Traveler Tips for Riding the Tube in London

London has the oldest metro transit system in the entire world, clocking in at almost 160 years old. And www.londonpass.info 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.

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
Map of the tube in London with a pencil on top featuring icons of 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.