Train Strikes UK 2026: What’s Really Changed (and What Hasn’t)

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

These don’t always trigger full strikes. More often, they surface as:

• Overtime bans
• Work‑to‑rule action
• High cancellation rates on specific routes

How Much Do Rail Workers Earn in 2026?

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

Pay was only half the argument.

The deeper tension in 2026 is about control:

• Driver‑only operation and automation
• Roster changes and rest‑day working
• Station staffing levels
• The slow transition to Great British Railways

These don’t always trigger full strikes. More often, they surface as:

• Overtime bans
• Work‑to‑rule action
• High cancellation rates on specific routes

How Much Do Rail Workers Earn in 2026?

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

Pay was only half the argument.

The deeper tension in 2026 is about control:

• Driver‑only operation and automation
• Roster changes and rest‑day working
• Station staffing levels
• The slow transition to Great British Railways

These don’t always trigger full strikes. More often, they surface as:

• Overtime bans
• Work‑to‑rule action
• High cancellation rates on specific routes

How Much Do Rail Workers Earn in 2026?

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

Always check: nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/industrial-action on the day you travel.

Why Strikes Haven’t Vanished (Even After Pay Deals)

Pay was only half the argument.

The deeper tension in 2026 is about control:

• Driver‑only operation and automation
• Roster changes and rest‑day working
• Station staffing levels
• The slow transition to Great British Railways

These don’t always trigger full strikes. More often, they surface as:

• Overtime bans
• Work‑to‑rule action
• High cancellation rates on specific routes

How Much Do Rail Workers Earn in 2026?

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

While no operator is immune, recent disputes and ballots mean these services deserve extra checking before you travel:

1. Northern Rail
2. TransPennine Express
3. CrossCountry
4. Avanti West Coast (reduced risk after 2025 settlement)
5. London Underground (pay disputes largely paused, but overtime bans still possible)

Always check: nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/industrial-action on the day you travel.

Why Strikes Haven’t Vanished (Even After Pay Deals)

Pay was only half the argument.

The deeper tension in 2026 is about control:

• Driver‑only operation and automation
• Roster changes and rest‑day working
• Station staffing levels
• The slow transition to Great British Railways

These don’t always trigger full strikes. More often, they surface as:

• Overtime bans
• Work‑to‑rule action
• High cancellation rates on specific routes

How Much Do Rail Workers Earn in 2026?

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

This is why many passengers feel caught off‑guard. The trains may technically be running — but not reliably.

Which Train Companies Are Most Exposed in 2026?

While no operator is immune, recent disputes and ballots mean these services deserve extra checking before you travel:

1. Northern Rail
2. TransPennine Express
3. CrossCountry
4. Avanti West Coast (reduced risk after 2025 settlement)
5. London Underground (pay disputes largely paused, but overtime bans still possible)

Always check: nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/industrial-action on the day you travel.

Why Strikes Haven’t Vanished (Even After Pay Deals)

Pay was only half the argument.

The deeper tension in 2026 is about control:

• Driver‑only operation and automation
• Roster changes and rest‑day working
• Station staffing levels
• The slow transition to Great British Railways

These don’t always trigger full strikes. More often, they surface as:

• Overtime bans
• Work‑to‑rule action
• High cancellation rates on specific routes

How Much Do Rail Workers Earn in 2026?

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

Instead of headline‑grabbing national shutdowns, 2026 has brought a different pattern:

• ✅ Localised disputes (specific depots, contractors, or regions)
• ✅ Short‑notice action rather than weeks of warning
• ✅ Non‑driver roles (cleaners, maintenance, signalling) creating knock‑on delays

This is why many passengers feel caught off‑guard. The trains may technically be running — but not reliably.

Which Train Companies Are Most Exposed in 2026?

While no operator is immune, recent disputes and ballots mean these services deserve extra checking before you travel:

1. Northern Rail
2. TransPennine Express
3. CrossCountry
4. Avanti West Coast (reduced risk after 2025 settlement)
5. London Underground (pay disputes largely paused, but overtime bans still possible)

Always check: nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/industrial-action on the day you travel.

Why Strikes Haven’t Vanished (Even After Pay Deals)

Pay was only half the argument.

The deeper tension in 2026 is about control:

• Driver‑only operation and automation
• Roster changes and rest‑day working
• Station staffing levels
• The slow transition to Great British Railways

These don’t always trigger full strikes. More often, they surface as:

• Overtime bans
• Work‑to‑rule action
• High cancellation rates on specific routes

How Much Do Rail Workers Earn in 2026?

