🚇 London Tube Strikes 2026: What to Know + How to Get Around (From a West London Base)

London is set to experience a series of London Underground (Tube) strikes this spring, which may impact travel across the city - including around Notting Hill and Kensington.

📅 Strike dates & times

The following 24-hour strikes are planned:

• 21-22 April

• 23-24 April

• 19-20 May

• 21-22 May

⏰ Important timing:

• Strikes begin at 12:00 (midday) on the first day

• Continue until late evening the following day

👉 What this means in practice:

• Strike day: services run normally in the morning, then reduce significantly after midday

• Following day: severe disruption in the morning, improving later

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🚧 Which lines are affected?

• The strikes involve drivers across the network, so all Tube lines may be affected

• Some services may still run, but will be limited and inconsistent

👉 Good news:
These are not affected (but will be busier):

• Elizabeth line

• London Overground

• National Rail services

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📍 Impact for Notting Hill & Kensington

Your closest Tube lines include:

• Circle line

• District line

• Hammersmith & City line

⚠️ These are likely to be disrupted, so alternative transport is strongly recommended.

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🚲 Best Alternatives to the Tube

🚶 Walking

Many top attractions are closer than you think:

• Notting Hill → Hyde Park: ~15 mins

• Kensington → South Kensington museums: ~10-20 mins

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🚲 Santander Cycles

• Public bike hire across London

• Docking stations throughout Notting Hill & Kensington

💡 Ideal for:

• Hyde Park

• Kensington Gardens

• Soho

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🛴 E-bikes & scooters

Apps to try:

• Lime

• Forest

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🚌 London Buses

• Extensive routes across west London

• Continue operating during strikes

💡 Key routes near you:

• 23, 27, 28, 31, 94, 148

👉 Expect longer journey times and crowding

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🚆 Trains & alternative rail

Use:

• Elizabeth line

• London Overground

Plan journeys with:

• Citymapper (an amazing app which plans routes for you)

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🚖 Taxis & ride apps

Options:

• Uber

• Bolt

• Black cabs

⚠️ Expect higher prices and longer wait times

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🚗 Driving

• Congestion likely

• Limited parking

• Congestion Charge applies in central London

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💡 Practical Travel Tips

• Travel early in the morning before midday strikes begin

• Avoid morning peak on the following day

• Allow extra time (30-60 mins)

• Check live updates before leaving

• Combine transport (bus + walk + bike)

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✈️ Getting to Notting Hill & Kensington During Tube Strikes

Even during strikes, getting from London’s airports to your apartment is still straightforward with the right route.

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✈️ From Heathrow Airport → Notting Hill / Kensington

🚆 Best option: Elizabeth Line + short taxi/bus

• Take the Elizabeth line from Heathrow

• Get off at Paddington Station or Bond Street Station

Then:

• 🚖 10–15 min taxi

• 🚌 short bus ride

• 🚶♂️ or walk (from Paddington to Notting Hill ~25 mins)

💡 Why this works:

• Elizabeth line is not affected by Tube strikes

• Fast, modern, and luggage-friendly

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✈️ From Gatwick Airport → Notting Hill / Kensington

🚆 Best option: Train + bus/taxi

• Take a train to:

  • Clapham Junction Station → London Overground to Shepherd's Bush Station → short walk

  • OR Victoria Station → then bus or taxi onward

💡 Why this works:

• Avoids relying on the Tube

• Uses National Rail + Overground (less affected)