The Tube London Underground Travel Photos 2024
February 24, 2025
Choosing The Tube Stations To Photograph
During a recent trip to London, England, one of the experiences I was most excited about was riding the Tube—London’s famous underground subway system. As a self-proclaimed transportation enthusiast, I’ve always had a passion for all things transit-related: aviation photography, boats, trains, and especially subways. While I understand that subways can sometimes be dirty, noisy, and uncomfortable, I admire their efficiency. They move large numbers of people quickly, are economical, and environmentally friendly, and each system has its own unique character. Every station, train, and city offers a distinct experience.
In London, I planned to try it all—taxicabs, double-decker buses, and, of course, the Tube. We used the Tube extensively, starting with our journey from Heathrow Airport to our hotel in Covent Garden. Throughout our stay, it became our primary mode of transportation, taking us to various destinations across the city. It was everything I’d hoped for. We bookended our vacation with flights on the Boeing 777, my favorite as an aviation photographer.
The train cars on the Tube are quite small compared to modern subway systems, a nod to its history as the world’s oldest underground railway. The cars are long but narrow, with low ceilings, and most of them lack air conditioning. Visiting in March 2024, we didn’t have to contend with the summer heat, but even then, the subway cars were noticeably warmer than the stations or the outdoors. I can only imagine how uncomfortable it might get during a hot summer, especially if there were delays.
We visited several iconic stations, including Tottenham Court Road, Piccadilly Circus, and Paddington. Tottenham Court Road stood out for its futuristic design—its curved tunnels, glass platform barriers, sleek white walls, and bright lighting gave it a modern, welcoming feel. Paddington Station, though massive, was a brief stop for us as we caught the Elizabeth Line back to Heathrow to return to the U.S. Despite the rush, it was exciting to see such a historic and bustling hub.
Overall, I found the Tube to be well-marked, easily accessible, and a fascinating way to explore the city. Some stations had a slightly eerie vibe, but each had its own charm. The London Underground exceeded my expectations, and I can’t wait to return for another ride!
Not Photographing Other Riders
I try my hardest not to get other people in the photos. I respect their privacy and do not want them to feel weird about my camera. So if you see people in my aviation photos, I couldn’t avoid it.
