London Underground Guide
The London Underground โ the Tube โ is the world's oldest metro system, opened in 1863, and still one of its most extensive. Navigating it efficiently transforms getting around London from frustrating to seamless. Here's everything you need to know.
The Lines
Eleven colour-coded lines cover different parts of the city. The Central line (red) runs east-west through Zone 1. The Northern line (black) is the most notorious for heat and delays but reaches many useful destinations. The Jubilee line (silver) is modern, air-conditioned and connects Waterloo, London Bridge, Canary Wharf and Stratford. The Elizabeth line (purple, also called Crossrail) is the newest addition โ fast, spacious, fully step-free, connecting Heathrow directly to central London and beyond.
Navigating the Map
The famous Harry Beck diagrammatic map distorts geography significantly โ stations that look far apart may be a 10-minute walk, and stations on different lines may share an entrance. Always check above ground distance before assuming a Tube connection is faster than walking.
Etiquette
Stand on the right of escalators, walk on the left. Move down inside carriages โ doors get blocked easily. Give up priority seats for elderly, pregnant or disabled passengers. Eating strong- smelling food is technically not against any rule but strongly frowned upon in a confined carriage. Music should be headphone-only.
Interesting Facts
The Tube carries around 1.4 billion passengers a year. The deepest station is Hampstead at 58.5 metres below ground. Only 45% of the network actually runs underground โ the rest is at street or elevated level. The Victoria line was the first in the world to use automatic train operation when it opened in 1968.
Tips
- Pay contactlessly โ tap your bank card or phone directly, no Oyster card needed.
- Always check above-ground distance before assuming the Tube is faster than walking.
- The Elizabeth line is step-free, air-conditioned and significantly more comfortable than most other lines.
- Avoid the Northern line (Charing Cross branch) during rush hour if at all possible.