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

After more than two years of near‑continuous disruption, ASLEF and RMT accepted multi‑year pay deals in 2024–2025, effectively freezing large‑scale national walkouts until at least 2027.

But that doesn’t mean the railway is strike‑free.

The New Reality: Local, Targeted, and Harder to Predict

Instead of headline‑grabbing national shutdowns, 2026 has brought a different pattern:

• ✅ Localised disputes (specific depots, contractors, or regions)
• ✅ Short‑notice action rather than weeks of warning
• ✅ Non‑driver roles (cleaners, maintenance, signalling) creating knock‑on delays

This is why many passengers feel caught off‑guard. The trains may technically be running — but not reliably.

Which Train Companies Are Most Exposed in 2026?

While no operator is immune, recent disputes and ballots mean these services deserve extra checking before you travel:

1. Northern Rail
2. TransPennine Express
3. CrossCountry
4. Avanti West Coast (reduced risk after 2025 settlement)
5. London Underground (pay disputes largely paused, but overtime bans still possible)

Always check: nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/industrial-action on the day you travel.

Why Strikes Haven’t Vanished (Even After Pay Deals)

Pay was only half the argument.

The deeper tension in 2026 is about control:

• Driver‑only operation and automation
• Roster changes and rest‑day working
• Station staffing levels
• The slow transition to Great British Railways

These don’t always trigger full strikes. More often, they surface as:

• Overtime bans
• Work‑to‑rule action
• High cancellation rates on specific routes

How Much Do Rail Workers Earn in 2026?

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

That alone is the biggest shift since 2022.

After more than two years of near‑continuous disruption, ASLEF and RMT accepted multi‑year pay deals in 2024–2025, effectively freezing large‑scale national walkouts until at least 2027.

But that doesn’t mean the railway is strike‑free.

The New Reality: Local, Targeted, and Harder to Predict

Instead of headline‑grabbing national shutdowns, 2026 has brought a different pattern:

• ✅ Localised disputes (specific depots, contractors, or regions)
• ✅ Short‑notice action rather than weeks of warning
• ✅ Non‑driver roles (cleaners, maintenance, signalling) creating knock‑on delays

This is why many passengers feel caught off‑guard. The trains may technically be running — but not reliably.

Which Train Companies Are Most Exposed in 2026?

While no operator is immune, recent disputes and ballots mean these services deserve extra checking before you travel:

1. Northern Rail
2. TransPennine Express
3. CrossCountry
4. Avanti West Coast (reduced risk after 2025 settlement)
5. London Underground (pay disputes largely paused, but overtime bans still possible)

Always check: nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/industrial-action on the day you travel.

Why Strikes Haven’t Vanished (Even After Pay Deals)

Pay was only half the argument.

The deeper tension in 2026 is about control:

• Driver‑only operation and automation
• Roster changes and rest‑day working
• Station staffing levels
• The slow transition to Great British Railways

These don’t always trigger full strikes. More often, they surface as:

• Overtime bans
• Work‑to‑rule action
• High cancellation rates on specific routes

How Much Do Rail Workers Earn in 2026?

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

As of Sunday, 18 January 2026, there is no nationwide rail strike action planned across England, Scotland or Wales.

That alone is the biggest shift since 2022.

After more than two years of near‑continuous disruption, ASLEF and RMT accepted multi‑year pay deals in 2024–2025, effectively freezing large‑scale national walkouts until at least 2027.

But that doesn’t mean the railway is strike‑free.

The New Reality: Local, Targeted, and Harder to Predict

Instead of headline‑grabbing national shutdowns, 2026 has brought a different pattern:

• ✅ Localised disputes (specific depots, contractors, or regions)
• ✅ Short‑notice action rather than weeks of warning
• ✅ Non‑driver roles (cleaners, maintenance, signalling) creating knock‑on delays

This is why many passengers feel caught off‑guard. The trains may technically be running — but not reliably.

Which Train Companies Are Most Exposed in 2026?

While no operator is immune, recent disputes and ballots mean these services deserve extra checking before you travel:

1. Northern Rail
2. TransPennine Express
3. CrossCountry
4. Avanti West Coast (reduced risk after 2025 settlement)
5. London Underground (pay disputes largely paused, but overtime bans still possible)

Always check: nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/industrial-action on the day you travel.

Why Strikes Haven’t Vanished (Even After Pay Deals)

Pay was only half the argument.

