What’s happening: five days of disruption across the Underground
Millions of journeys are about to get harder. From 7–11 September 2025, industrial action called by the RMT union is expected to wipe out most London Underground services, with only fragments running, if anything at all. The Docklands Light Railway is also in the firing line, especially on 9 and 11 September, when little to no service is expected. Expect severe crowding and longer journeys across the city.
The dispute is about pay, fatigue management, extreme shift patterns, and working-week reductions. In a recent ballot, 57% of RMT members backed action. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey says members aren’t asking for big money but want safer, more humane rosters. TfL says it has offered a 3.4% pay rise and insists cutting the contractual 35-hour week isn’t practical or affordable. That’s the standoff driving this shutdown.
Why is this so disruptive? The Tube carries several million trips on a typical weekday, acting as the backbone that connects heavy rail, bus hubs, and central employment zones. When it stops, pressure shifts onto every other mode—buses, trains, bikes, pavements, and river boats. Those alternatives will run, but they will be overloaded.
Here’s the headline picture for travel during the strike period:
- London Tube strikes: minimal to no service across most lines from 7–11 September.
- DLR: severe disruption throughout, with the heaviest impact expected on 9 and 11 September.
- Elizabeth line, London Overground, London buses, trams, and National Rail: planned to operate, but much busier than normal.
Riders should plan ahead, allow far more time, and prepare for queues at stations and interchanges. Many stations may operate one-way systems or close temporarily to manage crowds.
Day-by-day expectations (subject to change as talks continue):
- 7 September: Very limited Underground service at best. DLR disrupted.
- 8 September: Tube disruption continues citywide. Other modes heavily crowded.
- 9 September: Tube still hit; DLR expected to be severely affected with minimal service.
- 10 September: Ongoing Tube disruption. Crowding likely across other networks.
- 11 September: Tube still disrupted; DLR again expected to see the worst of it.
Note: even if action ends as scheduled, the morning after can sometimes see late starts or residual delays while trains and staff return to place.
Universities and colleges are already shifting plans. Several institutions, including UCL, have flagged the possibility of rescheduling or moving teaching online. Employers across the capital are being urged to allow home working or flexible hours where possible.
How to get around: practical routes and tips
If you’ve got to travel, think in layers: first confirm what’s running, then map a route mixing modes if needed, and finally plan a fallback. Use TfL’s Journey Planner, the Citymapper app, and National Rail tools for live options and disruption alerts.
What’s still running (but far busier than usual):
- Elizabeth line: key east–west spine through central London, connecting Heathrow, Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, Canary Wharf, and beyond.
- London Overground: orbital and radial routes that can replace some Tube trips, with interchanges at hubs such as Highbury & Islington, Stratford, Whitechapel, Clapham Junction, and Willesden Junction.
- London buses and trams: extensive coverage; expect queues, bus stop crowding, and slower journeys.
- National Rail: useful for suburban-to-central trips and cross-city corridors (for example via Thameslink). Expect crowding and possible queuing systems at major stations.
Walking
Central London is more walkable than it looks on a Tube map. If you normally hop one or two stops underground, consider walking instead:
- King’s Cross–Holborn: about 20 minutes at a steady pace.
- Waterloo–London Bridge: roughly 25 minutes across the river.
- Oxford Circus–Liverpool Street: 35–40 minutes via Soho and the City.
- Victoria–Westminster: around 15 minutes.
Use main roads and marked crossings, stick to well-lit routes at night, and give yourself time so you’re not rushing through busy junctions. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water.
Cycling
For trips up to five miles, cycling can be faster than the bus on strike days. London’s Cycleways link many neighborhoods using quieter streets and segregated lanes. You can use Santander Cycles for short hires—docking stations are spread across central and inner London. Tips:
- Plan a quieter route via Cycleways where possible, especially if you’re new to cycling.
- Use lights after dark and signal clearly. A helmet is a good idea.
- Lock up securely at your destination and check for designated bike parking.
River services
River boats along the Thames connect key points from west London to the Docklands and beyond. They’re useful for trips between Putney, Chelsea, Westminster, Embankment, London Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Greenwich/Woolwich. Services will be busy and may queue at popular piers, but they’re a solid alternative to cross the city when rail options are squeezed.
Buses
Buses will carry the heaviest extra load. Build these habits into your plan:
- Arrive early at stops and allow the next bus or two to pass if full.
- Expect slower journeys and extended dwell times at busy stops.
- Use the Hopper fare on bus and tram—free transfers within an hour from your first touch-in—so you can switch routes without extra cost.
- Board through the front door, keep the aisle clear, and move down inside to speed up boarding for everyone.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Black cabs and ride-hail apps will operate, but demand spikes at peak times. Prices can be higher and wait times longer. Share rides when you can and build a time buffer if you’re heading to appointments or stations.
National Rail
Mainline routes can substitute for Tube corridors—especially Thameslink’s north–south spine through central London, as well as Southern, South Western Railway, Southeastern, Greater Anglia, c2c, Great Western Railway, Chiltern, and others. Expect queuing systems at big interchanges such as London Bridge, Victoria, Waterloo, Euston, King’s Cross St Pancras, Paddington, and Liverpool Street. If you’re using National Rail only, Delay Repay compensation may apply for train delays—check your specific operator’s policy.
