From Sunday, September 7 until Thursday, September 11, there will be limited services across the London Underground due to rolling RMT strikes. Sunday is expected to have some disruptions while little to no services are expected from Monday onwards.
On Tuesday, the DLR will also lose service. But the Elizabeth Line, London Overground and trams will still be running, although the TfL has warned these services will likely be busy and may not be able to stop at all the stations serviced by the Tube. Tube services should return to normal by 8am on Friday, September 12 amd more information can be found on the TfL website.
But in the meantime, travel expert Lukas Holter explained how people can get around during the next week, and how those heading to airports can still have hope of getting to their flight on time. His first tip is: “Allow ridiculous extra time. Whatever time you think you need, triple it during strikes. If your normal journey takes 45 minutes, allow 2-3 hours minimum.
The Airport Taxi Hub expert said: “Strike days are when I see the most travel ‘disasters’. The passengers who struggle most are those who stick to normal routines, expecting different results. Treat it as a completely different travel day requiring different strategies, and you’ll be fine. Alternative transport gets overwhelmed, traffic increases massively, and everything takes longer. Treat strike days like severe weather days, expect disruption and plan accordingly. Missing your flight isn’t worth the risk of cutting it fine.”
However, it’s advised to stick with licensed transport operators during the industrial action even if services become swamped.
The expert warned: “Strike days bring out opportunists. Unlicensed minicabs often appear during disruption, charging extortionate rates. Always verify driver credentials and use official booking apps.”
Apps such as Citymapper and TfL Go can deliver live updates on services that are genuinely operating, rather than simply those that are timetabled.
The expert suggested checking these the evening before you travel and in the morning just before departing as the consequences of the strike can rapidly alter your options.
Throughout the strike, it may also be worthwhile considering walking through particular sections of your journey.
Lukas explained: “Sometimes walking part of your journey is faster than waiting for overcrowded alternatives. If you’re staying in central London, walking to major transport hubs like King’s Cross or Paddington might be quicker than fighting for bus space.”
Carrying alternative payment methods can also prove useful as payment systems on the restricted alternative travel routes can become overwhelmed. Lukas also suggested packing snacks and water in case your journey becomes significantly prolonged.
Alternative transport options like London buses will be operating, but Lukas warned those heading for the airports: “Expect massive overcrowding. The 482 connects to Heathrow, while various routes serve Gatwick and other airports. Check TfL’s strike-specific bus information. Thameslink serves Gatwick, while Heathrow Express and TfL Rail usually continue running. Book advance tickets where possible as prices surge during strikes.”
Professional airport transfers can also provide peace of mind during travel disruptions. But these are also likely to be in high demand amid the strikes so it’s best to book as far in advance as possible if your travel may be affected.
Lukas advised: “If strikes cause you to miss flights, travel insurance might cover additional costs – check your policy specifics. Airlines sometimes offer flexibility during major transport disruption, so contact them early if you’re struggling to reach the airport. For advance bookings, some airlines allow free changes during documented transport strikes. It’s worth checking rather than risking a no-show penalty.”