London has the oldest metro transit system in the entire world, clocking in at almost 160 years old. And unless you’ve traveled to or live in a city with a subway system, it’s possible you’ve never had an experience similar to riding the Tube in London.
So, it’s completely understandable that many first-time travelers to London might feel a little overwhelmed at the prospect of trying to navigate the nearly 250 miles of routes that millions of people glide across each day.
BUT — I also think that learning to ride the Tube in London has big advantages, and it’s well worth familiarizing yourself with it before you arrive.
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For one, it’s actually pretty efficient and organized. The Tube, also called the Underground, is a great way to get from Point A to Point B. You really can access almost any part of the city. The staff can be very entertaining (dry British wit for the win!). Plus, it’s a deeply cultural experience, woven into the fabric of London-ness as much as afternoon tea or Sunday roast dinner.
With a custom-designed itinerary, I can help you decide when the Tube is the best option, and I can plan out any trips you want to take using the Underground — including locating the right stations, choosing the best travel times, and picking which sights in London you want to take in.
So hop aboard and let’s explore the basics of riding the Tube in London. That way, when you arrive, you’ll have the confidence to travel like a local.
First Things First: The Logistics of Riding the Tube in London
The London Underground is part of the municipal transportation system that also includes city buses, trains, some boats, and other forms of public transit.
London is divided into 9 Travel Zones, with 12 main lines (each shown in a different color) that can be accessed by over 270 stations all across the city. Stations are especially dense in Central London, and the good news is that you’re never really that far from a station, which makes it easy to explore neighborhoods on foot and then hop on and ride the Tube in London when you need to cover a bit more distance.
Most lines run from 5am – midnight every day, with some lines also including 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays. So whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, there’s likely a spot for you!
Cassie’s Tip: The best method of payment for public transit varies depending on how long your visit to London is, but generally, the Oyster Card is a great option (I share more about the Oyster and tickets here). It’s basically a pre-loaded debit card that’s used exclusively for travel, and it can be used on multiple forms of travel throughout the city. You decide how much money you want to put on the card based on your travel needs, and you can top off the available amount at one of the many kiosks all over the airport and the city. It’s very slick and makes group or family travel much easier.
Tube Riding Etiquette
Being familiar with these simple etiquette expectations will help you blend in as you ride the Tube in London, and they’ll make for a smoother trip.
- Slow movement/stand on the right, pass on the left. This is just like in the US, and you’re likely to get an “Oi! Move over!” if you’re blocking the flow of an escalator by standing on the left.
- Stay behind the yellow line. This is more about safety than just etiquette. You want to leave ample room between you and the fast-moving train cars. You will get honked at (very loudly) if you step on or over the line.
- Those exiting have the right of way. Just like in elevators, buses, or subways in the US, it’s appropriate to stand aside and let people off before you get on.
- Mind the Gap. One of the most iconic British phrases, this is also a safety precaution. While many cars have been adjusted to eliminate the space between the platform and the train for more accessible travel, you will occasionally still find a gap. So pay attention so you don’t trip!
- Seats are for sitting only. This one is pretty strictly observed. In part, it’s just courtesy — seats aren’t meant for your extra bags. In part, it’s about cleanliness — London keeps its passenger cars quite clean, and it’s considered rude and gross to put your shoes up on seats that others will be sitting in.
- Notice the flow and make room. This includes moving down the platform when you’re waiting to board, moving towards the center of the car, leaving room for people to exit first, and holding onto (but not leaning on) available poles.
- Do NOT hold the doors. If you’re accustomed to the chaos of, say, NYC subways, you might have seen a frantic grab to hold a door that’s closing. When you ride the Tube in London, though, it’s a whole other game. For one, the doors will not reopen. You will get caught in them, and it is not only extremely uncomfortable, it’s dirty and unsafe. Don’t do it! (Remember that London’s Underground schedule is frequent and efficient. Another train will be along in a couple of minutes.)
- Help keep it tidy. Littering is deeply frowned upon, and most Londoners take pride in how well-maintained the Tube is.
- Courtesies are in style. You’ll find the British people tend to be very polite. So, it never hurts to blend in with please, thank you, and excuse me.
Cassie’s Tip: If you’re using an Oyster Card, I highly recommend that you keep it in a place that’s easily accessible to you but also secure. While riding the Tube in London is quite safe overall, pickpocketing is not uncommon, and nimble-fingered thieves watch for grabbable cards!
Navigating London’s Tube Network
This is a pretty intuitive process. The trickiest part might be finding your route and making sure you’re on the correct line, especially if it’s one that divides mid-route. (I can help you figure this out!)
When you enter your station, you’ll see a set of gates with light indicators — green for entry, red for exit. You simply “tap in” at a green gate by setting your Oyster Card on the yellow disk or inserting your ticket, and the gate will open.
Then, when you exit the station, you also have to remember to “tap out.” So be sure to have your ticket or contactless card at the ready!
If you’re unsure which direction (N/S/E/W) you need to go, there are plenty of signs at each station that will list the stops served on the line. As long as you know which stop is your endpoint, you will be able to find which direction to go. I’ve had clients who have little experience with subway systems tell me they are nervous about finding their way around the Tube. Finding their endpoint on a map has worked like a charm (and it’s all gone well!).
And remember, if you make a mistake, it’s easy to correct and won’t set you back very much in terms of time (lots of stations, lots of signs) or at all in terms of fares (because you only complete a payment when you exit and “tap out”). Getting out of a car and changing directions is relatively simple. You’ve got this!
Cassie’s Tip: If you need a little extra guidance, your phone is right there. Google Maps, CityMapper, or TfL Go (TfL’s own app) can all help with directions.
Riding the Tube in London Like a Local
However you decide to explore this amazing city, I can help you get set up before you leave, so you have everything you need from the moment you land. If you choose a custom-designed itinerary, I’ll walk you through every step — getting your Oyster Card, planning routes, finding the right stations, and recommending the best attractions, day trips, tours, and restaurants based on your interests.
Riding the Tube in London is a fast, efficient, and easy way to get around, and with a little prep, I can have you navigating the like you’ve been a Londoner your whole life.
Cassie Tetro
Itinerary Designer
& Certified Travel Expert
(Paris, London & Rome)
WHO AM I?
I’m Cassie Tetro, an Itinerary Designer and Certified Travel Expert for Paris, London, and Rome — my three favorite cities!
I help independent travelers like you save time and eliminate confusion with customized point-to-point itineraries crafted to your interests, preferences, travel pace, and style.
I take care of every aspect of your trip before you walk out your front door — tickets, reservations, tours, maps, transportation — so you can relax, soak in the magic, and enjoy a frustration-free vacation with a travel plan that’s as unique as you are.
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