The deeper tension in 2026 is about control:

• Driver‑only operation and automation
• Roster changes and rest‑day working
• Station staffing levels
• The slow transition to Great British Railways

These don’t always trigger full strikes. More often, they surface as:

• Overtime bans
• Work‑to‑rule action
• High cancellation rates on specific routes

How Much Do Rail Workers Earn in 2026?

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

No — not at the moment.

As of Sunday, 18 January 2026, there is no nationwide rail strike action planned across England, Scotland or Wales.

That alone is the biggest shift since 2022.

After more than two years of near‑continuous disruption, ASLEF and RMT accepted multi‑year pay deals in 2024–2025, effectively freezing large‑scale national walkouts until at least 2027.

But that doesn’t mean the railway is strike‑free.

The New Reality: Local, Targeted, and Harder to Predict

Instead of headline‑grabbing national shutdowns, 2026 has brought a different pattern:

• ✅ Localised disputes (specific depots, contractors, or regions)
• ✅ Short‑notice action rather than weeks of warning
• ✅ Non‑driver roles (cleaners, maintenance, signalling) creating knock‑on delays

This is why many passengers feel caught off‑guard. The trains may technically be running — but not reliably.

Which Train Companies Are Most Exposed in 2026?

While no operator is immune, recent disputes and ballots mean these services deserve extra checking before you travel:

1. Northern Rail
2. TransPennine Express
3. CrossCountry
4. Avanti West Coast (reduced risk after 2025 settlement)
5. London Underground (pay disputes largely paused, but overtime bans still possible)

Always check: nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/industrial-action on the day you travel.

Why Strikes Haven’t Vanished (Even After Pay Deals)

Pay was only half the argument.

The deeper tension in 2026 is about control:

• Driver‑only operation and automation
• Roster changes and rest‑day working
• Station staffing levels
• The slow transition to Great British Railways

These don’t always trigger full strikes. More often, they surface as:

• Overtime bans
• Work‑to‑rule action
• High cancellation rates on specific routes

How Much Do Rail Workers Earn in 2026?

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

No — not at the moment.

As of Sunday, 18 January 2026, there is no nationwide rail strike action planned across England, Scotland or Wales.

That alone is the biggest shift since 2022.

After more than two years of near‑continuous disruption, ASLEF and RMT accepted multi‑year pay deals in 2024–2025, effectively freezing large‑scale national walkouts until at least 2027.

But that doesn’t mean the railway is strike‑free.

The New Reality: Local, Targeted, and Harder to Predict

Instead of headline‑grabbing national shutdowns, 2026 has brought a different pattern:

• ✅ Localised disputes (specific depots, contractors, or regions)
• ✅ Short‑notice action rather than weeks of warning
• ✅ Non‑driver roles (cleaners, maintenance, signalling) creating knock‑on delays

This is why many passengers feel caught off‑guard. The trains may technically be running — but not reliably.

Which Train Companies Are Most Exposed in 2026?

While no operator is immune, recent disputes and ballots mean these services deserve extra checking before you travel:

1. Northern Rail
2. TransPennine Express
3. CrossCountry
4. Avanti West Coast (reduced risk after 2025 settlement)
5. London Underground (pay disputes largely paused, but overtime bans still possible)

Always check: nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/industrial-action on the day you travel.

Why Strikes Haven’t Vanished (Even After Pay Deals)

Pay was only half the argument.

The deeper tension in 2026 is about control:

• Driver‑only operation and automation
• Roster changes and rest‑day working
• Station staffing levels
• The slow transition to Great British Railways

These don’t always trigger full strikes. More often, they surface as:

• Overtime bans
• Work‑to‑rule action
• High cancellation rates on specific routes

How Much Do Rail Workers Earn in 2026?

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

you did three years ago, you’re reacting to a past that no longer exists.

This is the 2026 reality of UK train strikes: who is still striking, who has settled, which routes are genuinely at risk, and what smart passengers now do differently.

Are There National Train Strikes in 2026?

No — not at the moment.

As of Sunday, 18 January 2026, there is no nationwide rail strike action planned across England, Scotland or Wales.

That alone is the biggest shift since 2022.

After more than two years of near‑continuous disruption, ASLEF and RMT accepted multi‑year pay deals in 2024–2025, effectively freezing large‑scale national walkouts until at least 2027.

But that doesn’t mean the railway is strike‑free.

The New Reality: Local, Targeted, and Harder to Predict

Instead of headline‑grabbing national shutdowns, 2026 has brought a different pattern:

• ✅ Localised disputes (specific depots, contractors, or regions)
• ✅ Short‑notice action rather than weeks of warning
• ✅ Non‑driver roles (cleaners, maintenance, signalling) creating knock‑on delays

This is why many passengers feel caught off‑guard. The trains may technically be running — but not reliably.

