The London Tube: Don'ts of the London Underground 

Londoner here, the move to the side to look for something in your bag is great advice and can be used for london more generally. The most annoying thing is people stopping in a busy street. London operates on people getting A to B quickly as possible. It might sound rude but people are busy

Also, if you're a tourist and you're not in a desperate rush, take the bus, sit at the top and see more of London that way.

One thing all the transport guides never mention... there is more than just the TUBE. We have DLR, Overground, Elizabeth line and a massive mainline rail network which all operate within London and can be extremely useful to get around. So don't be afraid to look at the whole london rail connections map when you plan your trip!

One "don't" I would mention is Don't forget to check if you really need the Tube for your short trip, because although some stops look like they're quite far apart on the map, in reality they close enough to walk. To name but three: -Charing Cross to Embankment -Leicester Square to Covent Garden -Chancery Lane to Farringdon

As a member of London Underground staff I wish more people knew all of these tips! It makes your life easier not to mention everyone else's

a tip he missed: use the same payment method every time you ride. there is a maximum daily charge, but if you use a different payment method every time, the system can't track how much you've paid. if you use the same payment method every time, when you hit the maximum, THE REST OF THE DAY IS FREE.

Another Londoner here: up to 4 children age to 10 can travel free with each paying adult - just use the wide gates that are also for luggage and mobility aids. Age 11-15 there is a visitor oyster with discount fares and offers worth queuing to get though. Also, paying by card or phone will still get your daily or weekly caps applied. Also, despite the reputation if you’re struggling with luggage and kids and getting lost not only the staff will help, plenty of local travellers too - but do try to avoid rush hour when people do not have the patience and the trains are very tightly packed!

Even if barrier is open (sometimes they are) still tap out

As a Londoner all my life, this video is OFFICIALLY APPROVED. Very well observed, and explained. The only comments I would make is that cell service IS available on most of the Jubilee line, and soon for most of the other lines too [even deep underground]; secondly don't be worried about replacement bus services. That really only happens on some Sundays and Saturdays and is relatively rare. Also, stinky tubes in the summer are not that bad. No worse than any train service in the summer.

I'd add, don't hold the doors open. This happens a lot with families where dad is ambitious and the last one to board, then looks around and spots his wife and two children on the platform! Maybe split into two groups, maybe wait for the next train. And on that subject, if your party does get split up, have a plan already, don't try to discuss it as the train leaves the station!!

I am a Ex tube train driver and you have covered all the don’ts. Absolutely fantastic video. Should be a leaflet made for Londoners and not just tourist.

I feel like I can apply this to Vancouver too, especially the parts where: - People stop in front of the gate line to look for their card - People crowd the top/bottom of the stairwell - People stand on the left of the escalator - People put their stuff on a seat - People stand in doors - People try to push on when people are getting off

Last time I was in London a couple of months ago, my 8 year old son travelled free on the tube with me, just use the larger barrier to the side to go in and out, using the same card - staff will usually help you and keep it open so you can both go through.

Even locals will be looking at the signs in an unfamiliar station. Many tube stations are like a giant labyrinth inside, and unless you are a regular at that station you will need the signs as much as anyone. Also, if you have a general idea of whether you want northbound or southbound, eastbound or westbound, that will help you a lot.

Great video ! One thing I'll add about tapping in and out on The Tube - You must tap out as well as in because otherwise the system won't know how much to charge you and will deduct the maximum off your card if you don't tap out. Also, at some stations there are no gates to pass through and there is a separate card reader. It's easy to forget to tap out if there isn't a line of gates.

If you have larger than carryon size luggage, you might want to take the Elizabeth line from Heathrow instead, assuming it goes somewhere near your hotel. It costs more, but there is more room. Also, the stations have lifts from platform level, while some tube stations will require you to climb stairs before getting to the lifts.

Another couple of don’ts: - If the doors are closing, don’t take that as a sign to wrench them open, and get on the train: it’s not the last helicopter out of Saigon, there’ll be another train in a minute or two. - Don’t take the tube, if it’s impractical: Especially in Central London - not only are the stations around a 5-10 minute walk away from each other - but a lot of the most touristy landmarks are surprisingly walkable distances away; there’s even a ~2 hour walking route, which takes in a lot of the sights you probably came to see. In a lot of instances, it can be quicker, easier, or cheaper, to walk or even take the bus. You might even spot some more landmarks on the way (eg. Piccadilly Circus to Big Ben is ~15mins by tube, ~20 mins walking. If you take the tube, yes you will see those two landmarks. But if you walk, you will see: Jermyn Street, Pall Mall, The Mall, Buckingham Palace, Admiralty Arch, Nelson’s Column, Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade, Downing Street, and much more)

Excellent tips - found myself nodding along emphatically to most of them! Just one thing I'd add: If you arrive at the platform just as a train is about to leave, don't hold the doors open for the rest of your group. It takes a LOT of force to stop them from closing (don't expect them to be like elevator doors...) and if you do succeed, it'll trigger the rest of the doors to reopen, delaying the train and annoying everyone (including the driver). Just let it go - there'll be another one along in two minutes!

