London Tube strikes 2026 will disrupt journeys across the capital today and again on Thursday, with RMT Tube drivers walking out over TfL’s proposed working-pattern changes. The stoppages are set to make travel harder for Londoners, commuters and visitors, particularly on routes linked to Heathrow.

London Tube strikes 2026: dates and travel advice
London Tube strikes 2026: dates and travel advice

The two strike days are Tuesday, June 2, and Thursday, June 4. Each walkout is due to run from 00.01 to 23.59, while Wednesday and Friday services are not expected to be affected. Because the timing of the action has changed, disruption should be focused on those two dates rather than spreading into the surrounding days.

London Tube strikes 2026: dates and working week dispute

The dispute is tied to the TfL working week proposal for Tube drivers. Under the plan, drivers would shift from a five-day week to a four-day pattern, but their working days would be longer. TfL says the change would be voluntary.

RMT Tube drivers oppose the proposal, and last-ditch talks on Monday ended without a deal. Drivers who belong to the Aslef union have accepted the changes, so they are expected to keep working during the RMT strike days.

The RMT has planned two 24-hour strikes this week. The Tuesday June 2 strike runs from 00.01 to 23.59, and the Thursday June 4 strike is scheduled for the same hours. The revised schedule follows earlier changes to the June action, as Railway Supply previously covered. Passengers travelling on either day should expect disruption across parts of the London Underground network, even on lines where services continue.

London Underground reduced services on key routes

The sharpest disruption is expected on several major Underground lines. Passengers should expect no service on the Circle Line and no service on the Piccadilly Line, which will directly affect those who normally use the Tube to reach Heathrow.

There will also be no Metropolitan Line service between Baker Street and Aldgate. On the Central Line, trains will not run between White City and Liverpool Street. Other Tube lines are expected to operate, but services may run with reduced capacity and could face disruption during the day.

TfL has warned that service levels may differ across the network. Its official strike guidance also says services may start late and finish early, with limited service before 6.30am on both strike days. Passengers have been advised to complete their journeys by 9pm.

Other TfL services are not part of the Tube strike action. The Elizabeth Line, DLR, London Overground, buses and trams are expected to run a normal service, though some routes may be busier than usual as passengers look for Underground alternatives.

Heathrow travel alternatives during Tube disruption

Piccadilly Line disruption matters most for airport passengers because the line is a key Tube route to Heathrow. Even without the Underground, the airport remains one of the best-connected in the UK, with several public transport options available from London.

The Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line give passengers direct alternatives if they would usually rely on the Piccadilly Line. Coach and TfL bus services also connect London with Heathrow, including overnight options. National Express services run from several London locations, but demand is likely to be higher than normal on strike days.

Passengers travelling to Gatwick are not directly affected by Tube strikes. Gatwick journeys usually depend on whether separate rail strike action is taking place. Trains between central London and Gatwick may still operate on strike days, but they can be busier, slower and subject to extra stops, so passengers should check before travelling.

National Express coaches remain a cheaper alternative for Gatwick journeys and operate regularly. For London City airport, the DLR is the main public transport route and is expected to keep running during the Tube strikes. London buses also serve the airport, although services may be busier because of wider travel disruption.

Eurostar, train strikes and refund questions

Eurostar is not affected by London Tube strikes 2026 or by Tube-related disruption. Passengers using international services should still check before travelling, because other industrial action could affect journeys separately, including possible walkouts by LeShuttle staff or French railway operators.

There are currently no train strikes planned for the foreseeable future. Even so, engineering work may still affect some rail journeys, so passengers should check their route in advance rather than assume services will run exactly as normal.

Refund rules are more limited when strike disruption affects a wider journey. Rail companies may refund the cost of a fare when train strikes disrupt services, but they are not required to cover wider losses if a passenger misses a holiday or flight.

Airlines handle missed flights in different ways. Some carriers may rebook passengers onto the next available flight without an extra charge, but this depends on the airline and is not guaranteed. Comprehensive travel insurance remains the safest protection, as it may cover some out-of-pocket expenses if strike disruption forces travellers to change or cancel parts of their plans.