Tube Etiquette-The Unspoken Rules of the London Underground

Last updated: 29 July 2023

Daily commuters and Londoners alike know. Tube Etiquette. These are the unwritten rules of the Tube and they’re universally acknowledged and abided by. As a visitor to London you might want to run the gauntlet and take the tube in peak hour. Perhaps you want to get a feel for the ‘real’ London or think perhaps it won’t be that bad.

As well known TV personality Anthony Bourdain once said:

“Avoid the Tube at all costs during rush hour. It is a fucking nightmare.”

And you know what? He was not wrong.

What You Can Expect in This Post

[lwptoc float=”left” skipHeadingText=”“Avoid the Tube at all costs during rush hour. It is a fucking nightmare.””]

WHAT IS THE TUBE?

The Tube is London’s subway system.  It’s the oldest underground railway in the world which opened in January 1863. The system is relatively efficient with trains (or Tubes) running every minute or so during peak hour across many of the colour-coded lines. 

While there are aspects of it I dearly love, like the frequency and the speed in which it can transport you across the busy city, now that I take the Tube almost every day, I know it to be a challenging experience to say the least.  

The Tube is busy. And by busy, I mean noisy, anxiety-inducing and invasive. While everyone has their own definition of personal space, the Tube in peak hour challenges all those definitions.  Imagine being whipped across the face by a rogue ponytail, a backpack digging in your side and someone standing standing on your foot, and if you’re under 5’5, you’ve probably got someone’s whiffy armpit in your face. Ahhhh London! You’ve got to love it!

Should you decide to test your patience and have your space invaded, there are some rules of the Tube that you should know. These are known as the commandments of the Tube. There vastly unwritten though some are well documented. Others you’d never know unless a current, or former, Londoner told you about it. Read on for your Tube education! Understanding these rules will help you with lasting in London. 

To really appreciate the Tube while you’re on holiday, jump on a Tube at either 8am or 6pm. Aim for the Central line at Oxford Circus and head to Liverpool St, or Victoria line south to Victoria train station. It will be such hell that every other trip you take while you’re in London will seem like paradise. 

Animals

Dogs

Dogs, not just Guide Dogs, are permitted on the Tube. It’s one of life’s little joys when you board a Tube and find a dog curled up in someone’s lap, coming up for a cuddle or stretched out across the entire doorway.

There’s numerous Instagram accounts dedicated to this phenomenon, with a few of my favourite hashtags include #dogsonthetube and #mindthedogs which is a take on the famous Underground phrase Mind the Gap. 

Rodents

Don’t scream or squeal if you see Tube Mice. They’re tiny, black and generally covered in grime and soot from the carbon. As icky as it seems, they’re simply a part of London life. They brazenly forage for food on the platforms and tracks and make a quick getaway when the Tube rumbles in. 

TUBE ETIQUETTE – AT THE STATION 

Payment

Faffing around in front of the gates is probably one of the worst things you can do on the Tube.  The moment you enter any Tube station, have your payment method (phone – (Apple or Android pay) Oyster or Contactless card) in hand ready to tap on the reader as you approach the gates. 

Local tip: Take note of the light on the gate as you tap in. If it’s orange you’re good to place your card/phone on the yellow card reader, the light will turn green if your payment method has been accepted and ‘open sesame’ the gates will magically open. If the light is red, your card won’t work no matter how many times you try. 

If you touch your card and the gate doesn’t open, you’ll need to step back out of the gate, before you try again. – There’s a sensor in the gate that knows if you’re there. If you still struggle, signal or ask staff for assistance. The gate or your card chip could be faulty or you might need to top up your Oyster card.

Once you get through the gate, keep moving! For the love of God keep moving.  In peak hour especially, there’s no place for stopping on the other side of the gates as you enter (or exit), and there is no opportunity to slip your card back into your wallet.  No. No. No! Just keep moving. If you absolutely have to stop, move to the side, flat against the wall out of the way as streams of people heading to the stairs.  

Escalators

This one is well versed and it’s noted on signs in just about every Tube station. 

Stand Right, Walk Left.  

When stepping onto the escalator going up (or down) choose a side. If you want to ride the escalator then slip to the right hand side and keep your bags either in front or behind you, not beside you.   

If you choose to walk, stick to the left and keep moving, however running is frowned upon.  Londoners want to keep people moving, but with an air of civility. 

Tube stations are a rabbit warren of tunnels. Large stations like Waterloo, Bank, Green Park have passages running in all directions and coming off an escalator might be confusing for the uninitiated. Once you’re off the escalator, don’t be that person that stops at the bottom to read the signs. 

Also, don’t come to a standstill in the middle of the concourse either…. I’ll repeat this so it sinks in, do not stop in the middle of the concourse! 

If you’re not sure which way to go, step to the side to read the signage, while your fellow commuters move past without hindrance. 

Use the Full Length of the Platform

Most Tube stations have a well documented traffic flow system in place. Quite often there are two tunnels for each platform, routing incoming passengers one way, and outgoing passengers another. 

