Why go
Metro Metro (Tube) The London Underground, known popularly as The Tube due to its tube-like tunnels drilled through the London clay, is a network of 11 lines which criss-cross London in one of the largest underground rail networks in the world.
What to look for
- Tube maps are freely available from any station, most tourist offices, and are prominently displayed in stations.
- The Tube map also gives no information on London's extensive bus and rail network.
- Tube etiquette Beware of pickpockets.
The full story
The routes operated by the London Underground fall into 2 broad types: the older "sub-surface" lines, encompassing the Metropolitan, District, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines, date from the nineteenth century. The other, newer (a term used loosely here) "deep level" routes, were largely constructed in the early- to mid- twentieth century. The differences are that the sub-surface lines are usually accessed by walking down a short set of stairs, whereas the deep-level lines are accessed by a complicated network of escalators or lifts. Each line has stations with interesting architectural and artistic features typical of the era they were opened. As you travel around the network look out for Victorian finery, Edwardian glazed tiles, smooth Art Deco symmetry, and striking modern masterpieces.