The London Underground has twelve color-coded lines. It may seem confusing when you first try to find your way, but with practice it can be quite straight forward.
1. What is the Tube?
Photo: © Marion Boddy-Evans
2. The Twelve Lines
How to recognize the twelve color-coded tube lines, find out their names, where each line starts and finishes, plus useful stops on each line.3. How to Save Money on London Transport
Using an Oyster card offers cheaper fares than paying cash on tubes and buses. Read these articles for more advice:4. Online Journey Planner
Journey Planner is on the Transport for London web site. It allows you to submit exactly where you want to start and end your journey and gives you the best routes.5. Don't Drink Alcohol or Smoke
From 1 June 2008, drinking from and carrying open containers of alcohol is banned, making the tube a safer and more pleasant experience for passengers.Smoking has been banned on tube trains since 1987 (following the King's Cross fire) but was extended in 2007 to include all public spaces such as train platforms (even when outside), bus shelters, and coach stations.
6. Stand On The Right
We have an unspoken rule on London Underground escalators: always stand on the right. Many a visitor to our city has been caught out by this rule as it's not made clear when you arrive, but if you stand in the way of a London commuter they'll soon let you know! Find out more about this rule.7. Tubes Do Not Run 24 Hours
Be prepared, London tube trains do not run 24 hours! During the week, trains start around 5am from the ends of the lines so reach more central parts around 5.30-6am. On Sundays, tubes start around 7am. Tube stop each day around 11.30pm-12.30am. Find out more and how to get home late at night and London taxis.8. Avoid Peak Times On The Tube
Avoid traveling at peak times on the tube as these are the commuter times and it can be horribly crowded. Find out more about London's rush hour.9. Personal Safety Tips
London is generally a safe city to visit, as long as you do not put yourself in unnecessary danger. Here are some ways to be more streetwise in a big city.10. Luggage
There are no porters on the London Underground system so you will need to be able to move your luggage up and down stairs on your own. Remember to take off your backpack and place it on the floor and it's easy to turn round and knock out a local!Never leave your belongings unattended, and allow yourself time to check you haven't forgotten anything before you need to go as left luggage causes security alerts every day which means tube stations have to close as customer safety is paramount on the underground system.
London has lots of free newspapers but please do not leave your paper on the tube as it is considered littering, which carries a fine. Take your paper with you and dispose of it in a recycling bin outside of the station.
