Looking for a guide to UK rail strikes? You’re in the right place. Here’s our guide to why and when train strikes are happening, what an ‘overtime ban’ is, and how you can get to where you need to go.

When are the next train strikes?

The ASLEF union is currently in dispute with a number of rail operators. The following dates have been announced for strike action. Read the below list carefully, as each operator is only affected on one day:

• 7 May (c2c, Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Gatwick Express, Southeastern, Southern, South Western Railway inc. Island Line, Thameslink)
• 8 May (Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, West Midlands Trains)
• 9 May (LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express).

There will also be an Overtime Ban for all operators listed above between 6 May and 11 May. 

Why are there UK rail strikes?

There are a mixture of reasons as to why rail staff are currently in dispute with operators. This includes:

• Pay
• Conditions – such as changes to rostering and overtime requirements.

What is an overtime ban and why does it matter?

An overtime ban is exactly what it sounds like. It doesn’t mean that staff are refusing to work, it means that they’re only working the hours that they’re contracted to.

Some operators rely on overtime more than others, so it can profoundly impact their service. Some companies will have more short-notice cancellations, while others will run an extremely limited timetable.

An overtime ban is a form of industrial action but not a strike. Some operators may choose to run the same timetable as they have during a strike, but staff are still turning up to work as scheduled.

How much notice is given for rail strikes?

Unions have to give at least two weeks’ notice for any industrial action, such as a strike or overtime ban. If it is less than two weeks until your journey, and no industrial action has been announced, then your journey should not be affected in this way.

Remember to check before you travel, as last-minute cancellations to individual trains are still possible.

What sort of service will be running during the strikes and overtime ban?

During an ASLEF strike, some operators will run a limited service, while others will run no service at all. 

At the present time, it is expected that Avanti West Coast, c2c, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Gatwick Express, Great Northern and TransPennine Express will not operate any trains on their respective strike days. 

Other affected operators are expected to be running an extremely limited service. Please check the dedicated National Rail page for more information. 

Refunds & Amendments during UK rail strikes

If you’ve purchased Advance, Anytime or Off-Peak tickets before the strikes were announced (22 April 2024) for a journey involving one of the train companies affected (listed below) for travel on a date between Tuesday 7 May and Thursday 9 May 2024, you can instead use your ticket on either Monday 6 May 2024 or up to and including Monday 13 May 2024.

Anytime, Super Off-Peak or Off-Peak tickets are fully refundable if you haven’t used them. Here’s how to apply for a fee-free refund from us. You’re entitled to a full fee-free refund if your train is cancelled or rescheduled and you choose not to travel. Please check your train operator’s website before you travel for service updates.

If your journey includes travel on TfL services, such as the Elizabeth Line, London Overground or London Underground, then you will not be able to use your ticket on an alternative day. We’d recommend using Contactless or Oyster for the lowest fare on most London Underground journeys. 

Still have questions? You can also check for regular updates on the National Rail website. Or email us if there’s something you need to know about your trip. Our customer service team is here to help.

Which companies are not affected by UK rail strikes?

The following companies aren’t affected by the current dispute: 

• Caledonian Sleeper
• Elizabeth Line
• Grand Central 
• Hull Trains
• London Overground
• Lumo 
• Merseyrail 
• ScotRail
• Transport for Wales.

Affected services

The following rail operators are involved in the current disputes with the RMT and ASLEF unions:

• Avanti West Coast
• c2c
• Chiltern Railways
• CrossCountry
• East Midlands Railway
• Gatwick Express
• Great Northern
• Great Western Railway
• Greater Anglia (inc. Stansted Express)
• Heathrow Express
• LNER
• London Northwestern Railway
• Northern
• South Western Railway
• Southeastern
• Southern
• Thameslink
• TransPennine Express
• West Midlands Railway.

While most affected operators will not be running any trains on ASLEF strike days, most will run a limited service on RMT strike days. Click here for more information by selecting your rail operator.

^{Please note: All information contained on this page, including any service information, is issued without liability. It was correct at the time of publication (April 30, 2024) but may be subject to change. Railsmartr is not responsible for any loss, inconvenience or disrupted travel plans incurred as a result of the information provided. Always check with your rail operator before you travel.}