London Tube Noise Levels Exceed Safe Limits on Dozens of Routes, Research Finds

New data from EAVE, an organisation focused on preventing avoidable hearing loss, reveals the extent of noise pollution across the London Underground network. Of the lines measured, 37 routes record levels above 85 dB, the widely recognised threshold at which noise can become harmful to hearing. A further 81 stations have noise levels high enough that protective equipment would be required for anyone working there in a corporate environment.

The single loudest section recorded was between Canary Wharf and North Greenwich on the Jubilee line, where EAVE measured a peak of 105 dB — a level the organisation likens to standing next to a helicopter taking off. The Victoria line was identified as the noisiest overall; the only stretch where noise briefly falls below 80 dB is between Euston and Warren Street. The Bakerloo, Central, Jubilee and Piccadilly lines all produced similarly poor results. Sub-surface lines fared better, with the Metropolitan line performing best and the District line also showing comparatively lower levels.

The data was gathered by EAVE team members during the Tube Challenge — an attempt to visit every station in the shortest possible time — undertaken to raise money for hearing loss charities, which means conditions were not entirely controlled, and some Metropolitan line data is missing.

EAVE founder and CEO Dr David Greenberg called the number of stages exceeding 85 dB "concerning" and urged hearing protection and signage as standard on affected lines. He noted that the World Health Organisation estimates unaddressed hearing loss costs the global economy US$750 billion a year. TfL, however, maintains its own guidance that tube noise is "highly unlikely to cause long term hearing damage."