plan a journey london underground

Route Planner

Alternative Route

Station information, lewisham station.

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Tube Map London Underground

Hardy commuters at waterloo..

Available free on iOS and Android

Official TfL Tube Map.

Including Night and Rail maps.

early-risers on the District line.

Live line status..

The latest info from TfL, including live departure boards.

families at Charing Cross.

Offline route planner..

The easiest way to navigate the Tube.

London’s favourite app for using the Underground.

Tube Map prepares you for the journey ahead with line status updates, real-time routing to anywhere in London and of course the latest official Tube Map from Transport for London. The award winning transport app features the iconic Harry Beck Tube Map which is easily recognisable to both local commuters and tourists. With a range of great features and the latest maps available every time there is an update, the Tube Map app is the simplest way to navigate the Underground when on the go.

Official Tube Map

Tube Map includes the latest official Transport for London map, based on the iconic Harry Beck design. The Tube network is constantly changing, from closed stations to the addition of entire lines (hello TfL Rail!) Download once and know that you’ll always have the latest Tube Map ready to go.

Line status and departure boards

Tube Map’s live status about every line on the TfL network. Whether it’s a closure on the Bakerloo line or delays on TfL Rail, you’ll always be in the know. Tap on a line for further information about any delays and what stations are causing the problem. Head to the Status & Departure Boards tab on a selected station to see departure times.

– Travel Guide –

Need help planning something to do in London or have questions about using the London Underground? Read the Mapway Travel Guide to London .

Journey Planner

Planning a journey to anywhere in London? Tube Map makes it easy! Plan journeys to and from postcodes, points of interest/tourist attractions and Tube stations. Realtime routes will avoid known delays so you can travel in confidence knowing that you’re going the quickest way. Tube Map’s route planner also works without an internet connection so you don’t have to worry about using up data!

Available free iOS and Android

Accessibility information.

View how accessible each platform is with ratings for those travelling with heavy luggage, a pushchair or using a wheelchair.

 – Travel Tip –

Don’t forget to tap out with the same card you used to tap in, or you might be charged more for your Tube journey.

Tube Map London Underground review on iTunes

Robroy060 | 6th december 2021, amir haqani | 17th october 2019, rydley | 2nd september 2019, – did you know –.

You should stand on the right when using an escalator on the London Underground or risk being frowned at by the locals!

– Travel Tip –

For more travel tips tap any station in Tube Map and click Information & Facilities. You’ll find some fun facts, travel tips and things to look out for!*

*Available on Android. Feature in development for iOS.

Additional features, first & last trains.

This handy in-app purchase is an additional feature that gives you the first and last train times for each service. For more information visit “Unlocked Features Explained” .

Want to know the quickest way off the Tube and out of the exit? This helpful in app purchase tells you which carriage to use to get out first. For more information visit “Unlocked Features Explained” .

Walking Routes

The walking routes shortcut is a map overlay that shows which stations are quicker to walk to and how long it will take.

Need to catch a ride once you get off the Tube? We’ve partnered with Uber to offer you a quick way to catch a ride once you’ve finished your journey.

Live Twitter Feed

In the side menu Tube Map includes a live Twitter feed with information from all of the official TfL accounts. These helpful tweets are packed with travel information and can be shown on the map view of the app.

Easy Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the London Underground for the First Time

If you have high anxiety like me, you’re probably wondering how to use the London underground for the first time.

The London tube system is massive and complex – where do you even begin? 

For anxious travelers like us, navigating a huge city like London can be overwhelming. If you’re worried about how to take the tube, you’re not alone.

I’m going to explain how to use the London tube: from maps to tickets to stepping on the train, I’ve got you covered.

Here’s my step-by-step guide for how to use the tube for the first time. 

Let’s start with the basics.

📖 London Underground Guide to Words and Phrases

Londoners use many of these common words and phrases when referring to the Underground.

Let’s look at the most common ones you will encounter and may need to understand.

• London Underground (or “The Underground”) : The official name of the public rapid transit system of London.
• Tube or “The Tube”: Nickname that has become the unofficial name for the London Underground. You can say either “tube” or “underground.” 
• Train: The trains that run within the underground network. Not to be confused with National Rail, which is the above-ground trains that run all over the UK. People usually say “I’m taking the tube” when they’re talking about the Underground, and “I’m taking the train” when making a longer journey out of London. 
• Carriage: the individual train cars that you board on the underground. A series of carriages make up the train. 
• Tap In/Tap Out: Touching your Oyster card or contactless payment card on the yellow card readers at the start and end of your journey to pay for your fare.
• Mind the Gap: A famous audible and visual warning to remind passengers to be cautious about the gap between the train door and the station platform.
• Oyster Card: A reusable, credit card-sized smartcard used to pay for journeys on public transport in London. It can be topped up with credit.
• Top Up: To add credit to your Oyster Card ( put more money on it either in the app or at a machine inside the station).
• Platform: The area in a station where passengers wait for the train.
• Lines: These refer to the different tube lines on the London Underground, each identified by its own name and color on the map. ( you might say “I’m taking the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden”) .
• Zone 1, Zone 2, etc.: The tube network is divided into fare zones (1-9) with Zone 1 in central London and higher numbers on the outskirts. Fares vary by how many zones you travel through.

Now that you know all the terms I’ll use here, let’s get into how to use the Underground!

🧭 How to Use the London Tube Map

The London tube map looks confusing, but it’s actually pretty simple. Every tube line is color coded, and every station is mapped with what lines connect through it.

If you’re visiting London, you don’t need to study or memorize the tube map.

Most travelers coming to London will have a mapping app (I like Citymapper the best ) that can tell you exactly where you are and where you’re going.

If you don’t have a phone or mobile data in London (I highly recommend you do!), then you can use the tube map to get around.

Alternatively, you can download maps within your navigation app when you’re on wifi, then use them when you’re out and about.

🧭 London’s Tube Lines Are Color-Coded

Each London Underground line has its own color so the routes are easily identifiable.

Follow your color through the station and onto the train. It’s that easy! (I’ll show you some photos from inside of a tube station and how to find the correct platform down below).

Just don’t call London’s tube lines “the blue line” or “the yellow line” – they are only referred to by their names.

🧭 Riding the Tube in London: Zones & Fares

The Underground’s zone and fare system is a bit more complicated, but for visitors, you don’t need to understand the whole thing.

The basic system is this: the transport zones categorizes areas of the London Underground by their proximity to Central London.

Zone 1 is the most central, Zone 2 is a bit further out, Zone 3 is even further out, etc.

Here’s what you need to know as a visitor about zones :

• The further out from Central London you go – the more zones you travel through – the more you pay in tube fare.

Here’s what you need to know as a visitor about fares :

• For each zone, there is a daily and weekly fare cap.
• If you’re using pay-as-you-go ( simply tapping in with a contactless or oyster card ), you’ll never pay more than the cap for the farthest zone you traveled to.
• The most central zones are cheapest, and the furthest zones are the most expensive, since you’re traveling farther.
• There are peak and off-peak fares, but these don’t affect the fare cap.
• You can use TFL’s Fare Finder to calculate a fare, or if you use Citymapper , it will tell you the price right in the app.

💳 How to Pay for Your Tube Ticket

Visitors to London can get overwhelmed by the amount of tube ticket varieties: daily or weekly Travelcards, Visitor Oyster Cards, single journey tickets, and more. It’s unnecessarily complicated.

✅ See my full guide to Oyster Card tourist options HERE. ✅

For MOST London visitors, you should just use Pay as You Go. That means simply tapping in and out with any any form of contactless payment .

Simply tap your phone or contactless card on the big yellow circle and the gate will open.

There’s generally no need to buy a ticket, an Oyster Card, or a Travelcard. These options are usually more expensive for visitors.

Tap again on the way out, and you’ll be charged the correct fare! When you use pay-as-you-go, you will automatically be capped at the daily maximum, no matter how many rides you take.

Make sure you have a different contactless payment method for each member of your party to avoid being drastically overcharged.

💳 Paying for the Tube When Traveling with Family or Groups

Don’t have enough contactless payment methods for everyone?

You can double the amount of contactless methods simply by adding your debit or credit card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or any digital wallet – those are counted as separate payment methods from the physical credit or debit card.

Keep in mind children under 11 travel free and don’t need any type of payment method, as explained in detail below.

For example:

• Traveler #1: Uses debit card A to tap in and out.
• Traveler #2: Uses Apple Pay connected to debit card A to tap in and out.
• Traveler #3: Uses physical credit card B to tap in and out.
• Traveler #4: Uses Apple Pay connected to credit card B to tap in and out.

💳 Do I Need an Oyster Card?

No. Unless you don’t have enough different contactless payment methods for everyone in your group, you don’t need to buy an Oyster card or any kind of travel pass or ticket.

Oyster Cards cost £7 for the card itself, along with however much money you want to load onto them. You can avoid this hassle by just using the contactless payment methods you already have.

However, if you’re traveling with children between 11-18, it may be smart to buy them an Oyster Card and have TFL staff apply the child discount to that card. Children’s fares are cheaper, but only using Oyster, and under 11’s travel free .

👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 How to Take the Tube with Kids

Riding the tube with kids under 11 is easy!

Locate the largest ticket barriers marked with blue signage.

Tap in with your contactless payment method, and the gate will open.

Your child or children walk through the barrier with you at the same time.

Do the same thing when you tap out at your destination. Done!

🚇 London Underground Guide: Exactly How to Ride the Tube for the First Time

Now that you know all about the maps, colors and payment methods, let’s go through exactly how to ride the London tube.

Have your mapping app and your contactless payment method ready for the journey.

✅ Step 1: Plan Your Journey

Riding the tube in London is easiest when you use a navigation app to guide you.

My favorite London navigation app is Citymapper , but you can also use Google Maps.

Plug in your destination, and the app will tell you which tube line you need and which station to catch the train at. 

Make your way to the station you need for your journey. 

Look out for travel alerts on your journey: an alert icon will come up if there are delays, strikes, or stoppages.

✅ How to Use the Tube for the First Time Step 2: What to do at the Station 

Once you reach the station, you will see a line of ticket barriers. If you have never gone through one before, just stand out of the way and watch what others do. 

When you approach the gate, have your contactless payment or Oyster Card ready.

Tap it on the big yellow circle and the gate will open. The little electronic display will tell you how much the fare is and the balance left on your Oyster Card (if you’re using one). 

Go through the gate and look for signs to the line that you need. 

✅ How to Take the Tube Step 3: Finding Your Train 

In your navigation app, find out which train line you need. They are all color coded : follow signs to the correct color. 

Going down the escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left.

DO NOT stand still on the left hand side of the escalators; this will block people who are going down the escalator in a hurry. 

At the bottom of the escalators, there will be more signs.

Look on your app to find out which direction your train is going (Northbound, Southbound, Eastbound, or Westbound). 

Locate the direction you need and follow the signs.

At some point you will reach a sign that has all of the stops that your train is going to. Make sure your stop is on that sign, and if it is, you can be sure that you’re taking the correct train !

✅ Riding the Tube in London Step 4: On the Platform 

Wait on the platform (well behind the yellow line) until your train arrives. There will be an electronic reader board that tells you when the next trains are arriving. 

When the reader board flashes, that means the train is approaching. Stand back. 

The doors will open, and passengers will get off. When no one else gets off, you can board the train. 

As the train approaches, it may be loud coming through the tunnel and you may feel a big gust of wind. There may also be a squeak as the brakes engage. 

You will hear and read the common warning “mind the gap”: this means to be aware of the gap between the train and the platform. Some gaps are big, and some you won’t notice at all.

✅ How to Use the Tube for the First Time Step 5: Finding a Seat 

You can sit in any open seat, including seats for disabled, elderly, or pregnant passengers, as long as no one else needs the seat.

If someone boards the train who needs that seat, make sure to get up and offer it to them. 

