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The Ultimate Guide to the London Underground, Baker Street and Sherlock Holmes

Welcome to the most extensive and reader-friendly guide on the web about the London Underground— how it works, how to use it, all the key stations, journey planning tips, and why this resource is your go-to hub for London theatre tickets and unforgettable things to do in London.

What Is the London Underground?

The London Underground, affectionately known as the Tube, is the oldest underground railway network in the world. It spans 11 lines, serves 272 stations, and handles millions of journeys every day across Greater London.

The Tube is essential for both locals and tourists, connecting major landmarks, theatres, cultural hotspots, shopping districts, and airports.

Why the Tube Is the Best Way to See London

Using the London Underground allows you to:

Reach London’s top attractions quickly — from Covent Garden theatreland to Westminster’s historic sites
Avoid traffic and enjoy consistent journey times, even during peak periods
Explore more of London with minimal walking between destinations

London Underground Lines & Their Major Routes

Here’s a high-level overview of all 11 London Underground lines to view on a desktop or laptop, (bottom of page on a mobile device), what they’re best for, and key destinations they serve:

With this intricate network, you can go almost anywhere in London — and with the right ticket, you can do it cheaply and easily.

All London Underground Stations

There are 272 stations across the Tube network.

Instead of listing all of them here (which would be very long), you can access the official Tube map and full alphabetical station listing at Transport for London (TfL) resources.

Key Central London Stations to Know

Here are just some of the most useful stations for tourists:

• King’s Cross St. Pancras– major interchange, Eurostar terminal

• Oxford Circus– shopping and theatres nearby

• Piccadilly Circus– West End and nightlife hub

• Leicester Square– Theatreland and Chinatown

• Green Park– access to Buckingham Palace and museums

Baker Street Station and Sherlock Holmes

No guide is complete without highlighting Baker Street Underground Station— one of the oldest and most fascinating stations in the network.

Baker Street: Where History Meets Fiction

• Baker Street Station opened in 1863as part of the first underground railway ever built.

• It is served by five Tube lines: Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, and Metropolitan.

• The station has ten platforms and is one of the busiest interchange hubs on the network.

• On Jubilee line platforms you’ll spot decorative illustrations and references to Sherlock Holmes, paying homage to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous fictional detective.

Just outside the station is the Sherlock Holmes statue and a short walk to the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street— a must-visit for fans of mystery and classic literature.

How to Use the London Underground

Tickets and Fares

The most convenient way to travel on the Tube is with an Oyster card, a smart card that you load with credit.

• Visitor Oyster Card– Buy before you arrive in London and simply tap in/out at stations.
• Pay as you go– Tap at both start and end of every journey for the correct fare.
• Contactless payment cards or mobile wallets– Work similarly to Oyster but may incur bank fees.
• Travelcards– Weekly or monthly passes loaded onto your Oyster for unlimited travel within chosen zones.

Top Tip: Always touch in at the beginning and touch out at the end of your journey, otherwise you may be charged the maximum fare.

Journey Planning Made Easy

Transport for London provides excellent tools like:

• Journey Planner– Plan trips with real-time directions, transfers, and timed walking routes.
• Step-Free Tube Guide– Useful if you need lifts or avoid stairs.
• TfL Go App– Offers live updates and alerts.

Simply enter your start and end station, select time preferences, and the planner will generate the best route — whether walking or transferring across lines.

Tips for Tourists & First-Time Tube Users

• Stand on the right on escalators— walk on the left, stand on the right.
• Avoid peak hours (07:00–09:30 and 16:00–19:00).
• Mind the gap — between train and platform!
• Use the Tube for quick access to theatre shows, historic attractions, and central London hotspots.

See London’s Best Shows and Experiences

This resource isn’t just a Tube guide — it’s also your best destination for London theatre tickets and top things to doin the city. Whether you’re heading to a West End musical, immersive theatre, museums, dining, or tours like the London Underground walking tours from Baker Street, you’ll find curated info and planning tips right here.

Explore London with Confidence

From Sherlock Holmes’ London to iconic West End shows, the London Underground helps you connect everything — seamlessly and affordably.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or your twentieth, this guide is your best online resourcefor navigating London’s Tube, getting the most out of your visit, and discovering outstanding London theatre tickets and experiences.

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