How to use the London Underground: fares, Oyster card, zones and tips

How do you use the London Underground in 2026 without getting confused by the different lines, zones, and ticket options? Between contactless payment, the Oyster Card, Travelcards, child fares and the Night Tube, it is not always easy to know which option to choose, especially for a first visit.

In this guide, I explain in simple terms how the London Underground works, how much journeys cost, which zones you need to know, and which ticket or payment option is best for your trip. My goal is to help you arrive in London knowing how to reach your accommodation, get around easily in the center, and keep your transportation costs under control.

Whether you are discovering the Tube for the first time or simply want a clearer picture of how it works, you'll find clear explanations here, concrete examples, and tips based on my own trips to London.

How do London Underground zones work?

The London Underground is divided into concentric fare zones, from zone 1, which covers central London, out to the outermost zones in the suburbs. The price of your journey depends on the zones you pass through.

So, a trip only within zone 1 will cost less than a journey between zones 1 and 4.

You can pick up a London Underground map for free in all stations. I also suggest you download it as a PDF.

You can also use this London Underground map with the main landmarks, which is handy for quickly spotting the stations serving tourist sights. Download it for free here.

On a first trip, you will travel almost exclusively in zones 1 and 2, where most of the must-see sights are located: Westminster, the British Museum, Covent Garden, Soho and Tower Bridge, among others. Unless you have chosen accommodation far from the center, you will generally only need zones 3 to 6 for specific trips, for example to Heathrow, Richmond Park, Kew Gardens or Wimbledon.

How to plan a route on the London Underground?

To plan your trips on the London Underground, the most reliable tool is Transport for London's official journey planner (TfL).

You can plan your route using the "Plan a Journey" tool available on the official TfL website.

Simply enter your starting point and destination to get several route options, with journey times, transfers, any disruptions, and departure times.

You can also customize your search:

• By avoiding certain types of transport or specific lines;
• By prioritizing accessible routes (elevators, ramps, etc.);
• By choosing a departure or arrival time.

Google Maps and Citymapper are also excellent alternatives and use TfL's real-time data. However, for official information (engineering works, station closures, or disruptions), TfL remains the best source for updates on closures, disruptions, and engineering works.

Which ticket should you choose for the London Underground?

These days, the easiest way to use the London Underground is to pay with a contactless bank card or an Oyster card. Both options automatically calculate the correct fare and apply the daily cap, so you get the best available fare without having to think about it.

For most travelers, paper tickets are no longer necessary. There are four main options: contactless payment, the Oyster card, the Visitor Oyster card and, more rarely, the Travelcard.

Contactless payment

Contactless payment is currently the simplest solution for using the London Underground, especially for a short stay.

If you have a contactless bank card, you do not need to buy a ticket: your bank card effectively becomes your travel card. It works on the Underground, buses, the DLR, London Overground, trams, the cable car and the River Bus. The main international cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.) are accepted.

You can also use a compatible digital wallet, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.

The system automatically calculates the correct fare and applies the daily cap. Once you reach that cap, any additional journeys on the same day do not cost you anything extra.

By creating an account on the official TfL website, you can view your journeys, check your payments, and request a refund if there's an error.

Before you leave, it is also worth checking whether your bank applies any fees for transactions in pounds sterling. Depending on your bank, you may pay no fees at all or be charged for every transaction.

The Oyster Card

The Oyster Card is still an excellent option if you prefer to use a separate card just for travel in London.

It looks like a bank card and costs £5 (a non-refundable fee). You then top it up with whatever amount you choose.

The Oyster Card has several advantages:

• Just like contactless payment, it automatically calculates the correct fare and applies the daily cap thanks to the capping system.
• Any remaining credit does not expire: you can use your card again on a future trip, even several years later.
• It isn't tied to a specific person, so you can lend it to someone else (one person at a time).

If you no longer need it, you can request a refund of the remaining credit. However, the £5 activation fee is no longer refundable.

The Visitor Oyster Card

The Visitor Oyster Card is a version of the Oyster Card designed for tourists who want everything ready before they arrive in London.

It works exactly like a standard Oyster: it is preloaded with the amount you choose, can be topped up later, and uses the same automatic capping system.

It is sold exclusively online and cannot be purchased once you're in London.

The remaining credit can be refunded under the same conditions as a standard Oyster. However, the cost of the card (£5) is non-refundable.

Oyster Card or Visitor Oyster Card?

In practice, there are only a few differences between the two cards.

• The Oyster Card can be registered online, which makes it easier to replace if it is lost.
• The Visitor Oyster Card must be ordered before departure and sent by mail.
• The half-fare for 11–15 year olds can be activated on both cards at a TfL ticket office.

