You can ride a vintage 1930s train on the London Underground next month

Many a train have travelled beneath London streets since the Underground first opened more than 160 years ago. Back in 1863, steam locomotives chugged along the Metropolitan line. Then, as the Underground got deeper, more electric vehicles were rolled out and by 1960, the whole network was electric. 

Now, while we await the futuristic new trains promised for the Piccadilly line, London Transport Museum is is offering people the opportunity to ride the dark blue line on an actual art deco Underground train from 1938.

The restored heritage train will be running along the Piccadilly line from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13. Unfortunately, normal tube charges won’t apply and you can’t just tap in, tap out. If you want to ride the vintage vehicle, you’ll have to buy a ticket in advance. Prices vary according to each day (although all kids under three go free), so here’s a breakdown. 

On Friday, the train will take passengers on a return journey from Northfields and around the Heathrow loop via Terminal 4. With four services throughout the day, a ‘gold’ ticket for the front carriage is £30 for adults and £20 for kids, while a bronze ticket is £25 and £15. 

The following day, it’ll make three 90 minute return journeys from Acton Town to Uxbridge. That’ll be £27.50 if you want to sit in the front or back carriages (£17.50 for children), and £25 (£15 for kids) for the rest. 

On the final day of the train’s outing, you can hop on for one of two one-way journeys from Ealing Broadway to Cockfosters for £30 in the gold car (£20 for kids) or £25 in the bronze cars (or £15 for kids). You can book your spot on the train over on the London Transport Museum website. 

You’ll also be able to hop on a vintage double-decker bus for free this week. 

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