As a tour guide in London, I am always getting asked for tips and tricks for getting around the city - especially when it comes to the Underground.
Similar to the New York Subway or the Paris Metro, the London Underground is London's series of (largely) underground trains that run a regular service throughout the city.
Since the trains underground run through a series of tunnels, most of us locals refer to it as "the tube."
Although, I've had some success at pub quizzes by knowing that the majority of the London Underground is actually above ground, particularly outside of central London, so keep that in mind!
A lot of my guests tell me they're surprised by how expansive the network is.
The London Underground is HUGE - there are 11 lines that serve Greater London, intersecting with each other in the centre of town.
The tube map is divided into nine zones, with Zone 1 being the centre of London, and Zone 9 being the suburbs.
I find that most attractions my guests want to visit are all located within Zones 1-2.
I have lived primarily in Zone 2, but many friends of mine live further out.
The cost it takes to travel depends on which zone(s) you travel in, and how far your journey will take you.
The Underground also connects to the London Overground (a suburban train line that doesn't run through the centre of town), the new Elizabeth Line (a high-frequency rail service that covers both central London, Heathrow Airport, and the suburbs), and National Rail Services (standard train lines that run throughout the country).
The Underground also connects to other rail services that serve the capital such as the Docklands Light Railway (an aboveground small train line that serves the docklands area).
I know that reading all of this can seem overwhelming, but don't panic! I will have you using the tube like a local in no time.
WHEN DOES THE UNDERGROUND RUN?
In general, the Underground trains run from around 5:00 - 5:30 am until the last train leaves around Midnight, (exact times will vary and are listed on the Transport for London website).
I will oftentimes double check the last train before I go out in the evening so I know when I need to get myself to the station.
The last trains are prompt - I have seen the doors of the last tube for the night close in the face of a girl who didn't get there in time!
When I first moved to London 20 years ago, I had to take a night bus if I wanted to travel outside of the Underground operating hours.
But, to the rejoicing of all of us locals, these days there are Night Tube services that run on some of the lines on Fridays and Saturdays for convenient travel on the weekends.
Note that the Night Tube runs on parts of the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines only.
I live on the Northern Line so I consider myself lucky!
- Tickets, Fares, and Oyster Cards
- The Tube Map
- Operating Hours
- Tips from Locals
- to/from Heathrow Airport
- Tourist Buses vs. the Tube
LONDON UNDERGROUND TICKETS AND OYSTER CARDS
Buying a ticket for the London Underground is pretty straightforward, but for most visitors (and locals), using a contactless payment card is the best payment method.
I don't know a single person that buys paper tickets for the Underground any more.
I also don't know anyone who is still using an Oyster Card - we all just use our contactless credit and debit cards now!
For a more in-depth explanation, including the cheapest ways to travel, check out my previous post about ticket prices and options here in London.
Below is my summary.
There are 4 ways to pay for your rides on the Tube:
- Paper tickets
- Oyster Cards
- Travelcard
- Contactless Credit/Debit Cards
I strongly recommend just using your contactless card while you're here.
Although, I have noticed that some visitors commenting on our Facebook page say that they prefer to use Oyster Cards because if they're not comfortable taking their credit cards out all the time.
So using an Oyster Card means if it's lost or stolen, they've not lost much.
Personally, I don't think theft on the Underground is common enough for it to be a concern.
But, I also appreciate that for some people, having the Oyster Card gives them a better sense of security.
Rides with an Oyster Card or contactless card are much cheaper than paper tickets - this is why nobody I know uses them!
For Oyster Cards, you can add as much money to these as you wish and there is a daily limit that you will spend, (£8.10 for Zones 1-2) so the rides get cheaper the more you use them.
The daily limit also applies on contactless cards, which is why I prefer to use my debit card when I'm travelling.
Read my post on which London Oyster Card or Travelcard to buy.
TIP: The Oyster Card is actually included with the London Turbo Pass at no extra cost.
As an aside, I also get asked a lot about if this pass is worth the money and I always tell people that it depends on your itinerary.
