Today, 10th January, marks 160 years since the first Tube journey took place in London, between Paddington and Farringdon stations on what was then the Metropolitan Railway.

To mark the occasion, a celebration took place at Baker Street station, one of the original stations, where the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. met four London Underground staff who between them have completed 160 years of service in a range of roles.

The Mayor also unveiled a special 160th-year roundel, Love the Tube, that will be on display at stations across the network, including at Gloucester Road, Brixton, Oxford Circus, and Covent Garden.

Transport for London also announced that throughout 2023 it will hold a series of activities to mark the 160th anniversary. These will focus on the Tube’s innovation, its contribution to improving the environment, how it connects people and places, how it supports diversity and inclusion, and its unique and world-renowned architecture and design.

The first activity, on 21st January, will be a self-guided treasure hunt across all the original Metropolitan Railway stations, including Farringdon, Baker Street, and Paddington. The event will encourage participants to view the historic stations in a new light, and further details can be found at tfl.gov.uk/Tube160

Throughout the year, the London Transport Museum will support the Tube’s celebrations, with activities that will highlight its heritage and innovation. These activities will run alongside the museum’s permanent exhibitions, which allow visitors to explore how the Tube came to be the world’s first subterranean railway.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted to kick-start a year of celebrations as the world’s first underground railway – the Tube – marks its 160th birthday, unveiling a roundel at one of our oldest Tube stations, which celebrates London’s affection for our world-famous underground.

“The Tube is a true London icon, connecting people across the capital and transporting tourists and commuters across the city. On 10 January 1863, the world’s first underground railway opened, and from that day forward the London Underground has been at the heart of the capital’s history, continuing to grow and evolve alongside the city it transports.

“I’m so proud of the history of our Tube and I’m determined that the London Underground will continue to deliver a world-leading service fit for the 21st century, and contribute to a better, safer, and fairer city for all Londoners.”

Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “A milestone birthday gives us the perfect opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of the Tube and how it has expanded and improved to meet the needs of an ever-changing world city.

“During this time the Tube has breathed new life into unconnected parts of London and been the catalyst to many local economies. It also gives us the opportunity to look forward to the next raft of improvements and to continue planning to ensure that the Tube serves our city ably and efficiently for the next 160 years.”

Sam Mullins OBE, Director of the London Transport Museum, said: “The opening of the Underground in 1863 and its evolution over the past 160 years has continually shaped London. Deploying cutting-edge engineering, design, and service innovation, the Underground has kept the city on the move and given it the strong character we know today.

“The network has both responded to and promoted the growth of the city, spurred regeneration, connected communities, and made it accessible to residents and visitors alike. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Museum in Covent Garden to share this fascinating lens for London’s history.”

Sharon Ament, Director, the Museum of London, said: “All of us at the Museum of London wish the London Underground a very happy birthday! The Tube has had a transformative impact on our city for more than a century and a half. It’s a fundamental part of London’s DNA and of course, it keeps evolving; it reaches further, new lines are added, it modernises and as part of our day-to-day lives it keeps us connected. Above all it allows us to explore and enjoy everything London has to offer.”

Richard Burge, Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said: “Over a remarkable 160 years, the London Underground has become synonymous with London and is a crucial part of our capital city’s infrastructure. The Tube provides businesses with essential transport connectivity on a daily basis and where the tube goes, investment, innovation, and productivity follow.

“The Tube has played a major role in establishing London’s reputation as the best city in the world to start and run a business. Through continued investment and development, it will no doubt continue to boost London’s economy and connect Londoners for the next 160 years and beyond.”