London tube at night - safe?
 

Hi,

We are planning to catch dinner and theatre in Central London at night and then take the tube to outer london where we will be staying. Is it safe to travel late in tube? Not to offend the londoners :-), but we've been mugged in Paris metro last year and since then I have been wary of using metros in off peak periods. Any advice on use of public transport and on any other precautions are welcome.

I would say there is little chance you'll meet any trouble. To make you feel safer, use the carriages in the centre of the train which tend to be more crowded. I have used to tube late at night and been fine.

Hi,

Just make sure that you mind the gap.

The Tube is very popular as a late night form of transport amongst Londoners, who think nothing of catching the last Tube rather than splashing out on a taxi. In fact, once the pubs close (after 11.30pm) you'll find the Tubes are pretty crowded. There may be a few people worse for wear, but it's generally busy and pretty safe.

It would help if we knew which station you'll be travelling to.

I'm not sure what late means to you, but don't forget, the tube closes down around midnight, maybe even earlier for outer London stations.
Make sure to check the times for your stations.
Have a great trip!

Last tubes generally depart central London between midnight and 1am, depending on the line. But unless you're planning on going clubbing in Soho, this shouldn't concern you.

When I lived in London (15 years ago), I often took the last train or nearly last train to the end of the Central line alone. Never had a problem or even a hint of one, but usually sat in the first car. Having grown up in L.A., though, I learned to be practical and aware of my surroundings. As such, I would avoid cars with scary looking drunk guys (not that this often happened -- more so on the Northern Line during football season), but as the train shoots through the station, I'd pick the car I got on depending on who was sitting in what car.

We'll be travelling to Pinner around 10 PM on atleast two nights. Do you guys suggest the first car or the middle car in the train?

I have often taken the tube after theatre, along with crowds of other theatre goers. I don't believe you should have any problem!

Enjoy!