Take a look on their site to see what's included because if you are planning to visit several notable attractions in the city, this could be a great way to save some money.
London Underground Fares
While there are 6 travel zones for the London Underground, I would say you'll likely not travel beyond Zone 2 while you're visiting!
I only tend to travel outside Zone 2 if I am going somewhere like Hampton Court of Windsor Castle, so the same will likely apply to you.
How much you pay depends on when you travel, whether during peak hours (06:30 - 09:30 and 16:00 - 19:00 Mon-Fri) vs. off-peak (all other times).
I try to avoid peak hours as much as possible - not only because of the price - but because the Underground gets REALLY busy.
I have spent entire journeys through town smashed like a sardine in a tube carriage so keep that in mind when you're planning your travel.
The cost will also depend on where you travel to and from, and whether you are using a paper ticket vs. an Oyster, Travelcard, or contactless credit/debit card.
| Zones Traveled | Single Ticket Adult | Single Ticket Child (11-15) | Oyster and Contactless Cards (Peak) | Oyster and Contactless Cards (Off-Peak) | 7-Day Travelcard |
| 1 | £6.70 | £3.30 | £2.80 | £2.70 | £42.70 |
| 1-2 | £6.70 | £3.30 | £3.40 | £2.80 | £42.70 |
| 1-3 | £6.70 | £3.30 | £3.70 | £3.00 | £50.20 |
| 1-4 | £6.70 | £3.30 | £4.40 | £3.20 | £61.40 |
| 1-5 | £6.70 | £3.30 | £5.10 | £3.50 | £73.00 |
| 1-6 | £6.70 | £3.30 | £5.60 | £5.60 | £78.00 |
If you have one of the latter, then you will pay somewhere between £2.70 and £3.00 per ride within Zones 1 & 2.
The most expensive ride (Central London to Heathrow) will cost either £3.30 (off-peak) or £5.60 (peak).
When I am travelling to or from Heathrow, I always take the tube as it is hands down the cheapest way to go.
The chart makes it clear why I don't bother with tickets anymore and why I don't think that you should, either!
Oyster and Travelcards can be used on all of London's public transportation options, including buses, DLR, the Overground, suburban trains (within London), a water taxi, and even a gondola.
Daily Limits
If you use an Oyster Card or a Contactless Card, then there are daily limits to what you will spend.
These caps are dependent on where you are traveling within.
So, for example, if you stay within Zones 1 and 2, the cap for an adult is just £8.10 for the Underground and £5.25 for buses.
I know this is a post about using the London Underground and I do think it is the fastest, easiest and most convenient way to travel through the city.
BUT, don't underestimate our buses!
I love my city and like to see as much of it as possible so I occasionally prefer taking the bus rather than the tube just to see the sights.
Also, bus journeys count toward the daily cap so they become free, too, once I've spent that £8.10,
So, the more you ride, the cheaper each ride is. You can see what the cap is for each zone or between zones here.
Child Offers
Children under 11 travel for free on the Underground.
When I travel with my niece - who is 4 - I simply take her to the large tube barriers located at any Underground station and when I tap my contactless card, she walks through the gates with me.
Obviously, we do the same on the way out. It's really that simple!
Children between the ages of 11 - 15 get 50% off their travel with specialty Oyster Cards.
I help you determine which type of card or ticket you need in our in-depth post on Oyster Cards.
Travelcards
Travelcards are prepaid cards that give you unlimited access to specific zones within London.
You can choose to either order these in advance (in which case you will be given a paper Travelcard) or you can buy them upon arrival (in which case you will be using a plastic Oyster Card with the Travel Card loaded onto it).
In my experience, there is no benefit to ordering your Travelcard in advance.
My father insists on doing it when he visits as he likes everything sorted in advance.
But, if I am picking up guests on their way into town, I just buy one at the machine when I arrive.
Travelcards particularly have benefits for travellers here for an entire week.
If I have friends or family visiting I will sometimes get a Travelcard for myself, too, as a 7-Day Travelcard for Zones 1-2 is £42.70 which works out less per day than the £8.10 daily cap.