If you buy your card in London, I generally recommend the standard Oyster Card. The Visitor Oyster Card is mainly useful if you want everything arranged before you travel.

The Travelcard

The Travelcard is a travel pass that lets you make an unlimited number of journeys for a set period.

It still exists, but these days it is less useful for most tourists than contactless payment or the Oyster Card, which automatically calculates the correct fare and applies the daily cap. It can still be useful in a few cases, for example if you are entitled to a National Rail discount or if you are using a weekly or monthly pass.

The price depends on how long it is valid, the zones covered, and the type of Travelcard ("Peak" or "Off-Peak"). Before buying it, I'd recommend comparing its cost with the daily cap applied automatically by the Oyster Card or contactless payment.

How much should you budget for transportation on a short trip?

For a stay mainly in zones 1 and 2, budget roughly:

• 3 days: about £25 per adult (roughly $30 / €29).
• 4 days: about £30 (roughly $35 / €35).
• One week: around £40 thanks to the cap (roughly $45–50 / €46).

These estimates assume typical use of public transport with an Oyster Card or a contactless bank card.

You can fine-tune your budget with the Single Fare Finder, which calculates the exact price of a journey based on the stations, time of travel, and payment method.

Traveling with children in London

London offers very generous fares for children on public transport, which can make a big difference to the cost of a family trip.

If you use public transport with children, what you pay will depend on the child's age. The rules are especially generous for children under 11, with different discounts available for older children.

Children under 11

Children under 11 accompanied by an adult travel free on most London transport services, which can save families a significant amount.

Children under 11 accompanied by an adult travel free without needing a ticket on the Tube, the DLR, London Overground, the Elizabeth line, buses, and trams. However, they must have a ticket if they use certain National Rail services.

The child then simply goes through the gates with you. If you are traveling with a stroller, a suitcase, or several children, ask a member of staff if you need help: they can open a wider gate if needed.

If a child under 11 has to travel alone, TfL offers a 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard, which allows them to travel free on the network. This card is mainly intended for children who live in London or are staying there long term and is generally not relevant for tourists.

Teenagers aged 11 to 15

Young people aged 11 to 15 can get half-price fares on the TfL network.

For a visit of less than 14 days, the simplest solution is to ask a TfL staff member for the Young Visitor discount. This discount is added free of charge to an Oyster Card or a Visitor Oyster Card, with the child present, and gives them half-price fares for 14 days.

If your child lives in London or is staying there longer, it may make more sense to apply for an 11-15 Zip Oyster photocard. This card requires an application and is mainly intended for young people who live or study in London, or who are staying for an extended period.

Teenagers aged 16 to 18

From age 16, young people generally travel at the adult fare.

There is a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard, which offers discounted fares on TfL transport. Again, it is mainly intended for young people who live or study in London and is generally not worth getting for a short visit.

How to use the London Underground

Using the London Underground is actually quite simple: you just need to know your starting station and destination, which line to take, and the right direction.

If you are not yet comfortable with the Tube, keep a map of the Underground handy or use an app that shows the lines offline. Here's a practical example: you arrive by Eurostar at St Pancras station and you want to get to your hotel near Green Park station.

Step 1: find the right line

The Underground station at St Pancras is called King's Cross St Pancras. Looking at the Tube map, you will see that Green Park station is served by the Victoria Line, shown in light blue.

Just remember the name and color of the line: these are the details to look for on station signs.

Step 2: choose the right direction

Each line runs in two directions, usually identified by the terminus at either end.

On the map, follow the Victoria Line beyond Green Park to its southern terminus, Brixton. So you'll need to follow the signs for Victoria Line – Southbound – Brixton.

You'll also see signs for Northbound, Southbound, Eastbound and Westbound, indicating the direction of travel.

Step 3: tap in

Before heading to the platforms, tap your Oyster Card, bank card, or phone on the yellow reader (or insert your Travelcard if you are using one) to open the gates.

Then simply follow the signs for the Victoria Line towards Brixton. Stations are very well signposted: the line color and direction are clearly marked, and platform displays show when the next train is due.

What time does the London Underground open and close?

The London Underground runs every day, generally from 5:30 a.m. to midnight. Some lines also run all night on Fridays and Saturdays thanks to the Night Tube. As timetables can vary depending on the line and station, it is worth checking your route if you are traveling early in the morning or late at night.

Daytime hours

Most lines start running at around 5:30 a.m., and the last trains usually run between midnight and 12:30 a.m., depending on the station and line.