Airports
- Heathrow: With the Piccadilly line disrupted, the Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express become the main public transport options. Both will be busy—leave extra time. Taxis and private hire will be in high demand.
- London City: DLR disruption on 9 and 11 September will affect journeys. Build in time for bus connections or consider a taxi if you have luggage or an early flight.
- Gatwick: Trains via Thameslink and Southern to central London will be crowded. If your final leg usually uses the Tube, plan an Overground or bus connection instead.
- Stansted and Luton: Express and Thameslink services are expected to run, but the onward connection across central London will be slower—use Elizabeth line, Overground, or buses.
Driving and cars
Roads will be busier as some people switch from rail. Expect slow traffic on key bridges and river crossings, West End streets, and around major rail termini. Congestion Charge and ULEZ rules and charges still apply—check hours and boundaries before you drive. Parking is limited and enforcement continues as normal. If you have to drive, try to car-share and avoid peak times.
Accessibility
Step-free planning is possible on the Elizabeth line, many Overground stations, and selected National Rail routes. Buses have ramped boarding and space for wheelchair users, but crowding may slow boarding. Many river piers are step-free, though gradients vary with the tide. If you need assistance, allow extra time to speak with station staff and consider traveling outside peak hours.
When to travel
Peak pressure on alternatives will be the morning and evening rush. If your schedule allows, shift to mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Employers are being encouraged to offer flexible start times or remote work to help spread demand.
Ticketing and fares
- Oyster and contactless capping still apply across TfL services. If you mix National Rail and TfL, your cap may differ—check the fare before you travel.
- The bus and tram Hopper fare lets you make unlimited bus/tram transfers within 60 minutes of your first tap-in for no extra cost.
- National Rail tickets are valid only on the routes and operators printed on the ticket—check restrictions if you switch to a different line.
Station operations and queuing
To control crowds, station teams may run one-way systems, close entrances, or pause access to platforms. Expect queues at major interchanges like Stratford, Whitechapel, Farringdon, Paddington, Liverpool Street, Victoria, Waterloo, King’s Cross St Pancras, and London Bridge. Follow staff instructions and signage—these controls are there to keep platforms safe.
Short hops: the quickest alternatives
- City and West End: Walk or cycle between Bank/Monument, St Paul’s, Farringdon, Holborn, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road, and Oxford Circus.
- Waterloo, South Bank, and the City: Walk across Waterloo Bridge or Blackfriars Bridge instead of detouring by bus. River services can help if you’re heading toward London Bridge or Canary Wharf.
- Tech and finance corridor: The Elizabeth line links Paddington–Bond Street–Tottenham Court Road–Farringdon–Liverpool Street–Canary Wharf—use it as a backbone and switch to bus for the last mile.
For students and staff
Universities and colleges are planning remote teaching where needed. Check your course portals and emails daily—rooms, seminar times, or lab sessions might move online or be rescheduled. If you must be on campus, look for Overground or Elizabeth line links closest to your building and allow extra time for the last leg on foot or bus.
For employers and teams
Prepare for late arrivals and online meetings. Stagger shifts, reduce in-person requirements, and prioritise essential on-site roles. If you rely on deliveries, schedule them outside peak hours and consider temporary storage so vehicles don’t need to re-enter congested zones repeatedly.
What could change—and how to stay updated
Talks can move quickly. A last-minute pause or partial service is possible, but you shouldn’t rely on it. Keep checking real-time updates on the morning of travel and again before you return. If a line reopens, stations may still run crowd control, so allow time even if your route looks good on paper.
Smart planning checklist
- Check status before you leave and again mid-journey.
- Have a Plan B and C: different bus or Overground options, or a walking/cycling route.
- Carry water, a portable charger, and contactless payment.
- Travel outside peaks if you can.
- If you’re heading to an airport, add at least 30–60 minutes to your usual journey time.
Key points by mode
- Underground: Expect little to no service throughout 7–11 September.
- DLR: Most affected on 9 and 11 September; disruption across the period.
- Elizabeth line and Overground: Running but packed—good rail alternatives where available.
- Buses and trams: Will keep London moving but will be slow and busy; use Hopper fare for easy transfers.
- National Rail: Vital for cross-city and suburban links; be ready for queueing at major stations.
- River: Useful east–west corridor with relief for Docklands and central areas.
What this strike is about
RMT says members face exhausting rosters and a lack of meaningful movement on fatigue management. They also want a reduction in the working week. TfL says it has put a 3.4% pay offer on the table and has to keep the network financially sustainable, ruling out a shorter contractual week. After months of talks without a deal, the union has chosen industrial action to increase pressure. Whether that produces a breakthrough this week is unclear. For now, plan as if the strike goes ahead and assume the alternative routes will be stretched.
If you can work from home, do it. If you can’t, build a multi-modal journey, keep your plans flexible, and give yourself the gift of time. The next few days will test London’s resilience—but with a bit of planning, you can still get where you need to go.