If the train is very crowded, like during morning and evening rush hours, you may need to stand and hold on to a railing. 

✅ London Underground Guide Step 6: Getting off the Train

Stops are announced both over the speaker and on the screen.

You can also look out the windows when you’re entering the station to see which station it is on the roundel logos (the red/blue circle logo that signifies the London Underground). 

Once you’re at the correct stop and get off the train, look at the signage.

If it’s your destination station, look for the exit signs. 

Once you step off the train, pull over out of the way to look at the signs directing you to where you need to go.

If the station is very crowded, just wait a minute by the wall. The passengers will clear out and you can more easily find the signs you need.

If you’re transferring to another line, look for the signage to that line. Transferring may involve more escalators, lifts, and walking through the station.

Just keep following the signs to the line you need, then repeat the same as above when you found your first train. 

✅ Riding the Tube in London Step 7: Exiting the Station

If you’re using Citymapper , it will tell you which station exit is best (if the station is large it may have multiple exits). 

Follow the exit signs, and tap out with the same card you used to tap in. Make sure you use the exact same card so that the fees will be charged correctly. 

If from here you want to connect to a bus, read my guide on how to catch a London bus.

Etiquette for Riding the Tube in London

There are lots of subtle courtesies Londoners use when riding the tube, but as a visitor, these ones are the most important for you to follow.

• Have your contactless card ready at the barriers. Don’t block the barriers while fumbling to take out your card, especially if the station is very busy.
• On escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left. Do not block the whole escalator – many, many people walk on the escalators (on the left) instead of standing still.
• Don’t be oblivious to someone who needs a seat. You can sit in the priority seats if no one needs it, but if anyone enters the carriage who needs it more than you do, give them your seat.

How to Use the London Underground for the First Time: Final Tips 

Using the London Underground for the first time might seem daunting, but with this step-by-step guide, you can confidently explore the city.

It’s absolutely the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to get around in London.

Simply plan your journey in advance, use contactless payment, and follow the signs within the stations. If you get lost, ask any Underground employee for help!

Remember, London’s Underground is a safe, efficient, and exciting way to see the city, so take a deep breath, embrace the adventure, and enjoy your journey!

More on Navigating London

The Best Oyster Card Tourist Options to Save Money

How to Catch a Bus in London for the First Time

Where Can I Charge my Phone in London? Local’s Ultimate Guide (2024)

What NOT to do in London: The Truth About these 15 Tiring Tourist Traps

The Ultimate London Underground Quiz: Can you Pass? 

How to Travel in London During a Tube or Rail Strike

The Best Navigation App for London to Download Now 

How to Use Google Maps in London

The Best Free Viewpoints in London 

How to Use the London Tube: FAQ

How do i use the london tube ticket machine.

The ticket machines in every station are very easy to use. First select your language, then follow the prompts. If you need help, TFL staff are always happy to assist you.

Does the Tube always come from the left?

For the most part, yes, but not always. Tube trains run on the left hand track (tracks are like a road underground; there are left tracks and right tracks) so they generally enter the station from your left when you are standing on the platform. But this isn’t true for all stations. 

Do I need a card for the tube?

Not necessarily. You just need some type of contactless payment method. 

Do I need an account to use contactless on the tube?

No. Just use your contactless card or digital wallet on your phone to tap in and out. There’s no need to register an account! 

Does the tube take cash?

No. The London Underground only uses contactless payment methods at the ticket barriers.

You CAN use cash to purchase an Oyster Card at some ticket machines inside stations, but not all ticket machines accept cash.  

Is it cheaper to use Oyster card or contactless?

The rate you pay for your journey will be the same whether you use Oyster or contactless. But if you buy a physical Oyster Card, it costs £7 for the card, not including any money you put on it.

If you have a contactless card for each member of your party, there is no need to purchase any Oyster Cards. 

Is the Tube faster than the train?

The tube and train are two different things. The “tube” refers to the London Underground network. The “train” in London is referring to National Rail, which are trains that run to and from London.

You will rarely have a journey where you can take either the tube or the train to the same destination; it’s usually one or the other. 

Can you just use a debit card on Underground?

Yes, as long as it’s contactless. You’ll know if you have a contactless card by the chip on the front of the card.

If your card does not have a chip, it is not contactless and you will need to either set up a digital wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Wallet) to tap in and out of the tube, or purchase an Oyster Card. 

What is the cheapest way to use the Tube in London?

Fares vary by zone: which zone you start in and how many zones you travel through. There is no “cheapest” way for a single journey: the cheapest way is simply to use a contactless card to tap in and out (always use the same card).

Never buy a travel card or a single journey ticket at the ticket machines. These are rip offs. 

What to do if you forget to tap in on the tube?

It’s unlikely that you’d forget; you won’t make it through the ticket barriers unless you tap in and out. 

What is the cost of a day Travelcard in London?

Travelcards start at £15.20. The daily fare cap is usually less than this , so don’t buy a travelcard. 

Do all tube stations have ticket machines?

Yes, every tube station in London has a ticket machine. Rarely they will be out of order and you will need to find one somewhere else.

What happens if I touch in with one contactless card and touch out with another on the same journey?

You’ll be charged for two incomplete journeys. Always tap in and out with the same card. 

Can 2 people use the same contactless card on the tube?

If you each have different physical cards on the same bank or credit account, that’s fine: you have two different cards. But you can’t tap in with the card then hand it to the person behind you to tap in, too. That would really mess up the prices and you’d be overcharged. 

How do I pay contactless without a card?

If you don’t have your physical card with you, you can set up a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Wallet. If you don’t have a credit or debit card at all, purchase an Oyster Card.

Can you bring food on the tube?

Yes, but try not to bring really smelly foods (a tunafish sandwich, for example) or messy foods. 

Do I need to register my contactless card to use on underground? Do I need to register my debit card for London Underground?

No, just tap in and out. No need to register for anything. 

Can I just tap my card on the tube?

Yes! If it’s a contactless card, just tap in and out with the same card. 

Can I charge my phone on the London Underground?

The Elizabeth Line is currently the only line that offers charging ports on trains, but many stations offer charging stations and battery rentals.

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• Places to Visit
• Sightseeing
• Practical Tips
• Where to Stay

How to use the London Underground

Despite Londoners’ moans, it’s a good service considering it’s the world’s oldest underground system.

There are 12 separate colour-coded lines (including the Docklands Light Railway) that run in northbound, southbound, eastbound or westbound directions.

You’re never far from an underground station in central London – they’re pretty easy to spot.

The new Elizabeth line is actually a train running east to west through central London.

Tube maps and journey planners

View a Tube map or download a PDF version .

Free pocket-sized tube maps are available from underground stations.

The TFL Go app has a ‘live’ tube map, which makes it easy to locate your closest tube station (if location services is turned on), and find the next departure times.

The CityMapper app has a tube map which shows the zones.

Journey planners

If you can’t work out which route to take by looking at the tube map, or if you want door-to-door instruction, see our guide to planning journeys in London .

How to find the right platform

The direction will normally be obvious by looking at the tube map, but if it’s not — here’s what to do:

• Before going through the ticket barriers, or just after the barriers at some stations, look at the destinations list signs to find the tube station you’re travelling to.
• Your destination will be listed on a sign that gives you the direction (eastbound, westbound etc.) at the top.
• Follow the signs and check you’re on the right platform by looking at the destination list on the platform wall.

If you do travel the wrong way, don’t worry, just get off the train and change platform. You won’t pay anything unless you go through the ticket barriers and leave the station.

Some lines have different branches. For example, the westbound Piccadilly line goes to Heathrow, Rayner’s Lane or Uxbridge. Check the display on the platform to make sure you take the right train. You don’t want to end up in Rayner’s Lane if you’re catching a flight from Heathrow.

Tube timetables

The tube does not run to a strict timetable during the day, but you won’t wait long. Most tube trains within central London run every few minutes or so.

If you need more precise information on departure or arrival times, the TfL Journey Planner has a ‘leaving’ or ‘arriving’ option.

Tube first and last times

The first tube trains start running from around 5.00–5.30am. The last tube trains leave central London around 12.30am (see the Night Tube below). Most trains start at least an hour later on Sundays.

The exact start and finish times vary according to each individual underground line. Posters at tube stations give the first and last train times from that station. Alternatively, check the tube timetables on the TfL website for the exact times.

If you need to travel after the tubes have finished, take a bus . Some routes run for 24 hours. If they don’t, there are special night buses.

The Night Tube

There is currently a 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays on the following lines:

Some stations on these lines are not served, so check the TfL website before travelling.

The rush hour

There is a morning and evening peak on the underground when the tube trains, tube stations and platforms are extremely busy. The peak times for travel are roughly 7.45am–8.30am and 5.00pm–7.00pm Monday–Friday.

During these busy times you won’t have much room to stand and you definitely won’t find a seat, especially in central London. If you can, wait until after 9.30am before starting your journey.

The TfL Go app tells you if a station is busy or quiet.

Check for delays

You can check if the underground is working normally or if there are any delays on certain lines on the status updates section of the TfL website.

Check for planned engineering work at the weekend

The underground network is being modernised. Engineering work is carried out at weekends and Bank Holidays and sometimes whole sections of the tube are out of action.

When this happens, a replacement bus service run and underground tickets/passes/oyster cards are accepted on the bus. The replacement buses follow the route of the underground line, stopping outside each station, but it might be quicker to travel to your destination by another bus route.

Check TfL’s service update  if you travel by tube or the ELizabeth line at the weekend, especially if you plan to travel to or from Heathrow airport.

Related pages

• Guide to London transport tickets and passes
• Underground tickets and Travelcards
• Oyster cards
• Contactles cards

Last updated: 14 February 2023

Getting around London

• How to use the London underground
• How to use London buses
• London cycle hire scheme
• Walking in London
• London trains
• London taxis & minicabs

Useful information

• Plan your journey
• London transport zones

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How to Use London Underground: A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

The London Underground, affectionately known as the ‘Tube,’ is more than just a transit network; it’s an iconic part of the city’s heart and history. I have used the London Underground countless times and it is my favourite mode of transport to move around the city.

As a tourist, understanding the Tube is key to unlocking the full potential of your London adventure. The Underground connects you to the most iconic sights in the city.

Now, as you go on this journey, keep in mind some cultural nuances. Londoners value their ‘ Tube etiquette ‘ – things like standing on the right side of the escalator and allowing passengers to alight before boarding. These small gestures go a long way in blending in and experiencing the city authentically.

Understanding the London Underground System

Planning your journey, purchasing tickets and oyster cards, how to use the london tube:, accessibility features of london tube:, safety and etiquette rules of the tube:, exploring london’s attractions by tube, tube’s common challenges and solutions.

Alright! Let’s delve into the world of the London Underground, a system that’s not just about trains and tunnels, but also rich in history and culture.

Now, let’s talk about navigating this sprawling network. The Underground is split into nine zones , radiating out from the heart of London. Zones 1 to 3, often called Central London are where you’ll find the big-ticket attractions, while the higher numbers take you further afield.

But why should you care about zones? Simple: they determine your ticket prices. Traveling across more zones usually means a higher fare, so understanding this system can be a real wallet-saver.

Each Underground line has its distinct flavor. Let’s start with the classics: Circle Line (Yellow) , looping around central London like a yellow ring, and the Piccadilly Line ( Deep Blue) , your gateway to landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the British Museum.

Then there’s the Central Line (Red) , slicing through the city, perfect for shopaholics heading to Oxford Street. Each line is a different color on the map, making it a breeze to follow your route.

Beyond the main lines, the London Underground offers lesser-known routes that are treasures in their own right. The Jubilee Line (Grey) , with its sleek, silver trains, is a perfect route for history buffs heading to the Tower of London.

