London faces major travel disruption from Friday, September 5 to Thursday, September 11 as the first tube strikes in over a year arrive, bringing widespread closure of Underground linesknock-on effects for the DLR, and exceptionally busy alternative routes – though the Overground and Elizabeth line will keep running throughout the strike action.
Tube strikes: dates and impact
The tube strikes will start at 6pm Sunday, September 7 until Thursday, September 11as RMT union members walk out in disputes over pay, hours, and working conditions.
Londoners should expect no service on Underground lines across all days from September 7 to September 11, with additional strikes affecting the DLR on September 9 and September 11.
Tube lines impacted by the strikes
All London Underground lines are impacted:
- Bakerloo
- Central
- Circle
- District
- Hammersmith & City
- Jubilee
- Metropolitan
- Northern
- Piccadilly
- Victoria
- Waterloo & City
Will the London Overground be running?
Lines including Lioness, Windrush, Weaver, Liberty, Mildmay, and Suffragette will be running normally but will be particularly crowded, so expect delays and packed carriages.
Will the Elizabeth line be running?
The Elizabeth line will operate to its regular timetable, as it’s usually unaffected by tube strike action. However, stations closed due to the strike may not be served, and trains are predicted to be busier than usual.
Will the DLR be running?
There will be no DLR service on Tuesday, September 9 and Thursday, September 11.
Will the bus routes be running?
All bus routes will remain in service and provide crucial backup for frustrated commuters unable to use the tube network. Prepare for long waits and larger crowds.
Getting around London during the Tube strikes and alternative routes
TfL advises walking or cycling wherever possible to avoid delays. For longer journeys, use the TfL journey planner to check routes, particularly as buses, Overground, and the Elizabeth line may skip certain stations closed during industrial action. DLR services will be hit on September 9 and September 11—plan alternative travel if your route relies on these days.
Additional disruption and airport travel
Certain Overground lines and points on the Elizabeth line will see further scheduled engineering works throughout the strike period, so check TfL’s latest updates before travelling. For those heading to airports, alternative public transport options (Overground, Elizabeth line, and buses) are available, but allow for extra travel time due to crowding and possible delays.
