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Travel news · 4 min read · September 5, 2025

How to reach London airports during the Tube strikes

From 7–11 September 2025, London faces major Tube and DLR disruption. Here's how to reach Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City — and why driving and parking may be the simplest alternative.

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London Underground and DLR strikes from 7–11 September will make airport journeys difficult. Heathrow remains best served by Elizabeth line and Express services, Gatwick and Stansted rely on mainline trains, City faces DLR closures, and Luton depends on St Pancras access. Driving and parking at the airport could be the most predictable alternative — book early and allow extra time for traffic.

September 2025 – London Underground services will be severely disrupted from Sunday 7 to Thursday 11 September, with no Tube on key days and the DLR completely shut on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11. Other modes — Elizabeth line, Overground, buses, coaches and mainline rail — will continue but are expected to be crowded.

One alternative worth considering is driving to the airport and pre-booking airport parking. For families with luggage or early/late flights, this may be the most reliable option. Here's a breakdown by airport.

Heathrow Airport

The Piccadilly line will not be running. Alternatives include the Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express from Paddington, and National Express coaches. With services expected to be crowded, driving can be a calmer option — Heathrow has extensive airport parking that you can book ahead. Leave extra time for traffic on the M25 and M4.

Gatwick Airport

The Gatwick Express from Victoria and Thameslink trains from Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras will run normally, but reaching those stations may be harder without the Tube. Driving direct avoids those extra connections, and Gatwick offers large car parks with reliable park-and-ride shuttles.

Stansted Airport

The Stansted Express from Liverpool Street will operate, but getting to the station is challenging without the Tube. Driving avoids central London entirely, and Stansted has plentiful airport parking options by the terminal. Allow time for M11 delays.

London City Airport

The DLR is closed on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11, and disrupted on other days. Buses and taxis are alternatives, but driving may be most reliable. City Airport offers airport parking, though space is limited and should be booked in advance.

Luton Airport

The Luton Express and Luton DART will run, but reaching St Pancras without the Tube will be tricky. Driving up the M1 and using Luton's airport parking (with fast shuttle links) may be easier. Expect traffic north of London.

Tips to navigate the disruption

  • Plan ahead: Check TfL's live updates for the latest status.
  • Leave early: Whether driving or using rail, congestion is inevitable.
  • Book parking in advance: Prices rise quickly as demand spikes during strikes.
  • Add a buffer: Build in extra time for traffic or queues at stations.

Links and more information

We recommend checking the following sources for the latest information:


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