The Open Guide to London: the free London guide

• Tube Etiquette Poll (from thetube.com - lets you vote for what you most dislike, and see what others have voted for)
• Underground Etiquette (a good-humoured approach from independent website Going Underground -- turn off javascript and popups before you visit, for the best experience...)

Why is tube etiquette important?

Some behaviour is simply annoying, but since the tube is a very heavily used system, certain behaviours have become necessary for reasons of safety - for example, not standing at the top or bottom of escalators or entrances. Most locals will be forgiving of an initial offence, especially in the more 'touristy' areas, but don't expect too much leeway during rush hour!

Here are some suggested tips from one minor Openguides contributer:

• If you are wearing a rucksack - take it off and put it on the floor. You will hit people with it when turning around otherwise and waste space which could be used by people wanting to breathe.
• Try to wash first. I know that you will end up sweaty after a short journey on the underground in summer, but is that any excuse for bad hygene?
• Step out of the way of people getting off the train. Look it isn't alright to just assume that because there is enough space for one person to leave the carriage at a time that is ok. We all want to get off the train as fast as possible so that you can get on faster. Do NOT push onto the train before people have gotten off.
• Do not kill the beggers who go between carriages when the train is moving no matter how tempting it is. The bodies on the line cause unecessary delays.
• Do not kill yourself by jumping under a train. It really is quite rude. (and it causes awful delays).