London Underground

The city's iconic lifeline
Noteworthy for: The Underground, or colloquially ‘the Tube’, is the second largest subterranean system in the world after the Shanghai Metro, and the oldest.

Word to the wise: Avoid travelling at rush hour (8.30am – 9.30am and 5pm – 7pm) unless you enjoy being squeezed between hundreds of sweaty, grumpy Londoners.
As much as Londoner’s moan about the Underground, without it, the enormous urban sprawl would be completely impossible to traverse. It may be overcrowded and expensive, but it is invaluable, especially for the traveller.

Maps are fairly self-explanatory with a colour-coded grid. Some stations are very close together - in Central London you’re never more than 10 minutes walk to the next tube - so check a map before you make a journey needlessly.

The city is divided into six zones, and tickets priced according to how far you travel through zones. If you are in the city for longer than one day, get an Oyster Card. This travel smartcard can be topped-up at stations or online, and you ‘tap’ in and out on every journey touching your card to the yellow card reader at the gates. It covers all London transportation and will save you pounds. A single in zone one is GBP 2.10 compared to GBP 4.50 without.