10 Insider Tips for Mastering London’s Tube System

Back in 1863, London made history with the world’s first-ever underground railway, transporting passengers beneath the bustling streets of the capital.

150 years later, despite surviving the Blitz, terrorist attacks, and countless renditions of 'Mr. Tambourine Man' by street performers, the London Underground remains an integral part of the city’s transport system.

Now with 12 lines, 114,500 miles of track, and 270 stations, the sprawling Tube network can be overwhelming for newcomers to London. To help you avoid confusion at places like Piccadilly Circus or Marylebone, here’s your essential guide with 10 pro tips for navigating the Tube.

1. How to Purchase Your Ticket

Although expensive paper tickets are still available, they’ve become nearly obsolete thanks to the cheaper, more efficient electronic system known as Oyster – a name likely chosen because it’s as unpleasant as swallowing one whole.

Oyster cards, which allow for easy tap-and-go access to Tube stations, make commuting a breeze—until, of course, during rush hour when you’re squeezed by 400 other commuters and the ticket barrier suddenly says your balance is zero.

Don’t panic though: you can now use your contactless debit or credit card just like an Oyster card. Other contactless payment options, like Apple Pay or an app on your phone, will also work.

2. Maximizing your Tube experience

While most of London's Tube system is underground, parts of it actually run above ground, stretching all the way from the heart of the city to the outer reaches of the countryside.

Hop on the Metropolitan line to Amersham, where you might just spot a cow gazing through the window. Or take the Piccadilly line to Cockfosters and enjoy a laugh at the name. You can even make your way to Heathrow in less time than it takes to fly to Shanghai.

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3. How to ensure you're on time

Being on time is a pipe dream when riding the Tube. The more urgent your trip, the longer it seems to take. It's no surprise – considering the daily feat of moving 3 million commuters through a 150-year-old railway system – that delays due to signal failures, engineering work, or a driver falling ill are part of the package.

Unfortunately, the Tube has become the go-to excuse for all sorts of lateness. Missed a deadline? Blame it on the Tube. Overslept? The Tube’s fault again.

It’s also a source of misplaced optimism. In London, countless people abandoned at the altar still hold onto the belief that their unreliable exes are simply delayed by signal issues at High Barnet.

4. How to unwind

The gentle sway of a warm Tube train can easily lull you to sleep, so don’t feel awkward about sneaking in a quick nap.

Falling asleep on a stranger’s shoulder is perfectly fine on the London Underground—just make sure you’re not drooling and are okay with a few selfies from nearby hipsters. The Circle Line may no longer provide a continuous loop, but the Northern Line’s frequent delays should give you plenty of time for an undisturbed eight-hour snooze.

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5. How to act with courtesy

The London Underground rules require passengers to offer their seats to women who are expecting.

During the colder months, when everyone is bundled in coats or indulging in festive treats, it can be tricky to tell—are those belly bumps from pregnancy, extra layers, or just a little too much holiday pie?

Fortunately, since scientists have confirmed that British people can literally die of embarrassment, transport authorities have made things easier by providing ‘baby on board’ badges for expectant mothers to eliminate any confusion.

6. How to find your way around

Inspired by a 1930s design by Harry Beck, the official Tube map is both a practical tool and a piece of art. But for those with a sharp eye and a strong sense of direction, this simplified guide is practically unnecessary.

Each Tube line has been meticulously designed to stand out, with unique visual elements across train cars and station architecture. The color-coded lines also come with their own signature scents—from the engine oil and electrical aroma of the Central Line to the distinct sewer smells that cling to the Jubilee.

Some lines are surprisingly pleasant. Thankfully, the Hammersmith and City Line doesn't quite live up to its unfortunate rhyming slang reputation.

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7. Ways to make the journey more enjoyable

Studies reveal that Londoners can spend up to 18 months of their lives commuting, though typically not in one go—unless you’re a regular along the Northern Line.

In most places, this would be the perfect chance to strike up a conversation with strangers and make new connections. But not in London. For many, the Tube is a refuge. With no phone signal, an awkward silence pervades, making it feel more like a Cistercian abbey or a traditional English dinner gathering.

No matter how tempting it may be, you must never break this silence. Instead, entertain yourself by reading the quirky names on the Tube map. Did we mention Cockfosters?

8. How to operate the doors

The doors open on their own. Never bother pressing the “open door” button. It serves no real purpose other than to provide amusement for passengers and to make tourists feel foolish, especially when Cockfosters starts to get a little tedious.

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9. How to get around on weekends

Don’t even think about it. In London, weekends are for staying home. Most people are glued to their phones, reading work emails, and silently lamenting their existence in the rat race.

Their dreary weekends might be slightly less soul-crushing if they knew that everyone else is also stuck indoors, courtesy of the Tube’s regular Saturday and Sunday engineering chaos.

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10. How to act

It’s not just about avoiding small talk or giving up your seat for pregnant women; there are many unspoken rules to follow on the Tube.

When boarding a train, wait patiently for passengers to disembark before you step on. On escalators, stand to the right to allow faster passengers to pass.

It’s courteous to move down the carriages to make space for others. Always stand clear of the doors. And, of course, never forget to mind the gap. The London Underground, a venerable institution, demands respect after 150 years of service.

Oh, forget all of that. Let’s just grab a taxi.

Barry Neild is the Editor at Dinogo Travel. This article was originally published in 2013, then reformatted and reissued in 2017.