Meanwhile, the Hammersmith & City Line (Pink) takes you through the heart of London’s vibrant arts scene. Stops near the famous Tate Modern and the eclectic markets of Portobello Road are perfect for those who love culture and quirky finds. Then there’s the District Line (Green) , offering a direct route to Kew Gardens , an oasis of tranquility and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Not to be overlooked is the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) – Two Green Lines , providing a futuristic journey through London’s regenerated Docklands area. Here, you can enjoy stunning views of the modern skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.

Each of these lines not only connects different parts of the city but also encapsulates different aspects of London’s diverse character and history. As you plan your journey, consider venturing beyond the well-trodden path to uncover these hidden gems of the Underground.

Next, let’s chat about planning your Underground adventure to go from point A to B within the city. Our main goal here is not to get lost and make your journey longer than it should be.

Remember, if you are crossing the whole London via Tube (East to West), it can take you around or more than 2 hours!! Believe me, I tried it! It was probably the longest train/tube ride I have ever done.

First up, your secret weapon: the Transport for London (TfL) website and the TfL Go app . These tools are like having a personal guide in your pocket. With just a few taps, you can map out your entire journey.

You’ll get a list of options with the estimated travel time and even walking directions to and from stations, which can be very convenient for tourists on the go.

Some Underground stations have no mobile data network, however, the TFL and mobile networks are working towards providing coverage within the whole Underground network or you can connect to their free Underground public WIFI.

Now, let’s decode the London Underground map ( You can download it here for free ). At first glance, it might look like a colorful bowl of spaghetti. But fear not! Each line is color-coded, making it easy to track your path.

The stations are marked as dots along these lines, and the interchange stations, where you can hop from one line to another, are highlighted with a special symbol. It’s like connecting the dots in a vibrant puzzle.

Navigating rush hour can be a bit of a challenge, but I’ve got you covered. The busiest times are typically from 7:30 to 9:30 AM and 5:30 to 7:30 PM. If you can, try to travel outside these hours it’s a bit quieter and more relaxed.

If you do find yourself traveling during these times, don’t worry. Just be prepared for a more crowded experience and remember, it’s all part of the authentic London adventure.

Now, let’s the world of tickets and Oyster cards. Think of it as a treasure hunt where the prize is the most cost-effective way to travel around this magnificent city.

First, let’s talk about your options. You’ve got pay-as-you-go Oyster Card , Travelcards , and contactless payments – each a trusty companion on your Tube travels, but with their special powers.

Pay-as-you-go Oyster Card is like your flexible friend; you only pay for the journeys you make and then will stop on your daily cap. Then there’s the Travelcard, a sort of ‘all-you-can-travel’ pass for a set period. Contactless payments? Well, that’s just using your bank card or a Travel Money card like Wise like a magic wand to tap in and out of the gates.

BEST TRAVEL MONEY CARD

If you are looking for a reliable, safe, and convenient travel money card that has different currencies in one app and card, I highly recommend Wise Travel Money Card . They have the best forex rates and minimal fees plus transfer your money in an instant.

So which one is the best? I wrote another article that can discuss this in full detail you can read it here — Contactless, Travelcard or Oyster card: Which is Cheaper and Best for Tourists .

Now, let’s get into the heart of the London travel game – the Oyster card . This little blue card is your golden key to the city. You can pick one up at any Tube station, and topping it up is a breeze.

Just find a ticket machine, choose how much to add, and you’re ready to go. It’s like loading up a gift card for yourself but for trains and buses! You can also keep it as a London souvenir after your trip.

For my savvy tourists out there, here’s how you can save some pounds. The Oyster card has a daily cap, which means once you hit a certain amount, you won’t pay a penny more for the rest of the day.

It’s like getting a bonus round in a video game! And don’t forget to look into special passes like the Visitor Oyster card, which offers additional discounts on attractions and dining. For more tips, check out my budget travel tips in London .

Using the Underground – Practical Tips

As we continue our adventure through the London Underground, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of actually using this iconic transit system. Think of it as a backstage pass to the most efficient way of zipping around London!

First things first, let’s walk through using the Tube, step-by-step:

• You’re at the entrance of a Tube station.
• Have your Oyster card, travel Card, or contactless payment card at the ready. If you need to top-up (put credits on your Oyster card) you can do so at the machines before the tube’s barrier gate.
• You tap it on the yellow card reader or for Travel cards, insert it into the ticket slot at the gate, and hey presto, the barrier opens!

Now, you’re in the labyrinth of the Underground. Follow the signs to your desired line – they’re color-coded to match your map. Look for the arrows pointing you toward the right platform, especially at larger stations where multiple lines intersect.

It is important that you familiarize yourself with the tube system, and where in London you want to go. Getting your bearings on North, East, West, and South would be tremendously helpful in navigating your way within the London Underground network. Otherwise, you can get lost here pretty quickly!

For those who might need a little extra help, the London Underground is continuously improving its accessibility features. Many stations now have lifts, ramps, and tactile paving to assist travelers with disabilities.

It’s always a good idea to check the Transport for London website for the latest accessibility information for specific stations. It is marked with an Accessibility icon (♿︎) next to the station name. You can check the image above for the Index to London Stations.

Now, let’s chat about safety and etiquette – the unspoken rules of the Tube. One golden rule? Stand on the right side of the escalators, leaving the left side free for those in a hurry.

On the platform, mind the gap between the train and the platform edge – it’s a bit of a London catchphrase for a reason! It is also imperative to let the people off the tube first before pushing your way into the Tube. When this unwritten rule is violated, British people find it so rude!

And remember, no matter how packed the train is, it’s always good manners to offer your seat to someone who might need it more than you.

Moving on, let’s embark on an adventure exploring London’s most iconic attractions by the trusty Underground. Imagine zipping around the city, hopping off at stations that lead you straight to the doorstep of history and culture.

Sounds exciting, right? Let’s dive into an example itinerary for a day packed with exploration and fun.

Start your journey at Buckingham Palace . If it’s summer, you might be lucky enough to peek inside the Staterooms, you can book this tour for that . You check out my experience review of the Buckingham Palace Staterooms tour when my husband and I visited it last summer.

Just a short walk through the splendid St. James’ Park, and you’ll find yourself gazing at the architectural marvel of Westminster Abbey . Remember to book a guided tour to fully appreciate its grandeur.

🚇 Nearest Underground: Green Park and St. James’s Park. I wrote another article about 5 Ways How to Get to and Nearest Tube to Buckingham Palace .

Next, take a stroll to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben . Fun fact: Big Ben is the name of the bell, not the tower! There is also a guided tour of the House of Parliament worth doing to see around the iconic political heart of Britain.

From here, it’s a hop, skip, and a jump to the London Eye . If you fancy a bird’s-eye view of the city, make sure to book a spin at this iconic London attraction .

🚇 Nearest Underground: Westminster

Now, let’s weave through the streets to Trafalgar Square , followed by the vibrant Leicester Square for West End shows and the dazzling lights of Piccadilly Circus . These places are perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots! Continuing the journey, you’ll reach the charming Covent Garden, a haven for foodies and shoppers alike.

🚇 Nearest Underground: Charing Cross, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus

After refueling, head towards St. Paul’s Cathedral . Its magnificent dome is a sight to behold.

🚇 Nearest Underground: St. Paul’s

Next up, London Bridge and the historic Tower of London , where you can delve into centuries of British history. And don’t miss the chance to visit Tower Bridge , where you can explore the museum inside.

Fancy a view from the top? The Shard’s viewing deck is your go-to spot. For naval history enthusiasts, HMS Belfast is a must-visit. And for a unique twist, consider a River Cruise along the Thames. It offers a picturesque view of the city’s landmarks from a different vantage point.

🚇 Nearest Underground: London Bridge, Monument and Tower Hill

If time allows, there are more gems to uncover. Oxford Circus buzzes with shopping excitement, while the British Museum offers a dive into the past, and it’s free!

🚇 Nearest Underground: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Road Court, Holborn, Goodge Street and Russell Square

Remember, this itinerary is ideal if you’re content with a quick stop and photo opportunity at each landmark. If you wish to delve deeper into each attraction, you’ll need more time. Always book in advance to snag those online promotions. You can check out more examples of a one-day itinerary in London .

Finally, let’s tackle some common challenges you might face while navigating the Underground and how to smoothly sail through them. Think of it as learning some secret spells to magically solve any Tube trouble!

First up, service disruptions – they can be a bit like unexpected plot twists in your travel story. Maybe there’s maintenance work, or perhaps a signal’s gone on a bit of a holiday.

But fear not! The key is to stay informed. Check the TfL website Status Updates or the handy apps before you set off. They’ll give you real-time updates on all lines, so you can reroute your journey if needed.

Now, let’s talk about a traveler’s mini-nightmare: lost property. Imagine you’ve left your bag on the Tube, and it’s now traveling solo across London. First, don’t panic. Items found on the Underground are sent to the Lost Property Office .

Head to the TfL website to report your lost item . It’s like sending out a search party for your beloved belongings.

Sometimes, you might need a helping hand, and that’s totally okay. If you’re ever in doubt or need assistance, the staff at Underground stations are your go-to heroes. Look for anyone in a TfL uniform – they’re usually near the ticket barriers or wandering the platforms.

They’re like friendly guides in the labyrinth of the Underground, ready to help with directions, accessibility information, or even just to answer a curious question about London.

Always keep an eye on the departure boards for real-time updates and listen to the announcements. They’re not just background noise; they’re the voice of the Underground, keeping you in the loop.

So there you have it! With these tips up your sleeve, you’re more than ready to face any challenges the London Underground might throw your way. Embrace these solutions, and you’ll be zipping around London like a pro in no time!

Have you ever experienced the London Underground before? Tell me your story about your experience in the comment section below.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everything Zany

Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British–Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in the Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our mission is to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.

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Tube Map - London Underground 4+

Tfl map and journey planner‪.‬, mapway limited.

• #119 in Navigation
• 4.7 • 16.3K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

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Description.

Tube Map is the award-winning navigation app that includes the official TfL (Transport for London) Tube Map. Tube Map - London Underground works both on and offline and is the #1 Tube Map with over 22 million downloads! Key features: Uses the official TfL iconic Harry Beck London Underground map design. Includes additional map views for the TfL Night Tube and Rail Network. Plus a bonus map that we have created that is more geographical.  An easy to use journey planner that works with and without an internet connection. Check line status for delays, closures and service changes. See what time the next Tube is due with live departures from TfL. National Rail arrivals and departures. Journey planning made easy with real-time routing around closures and delays. Use step-by-step directions in the journey planner to find your way around London. Save your favourite routes for quick selection when on the go. Save your Home and Work stations for up to date station, line and route information. Find your closest Tube station wherever you are in London. Tube Map – London Underground Apple Watch app available. Line status widget Travel Guide Exclusive features also available; First & Last Tube Times, Tube Exits, Premium Line status widget and Priority Support. NEW - Remove advertising subscription With over 60 million downloads worldwide, there's a Mapway app for many of the busiest transport systems in the world including New York Subway, Paris Metro, Bus Times London and Berlin Subway. Plan. Route. Relax. Please note: whilst we endeavour to ensure that Line Status notifications are delivered in a timely manner we can’t guarantee this 100% of the time. There may be occasions when the functionality isn’t available due to technical reasons outside of our control. Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. Tube Map Premium available as an in-app subscription: 99p weekly, £3.99 monthly or £9.99 annually, or as a one-off purchase of £24.99. Prices may vary by location. Cancel at any time, for any reason. Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, at the cost of your chosen price tier. Subscriptions can be managed and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to Account Settings in your iTunes Account. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when a subscription to that publication is purchased, where applicable. Read our terms in full at https://www.mapway.com/terms-conditions/

Version 7.3.6

Thank you for downloading the app. We regularly update the app to make it better for you. This release includes an updated map and some bug fixes and improvements for you. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, just keep your updates turned on. Got a question? Tap Support in the About section in the app.

