London Tube — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

London Underground Information

Popularly known as ‘the Tube’, this rapid transit system includes, the world’s first underground railway which is way back in the year 1863. It serves not just London but also Essex, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire too. Probably that’s one of the other reasons apart from its convenience, as to why it has an annual ridership of more than 1 billion (2011). It operates on 11 different lines, serving 270 stations in total. It would definitely not be an easy job to operate this 420 km long network. This herculean task is currently undertaken by London Underground Limited.

London Underground Map

Map of London Underground showing various lines and stations. Click on the Map to Enlarge it.

London Underground Hours

The timings of the metro system are same everyday, except for Sundays. The tubes begin operations from 05:00 am in the morning and run till nearly 01:30 am the next day. On Sundays, services begin slightly later, starting at around 07:00 am in the morning and running for sometime after 01:00 am the next day.

For more information on the schedule of each line, you can visit the official website at:https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/tube/first-and-last-tube

London Underground Fares, Tickets and Cards

There are nine zones and the fare system is zone based. The most commonly used is the Oyster card that can also be used to travel on bus, tram, DLR, and most national rail services. It is a plastic smartcard that store credit. 7 days, monthly and longer duration travel cards are available that can be added onto the Oyster card. With an Oyster card, riders also get peak and off peak rates. For Students, there is an 18+ student oyster card that provides a discount of 30% for 7 days, monthly and longer duration Travelcards. The same offer is valid for an Apprentices, for those who have an Apprenticeship Oyster photocard. Children aged 5-10 can travel free on the Tube. For children aged 11-15 and 16+, child fare rate applies.

The system has a 60+London Oyster photo card, which allows permanent residents, over the age of 60 to travel free in the public transport system, until they are eligible for the Freedom Pass. The Freedom Pass allows free travel on public transport in London, including most National Rail services, if certain age criterion is met. It is also given to people who have an eligible disability.

In addition to Oyster card, Single and Return paper tickets are also available. These can be bought from ticket offices or vending machines. Riders can also buy a Day Travelcard which is also a paper ticket and allows unlimited travel in a day. This can be purchased for different zones. Depending on the time of day the riders want to travel, Anytime Day Travelcards and Off-peak Day Travelcards can be purchased.Group Day Tickets can also be purchased for a group of 10 people or more.

For more information with regard to fares, tickets and cards, you can visit the official website at: https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/fares

London Underground Parking

London underground park and ride facilities are available any time outside stations where you can park your vehicle for free.

London Underground Rules and Tips

Try to be as alert as possible when riding the tube, after drinking. The London Underground has both, escalators as well as lift service. In case one is travelling with large, big, bulky luggage, it is requested to use the lift instead of the escalators. It’s more convenient as well. It is not considered wise to board a train when unwell. Take rest instead.

For more safety rules to be followed while using the London Underground, you can visit the official website at: https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/safety/staying-safe?intcmp=5437#on-this-page-3

London Underground Services

Assistance dogs for the visually impaired are allowed on board. There are various other elements to make travelling easier for people with various disabilities. Escalator and lift facilities are available in all stations. Hearing aid induction loops have been made available at various places like the ticket-counter, platforms, help point etc. Various audio and visual signals, help the cause. Over 130 London Underground stations have also access to WiFi. The service is free, if the users have any of the providers that the system is listed with, otherwise users can purchase a daily, weekly or monthly WiFi pass. There are adequate facilities for pregnant women as well.

London Underground Lines

The London underground system has 11 lines serving 270 stations. All the 11 lines are recognized by its name and color.
● Bakerloo line – The line was opened to the public in 1906 and the length of the line is 23.2km serving 25 stations. The line runs from inner south east London via west end towards Harrow and Wealdstone in the north western outer suburban area.
● Central line – The line started operation in 1900 and the length of the line is 74km serving 49 stations. The line offer services from Ealing and Ruislip towards west of Stratford and heading towards north east, Epping in Essex.
● Circle line – The line started operation in 1871 and the length of the line is 27.2km serving 36 stations. The circle line is in a spiral shape running from Hammersmith to Edgware road.
● District line – The line started operation in 1868 and the length of the line is 64km serving 60 stations. The route operates from east to west. The line runs from Upminster through central London towards Earl’s court. The route also runs northward from Earl’s Court to Edgware road.
● Hammersmith and city line – The line started operation in 1864 and the length of the route is 25.5km serving 29 stations. The line operates between Hammersmith and Barking.
● Jubilee line – The line started operation in 1979 and the length of the route is 36.2km serving 27 stations. It is the newest line in network operating between Finchley road and Wembley road. It shares track with the metropolitan line running parallel to the Chiltern main line.
● Metropolitan line – The line started operation in 1863 and the length of the line is 66.7km serving 34 stations. The line connects Aldgate with Amersham and Chesham in Buckinghamshire.
● Northern line – The line started operation in 1890 and the length of the line is 58km serving 50 stations. It is the second busiest line on the underground and it operates two different routes through central London- the Charing Cross branch and Bank branch.
● Piccadilly line – The line started operation in 1906 and the length of the line is 71km serving 53 stations. It operates from the north to the west of London through zone 1.
● Victoria line – The line started operation in 1968 and the length of the route is 21 km serving 16 stations. The line operates from south to the north east of London.
● Waterloo & city line – The line started operation in 1898 and the length of the route is 2.5km serving 2 stations. It is the shortest line in London with two stations, Waterloo and Bank.