Does anyone else feel really uncomfortable about travelling on the underground?

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It makes me feel really uneasy, a bit like seeing holes in things makes me feel weird. The thought of being so far underground in a small dark tunnel in a fast moving train that may stop at any minute, or equally being above ground and feeling the ground shake while a tube train goes under where I'm standing. Sitting on an platform with a dark empty tunnel either end <shudders>
I'm working on it because I really want to travel around London - but I just feel so uncomfortable about it!

I hate it with a passion. I’ll do it because sometimes it’s just the best most efficient way to travel but I am always in a mild form of panic.

Doesn't bother me in the slightest but I know people who feel similar to you OP

I had a severe aversion to travelling on the tube after suffering a couple of panic attacks. Infact I refused to use it for at least 10 years and I live in London and worked in the centre at that time. I just got around by bus, bike and walking. It takes longer and a bit of forward planning but perfectly do-able.

I'm ok on the tube now and use it occasionally and have been on plenty of underground systems in foreign cities, but I don't get on really crowded carriages.

I definitely share this op. But after many years living in London it has almost melted away by daily exposure. Try training yourself, start with short trips and busy stations (I find they’re a bit less creepy) and build from there x

I enjoy it 😂

Try the metropolitan line first, it doesn’t really go that deep, and lots of area’s it’s above ground / in between buildings / under bridges. It’s also a lot more like a train than underground. The Victoria and Northern line are pretty deep so maybe advance to them once you’ve built your confidence up.
If you can’t manage the Met line, you could start with London overground which is largely overground but some stations are inside and it might help you get used to the stop / start motion.
I’d suggest fo avoid travelling in rush hour. You’ll find the trains extremely busy, and that is when I have experienced the most trains being held at a red light (in stations and tunnels) because they catch up with each other. Some of the deeper lines (Victoria) are also very loud too in certain places. It’s the sound of the train on the tracks, very normally but might make you jump if it’s a new sound, and so probably make the Victoria line one of the last trains you try.
Also, I am a regular in London and Bank station is SO confusing. I find it a lottery what exit I’m using so don’t plan to disembark there until your confidence is up as you might get stressed trying to find an exit.
P.s I almost forgot the new Elizabeth line which is such a nice experience. Very quiet and you barely feel you’re moving, it is deep but if you can conquer this you’ll have access to so much of London.

As with flying & the Eurostar, I don’t think about it too closely. Not using the tube would be far too inconvenient.

Make sure you’ve got something to keep you absorbed, a good book or something on your phone.

Take a bus. Takes a bit longer, but sit on the top deck and enjoy looking at London!

Yes, this is what I tend to do. I love seeing the sights and architecture of London. But if the weather's crap or I'm in a rush I'll get the tube. It's not my favourite experience but glad to hear I am not alone!

I've never even thought about it much, it's just a form of transport to me. I'd hate to be restricted to just buses though, sometimes journeys are 3x longer and I wouldn't have the patience for it.

Exactly, it’s fine if you’re just visiting but not if you live here!

I not too bad if I’m with someone, but can’t do it if I’m on my own. I can’t use lefts either.

I hate it too. I don't live in London but have visited frequently for work or pleasure. I have rarely used the tube, much preferring to be above ground so use buses, taxis (for work) or walk wherever possible.

I used not to mind it in my teens to thirties.

40 plus, I actively avoid it now. The sense of claustrophobia is so unappealing.

Not at all. Millions of people do it everyday.

Im 20 and you probably think therefore that I couldn't possibly understand your concerns, but I think I can.
I live on the outskirts of London and usually drive (I'm usually going AWAY from the centre) and myself and my bff (neighbour) are into old cars anyway. Sorry - irrelevant.
I just want to say that I HATE using the tube. Not only the difficulties you mention, but what if I need to pee? I know - illogical - I can't in a car, but somehow I feel more in control (of my surroundings and my waterworks) when I'm driving.

It’s possible to live & work in London & not use the tube, & I agree travelling above ground is nicer, but it’s pretty limiting unless you have lots of time.

I do like that my current commute is on the dlr rather than tube. But in general it doesn't bother me. Unless it's the northern line, which I avoid as much as possible.

I used to use it every day and it never bothered me. I used to Iike the rush of air coming out of the tunnel. But I developed claustrophobia to the point where I'd panic in a large supermarket. Couldn't get on a plane/in a lift. But I bought a hypnosis CD and am now pretty much over it. I've been on short flights - no problem - and even went on the Tube (with a friend to distract me) for two stops. But now I never put myself through that. Even Paris I went around by bus when the Metro would be so much easier. But you get the views!

I always feel like it's going back in time. The old pictures you see of people sheltering in the war.

I love the tube although when I lived in London my favourite was a little hopper bus that went from Camden to Kensington. Then I'd get a pastry and orange juice from a bakery.

I hate the really steep escalators and I spent years going out of my way to avoid them.

I was freaked out after the tube /bus bombings as had young kids which I think heightened my protective instincts/fear. Have got better over the years but don’t like the proximity to germs though!

I love the Tube. Most efficient transport system ever! Researching in advance helps - know your journey inside out and back to front so you know which line (and direction) and how many stops etc. It helps!

I loathe it
Luckily I very very rarely go to London and even more rarely do I use it.
I get confused about what I am supposed to be doing, its noisy, smelly, dirty, scary and I hate being underground.
I am in a state of mild panic the whole time but can do it with lots of deep breathing if I have to

I’m short, so hate it when people breathe on me or their armpits are in my face 😩
Other than that, I like it. It’s generally quick and efficient. But I can totally understand why some people don’t like it.