Ratings and Reviews

16.3K Ratings

Great app for London Tube travel

Just got back from our first trip to London and using this app made getting around London to see the sights via the tube so much easier. It can show you the nearest tube station to your location and all you do it put in the location of the station you will be starting from and where you want to go and it does the rest. Gives you what t train to take and tells you what stop to get off. If you have to switch trains, it tells you the stop you get off ti switch the train and the next train to take and what stop for your final destination. This was great and the tube is so nice to use to travel around London. Highly recommended to anyone going there and planning ti use the tube. Much, much less expensive than a taxi.

Developer Response ,

Hi. Many thanks for the five stars and comprehensive review. Best regards, Team Mapway

Huge Timesaver

I used this app extensively on our recent trip to London. The route feature tells you exactly which lines to take and where to change lines. For a small fee it even can tell you which exit to take and whether to try to sit near the front or middle of the train (the fee was well worth it in my opinion). I did not find the adverts overly distracting. A cool feature is that once you've plugged in your route, you can switch over to a familiar Underground map and it will highlight your stations so you know where you are in the city/system. 5 stars from me. I downloaded another paid London map app that was worthless but this app is fantastic. Thank you for making my trip much, much easier!

We have loved reading your comments thanks so much for the review!

Forget the map - get this app!

Simply stated, unless you are very familiar with the London "tube", this app is a must have! No need to puzzle over maps, or ask guidance from an English-challenged employee. Just open the app, go to route planner, and enter your beginning & ending stations. It'll show you the lines and changes to get there! You can even put a location like "Hard Rock Cafe" in for your destination, and it will route you to the nearest station! The only catch is you must have cell service and be willing to use it. Just make sure you get a good plan on your phone!

App Privacy

The developer, Mapway Limited , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

• Identifiers

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese

• Premium Yearly + Trial $9.99
• Premium Monthly $3.99
• Premium Yearly $9.99
• Premium Weekly $1.99
• Premium Lifetime $24.99
• Remove Ads Yearly $7.99
• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

Family Sharing

Some in‑app purchases, including subscriptions, may be shareable with your family group when family sharing is enabled., more by this developer.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

What is the TfL Journey Planner and how to use it?

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With more rail, tube, and bus strikes potentially on the horizon, getting around London can prove troublesome during industrial action. However, there are ways to plan your journey effectively in advance to help minimise disruption.

The latest tube maps (including stations that avoid stairs, accept cycles, and more) are published on the TfL.go.UK website for when services are running.

However, for smartphone users, the official TfL Go app helps you plan tube, bus, and rail journeys around the capital (including an update for the newly opened Elizabeth line ) and live reports on service disruption across London.

If, for any reason, you are unable to access the app, the TfL Journey Planner is also available via the browser on your PC, laptop, phone, and more.

What is the TfL Journey Planner?

The TfL Journey Planner is a website run by Transport for London that works similarly to the National Rail Enquiries page. It allows you to search and plan your journeys across London in advance. 

However, the journey planner seeks to be an all-encompassing solution for transport that goes beyond rail travel.

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For example, it will show you options for cycling, cycle hire, bus routes, and more. The site also gives you walking routes, with the option to view written directions or to open the path in Google maps.

The app encourages users to walk or cycle where possible and also gives the option to discover quieter times to travel, which can be particularly useful if you are not in a rush to make your trip.

How to use the TfL Journey Planner

Beginning on the TfL Journey Planner homepage , you can input your potential journey details based on geographical locations, underground stations, bus stops, and more.

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This allows you to pinpoint your starting place and destination. The site also gives you the option to pick from any journeys you’ve recently entered. Any updates or strike action will also be listed in a yellow banner at the top of the homepage.

The default allows you to plan a journey departing now, but you can alter the departure time if you are planning your trip further in advance.  

Once you have entered your journey details, you’ll be presented with options like ‘cycling and other’ (which will include cycle hire and walking), ‘fastest by public transport and ‘Bus only’, with the option to amend your journey details, look at services later or earlier in the day and even find nearby taxi ranks.

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You can filter journeys via the least walking, fewest changes, and complete step-free access.

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London Underground: How to pay fares & use tube trains

How much is a London train fare?

• Adult train fares 2024
• Senior train fares 2024
• Child train fares 2024

You can buy tickets using cash, your contactless card , or by getting hold of an Oyster card , Visitor Oyster card or travelcard .

Tube journey planner

Get information about a station:

Plan a route between two stations (remember to check for tube strikes and delays ):

Where can you get a tube map?

Free maps can be picked up inside tube stations in the most central, touristy parts of London. The best online map is at the TFL website: tfl.gov.uk/standard-tube-map.pdf .

Where can you get London underground timetables?

Paper timetables – You can get paper timetables from one of the Visitor Centres at Heathrow airport, Euston station , King’s Cross , Liverpool Street , Paddington , Piccadilly Circus and Victoria .

Online timetables – You can also look them up on the TFL website at tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/ – or this very website, by selecting a station from the dropdown menu above.

Download the TFL app – The official TFL app is worth downloading onto your phone because it comes with a tube map and route planner. Check out their website for details: tfl.gov.uk/maps_/ .

When is rush hour on the London underground?

Rush hour on the London Underground is slightly different to peak time , and runs roughly from 7.30 AM to 9.30 AM, and 5 PM to 7 PM – don’t expect to get a seat during rush hour!

Peak time is used to work out the fare, and applies from 6.30 AM to 9.30 AM, and 4.30 PM to 7 PM (Mon-Fri). Weekends and public holidays are always classed as off-peak . Note: Between the 8th March and 31st May 2024 TFL are running a trial called ‘Off-Peak Friday Fares’, where Fridays will be classed as off-peak all day.

How often do London underground trains run?

How often London underground trains run will depend on which line you’re using and the time of day you’re travelling, but a good rule-of-thumb is every 5-10 minutes in zone 1, going up to every 2-5 minutes during rush hour. Trains outside zone 1 can be anything from 10-30 minutes.

Services typically operate between 5 AM and 00.30 AM (Mon-Sat) and 7 AM to 11.30 PM (Sun), but some of the busier lines operate 24 hours a day on the night tube.

You can view of a map of the night tube routes on the TFL website .

When does the night tube operate?

Central line – Trains run roughly every 10 mins between White City and Leytonstone, every 20 mins between Ealing Broadway and White City, and every 20 mins between Leytonstone and Loughton/Hainault. There’s no night service between North Acton and West Ruislip, Loughton and Epping, or Woodford and Hainault

Jubilee line – Trains run roughly every 10 mins

Northern line – Trains run roughly every 8 mins between Morden and Camden Town, and every 15 mins between Camden Town and High Barnet/Edgware. There’s no night service on the Mill Hill East branch or Bank branch

Piccadilly line – Trains run roughly every 10 mins between Cockfosters and Heathrow T5. There’s no night service on the T4 loop, or between Acton Town and Uxbridge

Victoria line – Trains run roughly every 10 mins

How can you avoid lifts and escalators on the tube?

Avoiding tube stations with lifts and escalators is harder than you’d think because a lot of them are very old and don’t have lifts, or even escalators, so the odds are pretty high that you’ll find yourself facing a long flight of stairs at some point.

If you look on a tube map then the stations showing a blue wheelchair symbol have step-free access between the train and the street, so these ones should be accessible for practically everybody, but the ones with a white wheelchair symbol only have step-free access between the platform and the street, so you might need some help getting on and off the actual train.

The journey planner on the TFL website will let you search for a route with extra options like ‘Use escalators but not stairs’ – tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/ .

How can you avoid tunnels on the London underground?

If you’d rather avoid tube tunnels on the underground then you’re out of luck in central London because the journeys in zones 1 and 2 are practically all underground.

Once you get out to zone 3 and beyond then it’s the total opposite, because most of them are above ground.

Check out this handy map on the TFL website which shows you which parts are above ground: tfl.gov.uk/tube-map-with-tunnels .

Can you take a bike on the London underground?

Non-folding bikes are banned on large parts of the London underground because the tube trains are so busy. Check out this handy map on the TFL website showing you which stations allow them: tfl.gov.uk/cycles-on-public-transport-map .

How do you get through the ticket barriers?

The first thing that you need to know is that you can’t get through every single barrier at the station. You can only use the ones that are showing a green arrow or yellow arrow next to the gate. If it has a red cross or yellow cross then it won’t accept your ticket.

The yellow circles in front of the gates are called Oyster readers. If you have an Oyster card or contactless card then all you have to do is wave it near the reader and the gate will open automatically. If you have a paper ticket, or a paper travelcard , then you have to insert it face-up into the slot beneath the Oyster reader. The same ticket will then pop out of the slot on the top. The gate will open automatically when you remove your ticket from this slot.

Note: If you’re carrying some bulky bags or you’ve got a pushchair with you, then you might struggle to fit through the barrier. So just look for the extra-wide barrier which is usually positioned at the far end for wheelchair users. This one is also useful if your child is travelling for free because they won’t have their own ticket.

How can you find the right platform?

To find the right tube platform you need to know your direction of travel. If you want to travel from Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Circus on the Bakerloo line, for example, then you need to look for signs saying Bakerloo Northbound , because that’s the direction you travel on the ground. If you’re returning in the opposite direction then you’d need Bakerloo Southbound . Other journeys might say Eastbound or Westbound .

If an underground line branches in two different directions then you also need to look for the last stop on the line. So if you want to travel from Westminster to Kew Gardens on the District line, for example, then you need the District Westbound to Richmond – because Richmond is the last stop on the branch which goes to Kew Gardens. If you boarded the District Westbound to Wimbledon then that would be the wrong one, because that branch doesn’t go to Kew Gardens.

The Northern line is a bit more confusing because not only does it split in two, but each branch also has the same final stop. So what you have to do then is look for the words Bank loop and Charing Cross loop . If you look on a tube map then you’ll see that one branch goes past Bank station , whilst the other goes past Charing Cross .

And bear in mind that the Circle line doesn’t actually go around in a circle, like its name implies (welcome to London!). If you ride it round as far as Edgware Road then you’d actually have to get off and board another train to Baker Street .

What is a National Rail train?

A National Rail train is an overground train that goes outside London to other parts of the country.

There are lots of different companies that operate National Rail trains: Chiltern Railways, East Midlands, First Great Western, Great Northern, Merseyrail, South West Trains and Thameslink , to name just a few, but they all come under the umbrella of ‘National Rail’.

Each company will have their own individual website, but we recommend using the official National Rail website at nationalrail.co.uk , because it allows you to search all of the different companies together.

Where can you catch a National Rail train?

Here’s a list of the main National Rail stations in central London, with some of their most popular destinations.

Trains heading north – City Thameslink for Luton Airport, St. Albans – Euston for Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Watford – King’s Cross for Cambridge, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Nottingham, York – Marylebone for Birmingham – Moorgate for Hertford – St. Pancras for Luton Airport, Nottingham

Trains heading south – Blackfriars for Ashford International, Brighton – Cannon Street for Ashford International, Margate – Charing Cross for Canterbury, Dover, Hastings – Farringdon for Brighton – London Bridge for Brighton, Canterbury, Hastings – St. Pancras for Brighton, Eastbourne, Eurostar to Paris – Victoria for Brighton, Dover, Eastbourne, Gatwick Airport, Margate – Waterloo for Bournemouth, Canterbury, Dover, Hastings, Portsmouth, Southampton

Trains heading west – Paddington for Bath, Cornwall, Heathrow Airport, Oxford, Plymouth, Wales – Waterloo for Cornwall, Salisbury

Trains heading east – Fenchurch Street for Southend – Liverpool Street for Stansted Airport

Good manners and bad etiquette on the train

If you’re new to the London Underground then here’s a quick little guide to tube etiquette:

Getting through the barrier – Tube stations are very busy places and you should always try and have your ticket ready before you reach the barrier. If you stand there for a few minutes rifling through your pockets and bag then expect to get some withered looks.

