How to Travel During the 2026 Tube Strikes

How to Travel During the 2026 Tube Strikes

Tube strikes are disruptive by design. When services stop, millions of Londoners suddenly need a new plan and the pressure to figure one out quickly can make even a straightforward commute feel daunting.

The good news is that with a bit of preparation, you can get where you need to go without the stress. This guide covers everything from getting up to date with what's going on to finding reliable parking near your destination or a connecting station with JustPark, so you're not scrambling on the morning of a strike.

The 2026 London Underground Strike: What’s Happening

In spring 2026, London Underground drivers represented by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) announced six 24-hour strikes across March, April and May in a dispute with Transport for London over proposed changes to drivers’ working patterns.

The strike action includes six 24-hour walkouts, each running from midday to 11:59 the following day:

• 24–25 March 2026

• 26–27 March 2026

• 21–22 April 2026

• 23–24 April 2026

• 19–20 May 2026

• 21–22 May 2026

Around 1,800 drivers (roughly 40–50% of the workforce) are expected to take part, meaning services will likely run at reduced levels rather than shutting down completely. TfL expects severe disruption from midday on strike days and into the following morning.

The good news is that with some preparation, you can still get where you need to go without the stress. This guide explains how to check affected lines and find reliable parking near your destination or a connecting station.

Stress-Free Parking in London During the Tube Strikes

One of the most common mistakes on strike days is leaving the parking decision until last minute. Car parks fill up fast when public transport is disrupted, and driving around looking for a space adds time and frustration you don't need.

Booking your parking in advance with JustPark means your space is confirmed before you leave home. You can book commuter parking near train stations or city centre destinations across London, choosing from private driveways, off-street car parks and on-street bays, all at a fixed price.

If you're planning to drive to a station that's still running and complete your journey by rail, station parking is available at locations across the network. This park-and-ride approach can save you both time and the cost of driving and parking in central London.

Already on the move? The JustPark Park and Pay service lets you find and pay for a space through the app without booking ahead. Look for a JustPark sign, enter the location number and you're sorted.

Planning Travel During a London Strike

If you're travelling during a strike, a little preparation goes a long way. Before you leave, check which parts of the transport network are running, and if you're considering driving, make sure you understand the charges that may apply.

Check Before You Travel

Strike action rarely shuts down the entire network: some lines may run reduced services while others close completely. Checking the latest updates via the TfL Go app, Transport for London status pages, and TfL social channels before leaving helps you avoid unnecessary delays.

Driving Into London: What to Know During the Tube Strikes

If you decide to drive instead, there are two main charges to consider before heading into central London.

Congestion Charge
The London Congestion Charge applies if you drive within the zone:

• 7am–6pm Monday to Friday

• 12pm–6pm on weekends and bank holidays

The daily charge is £18 if paid in advance or on the day of travel. There is no charge between Christmas Day and the New Year’s bank holiday.

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
The Ultra Low Emission Zone operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year except Christmas Day. If your vehicle does not meet emissions standards, the daily charge is £12.50.

Because the ULEZ now covers all London boroughs, it’s worth checking your vehicle’s compliance before travelling. If you’re driving regularly during a strike period, these charges can add up quickly, so factor them into your plans early.

Alternative Ways to Get Around London

Depending on where you're headed, these alternatives are worth considering:

• Buses: TfL buses still run during Tube strikes but will be busier, so journeys may take longer. Check the TfL Go app for live arrival times.

• Elizabeth line & London Overground: Usually unaffected by Tube strikes and often a reliable alternative. Check service status on the day.

• National Rail: Mainline and suburban trains run separately from TfL and can provide routes into or across London via major stations.

• Cycling: Santander Cycles are widely available across central London and are a good option for shorter trips. The TfL Go app shows routes and cycle lanes.

• Walking: For journeys under 2–3 miles, walking can be quicker than waiting for crowded buses. Many central stations are only a 20–30 minute walk apart.

Monthly Parking for Repeat London Commuters

If strikes run across several days or weeks, a daily approach to parking becomes expensive and unpredictable. JustPark's monthly commuter parking gives you a consistent space on the days you need it, whether that's three, five or seven days a week.

Monthly bookings lock in a fixed price for up to 12 months, so you're not subject to day-rate fluctuations during periods of high demand. Spaces are available near train stations and city centre locations across London, and you can manage everything through the app.

For commuters who already split their week between home and the office, this kind of flexibility matters. You choose your days, book once and arrive knowing exactly where you're going.

Plan Ahead and Arrive With Confidence

Strike days are easier when you've already made the decisions. Knowing which lines are running, whether you're driving or catching a connecting train, and exactly where you'll park removes the uncertainty that makes disruption stressful.

Check the TfL Go app the evening before. Look at your route and have a backup ready. And if you're driving, even part of the way, reserve your parking space in advance with JustPark to secure your spot before demand spikes.

The strikes are outside your control. Your plan isn't.