First, a Bit of History
The London Underground is the oldest metro system in the world, born in 1863, back when Queen Victoria still ruled and trousers were optional for maps. It now boasts 11 lines, 272 stations, and enough tunnels to make a mole feel claustrophobic.
The Lines & Where They Go
Each line has its own color and personality:
- Central Line (Red): East to West, like a caffeinated commuter bullet.
- Northern Line (Black): North to South, with two branches and a tendency to confuse tourists.
- Piccadilly Line (Dark Blue): Connects Heathrow to central London—your airport lifeline.
- District, Circle, Jubilee, Bakerloo, Victoria, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, Waterloo & City: All zigzag across the city like spaghetti thrown at a wall.
Zones Explained
London is divided into 9 travel zones. Zone 1 is central London (think Big Ben, Covent Garden, overpriced coffee). Most tourists stick to Zones 1–2, unless they’re chasing foxes in Zone 9.
Tickets & Payment Options (always check the latest prices)
| Option | How It Works | Cost (Zone 1–2) |
| Oyster Card | Prepaid travel card. Tap in/out. Daily cap applies. | £2.80 (peak), £2.70 (off-peak) |
| Contactless Card | Same as Oyster, but with your debit/credit card. | Same as Oyster |
| Travelcard | Unlimited travel for a day/week/month. | £8.50/day cap |
| Paper Ticket | Single-use. Expensive. Avoid unless you enjoy burning money. | £6.70+ |
Pro Tip: Buy Oyster cards online before your trip or at any Tube station. They cost £5 upfront, but save you loads.
Platform Navigation: Which Way Is Up?
- Look at the Tube map. If your destination is:
- North → Head to the Northbound platform.
- South → Southbound.
- East → Eastbound.
- West → Westbound.
Signs are everywhere. If you still get lost, follow someone who looks like they know what they’re doing. Or ask a TfL staff member—they’re surprisingly helpful.
Escalator Etiquette
- Stand on the RIGHT.
- Walk on the LEFT.
- Violate this rule and prepare for passive-aggressive sighs and possibly a sharp British glare.
Elevators (aka lifts) are available at many stations, especially for accessibility. But escalators are the true gladiator arena of rush hour.
Avoiding Rush Hour (Unless You Enjoy Human Origami)
- Morning Peak: 06:30–09:30
- Evening Peak: 16:00–19:00
- Travel outside these hours unless you enjoy being pressed against a stranger’s armpit while trying to read the Tube map upside down. Mornings are the worst.
Mind the Gap!
This isn’t just a slogan—it’s a life-saving mantra. When boarding, listen for the iconic announcement:
“Mind the gap between the train and the platform.” Because falling into the abyss between carriage and concrete is not the London experience you want.
Final Tips for Tube Survival
- Download the TfL Go app or use TfL’s Journey Planner for real-time directions.
- Night Tube runs on Fridays and Saturdays—perfect for post-pub teleportation.
- Always tap in and out, or you’ll be charged the maximum fare and feel the wrath of TfL’s algorithms.