The London Underground is internationally renowned for being the third largest (in terms of route miles) subway system in the world. January 9th marks 150 years since the first London Underground journey took place between Paddington and Farringdon on the Metropolitan line in 1863.

One of the Tube’s most notable features is the design of it’s network map. It is characterised by a non-geographical layout and the use of colour coding for lines. The map is now considered a design classic; virtually every major urban rail system in the world now has a similar map and many bus companies have also adopted the concept.

Tube map

There are many cultural references to the map, including parodies of it using different station-name. Here are a few of our favourites to celebrate 150 years of the London Underground.

Simple, but effective.

londonist1

Football Fans

Football London Underground

Local Life Expectancy

life-expectancy

Here at Maps International, we’re certainly not averse to the fun as well! Behold our very own Metro Subway Map of the World!

For more maps of London and other cities, you can browse our range of City Wall Maps in different styles.