24 Hour Tube: London's All-Night Subway Guide for Night Owls and Partygoers

When the clubs close and the last call echoes through Soho, the 24 hour tube, London’s weekend overnight subway service that keeps key lines running through the night. Also known as the Night Tube, it’s the backbone of late-night London—no more Uber surge pricing, no more waiting for buses that never come. This isn’t just a convenience; it’s a game-changer for anyone who lives, works, or plays after dark.

The Night Tube, a network of five key London Underground lines that operate 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Also known as 24 hour tube, it connects the busiest nightlife zones—from Shoreditch to Camden, Brixton to Stratford—without a single gap. You don’t need a special ticket. Just use your Oyster card or contactless payment like you would during the day. But here’s the catch: not every line runs all night. Only the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines are covered. The District, Circle, and Metropolitan? They sleep. Plan ahead. If you’re heading to a late-night gig in Camden or a drag show in Soho, the Night Tube drops you within walking distance. No need to risk walking alone or paying £30 for a cab after 2 a.m.

The London Underground, the world’s oldest metro system, now adapted for 24-hour use with enhanced safety features and staffed stations. Also known as the Tube, it’s not just about getting from point A to B—it’s about moving through the city’s pulse. Stations like Oxford Circus, King’s Cross, and Bank stay open with security teams, lighting, and real-time updates. You’ll see the same mix of people: partiers, shift workers, students, and tourists who didn’t want to miss the last train. It’s safe, reliable, and surprisingly quiet once the rush dies down. And if you’re heading to a venue that’s not right next to a station? That’s where the Night Bus network picks up. Many Night Tube stops connect directly to Night Bus routes, so you can cover the final mile without breaking stride.

There’s no magic trick to using it. Just know your line, check the TfL app for real-time updates, and avoid standing too close to the edge. The trains run every 10 minutes on most lines, sometimes even every 8. You won’t find crowds like during rush hour, but you’ll still get the occasional group singing along to their playlist or someone trying to nap on a bench. It’s London after dark—messy, real, and oddly comforting.

Whether you’re catching a midnight snack at a 24-hour kebab shop in Peckham, heading home from a wine tasting in Dalston, or just trying to beat the morning traffic, the 24 hour tube is your quiet, dependable ally. It doesn’t advertise itself. It doesn’t need to. It just runs. And for everyone who lives outside the 9-to-5 grind, that’s everything.

Below, you’ll find real tips from Londoners who’ve used the Night Tube to turn a late night into a full-blown adventure—from the best last-stop bars to how to avoid getting stuck in a station with no exit. No fluff. Just what works.