Rail union Aslef said up to 600 members at the rail firms Midland Mainline and Silverlink will hold 24-hour strikes in separate rows about pensions.
At least 200 Midland Mainline train drivers are set to strike on Thursday, affecting trains from London to the East Midlands.
Friday will see 370 Silverlink staff on strike, followed by further industrial action for five days in November. Silverlink runs services from Milton Keynes, Watford Junction and along the North London line.
Of its dispute with Midland Mainline Keith Norman, general secretary at Aslef, said: “We are willing to talk to anyone at any time – so long as there is a hope of progress. The company has, however, made it clear – both verbally and in writing – that it is not interested in a solution.
‘We have made proposals while management has made accusations,” Norman added.