This page provides advice and information for blind and partially sighted users of the London Underground.
Transport for London have produced a range of audio described videos that look at accessible tube travel in London as well as travel by river, rail, buses and taxis.
For further information on travelling in London, see the Transport for London website.
Before boarding an underground train
It is always useful to know how many stops you will need to travel before you reach your destination. Also, take into account that on weekends some stations may be closed, which will change the amount of station stops. All underground trains except the Metropolitan line now have audible announcements on the train. Audible announcements are also made at some stations so that you know which train is about to arrive at the platform.
London Underground produces large print maps as well as an audio tube guide to help you to plan your journey. Most guides and leaflets are available in braille on request.
The Describe Online website offers text guides to London Underground stations.
Standing on the platform
There are often two lines along the edge of a platform, one yellow and one white. The yellow line means you are 400mm away from the edge, and the white one indicates the platform edge. Don't stand beyond the yellow line, especially with small children and guide dogs.
Most, but not all, platforms have tactile paving along the edge.
Going on escalators
Guide dog owners will need to do special training with Guide Dogs staff before they can use escalators at Tube, Docklands Light Railway and London Overground stations.
If your guide dog has not had this training. you can ask the station staff to stop an escalator for you. They will usually do this without any problem, unless one of the escalators is out of action during refurbishment or it is rush hour. If staff are unable to stop the escalator, they will be able to help you to plan an alternative way to reach your destination.
How to get cheaper fares on the London Underground
If you have a sight problem and live in London, you may be entitled to a pass which allows you to travel free of charge on the Underground. This can be obtained from your local social services department.
If you are 65 or older you may want to claim Attendance Allowance (AA). If you are under 65 you may want to claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Neither benefits are affected by any other income or savings you may have and you will never be worse off by claiming.
For advice about claiming DLA or AA, or registering as blind or partially sighted, call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.
Tactile maps
New free books of tactile maps have been developed to help blind and partially sighted people find their way around Old Street, Westminster and Earl's Court underground stations. The maps are made up of raised lines, read by touch instead of sight. There are also large print versions available for partially sighted people.
Books of tactile and large print station maps can be borrowed from the RNIB National Library Service or viewed at Old Street, Westminster and Earl's Court underground stations.