As a Londoner myself, this was a really good guide for those visiting. Well done!

Make sure to visit Mornington Crescent. Those who know, know 😉

Excellent vid! I’m getting to live here for three months and my best tube tip is that you don’t have to wait for the barrier to close behind the person in front of you before scanning your card. Keep it movin! PS: cell service was a great shoutout, my home is Chicago where you can use your phone on the train anywhere. Not here, so it’s advantageous to download the map

Extra Tip: If you miss your stop and you have to get out at Finsbury Park, make sure you get the right line. The Victoria and Piccadilly Line platforms are cords platform interchanged so make sure you follow the signs. The Victoria Line is also right hand running near Finsbury Park so always look at the signs.

I love the tube. Everything is so well marked ... it's almost like a cartoon that you have some little dude sitting on your shoulder "turn here, go there..." Also, the staff are so helpful but so are many of the passengers. Forgive them if they're in a hurry and many Londoners all say "we're not friendly" but you all are so lovely and helpful if you can be - even if it's just "I know it's that direction, just go that way and keep asking..."

Don't push in any queues, we Brits think it's very bad manners. When you travel on the Tube in the summer, there are reminders to drink water, so do get a bottle, you can sit down on a platform seat and drink it, so you don't get too hot. ❤️

A couple more suggestions Don't forget to take note of which direction you are travelling in, north, east, south or west. It makes picking the right direction much easier Don't feel you have to cram on the first train. Check the board, if the next train is in 2 minutes or less it will probably be emptier.

Another tip, the tube map isn’t geographically representative. It’s sometimes far quicker to walk, but the map might make you think that’s impractical. You can find tube maps online with walking times shown between stations. One example, never take the tube from Covent Garden to Leicester Square!

Nice work! These tips are good manners on any public transport system. When you are a tourist, please remember most people using the train/tram/bus are locals trying to get somewhere as part of their normal lives.

These are great tips, and ultimately true for any subway system anywhere in the world!

Love your channel and that’s some great tips 👍🏼

The Piccadilly line was extended to Heathrow airport many years ago specifically as a public transport link to central London, space for luggage in the cars is provided, new tube cars with air cooling are being built.

Very accurate, great work Wolt. I'd recommend to first timers to London to also use the double decker buses as well, and go upstairs for a different view of the city.

So glad you mentioned the 'Only one person per credit card' its shocking how few 'U-tube advisors' mention that.

Great advice for any subway situation!

Kansas Citian here, who has done a LITTLE mass transit in places, but still learning! Very good info to know about the Tube! We'll only be in London about 24 hours (post-cruise) next summer, and OF COURSE we will arrive on a Sunday. At least we know there might be some hiccups because of that day of the week.

Great advice!

Going to London in 2024. Video was very helpful.

One thing youve missed is that you can buy a TFL Vist London day pass for all transport. I travel for weekend breaks and often stay in Zones 5 or 6 as the hotels are so much cheaper. You pay a little extra on the day passes for the further zones but the hotel saving more than offsets that. Also if you live in the UK you can actualy park at the hotels in the further zones so you can drive to London and get tube in and out from your hotel every day.

Hope you have a good weekend Professor Wolters!

Excellent advice! Especially about the lack of cell service. Was just in London a few weeks ago and every time I plotted a trip on the Tube, I made a screenshot of the route. Sometimes an optional route, just in case. Comes in very handy!

Just came back from London for the a second time. The easiest best transportation system I ever traveled. Number one tip it is easy to not tap out in stations outside the city. At some stations there are no gates to make up tap out, it is an expensive mistake. The tube is way faster better than the cabs. We took the trains everywhere.

I've discovered citymapper and love playing with it!

Hey Mark, great video

I teach English in France and in our Tenth Grade textbook there's a whole chapter about transport in London and how to get around. So i shall try to incorprate your advice into my lessons !

Stay away from the Central (red) line between 7.30 and 9 AM on week days, it is the time locals go to work and you will be crushed like a tinned sardine!