Find out more on my post comparing Oyster Cards, Visitor Oyster Cards and Travelcards.
Picking up a Tube map is easy! They are available for free at most stations on the Underground network.
Although, aside from occasional tourists, I never see anybody carrying a paper map these days.
For most people, and I do mean locals and visitors alike, a downloadable PDF version is the way to go.
Below is a map of the London Underground.
Don’t be embarrassed to consult your map as you travel through London, even Londoners themselves occasionally need to check where it is they are heading to!
Honestly, any time I am travelling somewhere new for the first time, I always check the tube map.
Personally, I use the TFL Go App because the map is clear and also they give me live updates if tube lines are down or delayed.
I have encountered very few things on earth more stressful than arriving at a tube station, with a suitcase, trying to catch a train from the other side of town only to find that the line is delayed or suspended!
I only let that happen to me twice before I started double checking before starting my journey.
Zones
If you look closely at the map, you will notice that the center part is shaded white (zone 1) with a ring of gray shade (zone 2) which is also surrounded by white again (zone 3).
Again, most visitors to London will spend much, if not all, of their time in Zones 1-2.
Also, note that if a tube line is shown right in the middle of two Zones, it will be counted as the one closest to the centre.
So, for a while I lived in Earl's Court, which straddles Zones 1/2, but it was always counted as Zone 1 when I travelled.
Same for my friends in Leytonstone who live on the cusp of Zones 3/4 - their journey is counted as finishing in Zone 3 when they go home.
Focus on Colours
Every line on the London Underground has a different name and colour (and I am firmly convinced that all Londoners have their favourite lines, for varying reasons!).
The names and colours will appear on your Tube Map, and also all over the various stations on the network.
When I first moved to London, the colours of the lines on the map also somewhat matched the decor of the tube carriages, so it was easy to immediately tell if I was getting onto the right line or not.
As time has gone on, however, this has changed so don't let the upholstery fool you!
For some, memorising the names is easier, but in general, colours can be the simplest way to learn your way around, and also to use when asking for/receiving directions.
I, and every other Londoner, know the name and colours of each of the line without consulting a map so don't be afraid to use the colours rather than the names.
TOURS BY FOOT TIP:
Start your holiday in London with our All-in-One London Tour, which takes in most of London's legendary tourist sites without having to take the Underground at all!
OPERATING HOURS AND THE NIGHT TUBE
As I mentioned above, it's important to remember that the London Underground system doesn’t run 24 hours a day every day and that timings may be different on weekdays vs. weekends.
General Hours
Although each station has different timings, in general, the first tube trains start running around 5:00 am - 5:15 am and finish around 12:00 am - 12:30 am from Mondays through Fridays.
On Sundays, the Tube begins a bit later, around 6:00 am - 6:15 am and the final trains depart around 11:30 pm - 12:30 am.
Sundays also carry a reduced service which means there are not as many trains running as on Mondays to Saturdays.
Although, I've never had to wait longer than 10 minutes for a tube train on a Sunday so in the grand scheme of things, that's not so long.
But for somebody who is used to the frequency or 2-3 minute trains, I can sometimes be put out!
And remember, in 2016 we were blessed with The Night Tube which means some lines run 24 hours on the weekends.
Rush Hours
Weekdays: 7:00 am - 9:30 am and 16:00 (4 pm) - 19:00 (7 pm).
Like any major city, London has a very busy rush hour in the mornings and in the evenings when the majority of people are travelling to and from work.
Again, as I said above, I try to avoid travelling during peak hours as much as possible - ESPECIALLY if I have any bags or luggage with me.
Space is an absolute premium during peak-hours, and I have literally been stuck standing on a platform while tube train after tube train passed me by with no available space for me to board with my suitcase.
If you need a place to store luggage, read my advice here.
The Night Tube
The Night Tube is a 24-hour Underground service that operates on Fridays and Saturdays much to the delight of late night revellers, like myself.
I think this service should actually be called the "Overnight Tube" as the regular operating hours reach midnight every day of the week.
Click here for a downloadable pdf.
