TfL Tube numbers soaring to pre-pandemic levels amid summer of major events across London

London’s Tube ridership figures have hit levels not seen since pre-pandemic as a summer of major events has seen public transport usage soar.

Central London stations are unsurprisingly seeing the biggest numbers, as gigs from Harry Styles to Blur and events such as Pride have drawn the crowds back to the city.

According to Transport for London (TfL), more than one million people attended live music across a week in July, while the Barbie and Oppenheimer premieres also drew in large crowds.

The authority added it is also expecting two million more international arrivals to visit London than last year, bringing an additional £674m.

While weekday ridership levels on the Tube and bus across London are regularly at around 80% of the numbers seen pre-pandemic, recent ridership data shows on three dates (April 29, May 27 and June 17), usage surpassed 2019 figures.

The Harry Styles Wembley Stadium concert on June 17 saw Wembley Park station have its highest ever number of Saturday entries and exits, at almost 134,000.

Blur’s gig at Wembley on July 8 meanwhile drew 120,000 entries and exits, while the London Pride parade on July 1 saw 6.9m entries and exits on the Tube network, the busiest Saturday since December 2019.

Last year, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, launched his Let’s Do London campaign, a major push to attract tourists back to the city. City Hall estimates it brought in an extra £346m and 850,000 more overnight visitors to the capital.

Mr Khan said: “London is roaring back this summer, with millions of tourists from around the globe and visitors from nearer afield joining Londoners using public transport to enjoy our incredible events and go to our world-renowned theatres, venues, galleries and museums.

“There is so much still to look forward to with a wide array of festivals, events, exhibitions and performances showing why London is the greatest city in the world.

“It will truly be a summer to remember, as we continue to build an even better and more prosperous city for everyone.”

London’s transport commissioner, Andy Lord, said: “London is once again bursting at the seams with things to do, and it is wonderful to see the city return to the same vibrancy it had before the pandemic.

“Public transport continues to be a vital part of London’s economic recovery, and just as there are events and festivals to suit all interests, there’s also a public transport option to suit your needs, whether it’s speed, cost or convenience that’s important to you.

“Our partnerships with top attractions across the city are also a great way to see and experience something new for less.”