If you happen to be in London or have plans to fly there anytime soon, then you have most likely heard of the London Underground. It is also known as the London Tube, but is best explained in today’s terms as the London Subway.
The London Underground is the oldest underground railway system in the world, since it began its operations in 1863. It was initially built to lessen street congestion, paving the way for a more breathable city. Today, the London Tube has more than ten lines serving hundreds of stations. It is one of the most efficient London trains for getting around.
And since it caters to several lines at many different stations, navigating your way around it can be a bit difficult. But hey, we’re here to help you out so you won’t get lost in the London Underground, so if you’re ready, read on below!
The London Underground Lines
Your trip to London will not be complete without a ride on the London Underground at least once / Photo from Francesca Grima on Unsplash
The London Underground has a total of 11 lines, each corresponding to a specific color:
1. Bakerloo Line: Brown
2. Central Line: Red
3. Circle Line: Yellow
4. District Line: Green
5. Hammersmith & City Line: Pink
6. Jubilee Line: Grey
7. Metropolitan Line: Magenta
8. Northern Line: Black
9. Piccadilly Line: Dark Blue
10. Victoria Line: Light Blue
11. Waterloo & City Line: Turquoise
For your convenience and easy viewing, the London Underground map can be found here:
Tips to not get lost in the London Underground
So, how do you not get lost in the London Underground? Here are a few tips:
📝Plan your route.
You can use Google Maps or Citymapper so you can be more familiar with the color-coded lines.
🕕Be mindful of the operating hours.
The hours vary depending on the line. Usually, operations start at 5:00am and end by midnight.
📱Check for line closures and disruptions.
Both Google Maps and Citymapper indicate closures, too, so make sure to take note of that if your planned route will be affected.
📷Take screenshots of the directions per route you plan to take.
This is to ensure that you have a copy of where to go and how to get there.
🤔Make sure to familiarize yourself with the lines and their colors.
It’s a great way to slowly get used to the lines and routes.
➡️Follow the signs at the station.
Just so you know which direction (northbound, southbound, eastbound, westbound) to go.
🗺️Grab a free copy of the London Underground map at the stations.
You can use it as a reference, too, to confirm your location and route.
👮If you still find yourself confused or lost at any point, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
There are staff members stationed in and around the London Underground.
Getting your tickets to the London Underground
The London Underground can take you to must-see attractions like Buckingham Palace / Photo from Tomas Anton Escobar on Unsplash
There are a few ways to get your tickets to the London Underground, but we highly suggest booking your London train tickets on Klook, with many languages available for you to choose from, as well as several payment methods, making purchasing the tickets a fuss-free experience for you!
The Oyster Card allows you to use several transportation options in London / Photo from Klook
Another convenient way to pay for your tickets is with the Oyster Card. Simply tap it before boarding, and you’re good to go! And that’s not all your Oyster Card can do — it works for many transport options in London, such as trains, buses, and more, so you won’t need to buy a lot of separate tickets just to get to iconic attractions such as Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Westminster.
You’re now ready to explore the famous and must-experience London Underground! Make sure to keep our tips in mind and practice so you don’t get lost as you navigate your way through the London Tube. Safe travels!
FAQs about the London Underground
1. What is the underground called in London?
The underground railway system in London is called the London Underground or the London Tube.
2. How much does it cost to ride the underground in London?
Prices vary. They depend on your route and destination.
3. How do tourists use the Tube in London?
Tourists can easily and conveniently use the London Tube by securing tickets through contactless payment or by using an Oyster Card.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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