Down under: The Tube may not always be the shortest distance between two points (Image: Getty)
There are millions of working age Britons for whom the London Underground is a daily consideration.
Some might say a necessary evil.
With its often unreliable trains, rush hour squeezes and the weird hot wind that whips through the tunnels, it's definitely a sign you're in the capital.
But did you ever stop to think that there may just be an easier way?
Some special shortcuts or tricks, tips to help you beat the beast that is London at rush hour?
Ponder no more, because here are the insider tips that everyone else knew but they just weren't telling you.
Don't believe everything you see
It's easy to look at the Tube map and think that it's realistic, but Harry Beck's map, created in 1931, shows the network's stations not in their geographic locations, but in position relative to one another so it is clear how to get from A to B.
So proceed with an open mind...
Get door savvy
Lines of power: The yellow paint is worn away where it's been stamped on by most feet (Image: Getty)
If you're on the platform, look for where the yellow paint is worn - voilà, that's where the doors open.
Speedy commuters sometimes don't need the Tube at all
This map shows the distance between the Tube stations, and is invaluable for everyone.
It was designed to show those working on planned engineering sites, and although the map's tangled, curved lines are confusing, it is useful for people want to get from one place to another on foot.
For example, it shows that while Monument and Bank are right up close, there is quite a trek between East Finchley and Highgate, and Covent Garden and Leicester Square are only a five-minute walk from one another.
This alternative tube map will show you if a journey is worth hopping off the Tube for.
Secret tunnels and corridors are everywhere
Landmarks of London: Piccadilly Circus is the home of, among other things, a secret spiral staircase (Image: Getty)
... If you know where to look.
In Leicester Square, ignore signs for the Northern Line and walk to the stairs directly at the end of the Piccadilly Line platform to change onto the Northern Line, according to GeoffTech.
If you arrive at Piccadilly Circus via the northbound Bakerloo Line, instead of following the signs for Piccadilly, use the spiral staircase halfway down the platform.
Also, there used to be a secret corridor at King's Cross. At the front end of the train on southbound Northern Line trains to Piccadilly Line platforms. Sadly when the station was rebuilt in 2009, they put gates across it.
There's an app for that
Tube exits: The hidden secrets of trains on the Underground (Image: Tube Exits)
Tube Exits helps you save valuable time on the Underground, no more delays following crowds and walking the length of the platform.
Creators says travellers can save around 10 minutes on the average journey during peak hour travel.
Tube Map has notifications for certain lines, you can, as well as viewing full status of all the different lines, live departures, and plan your route anywhere around the city.
Shortcuts are there for those willing to poke around
Crowd trouble: But you don't have to be a following sheep thanks to these tips (Image: Getty)
The winding, historic tunnels and corridors are the stuff of myth, but did you know there's a speedy way to change lines at Green Park? It's reportedly quicker to go up the escalator and then down the next one to your line instead of taking the corridor.
Stairs aren't always good for you
Covent Garden has 193 of them. you have been warned.
