London has been named Europe’s leading capital for nightlife and transport, in a new report marking 10 years since the launch of the Night Tube.
Nearly nine in 10 residents say public transport has encouraged them to stay out later, according to the study, titled London After Dark, produced jointly by Transport for London and Time Out.
The report follows Time Out’s analysis of 5,848 people across 26 European capitals, which ranked London first for its combined nightlife and public transport. It draws on a week-long study with around 200 Londoners and interviews with industry experts.
The Night Tube was launched on 19 August 2016, beginning on the Central and Victoria lines before expanding to the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines. Since then, Night Tube and Night Overground services have carried more than 67 million passengers. TfL said demand has grown steadily since the pandemic, with more than 81,000 journeys now made on an average night.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “I’m delighted that London is Time Out’s leading European capital; this is a testament to both its nightlife and its public transport, which includes the Night Tube. For the past decade, the Night Tube has been a defining feature of London as a world-leading 24-hour city – helping Londoners and visitors enjoy everything our great capital has to offer, and supporting our vital workers and businesses to boost our night-time economy.”
He added: “This report really brings to life how the Night Tube connects Londoners and visitors with our city’s incredible cultural offering, helping people discover new venues and events in new parts of the capital while ensuring they can travel home safely and affordably at any hour.”
The research suggests London’s night-time economy is becoming more diverse and dispersed. More than half of Londoners (55 per cent) believe great nights out are no longer limited to central London, while 77 per cent say knowing how they will get home is crucial in deciding where to go.
Coral Anderson, co-owner and managing director of Swift Bars, said: “At Swift, we see firsthand how important the journey home is to a great night out. When people know they can get home easily, they’re more likely to explore a new neighbourhood, stay for another drink and make the most of everything London has to offer.”
Claire Mann, chief operating officer at TfL, said: “London at night has changed significantly over the past decade, and the Night Tube has evolved alongside it, helping people travel to work, meet friends and enjoy everything the capital has to offer after dark. Ten years on, we’re proud of the role the Night Tube plays in supporting London’s businesses, workers, visitors and world-leading cultural scene.”
In 2016, more than 50,000 journeys were made on the first night of Night Tube operation. Today, Saturday nights are typically busier than Fridays, and the service is seen as critical on some of London’s busiest nights of the year.
The Tube does not reach every corner of the capital. Six London boroughs have no Tube station at all, most of them south of the river — and keeping the network running is becoming more expensive, with TfL facing a £6.5 billion repairs backlog.
