This week, tube strikes return to London. In April, the city experienced industrial action on the Underground for the first time since September 2025, with drivers from the RMT union walking out for two 24-hour periods. Now, similar strikes are scheduled over four days this week. RMT members are striking on six occasions in total, spanning 12 days. Unionised staff voted in favor of the action in response to a 'compressed four-day working week,' which the RMT argues will leave employees more fatigued and create a less safe working environment.
The next two walkouts occur this week. To help you prepare, here is everything you need to know about getting around the capital without the Tube.
What Are the Tube Strike Dates in May 2026?
Industrial action will take place across four days this month:
- May 19-20 (12pm Tuesday to 11:59am Wednesday)
- May 21-22 (12pm Thursday to 11:59am Friday)
Two more 24-hour strike periods are scheduled in June:
- June 16-17 (12pm Tuesday to 11:59am Wednesday)
- June 18-19 (12pm Thursday to 11:59am Friday)
How to Travel Around London During the Tube Strikes
The Overground, DLR, Elizabeth line, and most buses across the city will operate as normal throughout the strike period. They will likely be much busier than usual, but timetables should remain unchanged unless specified. Use TfL's journey planner before you set off to confirm there are no alterations.
Which Lines Are Affected?
Regarding specific lines that will be completely down or restricted:
- The Circle line will be down.
- The Piccadilly line will not run.
- The Metropolitan line will be down between Baker Street and Aldgate.
- The Central line will be shut between White City and Liverpool Street.
TfL states that the rest of the Tube network will be impacted by the strikes, with at least a reduced service. All Tube lines are: Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, and Waterloo & City.
Will the Elizabeth Line Be Running?
The Elizabeth line is not part of the Underground network, so it will not be affected by the industrial action and is a good alternative for reaching your destination.
Will the Overground Be Running?
On the Overground, the Lioness, Weaver, Liberty, Mildmay, Windrush, and Suffragette lines will all operate as usual all week, though they are likely to be much busier than normal.
How to Reach Key Train Stations During the Strikes
- King's Cross-St Pancras: For Eurostar and UK train services, take a Thameslink service to St Pancras from Luton Airport Parkway, Gatwick Airport, London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Waterloo East, and more. Alternatively, use the Elizabeth line to Farringdon and then Thameslink to King's Cross.
- Paddington: Reach Paddington via the Elizabeth line.
- Euston: Euston is walkable from stations with non-Tube services, such as King's Cross, St Pancras, and Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth line).
- Victoria: Victoria is most easily reachable by bus. Check the TfL website for bus routes serving Victoria.
How to Get to Major London Airports During the May 2026 Tube Strikes
Travel to Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted will be particularly affected. The Circle line (serving Victoria for Gatwick Express and Liverpool Street for Stansted Express) is down. The Piccadilly line (serving Heathrow) is not running. The Central line is shut between White City and Liverpool Street, affecting access to Stansted Express.
For Heathrow, use the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express from Paddington. Gatwick: Gatwick Express runs as normal from Victoria, and Thameslink services run from Blackfriars, Farringdon, City Thameslink, London Bridge, and St Pancras. For Stansted, take the Stansted Express from Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale. National Express coaches also serve all major airports.
What Are the Chances of the May Strikes Being Called Off?
As the strike dates approach, cancellation becomes less likely. TfL told MyLondon that while it holds weekly talks with unions, no specific discussions about the compressed working week have occurred. However, on Friday, the Guardian reported that the RMT is seeking talks, boosting hopes that the strikes could be called off.