There are 5 lines making up the Night Tube and there are fewer trains operating, which means wait times are more than the standard 2 - 5 minutes.
But any additional time waiting is well worthwhile for the convenience of taking the tube home after a long night out!
If I go on about how much I love the Night Tube, it is for a very good reason.
Visitors to London today will never know the experience I routinely used to have, of waiting 30 minutes for a night bus to take me home only for the bus, completely full, to bypass my stop because there were too many people on board!)
The lines and approximate timings are:
- Victoria Line - Trains every 10 minutes
- Jubilee Line - Trains every 10 minutes
- Piccadilly Line (Cockfosters to Heathrow Terminal 5 ONLY) - Trains every 10 minutes
- Northern Line (Camden Town to Morden) - Trains every 8 minutes
- Northern Line (Camden Town to High Barnet) - Trains every 15 minutes (No Night Tube on the Bank and Mill Hill East Branches)
- Central Line (White City to Leytonstone) - Trains every 10 minutes
- Central Line (Leytonstone to Loughton/Hainault) - Trains every 20 minutes
- Central Line (Ealing Broadway to White City) - Trains every 20 minutes (No Night Tube on other branches of the line)
NOTE: The Night Tube operates with standard off-peak fare prices. Your daily travel card will be valid until 4:29 am the morning after you have purchased it.
TIPS ON NAVIGATING THE UNDERGROUND
Now I will provide you with my top 7 tips for navigating your way through the London Underground Network.
I'll tell you how to start your journey, how to board the correct train, how to change lines, and when to walk instead of taking the Tube (I will sometimes surprise people by letting them know that for some journeys, I'll get there faster by foot!).
Underground Tutorial Tours
Let me, or one of my colleagues at Tours by Foot, show you how to utilise the London Underground to get around the city - like on our Harry Potter Tour.
While this tour is not specifically an Underground tour, your tour guide will assist you in learning how to master the system and offer you some tips and tricks for riding the Tube.
1. Entering and Exiting Stations
All Underground stations have ticket barriers – large grey machines where travellers either insert their paper travel cards or tap their Oyster cards on top of them.
At first glance, most barriers all seem the same but they are actually divided into three different purposes; Enter, Do Not Enter, Bags/Buggies.
When I walk into a Tube station, the first thing I do is look for green and red.
Some of the barriers will have a green arrow displayed – this means this is a barrier that you can travel through.
Insert your paper ticket, or tap your Oyster Card (or contactless card) on the yellow pad right next to the sign displaying the green arrow.
The barriers in front of you (just left from the arrow) will open and allow you to walk through.
Other barriers will have a red X displayed – this means this barrier will not open for you and is either closed or being used for visitors traveling in the opposite direction.
I can't tell you the amount of times I have passed somebody attempting to get through the gates with the red X.
They usually struggle until a kind local or member of staff sets them to rights.
Lastly, some barriers are quite large, with signs displaying buggies, luggage, and wheelchairs.
These are the barriers I use when I am travelling with my niece, or when I am travelling with luggage.
My favourite thing about them is that not only is there more space to get my belongings (or children) through, but I've noticed that the gates don't close as quickly as the other ones.
This ensures I can get everything - and everybody - safely through.
Read my post on taking the Tube from Heathrow Airport to Central London.
2. Find Your Correct Direction
In general, the Underground lines operate going north-south or east-west and vice versa.
Checking on your map, or your app, will help you determine which direction you are travelling in, which will help you find the correct platform and train for your journey.
I always say that the London Underground is one of the most easily navigable public transport system and part of that is because of maps like these.
They showing the two directions that the trains will be travelling in, and under each direction will be a list of all the stations the train will stop at – in order!
I always see these at the bottom of the steps or escalators near the train platforms at tube stations.
This way, I can quickly glance and double check that I am walking to the correct platform.
I also love these signs because they let me see how many stops I'll be travelling, which can help give a rough estimate of my travel time.
My tip is to budget 3 minutes per stop when calculating how long my journey might be.
3. Don't Board the Wrong Train
Sometimes, multiple Underground lines share the same track at a station.
