Travelling by London Underground
plan your route using apps,
use a contactless card or Oyster card for the easiest pay-as-you-go payment,
and remember to tap in and out at every station to ensure you pay the correct fare.
Be sure to stand on the right on escalators and keep clear of the platform edges.
The Tube operates from about 5:00 a.m. to midnight, with a Night Tube service on Fridays and Saturdays for some lines.
If you want a video guide to using the underground watch this
Planning your journey
Download a tube map here
London Underground is a very busy network with some 4 million journeys being consumed every day. To avoid the rush hour crush try travelling after 09:30 in the morning and before 15:30 in the afternoon and after 18:00 in the evening.
- Plan your route: Use apps like Citymapper, Google Maps, or the Transport for London (TfL) website to find the best route.
- Understand the map: Each line has a unique color and name, which is the best way to identify it.
- Check for disruptions: Before you travel, check the TfL status updates for any delays or closures on your route.
Paying for your travel
- Contactless or Oyster card: This is the easiest and most flexible way to pay. You can use a contactless bank card or device like a smartphone or watch.
- Pay as you go: Fares are charged per journey, and there are daily and weekly caps so you won't pay more than a certain amount, no matter how much you travel within a zone.
- Visitor Oyster card: This is a smartcard for visitors that comes pre-loaded with credit and can be bought before arriving in London.
- Touch in and out: Always use the same contactless card or Oyster card to tap in at the start of your journey and tap out at the end to pay the correct fare.
On the platform and on the train
- Stand on the right: On escalators, stand on the right to allow others to walk down the left.
- Mind the gap: Be careful of the space between the train and the platform.
- Let passengers exit first: Allow people to get off the train before you try to board.
- Hold the handrail: Use the handrails on escalators and in carriages to maintain your balance.
- Mind the doors: Don't block the doors. Find a space in the center of the carriage if it's crowded.
- Move down the carriage: Move towards the center of the carriage to make space for others.
- Give up your seat: Offer your seat to elderly passengers, pregnant women, or those with disabilities.
- Stand clear of the doors: Make sure you are not standing in the doorway, so others can exit and enter.
- Be mindful of noise: Keep phone calls and conversations quiet to not disturb other passengers.
