In 2023, getting reliable access to the internet while you are travelling really is a must.
Whether you are looking to get some work done while you move around the capital, shopping online while you grab a coffee, or checking on your train connection, getting online via your phone or laptop is essential.
While the London Underground network was once thought of as one of the UK’s biggest ‘non-spots’, Vodafone recently announced that it would be reintroducing Wi-Fi for Vodafone customers at more than 260 stations across the Tube network in response to demand.
Transport for London has also announced a plan to roll out complete internet connectivity in both stations and tunnels by 2024.
Commenting on Vodafone’s recent move, Chief Customer Officer for TfL, Mark Evers, said: ‘It is great that Vodafone customers are now able to benefit again from free Wi-Fi at London Underground stations, which has been a massive benefit for those using the Tube for more than 10 years.
But where can you use Wi-Fi and mobile data on the Tube?
Here is what you need to know.
Where can you use Wi-Fi on the London Underground?
According to TfL, you can currently access Wi-Fi at the following spots:
- All Tube stations
- Almost all London Overground stations
- All Elizabeth line stations under central London
It is also available at the Victoria Coach Station.
This means you cannot connect to Wi-Fi while in the tunnels but can connect at the next station.
To do this, you’ll need to connect to EE WiFi-Auto, Wi-Fi Extra (for O2), Three_WIFI, or _The Cloud (in London Overground), with Vodaphone’s Wi-Fi offering now being added to that list.
Andrea Dona, Vodafone’s UK Chief Network Officer, said: ‘Our customers who regularly use the Tube have told us that having access to Wi-Fi is extremely important to them, so we’ve listened and reactivated the service on a new, more reliable system, that is easy-to-use and provides a seamless experience.
Where can you use 4G and 5G on the London Underground?
At the moment, the opportunity to use your mobile data is more of a mixed picture.
The Tfl website states: ‘Jubilee line customers have been able to connect to 4G on their mobiles since March 2020. The service runs in 8 stations and connecting tunnels from Westminster to Canning Town.’
‘Customers can also access 4G and 5G-ready mobile coverage on the Central line between Holland Park and Queensway and on the Northern line between Archway and Kentish Town, in ticket halls and platforms, as well as in tunnels between stations.’
However, TfL also has plans to expand mobile coverage to locations like all ticket halls, platforms, and tunnels on both the London Underground and Elizabeth line networks ‘by late 2024’.
If your phone is 4/5G capable, it should automatically connect to any spots where signal is available.
More information is available on the Transport for London website.
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