Why is the London Underground called the Tube? Simple reason

Whilst you might think it’s down to Londoner’s busy schedules that keep the region awake, others would suggest the real heartbeat of the capital is the transport network.

From the buses, DLR, Overground, National Rail, bikes, cabs and of course the Tube.

The Tube network keeps London moving and makes travelling any way a simple task.

Although it might not always get the thanks it deserves, there’s no doubt that without the Tube, London would not be the vibrant place it is.

But, as any Londoner knows, the Tube is not actually called the ‘Tube’ but the London Underground.

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You might not have ever given it a second thought for its nickname, but if you have, here’s your answer.

Why is the London Underground called the Tube?

The answer itself is not very exciting, as the ‘Tube‘ nickname comes from the shape of the tunnels that make up the London Underground.

The small circular-shaped tunnels gained the name Tube a while after it was first opened back in 1863.

According to TfL, the London Underground tunnels were created by “built-in shallow cut-and-cover tunnels along existing thoroughfares.”

Do you call the London Underground the Tube? (Image: PA)

But towards the twentieth century, “the development of electric traction allowed much deeper tunnels to penetrate the heart of the city, leading to the second wave of construction.”

How many London Underground stations are there?

Currently, the Tube has 272 stations that are served by 11 different lines, including the Central Line, Bakerloo Line, Victoria Line, Hammersmith & City, Circle, Northern and more.

The lines cover 402km, with the London Underground handling around five million passengers every day and at peak times 543 trains across London.