<img src="https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&amp;c2=6035250&amp;cv=2.0&amp;cj=1&amp;cs_ucfr=0&amp;comscorekw=London+Underground%2CLondon%2CRail+transport%2CGoogle+doodle%2CInternet%2CSearch+engines%2CGoogle"> Skip to main contentSkip to navigationSkip to navigation
London underground Google doodle
The London underground Google doodle. Photograph: Google
The London underground Google doodle. Photograph: Google

London underground's 150th birthday celebrated in Google doodle

This article is more than 11 years old
Search engine's six letter name spelt out on map of tube, which opened in 1863

A Google doodle in which the search engine's six letter name is spelt out in the shape of a London underground map has been created to celebrate the 150th birthday of the tube.

The first underground journey took place between Paddington and Farringdon on the Metropolitan Railway and although the seven original stations between Bishop's Road and Farringdon Street are all still in use, only Edgware Road and Baker Street retain their Victorian-era names.

Another 263 stations have been added over the years since 1863, while some 1.171bn passenger journeys were made across the entire network last year.

The cost of the original flat-rate fare of the Central London Railway, now the Central line, was 2d – earning it the nickname "the tuppenny tube".

London Underground, in partnership with London Transport Museum ,is celebrating the tube's birthday with a range of events and activities throughout this year.

Other fixtures for the year include a programme by Art on the Underground that will include a major commission by an acclaimed British artist, bringing artworks into every station.

More on this story

More on this story

  • Google celebrates Ella Fitzgerald with doodle on 96th birthday

  • Last night's TV

  • Saint George's Day marked by Google doodle

  • Douglas Adams's life celebrated by Google doodle

  • Herman Melville books a Google doodle slot in celebration of Moby Dick

Most viewed

Most viewed