While this isn’t possible at all stations nor on all lines due to space constrictions, simply follow the flow of human bodies, the directional and colour-coded signs to your platform. 

Once arriving at the platform, you will often find more space on the platform if you walk down to one of the ends rather than congregating at the entrance. There is an added bonus that Tube carriages are usually the emptiest at the ends so there’s a good chance you’ll get on and perhaps even get a seat! 

TUBE ETIQUETTE – ON THE TUBE

Alight Before Boarding

This one is an oldie but a goodie, allow passengers off before boarding. Think about it.  With 40 people trying to get off at major stations like Bank or Waterloo you need to get them off before you can actually get on. It’s only logical. 

Standard procedure dictates boarding passengers stand to the side when the doors open and alighting passengers will pass through the middle.  Do not board until disembarking passengers are off the Tube. Pushy-pushy shovey-shovey behaviour will result in many tsks and frowns and potentially a public shaming by a cranky Londoner.

Is it safe to wait?  Most busy stations have conductors lined across the platform controlling how long the train stays at the platform – this time is usually extended in peak hour to allow for the increase in passengers.  

But I might not get on! Accept the reality that you might not get on the first Tube, it’s simply a way of life in London.  

Tubes are jam-packed and extremely busy especially in peak hour. You might get on, you might not. With Tube trains coming every minute or two on most lines, there’s always another one not far behind it. 

Remove Your Coat

Before boarding it’s a good idea to remove your coat. Tubes are hot and the majority of lines still don’t have air conditioning – primitive I know! There’s really two options here, take it off before you board and carry it, or wear it until you get off. 

In peak hour especially, there’s no space to remove it on board without dislocating your shoulder or accidentally punching a fellow commuter in the face. Remove your coat, or don’t. Just choose wisely.

Travelling in “Summer”

British Summers aren’t really summers for most Aussies.  A heat wave here is considered anything over 25 for more than three consecutive days. You wouldn’t be British if you didn’t complain from day 1 about the unrelenting heat.  

As I said at the start, the Tube dates back to 1863. While Tubes that are used today don’t date back to the 19th century, some are still basic and do not have air conditioning.  Depending which line you’re using, some have air flow via windows at the end of each carriage, and others have air circulation vents that do basically nothing.

The Tubes and stations are incredibly warm in the summer months so carry a bottle of water and stay hydrated. 

Note: As an aside, there are no standalone water fountains in Tube stations although you can use the Refill app to find fountains across the city.

Luggage

Can you take a suitcase on the London Underground?

We all travel, and as travel bloggers we own many a suitcase and travel regularly. As a general rule, luggage and buggies/prams are discouraged in peak hour. Yes they’re unavoidable some of the time, but as a general rule, if you can avoid it in peak hour, do so.  

Can you take a backpack or an oversized handbag?

Don’t wear it, and do not consider for a second about putting it on a seat beside you.

You should carry it low or place it at your feet. There is more space at your feet than there is from the waist up.  A large Herschel backpack in your face is not welcome, and it also takes up space that could be consumed by another fellow sufferer/commuter. Twisting and whacking fellow commuters with your bag will receive heavy tuts, judgements and eyerolls and perhaps a scolding from other Tube users.  In peak hour simply remove it and carry it in your hand or put it at your feet. Sure it’s not the cleanest place, but wearing it isn’t really an option.  

There are no overhead racks in Tube carriages for luggage, and aside from the Piccadilly line which runs to Heathrow Airport, there’s no dedicated space for large bags and suitcases.  You’ll simply have to play Tetris with people and other obstacles in the carriage. 

If you’re looking for an alternative to Heathrow, consider the Heathrow Express – it does have luggage racks!

Move Down Inside The Carriage

Depending on which line you wish to take, the majority of Tubes have standing space in between seats. In peak hour this space is essential.  As people get off, and space becomes available, move right down into the carriage – as far as you can go to get more people on and don’t congregate at the doors. 

No one wants to be the guys that says “can you move down please”. You can see the space, we can see the space, and yet you choose to ignore it and now we’re forced to shout about it.

Respect the social norms and move down inside the bloody carriage so we can acknowledge the other norm, keeping quiet.

Seats

Scored a seat? Lucky you! As a general rule, seats are a free for all. Those standing with proximity to the seat, (usually by facing it) get first dibs. 

If there’s more than one person with proximity to the vacant seat, it’s not uncommon for two people regardless of gender to have a non-verbal exchange signaling the seat to one another, before one eventually concedes and sits.  It’s all very civil. 

The way most Tube carriages are designed it’s difficult for average people to reach to put their feet on seats. If you can reach, please don’t do it. 

Spreading, man-spreading or otherwise, is not permitted. Keep your legs, arms, belongings to yourself and children should behave in an orderly fashion. 

Priority seats are designated with different upholstery or with blue signs above them indicating they’re there for people that need them, typically disabled, injured, elderly or pregnant women. Transport for London has Baby on Board badges which are often worn, and pre-empt awkward conversations with potential expectant mothers.  

