When you factor in all those stops, delays, and the occasional person who asks if this train goes to Oxford Circus (it does), the average speed is much lower. Most tube lines crawl along at 20–25 mph overall. That’s slower than a tourist on a Boris bike, but hey—at least you’re reading a book or pretending to text someone important.
The fastest line by average speed? The Metropolitan line wins with a solid 27.4 mph. The slowest? The Bakerloo line, which ambles at a leisurely 16.5 mph, because it serves an almost-excusable amount of stops near tourist hotspots. It’s the tortoise of the tube family, and we love it for that.
Want a fun fact? The Victoria line is the only line that averages over 30 mph during peak times, thanks to its fancy automation. It’s basically the overachiever in the bunch—the one who brings a homemade kale salad to the picnic.
Speed Records and Near-Myths
Here’s a juicy secret: the fastest ever recorded Tube train hit 56 mph on a test run in 2012 on the Metropolitan line. That’s almost as fast as a field mouse on espresso. But don’t expect to feel that thrill on your commute—unless your commute involves a time machine.
There’s also a persistent rumor that the trains can go much faster, but they’re artificially slowed down to save power. Is it true? Sort of. Newer trains could hit 70 mph, but the tracks, tunnels, and safety rules say, “Nice try, buddy.” So they stay humble.
What's The Optimum Speed For London Underground Trains? | Londonist
And let’s not forget the Elizabeth line, the shiny new kid on the block. It runs at a cool 55 mph in its tunnels, and it’s so quiet you can hear a pin drop—or a commuter sigh in pure joy.
