How to get to Wimbledon as strikes cause travel chaos

It’s officially summer and the Wimbledon tennis tournament is back for another year. With a star-studded roster of today’s best tennis players, getting a ticket to watch a day of play is a must.

But visitors to South West London face extra challenges this week due to Transport for London strikes. Members of the United Union began a strike on Sunday 30 June from 8pm, which is due to continue until Monday 8 July.

A second strike is also due to take place from Thursday 11 July to Monday 15 July, which will again affect London Tram services. These tram services will have a reduced service between Wimbledon and Reeves Corner during the day with no trams before 7am or after 6pm.

READ MORE: “I traveled from Chicago to queue at Wimbledon at 5am with my laptop so I could work”

The strikes will also affect London Tram services between East Croydon and Beckenham Junction/New Addington, with no service through the city center or between East Croydon and Elmers End.

On the morning of Monday 8 July, tram services are expected to start later than normal, with possible disruptions throughout the day. Although regular service will resume in the next few days, a second strike is due to take place from Thursday 11 July.

From Friday 12 July to Sunday 14 July there will be a similar reduction in service between Wimbledon and Reeves Corner during the day, with no trams before 7am or after 6pm. And on Monday, July 15, services are expected to start later than normal.

How to get to Wimbledon

Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways to get to Wimbledon despite the strikes. The Championships at Wimbledon website recommended a few stations closest to the tennis club:

• Southfields Station (District Line) – 15 15 minute walk to Grounds.

• Wimbledon Station (District Line, South Western Railway and London Trams) – 20 minute walk to the Grounds.

• Wimbledon Park Station (District Line) – 25 minutes walk to the Grounds.

The District Line is not expected to be affected by strikes during the tournament and is expected to run as normal.

A dedicated Championships bus service will also operate from Wimbledon Station to the Grounds. A one-way fare will cost £4.00, while a return fare costs £6.00. Return buses leave from Car Park 1 on Somerset Road.

You can use the Journey Planner here to find out exactly how to get to Wimbledon.

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