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The idea of using public transportation in London can be a bit daunting for tourists, especially ones that come from an area where public transportation is scarce (like me!). But don’t be intimidated! Using the London Underground is super easy and inexpensive. Here are some basics to get you started.
What is the London Underground?
The London Underground (or Tube) is a subway system connecting a large portion of London. Combined with the bus and rail systems, you can get almost everywhere in the greater London area through public transportation. No (cool, but expensive) taxis needed.
What zones do I need?
For the purpose of transportation, London is divided into zones. Most tourist attractions are located in Zones 1 and 2. However, if you want to use your transportation pass to get to the airports or to outlying tourist destinations, you’ll need one that includes additional zones.
Ticket options
There are lots of ticketing options and it’s important to understand each of them to pick the one that best fits your trip. Here are some of the most common.
Paper tickets: Single trip tickets are available, but these come at a premium price. If you’re going to use the Tube more than once or twice, you’d be much better off purchasing one of the other ticketing options.
Oyster card: This plastic, reusable card is one of the most flexible travel pass options. You simply load money onto the card and each fare is deducted from the available funds. One of the biggest advantages is that, by using an Oyster card, you receive a discounted fare over purchasing single tickets. Oyster cards also have a cap on maximum charges for the day. There is an initial 5 GPB fee to purchase the card.
Oyster cards come in both a standard and a visitor version. The fare rates and daily caps are the same for both cards, however there are some differences that may encourage you to choose one type over the other. While both cards cost the same to purchase, this fee is refundable upon cancellation of a standard Oyster card. Unfortunately, a refund of the purchase price is not available with a Visitor Oyster card. In addition, you have the option to load (multiday) Travelcards on to a standard Oyster card. This option is not available with a Visitor Oyster card. One advantage of the Visitor Oyster card is added discounts directed towards tourists that are not available with a standard Oyster card. You can find a list of these benefits here.
Travelcard: These paper tickets are valid for unlimited travel for a single day or 7 consecutive days. You can purchase them for different combinations of zones depending on your need and there is even an option for off-peak travel.
Contactless Cards: The Underground system also is set up to use contactless credit/debit cards as a payment option. However, for tourists, these often include foreign transaction fees each time you use them. You’re probably better off using one of the other ticketing options to avoid paying extra.
Where do I buy tickets?
You can buy tickets at automated kiosks at any Underground station. (Manned ticket booths have pretty much been phased out of the Underground system.) Travelcards and Visitor Oyster cards can also be purchased online in advance through VisitBritain.com and shipped to your house prior to your trip.
When does the London Underground run?
Operation hours vary slightly depending on the day, but in general the Tube runs from approximately 5:00a to midnight. On Friday and Saturday, certain lines run 24 hours (Night Tube). During popular commuter times (7:30a-9:30a and 5-7p), the system can become quite crowded, so it’s a good idea to plan accordingly
How to navigate the Tube
Most importantly, you’ll need a map! You can check out this one here for an idea of what to expect. There are printed paper options that you can pick up at most tourist offices as well as posted versions in multiple locations at all Tube stations. If you need some help figuring out your route, check out Transport for London’s Plan a Journey website.
To use the Underground system, you need to know a couple things: what Tube station you’re leaving from and travelling to, what line you need, and what direction you need to travel (indicated by the terminal points of the line). The above map will help you sort this out. If you’re not sure what station to choose, most attractions list the nearest Tube stations on their website.
At Tube stations, paper tickets/travelcards are inserted into a small slot at the turnstile (magnetic strip down…and don’t forget to grab it once it pops back up!)…and Oyster cards simply need tapped to the reader.
After that it’s as simple as following the signs for your line and direction of travel. Don’t worry, there are lots of maps posted so you can always double check your route.
Other transportation options
London has additional public transportation options including London’s famous red double-decker buses and the rail system (Docklands Light Railway, TFL Railway, and the Overground). Most travel passes include these services as well.
The Underground and kids
Children 11 and under ride free and children 11-15 travel at a reduced price.
More information
For more information on public transportation in London, check out these websites:
Just for Fun
Fantasy fans might want to pick up a copy of Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere before your trip to London. You won’t look at the Underground the same way again! Mind the gap!
