Need to know
Stay cool while travelling around the capital this week
The London Underground is the last place most of us want to be stuck in a heatwave(Image: Yau Ming Low via Getty Images)
Need to know: All the Tube lines with air conditioning for getting around in the heatwave
- London is already sweltering under a Red Extreme Heat Warning this week, with temperatures predicted to reach 35C today (Wednesday, June 24).
- Whilst millions will brave the Tube network, most lines lack air conditioning, making journeys particularly uncomfortable. It’s wise to try to avoid the Victoria line if possible, as platforms have been known to reach a sweltering 30C between June and October.
- Transport for London has attempted cooling measures through larger ventilation shafts and mechanical chillers at busy stations. However, the age of the network presents significant challenges as the oldest tunnels date back to the 1800s, making it incredibly difficult and costly to improve air flow in the tunnels and platforms.
- Only a handful of Tube lines currently have air conditioning, whilst most remain almost unbearable during summer months. Building new ventilation shafts on the deepest lines would be “an incredibly expensive task,” according to Engineering and Technology magazine.
- At present, the District, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines are the only sub-surface Tube lines that are fully air-conditioned. The Elizabeth Line also offers full air conditioning, but it’s technically not part of the Tube network.
- Elsewhere, the London Overground network is almost completely air-conditioned, as well as London Trams and Thameslink services. Newer DLR trains are also air-conditioned, but not all of the older trains have been replaced yet – so you may end up on one that lacks air conditioning.
- Thankfully, the Piccadilly Line is set to roll out new trains by the end of 2026 – start of 2027 which will be air conditioned, although that’s not much use in the current heatwave.
- Meanwhile, TfL is seeking Government funding for new Bakerloo line trains by 2030, which would also feature air conditioning. For immediate relief, commuters might consider train services instead like Southeastern’s new fleet or Southern, which do offer air conditioning.
- READ THE FULL STORY: Full list of London Underground lines which have air con and why the majority don’t