Standing on the escalator – The biggest sin that a tourist can commit on the tube is blocking up the escalator by standing on the left. If you want to stand still then use the righthand side. The lefthand side is for people who want to save some time by hurrying up it.

Not quite as annoying (but pretty close!) is when people get to the end of the escalator and then just stand there, totally oblivious that a whole bunch of people are about to crash into the back of them.

Standing on the platform – Underground platforms are usually quite long but lots of people just stand by the entrance corridor, not bothering to move down. If the station is busy then you should always try and move along to make more space.

Getting on the train – It’s good manners (and good sense) to let passengers off the train before you try and board it. You should also try and move down inside the carriage once you’re onboard.

Your comments and questions

Jean I'm traveling with my 15 month old daughter how easy is it to access the underground as I have a buggy

Staff Hi. They always have extra wide gates for wheelchairs and buggies at the entrance, so you can get through there okay, but a lot of underground stations still have stairs. If you enter your route into the journey planner dropdowns above it will tell you about the lifts, escalators and stairs at each station

John Hardman Transport for London is so good, people in London don't realise how lucky they are to have such a great transport system and with reasonable fares. True I am talking about being retired and travelling off peak. Recently stayed 5 days in Crystal Palace. Travelled into London each day by train and fully utilised the tube system. I almost enjoyed that as much as looking around London

Margaret49 Good morning, We are using the tube for the first time for an overnight stay, as we are not local we will need to use the self service ticket machine for Zone 1-4, do the machines take cash or credit cards? So we know what is appropriate for our journey which will involve a peak time inward and off peak return

Staff Some machines accept cash and cards but other ones will be labelled 'cards only', so you have to look at the top to see what it accepts. All the peak and off-peak prices for zones 1-4 are listed on our train fares page - city-guide.london/​transport/​adult-train-fares.php

Sammy Hi, what are peak times as underground cheaper tickets are off peak, but what times are peak so we know when you avoid them?

Staff Hi Sammy. For Oyster and contactless peak time is 6.30 AM to 9.30 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM (Monday to Friday). For travelcards peak time is before 9.30 AM (Monday to Friday). Weekends are always off-peak.

Tom What are 'off-peak' times on the London Underground on a weekday please?

Staff Hi Tom. For Oyster and contactless cards off-peak is outside the hours of 6.30 AM to 9.30 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM (Mon-Fri). For travelcards off-peak is any time after 9.30 AM (Mon-Fri). Fares are based on what time your journey starts. So if your journey starts during off-peak hours, it will be charged as off-peak. It doesn’t matter what time your journey ends.

David MB Two retired people from US in London (no senior discounts for non-Londoners, boo!), travelling on probable multiple trips between Zones 1 and 2 back and forth from Aldgate East. We understand fares are one way and with the limit on Oyster Cards being less than double the one way fare, what is the cheapest way for us to use the underground? We will buy tickets to and from airports separately

Staff Hi David MB. Oyster will likely be the cheapest (a weekly travelcard can also work out cheaper depending on how many days you're staying and how many journeys you're making). The maximum you will pay each day is the daily cap for the zones you travel through, Any money left on your card which you don't spend you can get refunded at the end. If you're flying into Heathrow then you can even use it for that as well (but only for travelling on the tube, not the Heathrow Express)

Jagroy Is there any charge for a pushchair on the tube

Staff Hi Jagroy. There's no charge for pushchairs or luggage, but bear in mind that a lot of underground stations are quite old and you might have to descend a flight of stairs

Gary Tamplin Generally speaking, what is the cheapest way of getting around London for a day on the tube, if you are travelling between most of the zones, a day Oyster card or contactless?

Staff Hi Gary. Oyster and contactless are the cheapest (they're both the same price), but you have to pay an extra £5 deposit the first time you buy an Oyster card, so maybe contactless will be cheaper for you if you haven't already got one

Adriana How do I get from ealing broadway to hammersmith by train

Staff Hi Adriana. You can just get the district line - city-guide.london/​transport/​train-journey.php?from=ealing-broadway&to=hammersmith

Anthony Pike What platform do I use for the jubilee line from waterloo to baker street

Staff Hi Anthony. The jubilee westbound at Waterloo is platform 5 - city-guide.london/​transport/​trains.php?station=waterloo

John Barmby I am travelling from Tower Hill to Stratford on the District line and Central As these trains use the same platform at Mile End , do I need to tap out at Mile End before boarding the Central line to Stratford

Staff Hi John. No, you don't have to tap out when changing trains. You don't have to pass through any barriers when changing trains/platforms. If you did go through the barriers at Mile End then that would be the end of your journey

John miller I’m travelling from kings cross train station to white hart lane, what tube station do I get off at?

Staff Hi John. Get the Victoria line to seven sisters, then the London Overground to White Hart Lane. It’s about a five minute walk from there

Liz Is Euston station tube to Clapham Common direct

Staff Hi Liz. It is direct, yes - city-guide.london/​transport/​train-journey.php?from=euston&to=clapham-common

David Hi - How do get the easiest way with large suitcases from Liverpool Street station to Southwark tube station. Thanks in advance!

Staff Hi David. I would forget the tube and just get the 344 bus which goes between the two. Because you'd have to change trains twice if you want to go by tube. The bus only takes 16 mins

David Thanks - is it ok to take large suitcases on the bus number 344? - Can we pay with Oyster-cards? Thanks! ?

Staff It's fine to take big suitcases. You can just stand with them in the wheelchair space if it's not being used. Its okay to use Oyster cards as well

David Thanks very much for your help! This was important to know! ?

David Hi - One more question. We arrive by National Express coach to Liverpool Street station bus stop. - Where abouts in the area is the nearest bus stop for number 344 going to Southwark. Thanks once again! ?

Staff It goes from Stop B down the side of the station. I think the National Express drops you off at either Stop E or G on the other side.

David Thanks again for great service! ?

Bruce Hello - is there easy access when changing from Central line to Jubilee line at Bond Street. How far must one walk? Is a lift available? All relevant info is welcome. Thanks.

Staff Hi Bruce. It's step-free but you have to take two different lifts down to the jubilee platforms and walk about 110 metres

Bruce Thanks - that helps to know.

Mark Rookie question (I’ve never used Contactless on the Tube before, I’ve always used paper Travelcards as I’m from outside London). Anyway, in terms of using Contactless, if I want to go from Paddington to Mile End am I correct in thinking I tap in at Paddington Elizabeth Line, tap out at Whitechapel Elizabeth Line, tap in again at Whitechapel District Line, tap out Mile End District Line, and the system will calculate this as an Adult Single between Paddington and Mile End?

Staff Hi Mark. You only tap down at the beginning and end of your journey. You shouldn't have to go through any barriers when changing trains in the middle. If you do that then you'll end up paying for two separate journeys, because the computer will think that you have exited the station at Whitechapel

Sonia Hi, If I travel with 2 suitcases (a 20 inch and a 28 inch), from Victoria to Gatwick airport, which one will be cheaper - the National Express coach or the Gatwick express (as I read from the website that they will charge 8 GBP for 1 extra suitcase)?

Staff Hi Sonia. It looks like it's the Gatwick Express by about 6 quid, but that's without knowing when you're going, or how far in advance you're buying your ticket.

Anton John Hi, What would be the most cost effective way to get from Bromley by Bow station to Gatwick Airport ? Thanks

Staff Hi Anton. I would get the underground to Victoria and pay by contactless (or buy a single ticket from the machine if you haven't got a UK bank card), and then buy a Gatwick Express ticket online in advance

Faye McPherson I want to travel to London Heathrow Terminal 3 from Russell Street Station on 22nd February as I will be coming from Edinburgh on the sleeper to Euston where do I buy a ticket to get to Heathrow

Staff Hi Faye. The easiest thing would be to just use your contactless bank card, and tap it down on the gate - city-guide.london/​transport/​contactless-cards.php (assuming you've got a UK bank card) - but if it's just a one-off journey then you can also buy a ticket from the self-service ticket machine in the station. You just tap the screen and choose your destination

Faye McPherson Thank you and I take it the tube takes me to terminal 3 at Heathrow

Staff It does yes, there are three stations at Heathrow and one of them is for Terminals 2&3 - city-guide.london/​transport/​train-journey.php?from=russell-square&to=heathrow-terminals-1-2-3

Chris For our upcoming visit to London, we are staying in a flat near Shepherd's Bush. It looks like the easiest (fewest changes) route from Heathrow would be the Elizabeth Line to Ealing Broadway and then the central line to Shepherd's Bush. Would this be feasible with 4 people and their luggage?

Staff Hi Chris. You'll have a flight of 20 stairs and an escalator at Shepherd's Bush, but that's about it. If you don't mind the extra money then you could get the Heathrow Express to Paddington and a £25-£30 taxi to Shepherd's Bush (you can fit five in a taxi, so four plus luggage will probably be okay, but it depends how much luggage you've got)

Cp On the underground should my 15 year old just use a contacless card to pay or is there a better method?

Staff Hi CP. he can do, if he’s got his own card. You can’t share one card between two people

shirley How oftern to the trains go from Heron quays to waterloo

Staff Hi Shirley. They go every 2-5 minutes

Evelyn Barry Hi I have my Irish staff privilege card and 4 box coupon tickets . Can I use either of these on Heathrow express and London tubes. Thanks

Staff Hi Evelyn. We’d like to help but we’ve never heard of either of those things. If it’s a TFL staff card then I would try contacting them

Mike Copp As an electric wheelchair user (wheelchair not scooter) I will arrive at Waterloo Train station and have booked assistance off the train, will someone be available to assist me on to the underground to Euston station? where I have booked assistance onto a train to Birmingham? I am used to how assistance works with overground trains but not the underground. I believe my ticket is valid not only for overground but also between mainline stations using the underground.?? Any information, tel no appreciated

Staff Hi Mike. You can only prebook assistance on the London Overground and Elizabeth line. On all other tube lines they do something called ‘turn up and go’, which basically means you have to go up to a member of TFL staff at the station and they will arrange for someone to come and help you to the platform and help you board the train. There is a help desk at waterloo. after you come off the national rail train look for the big central clock hanging off the ceiling and its next to that. More information about ‘turn up and go’ here - tfl.gov.uk/​transport-accessibility/​help-from-staff . We cant tell if your ticket includes the underground as well without seeing what you've bought, but assuming it does then you’ll probably receive a separate ticket for it.

Jane What's the best line to use to travel from Paddington station to Greenwich?

Staff Hi Jane. Assuming you just want to go to Greenwich, the place, rather than the actual station, I would get the Elizabeth line to Canary Wharf and then the DLR to Cutty Sark

Vijay kumar I am travelling first time to London.Which u/g line i should follow from T4 to Queensway u/g stn.I do not have travel cards.

Staff Hi Vijay. i would probably get the Elizabeth line to Paddington and then walk 15 mins to Queensway. Otherwise you”ll have to get off at Bond Street instead and change onto the Central line for Queensway

Jane Hi my grandson and I are going to Wimbeldon tennis this year and haven’t a clue on the underground tubes.we are travelling from Northampton train station to Euston station.can you please let me know what tubes we use ,if we change tubes and what stops to get off and platforms .

Staff Hi Jane. It's quicker to go to Southfields station (15 min walk to the tennis) rather than Wimbledon itself (20 min walk). So from Euston you can get the Victoria line to Victoria (southbound platform), then change to the District line to Southfields. But make sure you get a District line train that says it's heading towards Wimbledon. If it says it's heading towards Richmond or Ealing Broadway then it will be the wrong one. It will say where it's heading on the LCD board on the platform

Elizabeth wills Which platform at farringdon station do I need to get to kings cross please?

