London is a vibrant city that is home to some of the best transportation networks in the world. From the iconic Underground that connects the city together to the underrated DLR (Docklands Light Railway for the uninitiated) and the vast network that is National Rail for the rest of Britain, riding at least one of these forms of transit is an activity in itself. That said, relying on these forms of transportation to get me to my classes and my work placement means relying on the people who manage the transportation.
Rain or Strike: Getting Around London Without the Tube
By Clark Royandoyan, Fall 2025 ICLC Student, November 25, 2025
An ICLC Student outlines all the options for getting around London when the tube is down...
Earlier in September, the union that represents most London Underground workers went on strike for four days, causing a massive disruption that was felt all throughout the city. Crowded bus stops got skipped due to at-capacity buses, secondary services like the Overground and Elizabeth Line became primary methods for a new wave of commuters, even my classes had to move to Zoom for the week! It genuinely was a standstill that I never experienced back home Stateside.
But I can also confidently say that the strikes didn’t stop me from exploring the city and getting to my work placement on the days I had to be in the office for it. You want to know why? Here’s how.
Tip 1: Use the Transportation System You Already Have
That’s right, I walked!
Central London is home to some of the most pedestrian-friendly places I know. Most days, I walk to my work placement because it takes the shortest amount of time to get there. If I were to take the Tube, I’d either get off at a station far from me or have to transfer lines, both of which would take more time to get to my destination. Not to mention the money aspect as well. The money that would go towards my commute can instead go towards attractions, trains or flights, or even food! (Lots of food has been eaten so far.)
Of course, work with what’s most sensible to you during the day. If it’s raining and you’re seeing a show on the West End, maybe it’ll make more sense to take the Tube to stay dry. But if it’s a nice clear day (and there’s a network-wide standstill) and you know you can make the walk, consider walking!
Tip 2: Consider Alternative Methods of Transportation
Like I said earlier, London is home to a diverse network of transportation methods and the Tube is just the start of it. Just to bring it home, this is every form of transportation that Transport for London (TfL)oversees.
London Underground (the Tube)
London Buses
London Overground
Elizabeth Line
Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
London Trams
IFS Cloud Cable Car
Santander Cycles (bikeshare program)
River Bus Services (ThamesClippers, or more commonly known “Uber Boat”)
Black Cabs (regulated taxi service)
That’s a lot of ways to get around! If the Tube is down, then try the Buses! The buses too long? See if there’s a Santander Cycle station near you! Rainy day and you’re outside Central London? The Overground is perfect! On the River Thames?
Try the ThamesClippers boats! Exploring Canary Wharf or checking out the O2? The DLR’s right there.
The point is there are so many ways to complete a journey that it would be hard to not get to your destination. And sometimes, the journey is the destination.
With all these amazing options to get around, how do you know which one is the fastest?
Tip 3: The Internet is Your Friend
Apps like Citymapper and Google Maps wrangle up data from every transit operator and compiles it into a neat list that compares all your options. If you’re worried that third-party data wouldn’t be as reliable, then Transport for London has their own app called “TfL Go”that tracks the status of all their Tube, Overground, DLR, and Bus networks!
One night earlier in the term, I was out watching a movie and found that the closest station was closed for maintenance work. This was at the very beginning of the semester when I didn’t have a very good grasp of the system. (Honestly, it could be better given how long I’ve been here.)It was also pretty late at night, and services tend to get reduced at night. I used Citymapper to figure out a route back to my flat, and ultimately found my way home!
London is the perfect city to experience so many different ways to get around. From walking to dinner after a show on the West End, capturing views on the River Thames, to simply getting to and from classes with the Tube, there is genuinely more than one way to get around. And if not for the maps and apps that helped me get to where I needed to go, I’d probably have ended up in France after taking the wrong train! Don’t let something like rain or a strike get in the way of your time here. I know it didn’t stop me!
