Mastering the London Underground
The London Underground (the "Tube") is the fastest and most efficient way to navigate the city. With 11 lines and 272 stations, it can seem overwhelming — but these tips will have you riding like a local.
Payment Options
Contactless bank card (recommended): Simply tap your Visa, Mastercard, or phone (Apple Pay/Google Pay) at the yellow reader. Daily and weekly caps apply automatically — you'll never pay more than a daily Travelcard.
Oyster card: Reloadable smart card available at stations (£7 deposit). Same fares and caps as contactless. Good if you don't have a contactless card.
Paper tickets: Avoid these — they cost nearly double the Oyster/contactless fare.
Key Tips for Tourists
Zones
London is divided into zones 1-9. Most tourist attractions are in Zones 1-2. The fare depends on which zones you travel through.Peak vs Off-Peak
- Peak: Mon-Fri 6:30-9:30am, 4-7pm (higher fares)
- Off-Peak: All other times, weekends, bank holidays (lower fares)
Etiquette
- Stand on the right on escalators — walk on the left
- Let passengers off before boarding
- Move down inside the carriage — don't block the doors
- Give up priority seats for elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers
Useful Lines for Tourists
- Piccadilly Line: Heathrow → Piccadilly Circus → Covent Garden
- Circle/District: Paddington → South Kensington → Westminster
- Central Line: Oxford Circus → Bond Street → Notting Hill Gate
- Jubilee Line: Baker Street → Westminster → London Bridge
Step-Free Stations
Limited but growing. Key step-free stations: King's Cross, Westminster, Stratford, Green Park, London Bridge.Transport Tip: Download the free TfL Go app for real-time journey planning and service updates.