Staff Hi Elizabeth. It's westbound, platform 2 - city-guide.london/​transport/​trains.php?station=farringdon

Paul G Going underground from Clapham Common to Westminster abbey and Buckingham palace using contactless card. Do we get off at st James park or is there a closer station and do we need to pay twice for changing from northern line to district line. Thank you

Staff Hi Paul. St James's is the closest to Buckingham Palace. Westminster is the closest to Westminster Abbey. Personally, if it was me, I would just stay on the Northern line and walk it from Charing Cross because it's not very far. You can walk past Trafalgar Square down Whitehall, have a look at Horse Guards and Downing Street, then do Westminster Abbey, and walk through St. James's Park alongside the lake to Buckingham Palace. You don't have to pay twice for changing trains. You'd only pay twice if you actually exited through a ticket barrier and left the station.

Joe Hi. Visiting London next week for first time and need to get from King’s Cross to Covent Garden Seven Dials. What tube line and can it by accessed directly from Kings Cross? Thanks

Staff Hi Joe. You can get the Piccadilly line straight to Covent Garden - city-guide.london/​transport/​train-journey.php?from=kings-cross-st-pancras&to=covent-garden

Mary I’m travelling from London City Airport to Westminster early December and as I’m a novice it feels a bit stressful. Can you please advise me of the best way to travel and is it straightforward? Thank you.

Staff Hi Mary. I would get the DLR to Canning Town (DLR = Docklands Light Railway, which is really no different to using the London Underground, it’s just above ground), and then change trains onto the Jubilee line for Westminster. You can use a lift plus escalator to change trains at Canning Town - city-guide.london/​transport/​train-journey.php?from=london-city-airport&to=westminster —- westminster is a fun stop to arrive into London at, because when you come out you will have Big Ben literally right in front of you

Mandy How to get from st pancas to king henrys rd

Staff Hi Mandy. Assuming you mean the one by Primrose Hill, you could get the northern line to Chalk Farm and then walk it from there. It's about a 10-15 min walk

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> Forum: London Buses, Taxis & Trains

Your Guide To The London Underground

The cornerstone of London's mass transportation scheme, the London Underground is a vast network that reaches into all corners of the city. It first opened in the late 1860s, though the system didn't really take off until a few decades later. For sure it has a deep history, a mass transit behemoth that's grown over the years — and continues to expand — and that progressed from steam-powered locomotives in tunnels not far below street level, to deeper trenches spurred by the onset of electrification. 

Riding it for the first time can be a harrowing prospect, passengers needing to understand its wild map (it looks like it's been drawn by a 5-year-old architectural prodigy armed with a box of colored crayons), come to grips with the complexities of the type of ticket to buy, and all the while make sure that they don't upset other riders in the process. But once you comprehend the small details, the minutiae that for Londoners and regular riders is intrinsic, the underground is not a ogre to be feared, but rather a clean, safe, and (mostly) efficient method for swooshing around the heart of London and its outer fringes. 

This straightforward primer will demystify the underground system that most people in London call the Tube, and have you reeling off how to whizz from Tooting Broadway to Turkey Street in no time.

Numbers game

Considering how long the Tube has been in operation, it will come as no surprise that the arteries that represent its train-carrying vessels are labyrinthine. The statistics of this huge enterprise certainly make for impressive reading, and give a clear indication as to the importance of the Underground in terms of keeping the capital of the United Kingdom ticking. Just try visiting London during a Tube strike, it's not a pleasant experience — roads are jammed with people making other arrangements and bus stops are choked with exasperated passengers, many unable to get on their bus because they are already too full to accommodate more commuters. 

The Underground carries more than 1.3 billion passengers annually, and despite its name, more than half of the tracks lie above ground. The longest ride on a single line comes in at a whopping 55 kilometers, or 34 miles, a trip on the Central Line from Epping in the northeast to West Ruislip in the northwest, while train capacity (officially!) ranges from 665 to 892 passengers, depending on the type of rolling stock used.

Understanding the map

At first look, the map appears like a jumble of colored lines randomly plopped alongside one another. But there is method to the madness, with stations arranged along defined routes that typically follow a sort of geographic rubric (the Northern Line, for example, travels more or less north-south). The stations are also assigned zones that correspond to their proximity to, or distance from, central London — the higher the zone number, the further the station is from the capital's core. 

Take some time to study the map, the different lines, the places they go. The majority of sights that you're likely to visit will be within the central tangle of colors, the white-shaded Zone 1 area in the middle of the map. Station names will generally correspond to the name of a street, a neighborhood, or a city landmark, and stations that have a circle on the train line next to their name are ones where you can change between different lines for free.

Color coding

As discussed earlier, the lines are divided by color, though when referring to each one, Londoners will always use the name of the line, not the color representing it — don't ask anyone where you can catch the gray line, for instance, but rather the Jubilee Line. The Underground comprises 11 main lines (Bakerloo to Waterloo & City line, alphabetically), but look at the map and you will notice a clutch of other train formats that are on it — technically these aren't part of the Tube, but they skillfully add to the visual jumble. These are lines that have opened in the near past, as the city's footprint expanded, connecting parts of London that have undergone more recent development. 

They include the Docklands Light Rail (to access former docks in the east of London that went through a rapid transformation a few decades ago), the London Overground (a suburban rail service, but also run by Transport for London, or TfL, which operates the Tube), the Elizabeth Line, and more. Some of these lines might actually be the best way to get to your destination.

Rider report

You might ask, "Who uses the Underground?" The more appropriate question to ponder would be, "Who doesn't use it?" Given its immense scope — it has 402 kilometers (or about 250 miles) of track — the Tube ends up being a transportation method used by every imaginable Londoner, commuter, and of course tourist . Get on one and you'll see suited office workers, doctors, schoolchildren, revelers going to (and coming from) pubs and clubs, sports fans , shoppers, throngs of tourists young and old, and, once a year, people not wearing pants as they ride to work — don't worry, it's all in the name of harmless fun. 

The official statistics, most recently published in the summer of 2019, before the pandemic, certainly make for remarkable reading. The busiest station, Waterloo, welcomes more than 100 million Underground passengers a year, with more than 1.3 billion riders overall entering and exiting the system's 272 stations.

Hours of operation

Unlike the subway system in New York City — the city that never sleeps, let's not forget — London's Tube doesn't operate 24 hours a day. So revelers hitting the town for a late one tend to rush home to catch the last Tube, take a Night Bus, or catch a taxi/private car-share service. For tourism purposes though, trains should be more than adequate to get you around, running most of the day and a large chunk of the evening and night — as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to enjoy Tube service from around 5 a.m. to Midnight throughout the week. 

Note, there is a select Night Tube service on a limited number of lines, running only on Fridays and Saturdays. Started in 2016, this additional capacity was primarily aimed at people that worked night shifts, offering them an affordable, safe alternative to the Night Bus service already in place. The lines that provide round-the-clock service on these days are Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria.

A matter of timing

Since the Tube is used by everyone, it's busiest when people are shuttling to and from work and school. Unlike in many city transit systems across the United States, these specific hours are identified as peak hours and come with a differential in the fare charged (based on the time you enter the Tube, not when you leave it). Peak hours are listed at 6:30-9:30 a.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday to Friday; any time outside these windows is considered off-peak. 

In addition to being a more expensive time to travel, peak periods are, as the name suggests, when the Tube is at its most full, moments when space, and general bonhomie, are in short supply. Try to avoid getting aboard then when shuttling around the city. To find an actual Tube station from the street is relatively easy — look for the red circle intersected by a blue banner with the word UNDERGROUND on it. Soon enough you might want the T-shirt.

Mapping your route

TfL has run the city's transit systems — the Underground, buses, trams, river bus, and some city piers among its remit — since 2000. As such, it's the primary source for getting information on how to get from A to B, or Aldgate East to Barons Court. The 'Plan a journey' function on its site lets you plug in starting and ending points — these can be Tube stations or specific street addresses — and it spits out an itinerary using public transport, also showing the cost of the trip. You can edit the desired route to use only Tube or other connected rail lines as the method of transport if you prefer — the tool automatically defaults to show the quickest route, and this might be by bus. 

When riding the Tube it goes without saying that you should get on the right train, but this is an easy thing to get wrong. Sign boards for trains located next to the platform usually promote the direction that the train is going in, not the final stop. If in doubt, always look for the signboard that has the station where you are going on it.

Buying a ticket

Welcome to what is probably the most complicated aspect of the Tube. The array of ticketing options is mind-boggling, enough to make you scream in frustration. Simply put, the one you choose is governed by the frequency of travel and distance of your journey. Unlike in a number of U.S. cities, subway fares aren't flat irrespective of length of trip, but increase as you go further, cross into different zones, or travel at peak times. The two ways people pay to ride the subway are by paying as they go or with a paper Travelcard that allows for unlimited travel for anywhere from one day to one year. 

The first option is the most popular for Londoners, purchasing individual rides using a contactless bank card or phone app, or with an Oyster card (available only in stations, with a fee required to purchase one), a transit debit card that you pre-load with funds to be deducted after each ride. With the contactless system, TfL caps the amount you will pay each day, and after that rides become free. Passengers also have the option of purchasing single paper tickets, but these are more expensive than using a contactless method. Option two, Travelcards, are good if you plan to ride public transit exhaustively, but a one-day travel card will be more expensive than continuously using the contactless alternative until it hits its cap. And if all that isn't maddening enough, the fares just increased in March 2023.

Station etiquette

Every trip on the Tube can be broken down into two distinct parts. The first occurs outside the train, all the way from street level and entering the station to the particulars of where to stand on the platform — and everything in between. Once in the station, ticket machines on the sides allow you to purchase an Oyster card (or add money to it), or a paper ticket (either a single ride or Travelcard). Turnstiles have barrier doors on them that open when the ticket is presented. Paper tickets go into a slender slot on the vertical part of the turnstile and come out on top; retrieve the ticket when it pops up and the turnstile doors will open. For contactless payment, tap the reader on the top panel of the turnstile. 

Once through the turnstiles, there is a usually a long, somber ride down an escalator to the platforms. Always stand on the right of the escalator, the left is for people that want to walk, and Londoners aren't shy about telling people to get out of the way if they are on the wrong side. At the bottom of the escalator look for signs to the platform you need (because you've done your homework and mapped out the route, right?) and when waiting for the train, always stand behind the yellow line. When you reach your destination, look for signs that say Way Out. To leave the station, insert your ticket or swipe your contactless medium to exit through the turnstiles.

Train etiquette

Since everyone rides these trains, and hopefully with minimal fuss, it's critical that you are aware of your surroundings and fellow passengers. You'll notice a regular announcement over the loudspeakers on the train platforms — you might even see a T-shirt with these words on it: "Mind the Gap." This is a reminder to be careful when stepping on and off the train because there is a space between the platform and curb of the carriage that is large enough for your foot to get stuck in. So tread carefully, always letting passengers off the train first. 

On the train , move toward the middle of the carriage, and always place your backpack on the floor by your feet, don't carry it on your back, even if it's called a backpack, as you'll end up bashing other passengers. Don't stare at other riders, even if they look interesting or friendly — they aren't on the train to make friends or strike up a conversation with a stranger, however fascinating you might be. Always give up your seat to someone who needs it more than you, especially the priority seats located near the train doors. And don't be loud onboard — people tend to be quiet on the Tube, you should be too.

The experience onboard

For passengers used to the roominess and width of metros in many American cities, these carriages might come as a shock. They are narrow, with low ceilings and realistically only enough space for one person to stand between the parallel rows of seats (it really does feel like you're in a tube). The tunnels that the trains hurtle through are deep underground — that's why the escalators are so long — and that makes the air down here feel still and dense. Even though they are air-conditioned, carriages can be hot and stifling in the summer, and cold and damp in the winter, so plan accordingly. 

During peak hours you'll be crammed together with other passengers like slices of bread, because, even if the next train is coming in two minutes, nobody wants to wait. And yet the ride, when you have space to unfold and air to breathe, is surprisingly peaceful. The trains efficiently zip through the city much faster than above-ground transportation, station names are announced before each stop, making it easy to identify when to get off, and platforms are refreshingly litter free.

