Advice & safety

All public transport

• Smoking is not allowed on any London transport.
• If you need any assistance, London transport representatives should always be happy to help.
• Don't keep luggage in aisles or pathways and never leave it unattended.
• Certain areas or seats are designated for elderly people, people with disabilities and pregnant women. You can use these areas provided they're not needed by any of the people they're designated for throughout your journey.
• Britain is famous for queuing in an orderly famous. It’s a good idea to respect this tradition.

Tube

• When using an escalator, stand to the right to let those in a hurry walk past on the left.
• There is an alarm in every tube train carriage for emergencies. Pulling the alarm will alert the driver that there's a problem. The train will stop if any part of the train is in the station otherwise it will continue to the next stop where help can be more easily given.
• Tube trains don't have air conditioning, so be careful in the summer months to carry a bottle of water. If you feel unwell, get off the train.

Buses

• Drivers aren't obliged to stop at every stop so it's a good idea to raise your hand as the bus approaches to advise the driver to stop.
• Always get on at the front of the bus, unless travelling on a 'bendy bus'.
• Exit the bus at the rear exit.
• Store your luggage in the space provided.

Trains

• Make sure you buy your ticket before boarding.
• Make sure you're not sitting in a first class carriage if you have a standard class ticket, you may have to pay a penalty.
• Some carriages are 'noise free' and you can't use a mobile phone or listen to a personal stereo. Check you're in a normal carriage if you wish to use these.

Safety on public transport

For tips on safety, please see our page on personal safety.