How to Use the London Underground

The London Underground, or "the Tube", is the oldest metro in the world. It opened in 1863. Today it has eleven lines and more than 270 stations. It can look difficult, but it is easy when you know a few rules.

First, you need a ticket. Paper tickets are expensive, so you should get an Oyster card or use your bank card. You have to touch your card on the yellow reader when you go into the station and again when you come out. If you don't touch out, you pay the maximum price.

Then find your line on the map. Every line has a name and a color: the Central line is red, the Victoria line is light blue. Check the direction too: "northbound" means the train goes north, and "southbound" means it goes south.

On the escalators, there is one important rule: you must stand on the right. The left side is for people who walk. If you stand on the left, Londoners will not be happy!

A few more tips. It's best not to eat hot food on the train. You shouldn't travel between eight and nine in the morning, because the trains are very full. And when the doors open, let people get off first. Then get on, find a seat and enjoy the ride. Mind the gap!