Accessibility information

Back when it began operation in 1863, when the world was a wildly different beast from today, the London Underground didn't focus much, if any, attention on the thorny topic of access. Those with limited mobility had to navigate stairs, or not use the system at all. But, as Bob Dylan once wrote: "The Times They Are a-Changin'" — and constant improvements, upgrades, and installations are thankfully making the network a more equitable place to ride. 

TfL produces a guide that identifies stations that allow step-free access — meaning that passengers can get from street level to the platform without having to negotiate any steps, using lifts or ramps instead — most handily on this map . Accessible stations are marked in bold blue, and while it's clear from the guide that many Tube stations are not yet step-free — only 1/3 of all them currently are — new stations are constantly being added to the roster.

Apps to track

Londoners might not need an app to maneuver through the ins and outs of the Tube, but for the rest of us, using one can make the journey a whole lot easier. Station entrances are often located at large road intersections, for obvious reasons, but when not, they can be tricky to find. Google Maps seems to be the universal default for grounding yourself, and it will definitely help you get to the station nearest you. A more integrated app is Tube Map, a widely used navigation platform that uses the official TfL Underground map as the basis for its advice and route calculation. 

Citymapper also combines street and transit data to produce route planning that offers options such as Bus Only, Wheelchair Accessible, walking maps, and even the estimated cost of a taxi. The TfL app, TfL Go, allows users to plan their journey, similar to the function on its website, and get live updates on train services. Most Tube stations have free public wifi, so travelers that don't purchase a local SIM card or have data can still access the apps.

Airport transfer

The Tube can also be used to ride into the city from Heathrow Airport, one of two international airports in London that receives frequent, non-stop flights from the United States (the other is Gatwick, which is linked to the capital by the overland Gatwick Express train service). There are three Tube stations at Heathrow, all on the Piccadilly Line (that's the dark blue one!), with separate stops at Terminals 2 & 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5. 

This really is the most cost-effective way to get into London, with the trip into the city center taking less than an hour and costing about $7. And beyond the practical benefits of such a transfer, taking the Tube from here will be a great introduction to the London Underground system — as the first stop on the line, the train won't be very full at Heathrow, allowing you to get a leisurely grip on the Tube that powers London.

The Travelling Teacher

Travel Blog

London Underground Guide: 10 Travel Tips From a Local!

Visiting London for the first time is an exhilarating experience, and one of the most iconic aspects of the city’s transportation system is the London Underground, affectionately known as the Tube. Navigating the sprawling network of underground trains can be a bit intimidating for first-time visitors, but fear not – I have put together this comprehensive London Underground Guide. I hope to demystify the tube and ensure you have a smooth and memorable journey beneath the bustling streets of this historic city.

I may make a commission through the links provided on this page. I greatly appreciate any and all of your support, as your support means I can keep writing up travel recommendations like this one!

1. You DO NOT need an Oyster Card

2. download the citymapper app, 3. stand on the right, 4. let passengers off first, 5. travel off-peak, 6. try to travel in the first or last carriage, 7. mind the gap, 8. have your card ready, 9. keep your belongings secure, 10. make sure you tap out, is there a map of the london underground available, what are the operating hours of the london underground, how do i transfer between different tube lines, what are peak and off-peak hours, can i use the london underground with a baby stroller or wheelchair, how many tube lines are there on the london underground.

You will never see a Londoner travelling with an Oyster Card! Anyone that tells you that you need one clearly hasn’t visited London recently.

Firstly, London’s travel network is trying to encourage us to waste less paper and discourages the use of paper tickets (which are now more expensive). Instead the whole of London’s travel network is navigable with just contactless payments.

All you need to do is tap your phone or card (or even your Apple Watch!) and walk straight through. Then when you tap out using the same card/device it will calculate the cost of your journey. The best bit is that it will automatically cap your payments if you reach the daily or weekly price limit (you can read more about this on the TfL website ).

So, don’t waste £5 on an oyster card when you can do in on your phone!

Top tip: If you use an iPhone you can change the setting on your phone so your card will automatically work without requiring Face ID or your passcode (Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay > Travel Cards). Then all you need to do is hold your iPhone near the reader and go.

Forget Google Maps, make sure you’ve downloaded the Citymapper app before you arrive in London!

Navigating your way around London isn’t easy. In fact, despite having lived in London for over three years I still use Citymapper when trying to work out the best route to get somewhere in London.

With some lines branching off (The Northern Line, I’m looking at you!), the Circle Line not continuously going around in a circle (yes I got on the tube and ended up back where I started!), it can be confusing to work out which direction you need. But Citymapper does this for you, breaking down which line, direction and destination you need.

I will say if you’re just walking around Google Maps is better, but when it comes to navigating the different tubes and buses, Citymapper is much better.

Top tip: you can also use Citymapper in a bunch of other cities across the world, so, if you haven’t downloaded it yet, what are you waiting for?!

I have to mention travel etiquette on this London Underground Guide…

Wondering how to spot a Londoner in the wild? They’ll be stood on the right of an escalator!

Make sure when you’re travelling on escalators or moving walkways that you stand on the right. This includes not taking up the whole escalator with your suitcase! This is so people in a hurry can pass on the left of you.

Say it with me… stand on the right, walk on the left!

Another thing you should do when the train arrives at a station, is allow passengers to exit the train before boarding. Do not be that person standing right in front of the door while others are trying to get off!

This simple act of consideration is essential, particularly during busy periods, to prevent congestion and delays.

If possible, it’s best to avoid traveling during morning and evening rush hours. This includes Monday to Friday between 06:30 and 09:30, and between 16:00 and 19:00.

During rush hour the tube will be full of locals on a mission to get to work (or back home). People may barge past you and will be less forgiving if you’re not sure where you’re going. So, for a more pleasurable travel experience I would avoid travelling at these times until you’re more confident in making your way around the city.

Another reason to travel off-peak is because ticket prices vary depending on the time of day. Travel during off-peak hours (outside morning and evening rush hours) is cheaper than peak time! Giving you even more reasons to avoid the rush!

Where you choose to travel on the Tube in London can significantly impact your experience. The front and back carriages are often less crowded and quieter, making them ideal for a more peaceful journey. They also allow you to disembark quickly at your destination, having less people to weave your way through.

Top tip: wondering where the doors are going to be when the train comes? Look for the scuff marks at the end of the platform. You’ll notice the paint has been damaged with more foot traffic, helping you identify where the doors will open.

Listen to the “Mind the Gap” announcement when exiting the train. The gap between the platform and the train can be substantial, so take care when boarding and disembarking. Particularly when the tube stops on a curve!

Londoners love efficiency and don’t like being held up. So, whenever you approach a ticket barrier or embark on a Tube journey, keep your card ready. This will ensure you’re not holding everyone behind you up. This is also important for preventing delays and congestion at the ticket barriers and gates.

Just step to the side if you’re not ready!

While it’s important you’re ready at the barriers, don’t be waving your card around. Being so busy, you’re giving someone the perfect opportunity to snatch it out your hand.

It’s also important you keep hold of your belongings. I’m not saying you need one of the slash proof bags, but I would take back packs off while on the Tube. I always keep a hand on the zip of my bag, so no one can open it up without me realising.

Stay aware of your surroundings and the people around you! One common pick pocketing technique I have heard about is people grabbing your belongings just as the tube doors shut. This stops you from being able to run after them! So, be careful when using your phone when you’re right near the exit.

I’ve fortunately never a had any issues when travelling around London, but I think it’s important not to be naive and trusting in everyone.

While the majority of station’s have a barrier or gate you have to pass through not all do. So, make sure you tap out before leaving the station, otherwise you will be charged extra at the end of the day.

It is also worth noting then while you often do not have to tap out when changing tube lines, you will sometimes see stations asking you to tap if changing trains. It’s important you do this so you get charged the correct amount (for example, it may be cheaper if you’re avoiding Zone 1, instead of a different route that passes through).

London Underground FAQs

Yes, there’s an official Tube map that’s widely available at stations, on the Transport for London (TfL) website , and through various mobile apps. The map is color-coded and user-friendly.

The London Underground generally operates from around 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM. However, hours may vary on certain lines and stations, so it’s a good idea to check the TfL website for specific details.

Transferring between different Tube lines is typically straightforward. Follow signs for interchange or connection points, and be aware of the line colors and direction signs to ensure you’re heading in the right direction.

Peak hours on the Tube are typically during morning (7 AM – 10 AM) and evening (4 PM – 7 PM) rush hours when trains are more crowded and fares may be higher. Off-peak hours are outside these times and offer lower fares.

Yes, the Tube is designed to be accessible. Most stations have step-free access and assistance for passengers with strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility challenges. Look for the blue wheelchair symbol on station maps for guidance.

The London Underground in made up of 11 lines covering 402km and serving 272 stations. The lines are:

Bakerloo Line: The Bakerloo Line stretches from Harrow & Wealdstone in the northwestern part of London to Elephant & Castle, located to the south of the River Thames. It is designated with a brown color on Tube maps. It consists of 25 stations on 23.2 km of track.

Central Line: Extending from West Ruislip in the western region of London to Epping in the east, the Central Line is marked by its red color coding. It consists of 49 stations along its 74-kilometer track.

Circle Line: The Circle Line follows a cirxcular route from Hammersmith to Edgware Road and then forms a loop around central London before returning to Edgware Road. Easily recognizable by its yellow color on Tube maps, this line spans 27 kilometers and serves 36 stations.

District Line: Running from Upminster in the east to Richmond in the southwest, the District Line is characterised by its green color on Tube maps. This extensive line features multiple branches and boasts the highest number of stations in the network, totaling 60. Overall, it covers a length of 64 kilometers.

Hammersmith & City Line: The Hammersmith & City Line, represented by its pink color, runs from Hammersmith to Barking in the east of London, covering a distance of 25.5 kilometers and serving 29 stations.

Jubilee Line: Operating from Stanmore to Stratford in the east, the Jubilee Line, distinguished by its silver-grey hue, is the most recent addition to the network, having opened in 1979. It spans a length of 36.2 kilometers and provides access to 27 stations.

Metropolitan Line: Commonly referred to as “The Met,” the Metropolitan Line operates from Aldgate to Amersham, and its route is marked with a magenta color on the Tube map. This line stretches for 41.4 miles (66.7 kilometers) and connects 34 stations.

Northern Line: Extending from Edgware in the northern suburbs to South Wimbledon in the southwest, the Northern Line (black) encompasses two branches that traverse central London, along with three branches in the northern regions. In 2021, two new stations, Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station, were added to the line.

Piccadilly Line: The Piccadilly Line, represented by a dark blue color, operates from Cockfosters via Hammersmith to Heathrow Terminals 123, Terminal 5, and Terminal 4. It splits into two branches at Acton Town and serves a total of 53 stations.

Victoria Line: The Victoria Line, denoted by a light blue color, runs underground from Walthamstow Central in the north through central London to Brixton in the south. It is the only completely underground line in the system, along with the Waterloo & City Line.

Waterloo & City Line: The Waterloo & City Line, known colloquially as “The Drain,” runs between Bank and Waterloo Station. Primarily used by commuters traveling to The City, this line typically does not operate on Sundays or public holidays. It is identified with a turquoise color on the Tube map and is the shortest line in the system, covering a mere 2.37 kilometers.

There are also five other lines:

DLR Line: The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) operates various routes, including those from Bank in the City to Lewisham in the east and from Bank to Woolwich Arsenal. Additionally, it offers routes from Tower Gateway to Beckton, Stratford to Lewisham or Canary Wharf, and Stratford International to Woolwich Arsenal. Commencing in 1987, the DLR has undergone multiple extensions since. This automated system, free from drivers or cabs, serves 45 stations across a track length of 38 kilometers.

