07/01/2025
Not all London Underground lines are created equal.
The newer tube lines are sub-surface, and at some stations and sections, even in central London, they're just below ground level and open to the sky. They have large carriages and are air conditioned, making for a reasonably comfortable ride even in the middle of summer.
Older tube lines are deeper underground and run smaller carriages that don't have air conditioning, making for a potentially uncomfortable ride. Even in moderate weather it can get quite warm in the carriages, and windows are usually open for airflow, which makes them significantly noisier.
If possible, I always recommend taking the newer, shallower tube lines, but if you aren't sure which lines run which trains, here's a breakdown.
DEEP TUBE LINES (OLDER, SMALLER TRAINS AND NO AIR CONDITIONING)
These lines run in narrower tunnels using significantly smaller carriages. I don't recommend them to clients with luggage or in the heat of summer.
• Bakerloo Line
• Central Line
• Jubilee Line
• Northern Line
• Piccadilly Line
• Victoria Line
• Waterloo & City Line
SUB-SURFACE TUBE LINES (NEWER, LARGER TRAINS WITH AIR CONDITIONING)
The Sub-Surface Lines offer a more comfortable ride with larger modern, air-conditioned trains. These lines include:
• Circle Line
• District Line
• Hammersmith & City Line
• Metropolitan Line
These trains are better for clients traveling with luggage or during the heat of summer.
BONUS: THE ELIZABETH LINE
While not technically part of the Tube, the Elizabeth Line is a fantastic option for cross-city travel. Its fully air-conditioned, accessible, modern trains are great for comfort and convenience, especially when traveling to/from Heathrow or across Central London.
