Getting around London couldn’t be easier. Although locals may complain about the reliability of the public transport services, the fact is that London has one of the best transport systems in the world. The Tube – officially named the London Underground – is an extensive network of underground trains which makes getting around London quick and simple. It is also the oldest system of its kind in the world, dating back to 1863. When travelling on the first section of the Metropolitan line, you are actually travelling on the original line from the Victoria era.
How do I find my way around on the Tube?
Getting around on the Tube is simple, even on your very first trip to the city. Maps of the Tube are available virtually everywhere around London – in Tube stations, tourist offices and on walls in stations. In total, there are 11 lines on the Tube and each one is represented by an individual name and colour.
If you’re a first time visitor to London, you should be aware that the Tube map is actually a diagram, it is not made to scale. This means that it can be a little difficult to work out approximate distances between stations because two stations that look nearby on a map could in fact be very far away. The best way to navigate London on the Tube is to use a combination of a Tube map and a scaled down map. On the scale map, look for the closest section to your current location and the closest station to your destination and work out the most direct route.
When can I travel on the Tube?
The Tube runs from 5.30 am until 1 am, meaning that you are able to use the Tube at all hours besides the extremely early hours of the morning. Bear in mind that rush hour is between 7.30 am and 10 am on weekday mornings and 16.30 and 19.00 on weekday evenings. Maintenance works tend to be performed on weekends or evening so always be sure to check that the line is running before travelling, particularly on a Saturday or Sunday.
What is an Oyster card?
Oyster card are a contactless card which is far more cost effective than purchasing individual tickets. If you are in London for more than a couple of days, an Oyster card will bring you savings. You need to make a £5 deposit to pick up an Oyster card and purchase a 7 day travel card. You then add funds to your cards which are deducted depending on where and when you travel.
What is the Tube etiquette?
When travelling on the Tube, drinking alcohol or smoking is prohibited. You should also always allow passengers to get off the Tube before getting on yourself. Always stand on the right hand side of escalators to allow those in a rush to walk past. Always have your ticket or travel card ready before passing through the barriers to avoid causing congestion.
