London train strikes June 2023: How to get around London during walkouts

London commuters are facing more travel disruption this week as a fresh series of train strikes have kicked off.

Aslef, the train drivers union started its strike action on Wednesday May 31, with further action planned for Saturday June 3. The impact on the railway service on both days will be severe with only 40% of trains running.

Members of the RMT union will strike on Friday, June 2. Around half of the network will shut down, with around 50% of normal services running.

Additionally, an overtime ban for ASLEF members has been implemented on Thursday June 1.

The strikes will affect services on 15 train companies, with trains due to start later and finish much earlier than usual - typically between 7.30am and 6.30pm.

Fans travelling to Tottenham for Beyoncé’s concerts and to the Epsom Races are being urged to check their journeys before travelling or seek alternative routes.

Which London train lines will be affected?

The following lines will be impacted this week according to the National Rail website.

• Avanti West Coast
• C2C — June 2 only
• Chiltern Railways
• CrossCountry
• East Midlands Railway
• Gatwick Express
• Great Northern
• Great Western Railway
• Greater Anglia (including Stansted Express)
• Heathrow Express
• LNER
• London Northwestern Railway
• Northern Rail
• South Western Railway
• Southeastern (Aslef days only)
• Southern (including Gatwick Express)
• Thameslink
• TransPennine Express
• West Midlands Railway

How to get around London on Wednesday May 31

Passengers can expect good service on the London Underground and Overground.

Buses are also running as normal but are expected to be busier than usual.

The Heathrow express will be running a service every half an hour between 7am and 7pm.

Eurostar will also be running as normal, however passengers will need to plan their journeys to London St Pancras International.

Walking or cycling may be quicker for some journeys and Santander Cycles or Boris Bikes are available across London.

Black Cabs, Uber, and Bolt will also be on hand to help people needing to get to their location.

How to get around London on Friday June 2

On Friday there will be some disruption to London Overground and Underground services.

The Elizabeth line will be impacted with no service between Maidenhead and Reading before 7am and after 7pm.

There will also be no service between Brentwood and Shenfield from 11pm and before 7am and after 7pm, no Elizabeth line trains will serve the National Rail platforms at Paddington.

The London Overground is also expected to run a reduced service.

Normal service is expected on the Heathrow express.

Eurostar will also be running as normal, however passengers will need to plan their journeys to London St Pancras International.

Walking or cycling may be quicker for some journeys and Santander Cycles or Boris Bikes are available across London.

Black Cabs, Uber, and Bolt will also be on hand to help people needing to get to their location.

How to get around London on Saturday June 3

June 3 is expected to be the most disruptive day for train strikes as it falls on the same day as the FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley stadium and the Epsom Derby.

Disruption is expected on the London Overground and Underground with part closures on the District and Piccadilly lines.

The Elizabeth line will also be running a special service while on the DLR there will be no service between Prince Regent and Beckton.

There will also be no service on the Heathrow express.

London buses will be running their service as normal across London but expect a busy service, especially around Wembley.

Santander Cycles or Boris Bikes are available across London.

Black Cabs, Uber, and Bolt will be operating as normal and will be handy for those travelling in larger groups.