Filming on the London Underground

Your application will usually need to include:

• Production details and crew size
• Proposed filming dates and times
• Equipment lists
• Risk assessments and method statements
• Public liability insurance
• Scripts, storyboards or scene summaries where required

TfL may request additional information depending on the scale of the production and the station involved. Some stations are far easier to access than others, particularly quieter stations or locations with existing filming arrangements.

Permits and Costs

Filming fees vary depending on crew size, station access, supervision requirements and whether exclusive use of an area is needed. Current TfL guidance notes that filming charges are assessed individually, with additional staffing costs applying for most shoots.

For larger commercial productions, hourly filming fees can quickly increase once exclusive platform access, train access, or overnight working is involved. Some specialist locations and closed sets are available for higher-budget productions.

Student and small crew permits are still available in some circumstances, particularly for handheld filming with minimal equipment. These permits come with tighter restrictions and are not automatically approved for commercial publication.

Insurance Requirements

TfL requires productions to hold public liability insurance before filming permission is granted. The level of cover depends on the size and nature of the shoot, though professional productions commonly require several million pounds of cover.

Productions may also need additional documentation for:

• Stunts or special effects
• Replica weapons
• Crowd scenes
• Electrical equipment
• Trackside access

Any production involving unusual activity or public disruption is likely to face additional scrutiny during the approval stage.

Filming Hours

Because the Underground is a live transport network, filming is normally restricted to quieter periods. Operational stations are generally available outside peak commuter hours, helping reduce disruption to passengers and station staff.

Weekday filming is commonly limited to:

• 10:00 to 15:30
• 20:00 to 23:30

Weekend access can offer greater flexibility, though engineering works frequently affect availability across the network. Overnight filming may also be possible at selected locations if arranged well in advance.

Productions should allow enough time for approvals, especially for larger shoots. TfL generally advises submitting applications several weeks before filming dates.

Equipment Restrictions

Safety rules on the Underground are strict, particularly in public areas and on operational platforms.

Flash photography is generally prohibited at the platform level, and tripod use is often restricted in busy areas due to passenger safety concerns. Large lighting setups, tracks and bulky rigging may require additional approval or specialist supervision.

Battery-powered equipment is strongly preferred across the network. Productions intending to connect to TfL power supplies must arrange approval in advance and may need a qualified electrician on site. Petrol and diesel generators are not permitted within stations or on trains.

Smaller crews using lightweight handheld equipment generally have a smoother approval process and are easier to manage within active stations.

Scripts and Brand Use

TfL reviews scripts and scene content before granting permission to film. Productions cannot portray illegal activity, dangerous behaviour, or content that could damage the Underground network’s reputation.

Scenes involving fare evasion, vandalism, drug use, violence or unsafe conduct are likely to receive additional scrutiny. Productions using TfL branding, Underground maps, station signage, or recognisable intellectual property may also require separate approvals or licensing agreements.

Early discussions with the Film Office can help identify any potential issues before a full application is submitted.

Closed Stations and Exclusive Access

Some of the most popular Tube filming locations are disused or partially closed stations that can offer productions far greater flexibility. Aldwych Station remains one of the best-known examples and has appeared in numerous films, television dramas and music videos.

Exclusive access locations can allow:

• Platform control
• Station dressing
• Larger lighting setups
• Controlled crowd scenes
• Train access
• Overnight filming

These locations are especially useful for productions requiring uninterrupted shooting time or complex technical setups.

London Locations Beyond The Tube

For productions seeking the look of London without the operational constraints of the Underground, alternative filming locations can often offer a more flexible option. Industrial spaces, tiled corridors, modern stairwells, brutalist architecture and period interiors can all recreate elements of the Underground aesthetic while allowing greater control over lighting, sound and crew movement.