London Tube Map 2026
Updated: February 2026Information about the London Underground: maps of daytime services, fares, timetables, maps of each tube line, maps of the night tube services, and the railway lines connecting each end of Greater London.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the London Underground and Overground extend their services to provide continuous transport, thus facilitating mobility across the city during night hours.
About the London Underground and its map
- The London Underground, better known as the Tube, is one of the most extensive networks in the world. In London, the tube is connected and integrated with trains and trams.
- There are ticket vending machines where you can buy tickets or top-up prepaid cards.
- You must touch your card or ticket at the yellow reader at the beginning, and at the end of your journey.
- There are various concessions available for children and senior citizens.
Where to find a list of all shows and attractions in London?
We recommend you visit this website to discover all the attractions and shows in London, their descriptions, photos, schedules, and in some cases, discounted prices. There are things you probably didn't even know existed.
London Underground: A Masterclass in Design
London's Tube is not just a transport system; it embodies the city's essence. Its three hallmark design elements have been trademarked, elevating London to iconic status on a global scale, truly incomparable.
- Harry Beck's visionary TUBE MAP.
- The distinctive Roundel emblem.
- The Johnston typeface, utilized across posters and maps.
The Tube map, a brainchild of Harry Beck in 1931, adopts a schematic approach, simplifying the intricate routes of the transport system (its schematic nature means it doesn't adhere to actual distances).
This map's design principle has been adopted globally across various underground and railway networks. Its influence extends beyond transport into sectors like aviation. Initially dismissed by the railway company, Beck's concept has since become a standard. Mr. Beck, working for the railway at the time, faced initial rejection of his map.
The Roundel, London's iconic transport symbol, began life in 1908 as the "bar and circle" and later evolved into the roundel used today.
The design set is rounded off with the "Johnston" typeface, visible on maps and signage throughout the Underground, as well as on Overground and TfL-affiliated railways. This typeface was specifically crafted for the Tube.
Questions and answers
What are the London Underground zones?
- London Transport is organised into 9 concentric zones.
- Zone 1 is the historic centre. Zone 6 is the beginning of the suburbs.
- #TipForTourists With Oyster or contactless you don't need to choose zones in advance: just touch in and out. If you're buying a paper Travelcard, choose zones that match where you're travelling. Most major attractions are in Zones 1 and 2.
Why are there different types of lines on London Underground maps?
- The Underground is divided into 11 lines. Each line has a different colour and it is represented by a "full line".
- Trains and Trams are represented by two parallel lines (=).
What's a railway?
- A train moves over a steel railway track. Locomotives pull the carriages to travel over ground.
- The London Underground network is integrated with DLR trains, London Overground, and the Elizabeth Line.
What is DLR?
- It stands for Docklands Light Railway. It is a driverless train network. The DLR is similar to the Tube, but it runs mostly above ground, with some sections in tunnels, and it serves East and South-East London.
Is Elizabeth Line a tube?
- It's a nuanced question because the Elizabeth Line, despite including the word "line" in its name, is technically a train service. The Elizabeth Line operates on traditional railway tracks, features larger carriages compared to typical Tube trains, and it has passenger door-open buttons.
- The term "line" is often associated with underground services, but in the case of the Elizabeth Line, it refers to a railway service that operates both above and below ground.
How many lines does the London Underground have?
- The London Underground has 11 lines: Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria and Waterloo & City.
- The other services shown on the map (DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, trams and the cable car) are not part of the Underground. Many sections run above ground, and some run through tunnels.
Why is the London Underground called the Tube?
- It is so named due to the tubular shape of its tunnels.
Which was the first city in the world to have an underground railway?
- The first city in the world to inaugurate an Underground was London
When did the London Underground open?
- The London Underground, with its first section, the Metropolitan Railway, opened in 1863. This was the world's first underground railway.
How many stations does the London Underground have?
- Nowadays it has 272 stations.
How many passengers travel on the London Underground each day?
- The Tube handles up to 5 million passenger journeys a day.