The London Underground, also called “the tube,” is an underground railway network that is touted as the fasted way to travel through London. Comprised of twelve rail tube lines, an interconnected local train network, and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), the London Underground is responsible for people-moving seven days a week. If you plan on visiting London, then it is a must that you learn how to get around using the tube. Here is a guide to exploring London via the London Underground.
Hours of operation. Tube lines are open between Monday and Saturday, from 5 AM to midnight, and operate on a limited schedule on Sundays.
Maps and guides. London’s transport department provides free maps and tourist guides for use with the London Underground transport system. You can find these at London Tube stations, London Travel information centres, Heathrow Airport terminals, and the Britain and London Visitor Centre.
Tips for traveling via the tube. If you can avoid traveling during rush hour times (before and after work, and during lunch breaks), then do. Before you board a train, always check the front for destination information, just to verify that you are getting on the right train.
Cheaper traveling. Save a considerable amount of money riding the tube by purchasing an “Oyster Card” or a “Travelcard.” These are like frequent traveler passes that you purchase up-front, and that can be used any time you ride the tube, from any tube station.
Sightseeing. Riding the tube, it is possible to see every tourist hotspot London has to offer, including Waterloo, London Bridge, the Manor House, Finsbury Park, Harrow-on-the-Hill, Wembley Park, Oxford Circus, and much, much more. Plan for several days’ worth of sightseeing via the London Underground, because most of London’s attractions will inspire you to invest some real time.
Accessibility. If you have mobility problems, then it is important that you grab a map and plot out your tube travels before embarking on your trip. Many of the tube stations must be reached by escalators or stairs, so use your map to find the ground-floor handicap accessible stations.
There is so very much to see and do in London, and the best way to explore it all is to take the world-famous London Underground railway system. It’s even safe to say that the tube is a tourist attraction in itself. Be sure to get your maps and to plot out your trips so as not to miss out on one morsel of what London has to offer.
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Jade Mitcham enjoys traveling and exploring other parts of the world. She’s currently working with unemployed individuals and enjoys using sites like Accounting Principals finance staffing agency to help others find new career opportunities.