Elizabeth Line: The Elizabeth Line, also known as Crossrail, is the newist addition to London’s transport network. The Elizabeth Line stretches from Reading and Heathrow Airport in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

Emirates AirLine: Often referred to simply as the “Emirates Cable Car,” it is an aerial tramway that provides a unique way to cross the River Thames in London. The cable car connects the Greenwich Peninsula on the south side of the river with the Royal Docks on the north side, near the ExCeL London exhibition center. The journey offers spectacular panoramic views of the city, including the Thames Barrier and Canary Wharf, making it a popular tourist destination.

Overground : The Overground consists of several lines that connect urban neighborhoods, providing reliable and frequent train services. It’s particularly useful for travel to areas not directly served by the Tube.

Trams: The tram network includes lines that run from Wimbledon in the southwest to Croydon and New Addington in the southeast. Trams offer a comfortable and efficient mode of transit for residents and visitors in these areas.

With the knowledge gained from this comprehensive first-timer’s London Underground Guide, you’re ready to confidently navigate the Tube, explore the city’s treasures, and create unforgettable memories during your visit to London. So, mind the gap and enjoy the ride!

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Wow, an Oyster Card costs 5 GBP now? That’s a lot. I never trusted contactless payments much but I have had a couple Oyster cards knocking around, and I am pleased to report they don’t lose validity so it might be worth trying to “inherit one” and just top it up. Love the ease of just having one in my purse instead of carrying the mobile phone outside its safe place (phone snatching etc)

I love London, it’s a great travel destination and these tips are spot on for travel there. I also took the tube when I visited and utilized some of these tips during my trip.

This is such a handy guide and full of so many vital tips, especially standing on the right on the escalators!! Gotta love the tube!

Your post is very informative. I didn’t realize that there are so many different tube lines in the Underground. Thanks for breaking it down for us.

Perfect post! Slowly starting to plan a trip to London and am planning on public transportation..appreciate all of these tips..esp having everything on the phone to streamline it…

Thank you for this helpful guide! I wish I had one before my first visit to London.

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London Underground

The London Underground is the most recommended form of transport to get around the city thanks to its 11 lines. It is the world’s most extensive underground train network and was inaugurated in 1863. Although the official name in English is London Underground, those who live in London call the London Underground “Tube”.

Don’t worry if it seems complicated at first; we have prepared a guide so you know how to pay to use the London Underground and find your way around London. In this article, you will find information about London Underground timetables, Maps and Prices.

What you should know about the London Underground

The London Underground map has over 270 stations divided into 9 zones to work out travel fares.

There are 11 tube lines; each has a different name and colour, so they can be easily identified on the London tube map. In addition to the tube lines, on the London Underground map, you will also see the DLR (docklands light rail), Elizabeth Line, London Overground, London Trams, Cable Car and Thameslink trains that are available through central London.

London Underground lines

Zones of the london underground.

As we have commented above, the London underground has 9 zones , each identified with a number. The most central zone of the London Underground is number 1, while zone number 9 is on the outskirts of London.

The different zones of the London Underground are used to determine the fares of journeys between stations in each zone. In other words, the price of the ticket increases as the number of zones you cover on your journey does.

In which zone are the main attractions and airports of London

The main attractions and monuments of London are within Zones 1 and 2 . If you want to visit places like Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden , Trafalgar Square, the London Eye , Big Ben, Buckingham Palace , Hyde Park or Notting Hill, you can do so without leaving Zone 1 of the London Underground.

As for Zone 2, the most visited attraction in Zone 2 is Camden Market . There are other places of interest in Zone 2, such as Highgate Cemetery .

The airports in London are located all around the city, in different areas of London. We recommend choosing a hotel that is easy to get to from the airport and avoid booking accommodation on the opposite side of the city.

In which London transport zone are the Airports?

The airports located within the nine zones of the London Underground are Heathrow and London City Airport . Therefore, to get to these airports, you can use a London transport card (oyster or travelcard) or using contactless payment .

Stansted and Luton airports are located outside of the London Transport Zones. Therefore, you must buy a specific train or bus ticket to get to central London from these airports. Gatwick Airport is located outside the London Transport Zones, but it is currently possible to use an Oyster card or contactless payment to travel from this airport to the centre and vice versa.

London Underground Map

As you have probably seen, the London Underground map has a somewhat quirky design with all those coloured lines crossing over each other in all directions and probably making little sense the first time you look at it.

The London Underground map represents more than 400 kilometres of London Underground lines, with over 270 stations and nine travel zones, as well as Overground lines and other transport networks in the city. The London Underground map was designed by Harry Beck, an English draughtsman, in 1933. It would later be adopted by subways in other cities around the world.

Very importantly, the London Underground map is schematic. It does not represent the distance between stations, as a street map normally would. It may seem that two stations are very close to each other on the map, but this may not actually be true!

You can download the different versions of the official metro map from here:

• Download the standard London Underground Map
• Download NIght Tube Map
• Download step-free London Underground Map

Sometimes, there are cases in which walking on the surface will take less time than going by tube, such as going from Leicester Square to Covent Garden. You can check the walking distance between stations here: Walking Tube Map .

How to use the London Underground map

You enter the station thinking, “ Well, let’s go in and look at the map “, and as soon as you enter, there are signs for three different lines with different colours. And as you keep walking you see they divide into “Northbound” and “Southbound” or “Westbound” or “Eastbound”.

At this point, I´d recommend not to panic –  we’ve all been here once. I do remember thinking that there was absolutely no way I would find my way around without help the first time I stepped into an underground station in London, but I promise it just takes a bit of time to get used to how everything works, and within a few hours you´ll be pro!

To use the London Underground map and not get lost along the way, the first step is to have your journey planned beforehand. Go into the station knowing what line you need, and the name of the station you need to get to. If you know this before entering the station, the signs you will find along the way from the station entrance to the platform will be easy to follow, and it is less likely that you’ll get lost.

I know it sounds obvious, but when you don’t know the names, it’s easy to confuse “Green Park” with “Hyde Park” or “Queen’s Park” and end up wandering around the tube network.

How to navigate the London Underground

The first thing is to identify our route on the map; for this, we must first look for the entry and exit stations. To do this, you can look at the following Underground map:

Example: Let’s say we want to go from King’s Cross station to Westminster station. The first thing we do is look for these two stops on the map. As you will see, they are not located on the same line, so to get from one to the other, we will have to transfer at some point and change from one line to another. Sometimes there will be several possibilities, so choose the one that involves the least changes, for example.

Thus, in our example, we will take the light blue line (Victoria Line) at King’s Cross and travel from King’s Cross to Victoria. We will then change at Victoria station to the green line (District Line ) or the yellow line (Circle Line) to travel from Victoria to Westminster:

• In King’s Cross, we will follow the signs that indicate where the Victoria Line is, and as you can see on the map, we need to go south. So we will have to take the Piccadilly Southbound line. The last stop on that journey is Brixton, so we want to go on the Victoria Line towards Brixton, and this will be what the signs on the train will say.
• When we get to Victoria, we will leave the train and follow the signs for the District Line or Circle Line. And in this case, we will need to go West. Therefore, we must go Westbound. In this case, the green line train (District line) will go towards Upminster, but we will get off at Westminster.

Overground, DLR, Elizabeth Line, Trams and Cable Car on The London Underground Map.

The London Underground Map, in addition to the London Underground lines, also shows the routes that the Overground, DLR, Elizabeth Line, London Overground, London Trams, Cable Car, and Thameslink trains as they go through central London. All these modes of transport are part of the London public transport system and work exactly the same as the tube or underground. Some differences are that the Overground is a train that goes overground, and the DLR is the Docklands light rail, which also goes overground most of the time.

Schedules and Frequency of the London Underground during the day

The timetable of the London Underground will vary depending on the station and the day of the week. London Underground trains generally start from 5:10 a.m. and run all day until approximately 12:15 a.m., past midnight.

As for the frequency of the London Underground, trains on most lines average a frequency of between 3 and 6 minutes. In some central London stations, such as Victoria, you’ll see that trains during peak hours are very frequent, and there are trains every 1 or 2 minutes.

Night Tube: London Underground at Night Time

During Fridays and Saturdays, there are 24-hour night tube services on the Victoria line (Light Blue), Jubilee line (Grey) and most of the Central line (Red), Northern line (Black) and Piccadilly line (Dark Blue ).

• Victoria line : Trains run with an approximate frequency of 10 minutes.
• Central line : Trains run approximately every 10 minutes between White City and Leytonstone and approximately every 20 minutes on the rest of the line. There is no service between North Acton and West Ruislip, Loughton and Epping and from Woodford to Hainault.
• Jubilee line : Trains run approximately every 10 minutes on the entire line.
• Northern line : The trains run with a frequency of about 8 to 15 minutes.
• Piccadilly line : Trains run approximately every 10 minutes between Heathrow Terminal 5 and Cockfosters stations. There is no service between Terminal 4 and Acton Town and Uxbridge.

How to pay on the London Underground

The fares of the London Underground vary depending on the time, time and length of the journey since the fares are calculated according to the number of zones you travel through. To compare the prices of the London Underground, the following aspects must be taken into account:

• “Single ticket” or “Oyster Card” : When using the London Underground, you can buy a single ticket for each journey from one of the self-service ticket machines at any Underground station. But, this is something we do not recommend at all, as it is the most expensive way of using the Underground. It is much cheaper to use an Oyster Card , or if you are staying in London for a week or more, you might be interested in the London Travelcard .
• Using contactless debit or credit card : You can use a contactless credit or debit card to pay for the London Underground, or any other form of transport in London, just as if it was an Oyster card. The fares charged for each journey are the same as if you used an oyster card, so nowadays, using contactless payment to pay for London’s public transport is the most common way to pay. If you have a British contactless card, this is what I’d recommend using. If you’re travelling to the UK from abroad, I wouldn’t recommend using a foreign card as your bank may charge you commission or transaction fees every time you use it – so it can work out very expensive! In this case, we would recommend creating and using a  Revolut account . Check out our article using contactless on London Underground .
• Peak or off-peak : Peak rates are applied from Monday to Friday from 06:30 to 09:30 and from 16:00 to 19:00. Weekends and bank holidays are always Off-peak.

London Underground Fares

Tips for using the london underground.

First recommendation: Find the closest underground station to your hotel. The best way to find out this is to simply go to Google Maps . If you have read our article Where to Stay in London , you will have seen that we usually recommend hotels in central London, zones typically 1 and 2. You don’t want to spend your entire time commuting to central London if you are visiting London.

Always to the right:   When you use the corridors or the escalators of the London Underground, you will find signs constantly reminding you to Stand on the right . If you don’t, some Londoners arriving late for work won’t be very pleased! You need to think that the left side is a fast lane.

Accessible stations:   If you travel with a stroller or a wheelchair, check which stations are step-free to make your journey easier. Many stations are not adapted and have lots of stairs. Check our article Travelling in London with kids .

Best London Underground Mobile Apps

Although in all stations you will find paper maps everywhere, the easiest thing to do is to use our mobile phone. This way you will know if there is a problem with any of the lines, the duration and price of your journey.

Some of the best mobile apps for using London public transport are:

• TFL Go : The simplest option, it works in real-time, it detects where you are and which tube stations or bus stops are closest to you. Useful if you want to have the London tube map at hand, with real information about stations and tube or bus lines. You can also enter an address or a metro stop and it tells you how to get there step by step. It works with iOS and Android.
• Citymapper : It works on both iOS and Android phones and combines almost all of London’s transport options, including UBER. It tells you when the next underground train is due or if there are any problems or delays on the lines, and it will also give you directions to get to your destination.
• Google Maps : It works in real-time but you can also download a route in case you don’t have 4G or Wi-Fi coverage.
• Oyster TFL App : If you have an oyster card, with this app you can register your oyster and top up your oyster easily with your phone as well as see your travel history, add a travelcard, etc.

Related Posts

London travel zones, travelling in london with kids, contactless payment on london transport, london oyster card.

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