Which Train Companies Are Most Exposed in 2026?

While no operator is immune, recent disputes and ballots mean these services deserve extra checking before you travel:

1. Northern Rail
2. TransPennine Express
3. CrossCountry
4. Avanti West Coast (reduced risk after 2025 settlement)
5. London Underground (pay disputes largely paused, but overtime bans still possible)

Always check: nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/industrial-action on the day you travel.

Why Strikes Haven’t Vanished (Even After Pay Deals)

Pay was only half the argument.

The deeper tension in 2026 is about control:

• Driver‑only operation and automation
• Roster changes and rest‑day working
• Station staffing levels
• The slow transition to Great British Railways

These don’t always trigger full strikes. More often, they surface as:

• Overtime bans
• Work‑to‑rule action
• High cancellation rates on specific routes

How Much Do Rail Workers Earn in 2026?

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.

I’ll admit it: I planned my 2026 travel like nothing had changed. Same buffer days, same dread, same reflex to check strike dates before booking anything.

But digging into what’s actually happening on the rails, I realised the disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s been reshaped. Different rules, different tactics, different risks. Here’s what’s really changed, and what stubbornly hasn’t.

you did three years ago, you’re reacting to a past that no longer exists.

This is the 2026 reality of UK train strikes: who is still striking, who has settled, which routes are genuinely at risk, and what smart passengers now do differently.

Are There National Train Strikes in 2026?

No — not at the moment.

As of Sunday, 18 January 2026, there is no nationwide rail strike action planned across England, Scotland or Wales.

That alone is the biggest shift since 2022.

After more than two years of near‑continuous disruption, ASLEF and RMT accepted multi‑year pay deals in 2024–2025, effectively freezing large‑scale national walkouts until at least 2027.

But that doesn’t mean the railway is strike‑free.

The New Reality: Local, Targeted, and Harder to Predict

Instead of headline‑grabbing national shutdowns, 2026 has brought a different pattern:

• ✅ Localised disputes (specific depots, contractors, or regions)
• ✅ Short‑notice action rather than weeks of warning
• ✅ Non‑driver roles (cleaners, maintenance, signalling) creating knock‑on delays

This is why many passengers feel caught off‑guard. The trains may technically be running — but not reliably.

Which Train Companies Are Most Exposed in 2026?

While no operator is immune, recent disputes and ballots mean these services deserve extra checking before you travel:

1. Northern Rail
2. TransPennine Express
3. CrossCountry
4. Avanti West Coast (reduced risk after 2025 settlement)
5. London Underground (pay disputes largely paused, but overtime bans still possible)

Always check: nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/industrial-action on the day you travel.

Why Strikes Haven’t Vanished (Even After Pay Deals)

Pay was only half the argument.

The deeper tension in 2026 is about control:

• Driver‑only operation and automation
• Roster changes and rest‑day working
• Station staffing levels
• The slow transition to Great British Railways

These don’t always trigger full strikes. More often, they surface as:

• Overtime bans
• Work‑to‑rule action
• High cancellation rates on specific routes

How Much Do Rail Workers Earn in 2026?

Updated figures show why the debate remains heated.

Typical annual salaries:

• Train drivers: £58,000–£72,000
• Guards / conductors: £40,000–£52,000
• Station staff: £32,000–£45,000
• Cleaners & contractors: £22,000–£28,000

The gap between headline salaries and outsourced roles is one reason disputes keep resurfacing.

What This Means for Passengers (Practically)

This is the part most guides miss.

In 2026, smart travel planning looks like this:

• ✅ Check services the night before and the morning of travel
• ✅ Avoid last trains — they are cancelled first during disruption
• ✅ Book Advance tickets with flexibility (fee‑free refunds apply during industrial action)
• ✅ Know your alternatives: nationwide bus fares remain capped at £2 per journey until December 2026

Example: London to Birmingham

• Train: 1h 24m, £12.50–£45
• Coach: 2h 45m–3h 15m, £6–£15 (National Express, Megabus)

So… Are Train Strikes “Over”?

No.

But they’re no longer the blunt instrument they were in 2022–2023.

The disruption hasn’t vanished — it’s become quieter, more technical, and easier to miss until you’re already on the platform.

That’s the real shift.

In 2026, the passengers who suffer most aren’t the uninformed. They’re the ones relying on outdated assumptions.

Check. Verify. Adapt.

That’s how you travel Britain’s railways now.