If you aren't paying attention, you could board the wrong train. I have done this before - all Londoners have done this at least once!
Don't let anybody tell you otherwise.
However, to make sure you don't make the same mistake, keep an eye on the front carriage as the train pulls into the platform.
A sign above the driver's cab will tell you the name of the final destination of that particular train.
Also, on every platform there will be an electronic sign displaying the time until the next train arrives, and which station will be its’ final stop.
If I get to the platform while the train has already arrived, and I can't see the sign above the driver, the electronic boards will have the info I need.
I think the most confusing lines when it comes to this particular trick are the Circle, Hammersmith and City, and District Lines.
They all come along the same track and the trains themselves all look very similar and it's here where I've been caught out before, so take care in particular there.
4. Lines that Split
Another potential mixup is lines that split. Some lines can have 2 or 3 different ending tracks, so you need to be aware of this.
I live on the Northern Line which does split, so I always have to make sure the train I am boarding is going where I actually intend to travel.
Take the image below as an example.
For example, suppose you plan on boarding a District Line (green) train at South Kensington Station (the black square) with a final destination Wimbledon (the bottom-most black arrow).
You would be taking a westbound train.
However, you can see from the map that there are two additional tracks with different ending points (Richmond and Ealing Broadway), all a part of the District Line heading westbound.
As you probably can tell, if you're not careful, you could end up missing the first tennis match.
Again, I recommend keeping an eye on the electronic boards above the platform to let you know where the train is actually going.
There are usually also announcements as the trains pull into the station but I find that sometimes the breaks are so loud, or the platforms are so busy with people talking, that it's easy to miss the announcements.
5. Changing Lines
The Tube map can often be misleading in that many tube lines crisscross over each other on the map, but do not actually connect to one another in reality.
If you want to know where you can change from one Tube line to the other, you need to look for the white circle on the line on your map.
Any time you see one of these, it means you can change from one line to another or to British Rail (National Rail stations feature the red arrow lines).
Be aware, though, that just because you can change from one tube line to another, doesn't mean it's going to be an easy or a short walk!
I (and a lot of locals) will specifically go out of my way to avoid transferring from the Central Line to the Circle line at Bank/Monument - or from the Jubilee Line to the Piccadilly Line at Green Park - just because it is a LONG walk and can be difficult if I've got luggage.
Check out my tips on using the Underground with luggage and kids.
6. Sometimes You Should Just Walk
The London Underground Map is definitely NOT geographically accurate.
Oftentimes it is easier to walk instead of getting on the tube to travel just a stop or two.
I absolutely love this little map that gives the walking times between stations (pdf)! I use it all the time.
A good example of this is Leicester Square and Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line.
On the map, they appear a fair distance apart, but in reality, it takes me just 4 minutes to walk from one to the other.
Another good example is Charing Cross and Embankment - it’s literally a 1 minute walk down Villiers Street.
It also takes me past Gordon's Wine Bar which is always a plus..!
7. Step-Free (Handicap) Access
For those with limited mobility, there are clues on the Underground map that will let you know if there is step-free access.
I travel a lot so this is also useful for when I'm going to be navigating the Underground with luggage.
Simply look at the map, and on some stations, you will see a blue circle with a white figure in a wheelchair.
This means it is possible to get from the street into the train without any stairs or escalators.
The white circle and a blue figure in a wheelchair denote stations with step-free access from the street to the platform.
At these stations, you will need assistance to get into and out of the train, either with a ramp or the help of fellow passengers.
Note that in larger stations, such as Waterloo, the blue circle appears on one line only, which means the other two lines do not have step-free access.
Transport for London has this helpful video.
The Underground staff are fantastic at helping visitors with different mobility requirements.
I have even witnessed them escorting somebody on an entire journey through central London just to make sure they got where they needed to go.
Also, I think London has a stereotype of being filled with busy or unfriendly people.
But, I am always impressed by how many people are willing to help strangers with their cases, prams, canes, dogs or anything else as they are using the Tube.
