162 years ago today, on January 10, 1863 (November 21, 1862 lunar calendar), the first section of the London Underground opened to traffic, which was the first subway in the world. This file photo was taken in December 1940. The London Underground was used as a bomb shelter during World War II. On January 10, 1863, the first subway in the world - the London Underground ran. The earliest subway line in London was from Farrington to Bishop's Road.