LONDON TUBE STRIKES: Where and when April 2026 tube strikes will impact journeys as TfL urges passengers to plan ahead
- Perry Richardson
- 7 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Transport for London (TfL) has urged customers to check before travelling ahead of planned strike action by RMT Tube drivers, warning of significant disruption across the London Underground network between Tuesday 21 April and Friday 24 April.
The strike action, which forms part of a wider series planned between April and June, is due to begin at 12:00 on Tuesday and conclude at midday on Friday. Transport for London said services are expected to run normally until mid-morning on the first day before reducing, with disruption continuing into the afternoon and early evening on the final day.
TfL said it will operate as many services as possible during the strike period, with a reduced service expected across most lines. However, the transport authority warned that the level of service will vary significantly, with no service expected on the Piccadilly and Circle lines, no Metropolitan line service between Baker Street and Aldgate, and no Central line service between White City and Liverpool Street.
On Tuesday 21 April and Thursday 23 April, Tube services are expected to run normally in the morning before reducing from mid-morning, with significant disruption from midday when strike action begins. On Wednesday 22 April and Friday 24 April, disruption is expected to continue until midday, with services gradually recovering afterwards, although disruption may persist into the evening.
Transport body says significant disruption expected across London Underground network between 21 and 24 April as talks with RMT continue.
TfL confirmed that all other London Underground staff will continue working during the strike period.
Other TfL services, including the Elizabeth line, Docklands Light Railway, London Overground and trams, are expected to operate normally, but are likely to be very busy as passengers seek alternative routes. The majority of London bus services will also run as usual, although seven routes operated by Stagecoach will be affected by separate strike action between 05:00 on Friday 24 April and 05:00 on Saturday 25 April.
The dispute comes as TfL continues discussions with unions over proposals to introduce a four-day working week for train operators. The transport body said it first put forward the proposal in March 2025 and has since been engaging with unions on how best to implement the changes, including a pilot scheme on the Bakerloo line.
According to TfL, the proposed changes would be voluntary, with no reduction in contractual hours. Operators who wish to continue working a five-day week would be able to do so. TfL said the move is intended to improve reliability and deliver a more modern and efficient service without incurring additional costs.
TfL said dialogue with the union remains ongoing and has called on the RMT to call off the strike action while discussions continue. Customers who need to travel during the affected period are being advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys.
Claire Mann, TfL's Chief Operating Officer, said: "We have set out proposals to the RMT for a four-day working week. This allows us to offer train operators an additional day off, whilst at the same time bringing London Underground in line with the working patterns of other train operating companies, improving reliability and flexibility at no additional cost.
"The changes would be voluntary, there would be no reduction in contractual hours and those who wish to continue a five-day working week pattern would be able to do so. We urge the RMT to call off this action, which will disrupt Londoners, and continue to engage with us. If this strike action goes ahead customers should check before they travel as on some days during the strike, there will be significant disruption and the level of service we can provide will vary across lines."