I've lost count of the amount of suitcases I've helped carry up staircases at this point!
A final note – Although London is generally a safe and welcoming city for visitors, pickpockets, and thieves operate throughout the entire London Underground network.
Please be aware of your surroundings!
I always keep ahold of all of my possessions, never tuck my debit card/keys/mobile into a pocket, and I always make sure my handbag or backpack remains zipped.
I've had my phone stolen once in the 20 years I've lived here and it was because I had it in my jacket pocket on a crowded bus. And it's never happened again!
Also, never leave your belongings unattended on a train or in an Underground Station.
Both because you don't want your stuff getting nicked, but also as a consideration to other people.
I have had my travel plans completely derailed (no pun intended) by unattended items being left on tube platforms which then causes the whole station to lock down until the police can deal with it!
PICADILLY LINE TO AND FROM HEATHROW
By far the easiest and most affordable way to get to and from Heathrow Airport is the Piccadilly line!
The Piccadilly Line runs through all 5 terminals of Heathrow Airport as well as straight through the centre of London, offering connections with every other tube line on the London Underground network.
Whenever anybody asks me the easiest way to get to or from Heathrow Airport, I always ask them firstly where they are staying.
If their answer is not Paddington (terminus for the Heathrow Express) then the Piccadilly Line is MY answer. No further questions!
Use my Google Map and input the address of your final destination for directions and travel time from Heathrow.
Throwing myself onto a tube train after an overnight international flight is never the highlight of my journey but it's just 45 minutes into central London on the Piccadilly Line, the trains are frequent, and there's extra space for baggage so it's always my top choice.
Piccadilly line trains run out of Heathrow from 5:00 to 23:00.
Ticket prices from Zone 1 to Heathrow are £6.70 for a cash-bought paper ticket, £5.60 on an Oyster card or contactless card at any time.
Read my full post on taking the Picadilly Line to and from Heathrow Airport.
TUBE ETIQUETTE
To avoid faux pas and keep from being marked out as a typical tourist, here are a few tips for Tube etiquette when travelling along the Tube.
1. Have Your Ticket Ready
Do not approach the ticket barriers until you have your Oystercard – or paper ticket – ready.
I think this has got to be the number one transgression a person can make when taking the tube!
The amount of time I have seen somebody walk to the barrier, and only THEN fumble through their pockets/bags for your ticket would surprise you.
This delays other travellers and oftentimes can mess with the barrier censors, potentially causing the barriers to lock.
I see more Londoners annoyed by this than anything else I've ever witnessed on the Underground.
[Remember you need to use your ticket/card both to BEGIN/ENTER and also to FINISH/LEAVE your journey!] Be sure to read my blog post on the Oystercard and Travel Card.
2. Stand on the Right
When riding escalators up and down in Underground Stations, please remember to stand on the RIGHT.
Travellers who wish to move up/down whilst on the escalators will be doing so on the left-hand side.
Provided I don't have a heavy bag with me, I always walk down the left side of the escalator rather than standing on the right - most Londoners do.
And you don't want to be in our way!
If you do stand on the left you may find yourself politely asked to move to the right...or simply shoved past by a multitude of commuters.
This also includes belongings/suitcases – I always make sure my case is either on the step right in front of me or the step right behind me so people on the left can still get through.
It is poor form and bad manners to take up the left side of the escalator with your belongings.
3. Stand Behind the Yellow Line
On every Tube platform, you will find a yellow line painted along the edge.
This line marks the boundary between where it is safe to stand, and where it is dangerous.
Stand BEHIND the line (not on top of!) in order to limit any risk of death or injury.
You may occasionally see passengers swiftly walking down the platform directly on top of the yellow line – I confess I have been guilty of this - but do not follow their lead!
I notice that this is the transgression that is most likely to get you yelled at by Underground staff, and for good reason.
People have been seriously injured, and even killed, by not following this advice.
4. Move Down the Platform
As soon as I get onto the platform, I immediately walk along either to the left or to the right - and you should, too.
You will find many people gathered at bottom of the stairs or right next to the entrance to the platform, meaning people cannot get past them and move onto the platform to get their train.
