London is bracing for another round of tube strikes as members of the RMT union walk out for 48 hours next week. Following industrial action in April, which marked the first tube strikes since September 2025, drivers are set to strike over a compressed four-day working week. The RMT argues that the new schedule increases fatigue and compromises safety. Here is everything you need to know about getting around the capital without the Underground.
Dates of the May 2026 Tube Strikes
The strikes will take place across four days this month:
- May 19-20 (12:00 Tuesday to 11:59 Wednesday)
- May 21-22 (12:00 Thursday to 11:59 Friday)
Further 24-hour strikes are scheduled for June:
- June 16-17 (12:00 Tuesday to 11:59 Wednesday)
- June 18-19 (12:00 Thursday to 11:59 Friday)
Alternative Transport Options
During the strikes, the Overground, DLR, Elizabeth line, and most buses will operate as normal, though they are likely to be busier than usual. Passengers are advised to use TfL's journey planner before setting off to check for any changes. However, on Friday, May 15, seven bus routes in east London will be affected by driver strikes from 5:00 AM until 5:00 AM on Saturday, May 16. The affected services are: 8, N8, 25, N25, 425, 205, and N205.
Affected Tube Lines
The following lines will be completely down:
- Circle line
- Piccadilly line
- Central line (between White City and Liverpool Street)
TfL states that the rest of the tube network will be impacted, though some lines may run a reduced service as seen last month.
Elizabeth Line
The Elizabeth line is not part of the Underground network and will run as usual, providing a good alternative for cross-city travel.
Overground
The Lioness, Weaver, Liberty, Mildmay, Windrush, and Suffragette lines will all operate normally, albeit with increased passenger numbers.
Getting to Key Train Stations
King's Cross-St Pancras
For Eurostar and national rail services, take Thameslink from stations such as Luton Airport Parkway, Gatwick Airport, London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, or Waterloo East. The Elizabeth line to Farringdon connects to Thameslink for King's Cross.
Paddington
Access Paddington via the Elizabeth line.
Euston
Euston is within walking distance from King's Cross, St Pancras, and Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth line).
Victoria
Victoria is best reached by bus. Check the TfL website for specific routes serving Victoria.
Travel to Major Airports
The strikes will severely impact travel to Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. The Circle line closure affects Victoria (Gatwick Express) and Liverpool Street (Stansted Express). The Piccadilly line closure affects Heathrow, and the Central line closure affects access to Liverpool Street.
- Heathrow: Use the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express from Paddington.
- Gatwick: Gatwick Express runs from Victoria, and Thameslink services from Blackfriars, Farringdon, City Thameslink, London Bridge, and St Pancras.
- Stansted: Stansted Express from Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale. National Express coaches also serve all major airports.
For the latest updates, follow TfL's official channels and plan your journeys accordingly.
