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How to get to London airports during tube strikes
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How to get to London airports during tube strikes

After much back and forth, it seems that London Underground strike in November are ready to move forward. Starting (on a limited basis) tomorrow (November 1), they will last in one form or another until November 16. It’s true, the London Underground is planned for fifteen days of industrial action.

The tube will not be down for all of these two weeks, with different members of the RMT and ASLEF unions mobilized on different days. There are several days in particular when the strikes will be the most severe, with little or no subway service.

When it comes to getting to London airports, the Tube is obviously important. Although not all of the capital’s airports are accessible by metro (like Heathrow), many travelers typically use the metro to access services to the airport. Plan ahead to get to your airport train without the subway.

Worried about traveling to London airports during the November strikes? Here’s everything you need to know.

RECOMMENDED: How to get around London during the tube strikes.

When do the metro strikes take place in November?

The tube strikes will last from November 1 to 16. The most severe disruptions are expected from November 4 to 8. You can find a breakdown of everyday industrial action here.

How to get to Heathrow during the tube strike

On seriously disrupted strike days, do not attempt to reach Heathrow via the Piccadilly line. Instead, use the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express (from Paddington).

Learn more about the Elizabeth line during strikes here.

How to get to Gatwick during the strike

Direct trains to Gatwick (the Gatwick Express from Victoria, Southern trains from Victoria, Thameslink from Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras) will not be affected by strike action.

However, you will not be able to use the Victoria, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern and Piccadilly lines to access these lines without a tube. Buses will continue to run, as will taxis.

How to get to Stansted Airport

The Stansted Express should operate normally. However, you will need to find ways to get to Liverpool Street and Tottenham Hale that are not the Central, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Victoria lines. As above, you can take buses and taxis.

What about other London airports?

London has three other airports which could be affected by tube closures. City will be accessible via the DLR as usual (although you should avoid the Jubilee line), LutonTrains from St Pancras to Luton Airport Parkway will operate as normal, and Southend services will still operate from Liverpool Street and Stratford.

For up-to-the-minute updates, visit TfL website here.

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