TIP: I do this because I want to make sure I am not in anybody's way but the added benefit is that the tube carriages tend to be quieter at either the very front or the very back so this is also a way for me to ensure I get a seat!
5. Let Other Passengers Off First
As soon as the Tube doors open, step to either side of the opening doors and let customers off the train before you attempt to board.
Woe betide you, if you don't.
I have, multiple times, witnessed people being shoved back by departing passengers when trying to board without letting people off first.
6. Move Down Inside the Carriage
Just like when I get to the platforms, once I get on the train I move to either the left or the right!
This ensures I'm not hindering anybody else from boarding but is particularly important during peak times in order to ensure the maximum amount of people can fit onto the train.
I've often heard the call of 'Move down!' from passengers on the platform who can see there is room inside the carriage, but are unable to board as people are blocking their way.
You will see Londoners standing in between the benches on busy Tube carriages, and you should follow their lead.
7. Keep Feet and Bags Off the Seats
Do I really have to explain this one? It's rude and dirty to have your feet/shoes on the seats!
As for bags, the general etiquette is you can have your bag in a seat next to you if the train is empty.
But, if I am doing this, I am extra careful to be aware of my surroundings as once the carriage starts to get busy, I need to make sure I move my bag so it is not taking up a seat.
8. Do Not Lean on the Poles
The poles that are placed throughout the Underground train carriages are meant for people to hold on to.
Leaning against one of the poles means blocking the pole for those that may need it to hold balance whilst the train is moving.
When I have travelled with my mother, who is unsteady on her feet, the poles have been a valuable tool for our travel!
I can also sometimes spot a visitor straight away as they will stand in the tube carriage without holding onto anything...and then promptly tumble over as soon as it leaves the station.
The poles are vital even for those without mobility issues.
9. Mind Your Earphones and Your Meals
I find it difficult to listen to music/podcasts on most tube lines as the trains themselves create a lot of ambient background noise.
To combat this, I have noticed that some people will play their music extra loud to compensate.
However, the music you are listening to should not be loud enough for anybody else on the Tube to hear.
It's considered poor etiquette. (Although I think this may be one of those things that changes with different generations. I've noticed an uptick in last few years.)
Also, it is best to avoid eating hot/smelly food on the Underground.
10. Get Out of the Way of Those Getting Off the Train
When you are on the Tube and at a stop that is not yours, make sure you are not in the way of those who are trying to exit the train.
Occasionally, you may need to step outside of the train to let passengers off if the carriage is very crowded.
I see that this sometimes panics people who think they won't be able to get back onto the train but seasoned London commuters will always keep an eye out.
If I've seen somebody step off of the train to make room, I always make sure they are the first ones to get back on!
11. Stand Up for the Elderly and Pregnant
This is one even some Underground regulars need reminding of!
It’s just good manners in the UK to offer up your seat to the elderly, pregnant, or those who are less able to stand.
I like to read on the Underground so sometimes I can get a bit engrossed but I always try to be aware of who is boarding the carriage at each station.
Occasionally you may see women with a small ‘Baby on Board’ badge with the London Underground logo pinned onto their coats.
My friends love these badges as it means they often don't have to ask for a seat - people will see the badge and offer them a seat instead.
Also I've noticed that men even take it upon themselves to stand up for any woman who comes onto the train so chivalry is not completely dead in London!
12. Take Your Rubbish Home With You
Rubbish left behind on the Tube is unsightly and can be quite disgusting.
There are no bins on Underground trains or at most Underground Stations which means it is expected that you will take any rubbish of yours off the train and home/back to your hotel with you when you leave.
I know that this can sometimes be inconvenient and annoying, but I do it anyway and encourage you to, also.
And if you do decide to leave your rubbish behind - don't expect it to go unnoticed!
I have actually witnessed somebody throwing a persons rubbish directly at their head as they've exited the carriage without taking it with them!
In general, commuting and travelling in the city can be quite stressful so I try to remain courteous to others as they go about their business, and largely, they do the same as I go about mine.
