Watch This: A Live Map of the London Underground That’s Strangely Addictive
If you’re someone who checks the Tube status even before brushing your teeth, we’ve got good news. A brand-new London Underground live map has just dropped and yes, it really does show where every single train is in real time.
Created using Transport for London’s open data, the map is the work of engineer Ben James, who’s managed to take something as everyday as the Tube and turn it into a mesmerising, oddly satisfying visual tracker. You’ll recognise the familiar squiggles of the Underground map, Central line in red, Piccadilly in deep blue, and so on. However, here’s where it gets interesting: along each line, you can now watch darker, moving lines representing trains gliding between stations. It’s all happening live.
You can even zoom right in and spot London landmarks in 3D, there’s the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, while trains quietly shuttle people underneath it all. It’s a bit like playing SimCity, except you’re watching real people, on real trains, in real time.
Click or hover over a train and you’ll get a pop-up telling you the exact model of the train, how far along its route it is, where it’s going, and, perhaps most impressively, when it’s expected at the next few stops, right down to the second. No more wondering how far off that Jubilee line train actually is while you’re sweating it out at London Bridge.
It’s not just fun for the data-curious or Tube-obsessed either. It’s useful. The map shows delays, holdups, and gaps in service as they happen, meaning you can see exactly where the holdup is before deciding to walk, re-route, or give up and get coffee. You’ll find the full interactive London Underground live map here.
It’s one of the clearest examples of how real-time data can make everyday London life that little bit smoother and a lot more interesting. And if your Easter travel plans are coming up, don’t forget to check for wider travel issues like the planned strikes at Gatwick Airport.
For now, whether you’re planning your journey or just fancy geeking out, this live Tube map is oddly captivating and a great excuse for a little harmless distraction at work.
For more updates on London’s transport systems, digital tools, and clever ways to make the city work for you, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
[Image Credit: Ben James]
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