43 London Bus Routes Hit as Drivers Walk Out

By Ivan PetrenkoAug 18, 2026 21:51 PMNews

Red double-decker bus crossing Westminster Bridge in London

London bus strikes are affecting 43 Arriva routes, with further walkouts planned through September and October across the capital. Source: unsplash

A strike by Arriva London North drivers disrupted 43 bus routes across north, east and central London on 18 August. More than 1,500 drivers are involved in the dispute over working conditions during extreme heat. The current walkout is due to end at 04:00 on 19 August. TfL says strike action previously planned between 19 and 21 August has now been called off.

London Bus Strike Dates and Affected Routes

Current strike: 18 August until 04:00 on 19 August
19–21 August: Previously planned action has been called off
Next strike: 25 August 04:00–28 August 04:30
September strikes: 4–5, 7–8, 18–19 and 21–22 September
October strikes: 2–3, 5–6, 16–17 and 19–20 October
Number of affected routes: 43
Day routes: 19, 29, 34, 41, 66, 67, 76, 102, 103, 121, 141, 149, 150, 158, 175, 191, 192, 217, 221, 243, 248, 254, 259, 279, 307, 313, 329, 341, 349, 370, 375, 377, 616, 675, SL1, SL2, W3, W4, W6
Night routes: N19, N29, N41, N279

Arriva London bus driver at a bus stop — More than 1,500 Arriva North London drivers are taking strike action over working conditions during periods of extreme summer heat. Source: unsplash

The dispute centres on conditions inside drivers’ cabs during hot weather. Unite says many Arriva buses use air-cooling systems rather than full air conditioning, with cab temperatures able to rise above 40C. Drivers from eight garages are taking part: Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green. Arriva says it has introduced extra breaks and welfare checks while longer-term cooling upgrades continue.

London’s main visitor areas remain open, but some journeys across central, north and east London will take more planning. The affected routes include services through Tottenham, Wood Green, Enfield and parts of central London. Tube and rail remain alternatives on many journeys, although TfL warns they may be busier than usual. Anyone with timed attractions, theatre tickets or airport connections should leave extra time.

London Underground train arriving at South Kensington station — TfL warns Tube and rail services may be busier than usual during the Arriva bus strikes, with passengers advised to allow extra travel time. Source: unsplash

The trickier part this week is the overlap with Piccadilly line closures. There is no service between Cockfosters and Uxbridge on 18, 19 and 20 August, although trains continue between Acton Town and Heathrow. More Arriva strike dates are still planned from 25 August into October, so this is not a one-day problem. Checking TfL’s live journey information before setting out will matter on affected dates.

UK London Travel Bus disruption Strike

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