London underground

The London Underground or “tube” as it is referred to by locals, is the world’s longest underground train network and covers Greater London and parts of Buckinghamshire, Essex and Hertfordshire.

It is served by 11 lines, each of which is colour coded on the Underground map for easy reading and a general rule of thumb is that these are the same colour as the poles and hand rails in the train’s carriage.  You can download a map of the underground from here.

Remember that the underground network doesn’t run 24/7, so if you stay out late you may have to seek alternative transport.  Generally the tubes run from 5am until 1am.

The underground is divided up into 9 zones (numbered 1 to 9) which calculate the fares charged on each journey and tickets have to be bought prior to the journey either from ticket machines or staffed ticketing kiosks. 

Travel Cards for travel in specific zones can also be purchased for a specific number of days, weeks or months from kiosks.  A cheaper and popular alternative is the Oyster Card which is a smart card with an embedded chip.

Travellers charge the card up with credit and use it when entering and leaving a station; this calculates the cost of the journey and deducts it from the credit. 

The Oyster Card can also be used on the bus, trams, London Overground and some National Rail services within London.

London underground etiquette

There are certain rules that you should be aware of when using the underground:

Do:

• Stand on the right when using the escalators - it is an unwritten rule that the left hand side is for people in a rush.
• Move down the platform when waiting for a train.
• Allow passengers to get off of the train before boarding it yourself.
• Have your ticket or Oyster Card read when approaching the ticket barriers.
• Move clear of the foot of escalators, ticket halls and station entrances.
• Clean up your rubbish behind you.
• Use deodorant or antiperspirant - no one likes a smelly person when it’s crowded.
• Be aware that pickpockets operate in the tube stations.
• Give up your seat to the elderly or those in greater need than your own, such as pregnant women.
• Keep your luggage away from the doors.

Do Not:

• Drink alcohol - it is illegal.
• Eat smelly food.
• Block the doors of the train.
• Leave your bags on the seats.
• Repeatedly try using your ticket if it refused at the ticket barrier, seek assistance.
• Try to board the train when the doors are closing.
• Worry if the train stops in a tunnel for a few minutes.

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