London Underground

Owned and operated by London Transport, the London Underground system was the first of its kind in the world, and has been transporting passengers beneath the streets of Britain's capital city for more than 100 years. Underground stations provided excellent shelter for London's citizens during the war years, and the Tube is as essential a part of London's image as are Black Cabs and Tower Bridge.

Being the first means also being the oldest, and a massive programme of modernisation and renovation is currently in progress. Consequently, some stations on the Underground have temporary restrictions on passenger access and movement, and several are still pretty shabby. Standards of cleanliness and serviceability are continually rising, however, and the installation of improved lighting and security cameras has resulted in increased protection from crime. Travelling by Tube is almost certainly the quickest and cheapest way of getting from Heathrow to central London, but is not without its difficulties. The good news is that for a fare of £2.80 you can reach Piccadilly Circus within 45 minutes, and you will have no problem finding a seat for the entire journey. Travelling in the opposite direction is a different story and, depending on the time of day, you may have real problems in even getting on a Heathrow bound train. Between 16:30 and 19:00, especially on a Friday, you need to be strong, confident and not too averse to spending 45 minutes crushed against unwashed bodies in a hot, poorly-ventilated carriage. If you want to take the Tube to Heathrow for an evening flight, try and travel mid-afternoon, and while away the time at the airport rather than take on London's rush-hour commuters.

You should be aware, too, that there are no porters on the Underground and you will therefore have to cope with your luggage. Although most stations have escalators in operation, many do not have elevators for public use. If you are not confident about handling suitcases on long escalators, the Tube is not for you. The Heathrow station is undergoing renovation which, when complete, will offer elevator service to passengers. Until that time you will only be able to use an elevator controlled by the duty staff, and then only if you are disabled, elderly or infirm. A London Transport official at Heathrow stated positively that the elevator is not available to passengers who simply find their luggage unwieldy.

Tickets are available in the Underground station concourse at Heathrow, from one of a bank of automatic machines or from a manned ticket office. At most times there is a long line of passengers waiting for the manned office, so make sure you have coins or notes for the value of your fare, and use a machine. Change is given, and help is always at hand if you become confused with the options offered. It is an offence to travel without a valid ticket, and you should ensure that your ticket covers the particular zones in which you will travel. Heathrow is in Zone 6 and central London is Zone 1.