I was just in London back in June and all of what you said is pretty much spot on Mark, the people that work in the stations are very helpful, I was told all I had to do is tap my credit card going into the station and tap on the way out, for example I had to get to hostel which was in Whitechapel and so I took the tube from Bakers station all the way to Aldgate East, but I realized that I actually was going to Aldgate so I had to get off at one point so I could take a different train which on your other point of reading the maps I ended up looking at the map which shows the line and which stationss they go too so I figured out which line I had to take to actually get to the first mentioned station....After all was said and done it was easier then I realized to take the tube to places... I am always aware of the possibilities of pickpockets and so I always try to position myself when it is a little busier in a spot that then can't do their dirty deeds, or I try to not take much with me while I am out and about. It drives me crazy when people stand in front of places that they shouldn't be, like in front of the payment area of the tube, or in front of the bathroom entry, etc. or the worse is as you mention digging through their bag or purse trying to find a card or a payment, I always say get it out before it comes, like seriously for you wait for a while to take the bus or train but you can not take a minute to get your payment out and ready to use before it comes.

great tips for sure. as a londoner i do remeber a time before contactless payment was accepted. it was a true game changer for sure. and now with capping it is same as oyster.

Congratulations on 1M!

As a former Londoner I say all the advice are spot on!

Love the tube everything about it ❤

Thanks, I am new here. Great video from Finland. Just finished watching that. 🤗👍🌞

London is my favorite city ❤

Yes the credit card thing is awesome ! I was so surprised that they had it in the UK. It's a great thing in fact !

One thing to note is that the video mentions that families need individual travel cards (one per person). This is true, but if you are traveling with Children under 11, they are free on the tube and busses. Also most tube stations have a larger gate for families that also stay open for longer, so I suggest using those if needed. 😄

Great advices. London tube is the easiest. You get the hang of it very fast.

You can also buy a “visitors Oyster card” if you don’t have a contactless bank card or Apple Pay. Also if you are jumping on and off the tube within zones 1 and 2 your fare gets capped after £8 I think it is any trip on the tube after that is free

Great video with lots of useful advice. One thing I will say is, its sometimes unavoidable having to use the Tube with luggage, as the main line stations in London tend have an Underground station under the same building or a stone's throw away, and its the perfect way to get to your hotel. We travel down to London a few times a year, and we generally have two suitcases, and as busy and packed as the Tube trains are, its easy enough to stand holding your suitcase and it doesn't take that much room up this way. There's certainly no overhead luggage storage on the Tube trains like there is on the mainline trains.

Knowing where North, East, South and West is helps on the Tube because the signs will often note the train direction, i.e., "eastbound". As long as you know the direction you need to go from where you are, you'll find the right platform or direction of the train you want to take.

My wife and I visited the UK from Canada in 2023 which included a stint in London. The tube was an education. It was 5pm and we had to get to Canterbury. We tried to stay to one side of the rush while still trying to keep up. Those seasoned rush hour tube users can really move!

Do be aware that the tube lines can be northbound, southbound,eastbound or westbound and some trains have maps of different lines on them which can be confusing. The city mapper app will show delays on individual lines for your planned journey and which direction you need, such as Elizabeth line westbound.

Useful information and very good tips, especially rucksacks and not taking them off is my pet hate, keeping them on also takes up space - Londoner here. But there is more to public transport in London than the underground. These include London Overground, National Rail, DLR, the Elizabeth Line and buses. To get to Heathrow yes the Piccadilly line, but Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line. The jubilee line you can get mobile (cell) network. Just be sensible with mobile phones, wallets and keep them safe, there are pickpockets but just be vigilant and you will be safe. Us Brits pronounce route - root 😅

as a brit, i am actually impressed in your knowledge. you explained mind the gap better than most of us can

With regards to airport luggage, I would say, don't get on the Piccadilly line with luggage. Instead, opt for the Elizabeth line (Crossrail). Even during rush hour, Elizabeth Line trains have room. The Heathrow Express would also be a superior choice

I work for Elizabeth line. I recommend TFL not citymapper it's not precisely accurate in disruption. Great video👍🏿

Cheers Walt mate

Visiting London on family vacation twice in the 1980’s one tip I can offer that’s still true today as it was then, there’s a lot less crowded on the subsurface lines Circle, District, Hammersmith and City and Metropolitan lines than there’s is on the deep level lines (Central, Northern, Piccadilly, Jubilee and Victoria lines) because the trains and station platforms are larger on the subsurface lines.

Another important thing for summer is to remember to bring water and stay hydrated on the tube, temperatures are regularly above 30°c on some lines.

Sound advice Dude 🙂

Yes always stand on the right, coming from a Londoner xx

Londoner here, welcome back! ^^ Stand on the RIGHT - including your luggage, keep it vertically behind or in front of you.// Don't stand on the LEFT, that's the best way to piss everyone else off. You may be on your holiday, but many others are commuting to and from work. // Walk with briskness when on the Underground, no slowing to a stop in a busy thoroughfare. When you leave the turnstiles and don't know where to go - MOVE ASIDE, please please please don't just stop right there.// Best not to start convos with strangers on the tube, use discretion. You don't get to choose who sits next to you. If you're uncomfortable - stand or sit somewhere else // TAKE. YOUR. BIG-ASS BACKPACK OFF, stop the whole main character syndrome, and be considerate of others around you. // If the tube is packed and someone asks that everyone move down a bit more and bunch up, please don't ignore, give it a go. // Aside from that, enjoy your visit XDDD We are generally quite friendly. Many times, I've helped people out who were unsure, had a brief chat with them. [Typed on a PC, hence all the slashes].

