London commuters know the familiar rumble and roar beneath the city’s streets, but new data reveals just how loud—and potentially harmful—those daily Tube journeys can be. As if navigating crowded platforms and unpredictable delays weren’t enough, regular riders on some of the capital’s busiest Underground lines are also being exposed to noise levels that exceed widely recommended health thresholds, raising fresh concerns about the hidden toll of city travel.
According to a detailed analysis of noise data from Transport for London (TfL), several major Tube routes routinely hit sound levels above 90 decibels, a threshold associated with a heightened risk of hearing damage after repeated exposure. The findings, reviewed by JRPass.com and obtained through a Freedom of Information request, spotlight specific stretches of the network where the din is not just noticeable—it’s potentially hazardous.
For context, normal conversation typically occurs at about 60 decibels. A jump to 90 decibels is akin to standing next to a motorcycle engine, being caught in heavy traffic, or mowing the lawn—none of which most people would choose to endure for extended periods, let alone twice a day on their commute. Yet, for more than 700,000 daily passengers on the Underground’s deep-level lines, this is a routine reality.
The data pinpoints the Green Park to Victoria section on the Victoria line as the network’s loudest, with an average noise level of 92.9 decibels. Not far behind is the stretch from Liverpool Street to Bethnal Green on the Central line, clocking in at 92.8 decibels. Highbury & Islington to Finsbury Park (Victoria line) and Highbury & Islington to King's Cross St Pancras (Victoria line) also make the list, with average noise levels of 92.1 and 91.5 decibels, respectively.
“The London Underground is one of the world’s oldest metro systems, and this data shows just how much noise levels can vary depending on where you’re travelling,” Daniel de Nieuwe, Head of Product at JRPass, told reporters. “People aren’t imagining it—some Tube stretches are averaging above 90 decibels. In those sections, even a quick conversation can turn into shouting.”
Guidance from occupational health experts suggests that exposure to noise levels around 92 decibels for more than 1 hour and 35 minutes can push a person over the recommended maximum daily noise limit. While most Tube trips are shorter, commuters who regularly traverse the loudest sections could rack up a significant portion of their daily noise exposure just getting to and from work. That’s before factoring in the cacophony of everyday life—think blenders, food processors, busy roads, or even boisterous children—that many encounter before or after their commute.
The Victoria and Central lines stand out as repeat offenders in the noise stakes, and it’s no coincidence. Both are deep-level lines that snake through narrow tunnels with tight curves, features that amplify the racket as trains barrel through enclosed spaces. Wanstead to Redbridge (Central line) and Brixton to Stockwell (Victoria line) are also among the loudest, registering 90.7 and 90.1 decibels, respectively. These figures help explain why noise levels can fluctuate wildly even within a single journey on the same line.
It’s not just about which line you take, but which part of the line. TfL’s own recordings reveal that noise varies dramatically by station-to-station section. Tunnel depth, curvature, train speed, and track condition all play a role in just how loud your ride will be. Two trips on the same line—say, the Victoria—can feel like night and day when it comes to holding a conversation or simply enjoying a moment of quiet.
While the physical infrastructure of the Tube is a major factor, the daily experience of Londoners is shaped just as much by operational hiccups and delays. On February 3, 2026, for example, commuters faced an especially trying evening rush hour as disruptions hit two of the network’s busiest lines. According to reports, the Victoria line suffered severe delays due to an earlier points failure at Walthamstow Central. The Central line, meanwhile, saw minor delays as a result of train cancellations.
With the evening rush typically peaking between 4pm and 7pm, these disruptions couldn’t have come at a worse time. TfL responded by accepting tickets on a range of alternative services, including London Buses, the Weaver line, the Suffragette line, Great Northern, Thameslink, and Greater Anglia. While all other Underground lines reportedly maintained a good service, the delays on the Victoria and Central lines underscored just how vulnerable the system remains during periods of peak demand.
For many Londoners, the combination of high noise levels and unpredictable service is more than just a daily annoyance—it’s a public health concern. Prolonged exposure to noise above 90 decibels has been linked to an increased risk of hearing loss and other health issues, particularly when combined with stress or fatigue. And while most commutes fall short of the one hour and 35 minute mark identified by experts as the threshold for daily exposure, repeated journeys through the loudest sections can add up over weeks, months, and years.
Efforts to address these issues are complicated by the very nature of the Underground itself. As one of the world’s oldest and busiest metro systems, much of the network’s infrastructure was designed long before modern noise standards came into play. Tunnel depth, sharp curves, and older track layouts all contribute to the high decibel readings recorded today. Upgrading these features is no small feat, requiring not only significant investment but also careful planning to avoid further disruption to passengers.
In the meantime, some commuters have taken matters into their own hands. It’s not uncommon to spot riders donning noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs, especially on the noisiest stretches. Others simply grit their teeth, raise their voices, or opt for alternative routes when possible. But as the data makes clear, the problem isn’t going away anytime soon.
For those who rely on the Victoria and Central lines, the message is clear: be prepared for a bumpy—and noisy—ride. As Daniel de Nieuwe aptly put it, “People aren’t imagining it—some Tube stretches are averaging above 90 decibels.” With more than 700,000 passengers traversing the loudest sections every day, the challenge of balancing convenience, safety, and public health is one that city officials can’t afford to ignore.
As London continues to grow and evolve, so too will the demands placed on its iconic Underground. The hope, for many, is that future upgrades and innovations will bring not just quieter rides, but a safer and more comfortable journey for all who call the capital home.