Go BackThe London Underground, often simply called the Tube, is the lifeline of London. It is one of the world's largest and oldest metro systems, serving millions of passengers daily and stretching deep into the heart of the capital and beyond. With a complex but efficient network of lines, stations, and connections, it's an essential part of life for Londoners and a fascinating experience for visitors.
Map of the London Underground
London Underground Lines
- Bakerloo Line has 25 stations over a length of 23.2 km (14.4 miles).
- Central Line has 49 stations over a length of 74 km (46 miles).
- Circle Line has 35 stations in a loop of 27 km (17 miles).
- District Line has 60 stations over a length of 64 km (40 miles).
- Hammersmith & City Line has 29 stations over a length of 25.5 km.
- Jubilee Line has 27 stations over a length of 36.2 km.
- Metropolitan Line has 34 stations over a length of 66.7 km.
- Northern Line has 50 stations over a length of 58 km.
- Piccadilly Line has 53 stations over a length of 71 km.
- Victoria Line has 16 stations over a length of 21 km.
- Waterloo & City Line has only two stations over a length of 2.37 km.
- Docklands Light Railway (DLR) has 40 stations over a length of 19 km in five branches.
- Elizabeth Line is a rapid transit service that began operations on 24 May 2022.
Watercolour of an escalator at Farringdon Station, in the London Underground
How big is the London Underground
The London Underground is one of the largest metro systems in the world by route length, surpassed only by systems like the Shanghai Metro and Beijing Subway. It comprises:- 272 stations
- 11 lines
- Over 402 kilometres (250 miles) of track
A Glimpse into History: The Oldest and the Newest Lines
The London Underground holds the distinction of being the world's first underground railway.- Oldest Line: The Metropolitan Line
- Opened on 10 January 1863
- Initially ran between Paddington (Bishop's Road) and Farringdon
- Used steam locomotives before electrification
- Newest Line: The Elizabeth Line (formerly known as Crossrail)
- Officially opened on 24 May 2022
- Operates as a high-capacity hybrid between Underground and National Rail
- Though not technically a Tube line, it integrates with the Underground system and appears on the iconic Tube map
How many people use it?
For Londoners, the Tube is the most reliable and fastest way to navigate the city. Commuters use it to get to work, attend events, and connect with bus, rail, and Overground services. Trains typically run from around 5:00 AM until midnight, with Night Tube services on some lines during weekends.Tourists rely on the Tube to access London's major sights - whether it's hopping off at Westminster to see Big Ben or heading to South Kensington for the museums.
Fares Oyster Cards, Travel Options
What is an Oyster Card?An Oyster card is a smart travel card used to pay fares on the Underground, Overground, buses, DLR, trams, and even some river services. It's a pay-as-you-go system that caps your daily spend, making it economical for most users.
- Where to Get One:
- Available at any Tube station ticket machine
- Visitor Oyster Cards can be ordered online and shipped overseas
- Can also be purchased at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, some newsagents, and travel centres
- Is it the only way to pay?
No, you can also use:- Contactless payment cards (including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other digital wallets)
- Travelcards (daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly paper tickets)
- Visitor Oyster Cards, which offer the same convenience as standard Oyster cards with optional discounts at attractions
Tourist Specials and Tips
- Travel Off-Peak: Fares are lower outside rush hours - typically after 9:30 AM on weekdays and all day on weekends.
- Use the Tube Map: It's iconic for a reason. Easy to read and available for free at every station.
- Save with Visitor Oyster or Travelcards: If you're in town for more than a few days, consider a Visitor Oyster Card or a 7-day Travelcard.
- Kids Travel Free: Children under 11 travel free with a paying adult on the Tube and most public transport.
Fun Facts about the London Underground
- The term "Tube" comes from the cylindrical shape of the tunnels on deep-level lines.
- The famous Underground roundel and Harry Beck's Tube map are internationally recognized symbols of London.
- The system includes the longest escalator in Western Europe at Angel Station (60 metres long and 27.5 metres high).
- Aldgate Station sits atop a huge plague pit where thousands of Londoners were buried during the Black Death.
- There are hidden "ghost stations" - such as Down Street and Brompton Road - no longer in use but sometimes accessible via tours.
- The Underground has appeared in countless films, including James Bond, Harry Potter, and The Bourne Ultimatum.
- Despite the name, over half of the network is actually above ground.
Timeline of Key Milestones in the History of the London Underground
- 1863 - The World's First Underground Railway Opens. The Metropolitan Railway opens between Paddington (Bishop's Road) and Farringdon. Operated with steam locomotives - a groundbreaking innovation in public transport.
- 1868 - District Railway Begins Service. The District Railway (now part of the District Line) starts operations, later connecting to the Metropolitan to form the Circle.
- 1890 - First Deep-Level Electric Railway. The City & South London Railway (now part of the Northern Line) becomes the first deep-level tube railway using electric trains.
- 1900 - Central London Railway Opens. The Central Line begins operations, soon nicknamed the "Twopenny Tube" due to its flat fare.
- 1906-1907 - More Deep Lines Launch. Baker Street & Waterloo Railway (Bakerloo Line); Great Northern, Piccadilly & Brompton Railway (Piccadilly Line); Charing Cross, Euston & Hampstead Railway (also part of today's Northern Line) all open.
- 1908 - The Term "Underground" Is Officially Adopted. The iconic Underground roundel first appears. The word "Underground" is used consistently in branding.
- 1933 - London Transport Is Formed. Multiple independent railways unified under the London Passenger Transport Board (LPTB). This marks the start of coordinated Tube development and expansion.
- 1968 - Victoria Line Opens. The first new Tube line in over 60 years. Fully automatic operation with high-frequency service.
- 1979 - Jubilee Line Opens. Created by combining parts of the Bakerloo and other lines. Named to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee (1977).
- 1994 - Privatization and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Parts of London Underground's maintenance and operations handed to private consortia - later reversed due to controversy.
- 2003 - Introduction of the Oyster Card. The Oyster smartcard system launches, revolutionising how people pay for travel.
- 2016 - Night Tube Service Begins. 24-hour weekend service launched on selected lines, making late-night travel safer and easier.
- 2022 - Elizabeth Line Opens. Formerly known as Crossrail, it becomes one of Europe's largest infrastructure projects. Opens in stages, with full services connecting Heathrow, Reading, and Shenfield by May 2023.
Further Reading
Get to know the London Tube and Railway Stations, and get a full list of the stations on this page.Future Metro Development in the UK
The London Underground continues to evolve, but it's not the only metro system with big plans. From new lines and extensions in the capital to ambitious proposals in cities like Leeds, Manchester, and Bristol, the future of urban rail transport across the UK is shaping up to be transformative.Explore future metro developments across the UK
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