Around 2016 there was badges you could wear to show you were up for a chat on the tube. If two badges meet hey have a chat. It was a complete failure and swiftly withdrawn as nobody wanted to chat. Probably only people from Northern England ever wanted to use them ha!

In central London it's often quicker to walk between stations, than it is to get the train. Also, if there's no seats available, don't stand near anyone who's reading, as they're in it for the long-haul. +1 for Citymapper!

Thank you for letting people know each person needs to use a card for the tubes because I'm taking my niece and I would've tried using the same card for us both lol... You saved me a headache

The same card should be used to take advantage of fare capping on the tube... It's tied to the plastic used

As a person who lives in London, these advices are very usefull

Thanks for the Sunday tip. I was just messing around with the apps looking at the stations, transfers I was going to take. A few of them are not in service or there's a bus replacement... :D

With the luggage thing it is kinda accepted on the Elizabeth line and Piccadilly and both spaces more or less designed for luggage and other bulky items

As a local I would recommend people walk more in central London.

Don't wait until you get to the barriers before getting out your card/phone etc. I find this really annoying...you're just about to through, and then run into someone *at* the barrier faffing around with their phone. A real no-no, and it's not just tourists! Also, not leaving space to let people off first...I had exactly this yesterday, with a large woman standing right in the middle, with no room to get past. After staring intensely at her for five seconds, she was still standing there like a big rock, so I had no choice but to barge by her. Some people are just dim.

As an obnoxious lifelong londoner, you are doing gods work educating these annoying tourists on travel etiquette

9:31 I was in Toronto a few weeks ago. I had these big suitcases with me, trying get off the bus; but the new passengers were trying to get on at the same time. The bus driver had to intervene, telling them they can't get on until I get off.

The Piccadilly line to Heathrow has extra space next to the doors for luggage if necessary.

Most of these are the same for any subway. Kind of hard to manspread on the Tube though because there are usually armrests between the seats.

The TFL staff is really helpful, the best people I've ever met. My (valid) travelcard got demagnetized by my phone, they just swiped their supervisor card and let me through every single time :)

Londoner here, I just go on the Bakerloo a lot to get cab rides with the driver.

Some tube stations are very deep, for example at Covent Garden. Do NOT take the stairs, the lifts there move pretty quickly. There are a few of them so move along the passageway, don’t stop at the first one. Once on the lift move to the opposite door and fill up the space, you walk out the other side. Have tickets ready the station is small. The locals will hustle you forward if you move in and stop!

Never forget to refill oyster card and dont litter (with paper or noise) Forgot what i had last time i was in london (had not used in years) yet in the end it worked and there was enough...

This is one of the best videos I have seen about using the tube. Yes it is very true we do run down the escalators, please stand on the correct side. Do ask if you are lost and looking at those traveling from to the UK for the first time (especially if you are coming for a certain sports teams in September) I understand back home its manners to talk to people but here please do not speak to us in a friendly manner 'just because' on the tube it is quiet time.

Also don't forget your running shoes if you need to transfer to other lines, corridors can be quite long and stairish... (took us like forever to exit Waterloo station coming from the Jubilee line). That's one point where Brussels scores better, here transfers between the metro lines is more efficient.

👏👏👏👏

I must say TFL go not citymapper it's much more localised and you can even select stepfree routes and cycle routes (Santander cycles)

If you are prepared to travel in then staying in an outer zone is a better option, just research your journey before you head to the station, and you will often find there are trains every few minutes, and buses are also a good option.

Also don’t worry about getting the train in the wrong direction. It happens. Switch at the next station. There is no extra charge. Be extra careful with Northern (black) line trains directions 🔀 and stops. It’s a sneaky one

Another thing, if you tap in with a credit card, make sure you tap out *with the same card*. If you use a different one you will be charged max trip cost for both cards as both will register as incomplete journeys.

A few tube sections DO have mobile ("cell") phone coverage provided by the train - I think the Victoria line has for the newest (southern) part of it. (It might be the Jubilee line actually - I can't remember for sure.

There is a weekly email from Transport for London that is sent out on Thursday that will detail closures for the weekend for the tube buses bicycle docking and roads across London

These tips are true for any subway and not just relevant for london.

Tip 1 can go the the transport museum for certain vehicles and part history of the underground/transport Tip 2 certain youtubers have alot of history of the transport & online

Fun fact in Newcastle-upon-Tyne & Sunderland they have their own metro system

Mark can you please do a video on the Chunnel from England to Paris

What is the verdict on Travelcards? Is it worth it or is the daily cap better? I cannot figure out the daily cap at all to be honest.