London Underground has eleven lines, but the official map also includes railways that are not Tube lines. Knowing the difference prevents an Elizabeth line, DLR or Overground connection being mistaken for an additional Underground line. Learning line names is more dependable than memorising colours alone, particularly when reading station announcements or disruption notices.
The eleven are Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria and Waterloo & City. Some share tracks or stations for part of their routes. Others divide into branches, so recognising the correct colour does not necessarily identify the train that serves your destination.
On the platform, confirm both direction and the advertised destination. Northbound, southbound, eastbound and westbound describe the direction, but do not promise that every train reaches the same terminus. Compare the display with your intended station before boarding, and ask staff when a destination or service announcement is unclear.
The schematic map does not represent walking distances or exact journey durations. Two stations close together on paper may require a longer walk, while others drawn apart can be easy to reach on foot. Use the planner for the journey and a geographical map when deciding whether one stop is worth taking.
Understand the route
The Northern line deserves particular attention because its central branches and outer destinations do not all combine in the same way. District services also have different destinations, while Piccadilly passengers must check the destination when heading towards Heathrow or another branch. Do not simply follow other passengers. Find your station on the platform diagram and check the train display. If you board the wrong branch, leave at a suitable station and reassess safely rather than trying to cross tracks or force closing doors to correct the mistake.
- Check the exact stations and direction with TfL before leaving.
Choose a useful connection
The fewest stops do not always make the fastest or easiest route. Changing at a large station can add corridors, stairs and waiting time, especially with luggage. Where several lines share stations, choose by destination and the next interchange you actually need. Accessibility should never be assumed from a station name alone: check the specific pair of lines and the route between platforms. One station may provide step-free access for one service but not another, and a same-station interchange can still require a lengthy or difficult walk.
- Check the exact stations and direction with TfL before leaving.
Check and travel
Since the 2024 reorganisation, the six Overground lines have individual names: Lioness, Mildmay, Windrush, Weaver, Suffragette and Liberty. They are not six new Underground lines. The Elizabeth line and DLR also retain distinct identities and service patterns. Before leaving, check the status of every component of your trip, not just the Tube. Navigate using official TfL maps rather than decorative illustrations: a tourist image is neither a reliable navigation map nor evidence that a particular train service is operating on your chosen day.
- Check the exact stations and direction with TfL before leaving.