TFL released a new programme of badges for customers with impairments, conditions or illnesses. These are blue badges say Please offer me a seat. If you see someone with a badge and you are seated and are able-bodied and well, you should stand and offer them your seat. Avoiding eye contact and/or pretending to sleep is not a solution. You will get plenty of side-eye and judgey looks from passengers if someone in a non-priority seat gives up their seat before you do.  

Doorways and Handrails

If you’re standing in the doorway it’s expected you’ll move to allow alighting passengers the space to get off. 

If you’re travelling in peak hour and/or standing in the doorway, you may have to get off the Tube to allow others to disembark. You’ll be first back on, don’t worry!

I never thought I’d need to say this one, but recent trips have indicated not everyone is aware of it. Once the Tube has come to a standstill, let go of the handrail to let people get on/off.  Outstretched arms in Tube carriages can block exit routes for disembarking passengers resulting in a lot of unnecessary chatter. Of course you should return your hand to the handrail as the doors close.

Similarly, vertical handrails are not leaning posts, nor are they devices to separate your bum cheeks. Use your hands to hold on. 

Surfing the Tube

There is a term for people who take the tube without holding onto a handrail. This is known as Surfing the Tube. Consider this only if you have the stability of a mountain goat. Londoners will not catch you if you fall over because of reckless behaviour. 

Leaning Against The Doors

When a Tube is bulging with commuters, it’s not uncommon to get wedged right up against the doors.  Once the doors close, many people relax and press their weight into the door. Don’t do this. 

Tube doors have a safety circuit, which means if the doors are opened, even to a minor degree perhaps by someone leaning heavily on the doors, the train’s system interprets that the circuit is broken and the Tube comes to a screeching halt. The Tube cannot differentiate the difference between someone applying weight to the doors or something/someone trapped between the doors. The sudden halt results in delays, eye rolls from regular commuters and an exasperated sigh or two. 

Noise and the Standard of Silence

Peak hour tubes are often as silent as a library.  Chatter is kept to a minimum by a rather staunchly held tradition by which passengers absorbed by books or their phones.  Headphones are worn by the majority of passengers which does provide some headspace for the day ahead and the dreaded ‘oh my god, it’s Monday. I have five more days of this’. Rogue music bleeding from headphones is wildly is frowned upon.

Unless your station is above ground, there is very little phone signal on the Tube. The exception to this is the WiFi which is available on platforms.  Even if you have the ability to do so, don’t make calls in the carriage. Phone chatter is unwelcome and discouraged as no one wants to hear how last night’s date went or your thoughts on Strictly, Bake Off or Love Island. 

Eating

It’s not illegal to eat on the Tube. But be warned, if you decide to eat your midnight McDonalds, your Greggs sausage roll or a Durian you’re going to upset some people. Similarly, drinking from and carrying open containers of alcohol is banned, but not heavily policed. 

Announcements

The London Underground has some very classic announcements, others send shivers of dread through every commuter. Here’s a collection of my favourites, and what they really mean.

• “We are Currently Being Held at a Red Signal”
  • Translation: We’re stuck here until we get the green light to go. Cue a collective exasperated sigh.
• “Move Down Inside the Carriage”
  • Translation: Some poor fellow is wedged between a rogue backpack and the doors. Give the lad some space would you?!
• “Stand Right, Walk Left”
  • Translation: Don’t be a rebel and stand on the left hand side of the escalator, move your ass to the right where it belongs.
• “Mind the Gap”
  • Translation: While this is probably the most well known saying, it’s widely used across the network but never more obvious than at Bank where the gap between the train and the platform is reminiscent of the Romanche Trench.
• “Mind the Closing Doors”
  • Translation: Move your coat, bag and belongings as the doors are about to slam shut.  – This does not mean throw yourself at the doors as they’re rapidly closing.
    • True story, I watched a girl do this. She leapt at the closing Tube doors and smacked a passenger in the face and broke his nose. Blood went everywhere then she tripped over a well behaved Guide Dog and made quite a scene. The man, and fellow commuters were not impressed by this recklessness.
      • Don’t race for the closing doors, just wait. The next Tube will be only a minute or two.
•  The best ones are seasoned drivers with a wicked sense of humour:
  • “We’ll be on the move shortly, at the lightning fast speed that is the District Line” – Hilarious as the District Line is well known to be one of London’s slowest lines.
  • “Welcome to the Sauna that is the Central Line” – which is routinely so hot that it exceeds the EU limit at which it is legal to transport cows, sheep and pigs!
  • “This line is running normally today, so you can expect delays to all destinations. Lucky us!” – All the lines, most of the time. Enjoy London!

Your Say

If you’ve visited London, or can’t wait to revel in the experience that is the Tube, do leave us a comment and know the best, or worst, experience you’ve had on the Tube!

Planning a visit to London?

If you’re planning a visit to London and looking for some things to do or places to explore then we recommend checking out our 37 Things to Do in London for Couples and our Iconic London Landmarks post for plenty of tips, recommendations, and suggestions of the best places to visit in London, our adopted home.