16–36 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AP
Kingsway Tram Tunnel
Industrial heritage
Place photograph
7.0
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.0Opened in 1906 to connect north and south London’s tram networks, the Kingsway Tram Subway closed in 1952. More than half the tunnel reportedly survives, including original features, and guided tours explore the remaining tunnel and former tram station.
This is an unusual piece of transport infrastructure you can experience underground: a surviving tram tunnel and station beneath central London, with a story tied to the city’s former tram network. Entry is through a scheduled, ticketed tour rather than general walk-in access.
Atmospheric · Historic
Find your way
Open map16–36 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AP
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The experience
Explore the remaining tunnel and former tram station on a guided Hidden London tour. The supplied official page gives an approximate duration of 60 minutes; check the page for current dates, ticket details and booking availability.
Things to do
Explore the surviving tram tunnel
Join the guided tour into the remaining subway and learn how the route connected north and south London’s tram networks.
About 60 minutes
See the former tram station
The tour includes the former tram station as well as the remaining tunnel; check the organiser’s current tour information for what the visit covers.
Look for original tunnel features
More than half of the subway reportedly survives, complete with original features. Ask the guide to point out surviving details during the visit.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour
Quick Escape: Go underground
- 01
Book a London Transport Museum Hidden London tour of the Kingsway Tram Tunnel.
- 02
Meet at the location specified in your booking and follow the guided tour through the remaining tunnel and former tram station.
- 03
Check current tour dates, meeting-point details and ticket terms before travelling.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: Tunnel and transport museum
- 01
Take a booked Hidden London tour of the Kingsway Tram Tunnel; the supplied official page gives an approximate tour duration of 60 minutes.
- 02
If you want to continue the transport-history theme, use the tour ticket’s stated offer of half-price one-day entry to London Transport Museum within a month of the tour date.
- 03
Check current museum opening information and the offer’s terms with the official source before making plans.
Verified history
Built by the London County Council and opened in 1906 as part of a renewal programme for the Holborn and Aldwych areas, the Kingsway Tram Subway linked London’s extensive northern and southern tram networks. It closed in 1952 after 46 years of service. The London Transport Museum says more than half of the subway remains, including original features, and its tour visits the remaining tunnel and former tram station.
Hidden details
A tram route beneath the street — The tunnel was built to connect the north and south London tram networks, making it part of a wider city transport system rather than an isolated underground passage.
The former tram station is part of the tour — The official tour description says visitors explore both the remaining tunnel and the former tram station.
When to go
· Choose from the tour times currently offered by the organiser; verify the schedule before booking.
The supplied source describes scheduled guided tours rather than seasonal access. Current availability should be checked with the organiser.
Underground tour; weather and access arrangements are not specified in the supplied source. Check before visiting.
Worth pairing with
London Transport Museum
The tour ticket information states that it includes half-price one-day entry to London Transport Museum within a month of the tour date. Check the current offer terms and museum opening information before planning the visit.
What to look for
Notice the tram track and surviving original features highlighted by the tour. The official page also describes the former tram station and the tunnel’s role in linking the northern and southern tram networks.
The story
London transport history; tram networks and urban infrastructure
Best time to go
Not season-dependent; tours are scheduled. Check current availability before planning a visit.
Choose a tour time that suits your plans; the supplied official page lists scheduled daily times but advises checking availability. Confirm current details before travelling.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Groups
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10am-6pm
- Tuesday: 10am-6pm
- Wednesday: 10am-6pm
- Thursday: 10am-6pm
- Friday: 10am-6pm
- Saturday: 10am-6pm
- Sunday: 10am-6pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Access is by a London Transport Museum Hidden London tour; booking and a paid ticket are required. Check the official tour page for current availability and arrangements.
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Parking
Check before visiting; parking information is not established by the supplied sources.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The supplied source notes that the tour is not currently bookable for attendees aged 13 and under; ages 14–16 must be accompanied by an adult. Other accessibility details are not established; check with the organiser before booking.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Kingsway Tram Tunnel
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
