London Tourist Season Is Here – These Are the Tube Ad Formats That Really Work

All Aboard the Tourist Express!

London in summer? It’s magic. From selfie-snapping crowds outside Buckingham Palace to luggage-laden explorers mastering the Tube map—tourists are absolutely everywhere. And where do they all end up? Underground, of course.

The London Underground isn’t just the city’s transport lifeline—it’s an advertising goldmine. With millions of daily journeys and long dwell times in carriages, on platforms and escalators, it’s the perfect place to grab attention.

So, if you’re a brand looking to make waves this tourist season, here's your guide to the most effective London Underground advertising formats to capture that international footfall.

The Mighty 6-Sheet – Small But Seriously Mighty

If you’re after reach and repetition, the 6-Sheet is your secret weapon. These portrait posters are peppered across high-traffic corridors and station walls, popping up where tourists pause, wait, or check the map for the fifth time.

Why they work:

• Bright, bold creative catches the eye
• Long dwell times = brand messages actually sink in
• Affordable and versatile—ideal for short seasonal bursts

Want to amplify impact? Go digital with the Digital 6-Sheet version for animations, rotating creative, and dynamic updates based on time of day.

Escalator Panels – Riding High on Visibility

If you want eyeballs—and lots of them—Escalator Panels are a no-brainer. Whether digital or classic print, these ads line the ride between street and platform, turning a mundane journey into a mini brand experience.

Perfect for:

• Telling a visual story step-by-step
• Immersing tourists in your brand message
• Locations where escalators never stop moving (we’re looking at you, Oxford Circus)

Check out the animated flair of Digital Escalator Panels for that sleek, tech-savvy look.

Tube Car Panels – Speak While They Scroll

Here’s a secret: once they sit down, tourists scroll. Or... they stare at the wall.

That’s where Tube Car Panels shine. These in-carriage ads are nestled right in eye-line, giving you undivided attention for minutes at a time. That’s a long time in ad world.

Use them to:

• Build awareness with concise messaging
• Reinforce campaign visuals seen elsewhere in the network
• Make your brand feel like part of the London journey

Want to dive deeper into creative formats? Browse the full in-carriage advertising options we offer.

Station Takeovers – Go Big or Go Home

Sometimes subtle just doesn’t cut it. If you want to dominate a tourist-heavy hotspot like King's Cross, South Kensington or Leicester Square, nothing beats a Station Takeover.

These immersive campaigns wrap platforms, escalators, walls, and corridors in your brand. It’s bold. It’s unforgettable. And with tourists snapping everything in sight, it’s Insta gold.

Need help choosing the right location? Our Station Guide can help you pinpoint the perfect Zone 1 or Zone 2 hub for your campaign.

Digital Ribbons & Gateways – For Brands Who Like to Move Fast

Want to go futuristic? Consider high-impact Digital Gateways and Digital Ribbons. These ultra-modern LED displays wrap entrances and walkways in moving visuals, ideal for brands who want to make a sleek, dynamic first impression.

Whether you’re promoting West End shows, new gadgets, or must-have travel experiences, digital formats bring motion, energy, and real-time flexibility to your message.

Know Your Budget Before You Dive In

Wondering how much this will all cost? Good question. The price of a campaign can vary based on format, duration, and station location. We’ve broken it all down in this handy article: How Much Does It Cost to Advertise on the London Underground?

Spoiler alert: there’s a format for every budget.

Let’s Make Your Brand Part of the London Experience

Tourist season is here, and London is buzzing. With thousands of fresh eyes arriving daily, there’s no better time to make your mark underground. Whether you want quick-hit digital formats, bold takeovers, or cleverly placed tube panels, we’ve got the formats, insights, and local expertise to make it happen.

Ready to get started?

Contact our team today and let’s put your brand on the right track.

Explore more expert insights on our News Hub, or dive into all available advertising formats to start planning your Tube takeover.