<P> The system 's first tunnels were built just below the surface , using the cut - and - cover method ; later , smaller , roughly circular tunnels -- which gave rise to its nickname , the Tube -- were dug through at a deeper level . The system has 270 stations and 250 miles ( 400 km ) of track . Despite its name , only 45 % of the system is actually underground in tunnels , with much of the network in the outer environs of London being on the surface . In addition , the Underground does not cover most southern parts of Greater London , with less than 10 % of the stations located south of the River Thames . </P>
<P> The system 's first tunnels were built just below the surface , using the cut - and - cover method ; later , smaller , roughly circular tunnels -- which gave rise to its nickname , the Tube -- were dug through at a deeper level . The system has 270 stations and 250 miles ( 400 km ) of track . Despite its name , only 45 % of the system is actually underground in tunnels , with much of the network in the outer environs of London being on the surface . In addition , the Underground does not cover most southern parts of Greater London , with less than 10 % of the stations located south of the River Thames . </P>
how many tube stations are there in london
how many tube stations are there in london
270
270