TL;DR
Passengers who suffer delays of 15 minutes or more on the London Underground due to a tube strike can claim a refund through the TfL Service Refund process. Season ticket holders can claim further compensation for sustained disruption. Walk up Oyster and contactless payers can claim back the full single fare when a planned journey was made impossible by strike action.
Last reviewed: 2 June 2026
Transport for London publishes a Customer Charter that sets out passenger rights when services are disrupted. The Charter applies to the London Underground, the Elizabeth Line, the Overground and the DLR. When a tube strike causes delays of 15 minutes or more on a journey passengers have actually attempted, a refund can be claimed through the Service Refund process. The rights are real but not automatic, and they sit within a specific time and process window.
Key facts
- TfL publishes a Customer Charter setting out refund and compensation rights.
- A Service Refund is available for delays of 15 minutes or more on the London Underground.
- Annual, monthly and weekly Travelcard holders can claim further compensation for sustained disruption.
- Claims must usually be submitted within 14 days of the affected journey.
- Refunds for delays caused by industrial action are not automatic; passengers must submit a claim.
Service Refund: the 15 minute rule
The TfL Service Refund applies when a journey on the Tube, Elizabeth Line, Overground or DLR is delayed by 15 minutes or more for a reason within TfL's control. A tube strike qualifies. The refund covers the single fare of the affected journey. Passengers using a contactless card or Oyster card claim through their TfL online account. Passengers using a paper Travelcard claim by completing a claim form at a station ticket office or online. Claims must usually be submitted within 14 days of the journey. The refund typically appears on the original payment method within 5 working days of approval.
Season ticket compensation
Annual, monthly and weekly Travelcard holders are covered by an additional compensation route when sustained disruption affects their normal use of the season ticket. The amount and form of compensation depend on the duration and pattern of disruption. For strike days that fall during a paid up season, holders can request compensation through the dedicated season ticket compensation form on tfl.gov.uk. Caps on weekly travel using contactless are not extended by strike days; instead the refund route covers the impact.
What is not covered
The TfL Customer Charter does not cover consequential losses. A passenger who missed a flight because of a tube strike cannot claim the cost of the flight from TfL. The Charter also does not cover journeys that were not actually attempted. A passenger who heard the strike was on and stayed at home cannot claim a refund for the journey they did not make. Industrial action covered by sufficient advance notice may also trigger different refund timing in season ticket cases.
Practical steps if a strike disrupts your travel
First, check the TfL status board and the dedicated strike pages on tfl.gov.uk before travelling, and screenshot the live disruption for the time of your journey as a record. Second, complete the Service Refund form within 14 days, providing the journey time and station of entry. Third, if you hold a season ticket and disruption was sustained, complete the season ticket compensation form separately. Fourth, keep all correspondence and approval emails for at least 6 months in case of follow up.
Important
This article explains general TfL refund and compensation processes and does not constitute legal advice on any specific dispute. Refund eligibility depends on the facts of the affected journey. If TfL rejects a claim, the next step is escalation to the TfL Customer Service team and then to London TravelWatch, the independent watchdog for London passengers.
Common questions
Can I get a refund for a tube journey delayed by a strike?
Yes, if the delay was 15 minutes or more on a journey you actually attempted and the strike affected services within TfL's control. Submit a Service Refund claim within 14 days through your TfL online account.
What about my flight or hotel that I missed because of the strike?
TfL does not cover consequential losses. The cost of a missed flight or hotel cannot be claimed from TfL. Check whether travel insurance includes a journey disruption clause.
Where do I escalate if my refund claim is rejected?
Use the TfL Customer Service complaint route first. If unresolved, escalate to London TravelWatch, the independent watchdog for London passengers.
