The Traveling Taylors

Not only can you use the Tube map to get around London—you can use it to plan out your entire itinerary. Why? Because the London Underground map isn’t just a transport tool—it’s a travel planner. Here’s how you can use it to group attractions, save time, and create the smoothest possible sightseeing schedule.

How to Use the London Underground Map to Plan Your Entire Trip

1. Understand the Core Lines for Tourists

Focus on the lines that hit the biggest attractions:

• Circle (Yellow): Tower Hill, Westminster, Notting Hill Gate
• District (Green): South Kensington, Embankment
• Piccadilly (Dark Blue): Heathrow, Covent Garden, Leicester Square
• Central (Red): Oxford Circus, Bank, St. Paul’s
  Pro Tip: Each line clusters several popular spots—use this to group your days

2. Plan by Tube Line, Not Just Landmarks

Instead of zigzagging across zones, group your day around one Tube line:
Example Day:

• Morning: Tower of London (Tower Hill – Circle Line)
• Afternoon: Westminster Abbey (Westminster – Circle)
• Evening: Dinner in Notting Hill (Notting Hill Gate – Circle)
  Result: Less time commuting, more time exploring

3. Use Interchange Stations as Base Points

Stations like King’s Cross, Oxford Circus, and Green Park are Tube crossroads—ideal spots to start or pivot your plans.
Why it helps: Easy access to multiple lines makes it faster to adjust on the fly

4. Mix Zones Wisely

Most tourists stay in Zones 1–2, but some hidden gems are in Zone 3 (like Kew Gardens or Wimbledon).
Tip: Don’t plan back-to-back activities in distant zones—it adds unnecessary travel time

5. Use the Map to Spot “Walkable” Transfers

Some stations look far on the map but are just a 5-minute walk:

• Embankment ↔ Charing Cross
• Bank ↔ Monument
  What to do: Walk instead of transferring—it’s faster and adds a local feel

6. Combine Tube with Attractions Map

Overlaying your must-see places on a Tube map helps:

• Choose the best hotel location
• Build logical daily routes
• Spot which lines you’ll use most
  Bonus: Many hotels and cafés offer free printed Tube maps—grab one!

Let the Map Do the Work

London’s Underground isn’t just transport—it’s your trip planner. Using the Tube map to structure your days means smoother connections, fewer headaches, and more time soaking in the city.