potentially higher levels of traffic during strike days.
Timeline of previous London tube strikes
Here’s a lowdown of all the tube strikes that have taken place in the last few years.
- June 6-7 2022
- June 21-22 2022
- August 19-20 2022
- November 10-11 2022
- November 25 2022
- March 15-18 2023
- September 5-12 2025
- April 21-22 2026
- April 23-24 2026
Bus strikes
While east London has been hit by bus strikes over the past few months, no more walk-outs are planned.
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