In central London, trains are very frequent, especially during rush hour. If you want to know the exact timetable for a line or station, the simplest way is to check the official TfL timetables, which are regularly updated.

How does the Night Tube work?

The Night Tube runs throughout the night on Fridays and Saturdays on selected Underground lines.

The service currently runs on the following lines:

• Victoria Line;
• Jubilee Line;
• Central Line (although some sections are not served);
• Northern Line (limited service on certain branches);
• Piccadilly Line (some sections are not served, especially toward Heathrow Terminal 4).

If you are heading back late from a concert, a show, or a night out, just remember to check that the Night Tube serves your route, as parts of the network may be closed or services may be altered due to engineering works. Real-time information is available on the TfL website.

The Night Tube map

TfL also provides a dedicated Night Tube map, which lets you see at a glance which lines are open all night and which stations are served.

What are the Night Tube fares?

Night Tube fares are the same as daytime off-peak fares. Journeys are charged at the "off-peak" fare (outside rush hours), with no surcharge for traveling at night.

The daily capping ("daily cap") still applies with contactless payment and the Oyster card. If you are using a Travelcard, it remains valid until 4:29 a.m. the following morning.

Practical tips for using the London Underground

Here are a few practical tips that are worth knowing before your trip to London.

• The Underground stops at every station: you don't need to press a button to request a stop.
• If you've gone the wrong way, just get off at the next station and take a train back in the opposite direction. As long as you don't exit the system, you won't be charged for a new journey.
• Onboard announcements tell you the station, the line, and the train's direction. You'll also hear the famous "Please mind the gap", reminding you to watch out for the space between the platform and the train.
• If you're traveling in a wheelchair, with a stroller, or with accessibility needs, take a look at TfL's accessible maps, including the "step-free" maps that list stations with elevator access.
• In some stations, you'll see pink card readers. They're used to record routes that avoid zone 1 so the system can automatically calculate the correct fare and apply the daily cap for your journey.

The 11 London Underground lines

Each London Underground line has its own color, route, and specific features: knowing the main lines can make the network easier to understand.

Here's a quick overview of each line.

Bakerloo Line (brown)

It serves Warwick Avenue, near the canals of Little Venice, Paddington station, Baker Street, Regent's Park, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus and its giant screens, Charing Cross, and also Embankment, along the Thames. It's a useful line if you're staying in the west or exploring central London around Trafalgar Square.

Central Line (red)

The Central Line crosses London from west to east (and vice versa), with stops including Notting Hill, Oxford Circus, St Paul's, and Liverpool Street. It's one of the busiest lines during rush hour, but also one of the most convenient for traveling quickly between several major sightseeing areas.

Circle Line (yellow)

As a visitor, you'll mainly use it on the section that overlaps with the District Line in central London, with stops including Notting Hill, South Kensington (close to the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum), Victoria (a major departure point for long-distance coaches and some airport buses, and also the nearest station to Buckingham Palace if you want to watch the Changing of the Guard).

The line then follows the Thames, stopping at St James's Park, Westminster, and Embankment, before heading toward Monument and Liverpool Street, near Spitalfields Market and the Sky Garden. It's especially convenient for visiting several sights along the Thames in one day.

District Line (green)

In central London, it shares a large part of its route with the Circle Line. It also serves the magnificent Kew Gardens and Richmond Park, a large park where deer roam freely, as well as Wimbledon. If you want to combine museums with some of London's largest parks, you'll probably end up taking it.

Hammersmith & City Line (pink)

The line serves Paddington, Baker Street (south of Regent's Park, near the Madame Tussauds museum), Euston Square station (near Euston station, which you can use to reach the Harry Potter Studio Tour, for example), St Pancras (Eurostar station) and Liverpool Street. It's a convenient line for connecting several major rail stations.

Jubilee Line (gray)

The Jubilee Line runs from northwest London to east London (and vice versa!). Key stops include Wembley Park (near Wembley Stadium, where many major sporting events and concerts are held), Baker Street, Bond Street, Green Park, Westminster (the closest station to the famous abbey and Big Ben), Waterloo station, London Bridge (a station close to Tower Bridge), Canary Wharf, and the O2 Arena (North Greenwich station).

Metropolitan Line (purple)

It serves Wembley Stadium and quite a few stations that it shares with the Hammersmith & City Line (Baker Street, Euston Square, King's Cross St Pancras, Liverpool Street). It's a historic line whose trains can feel roomier than those on deep-level Tube lines, making it convenient for visitors staying in the northwest suburbs.

Northern Line (black)

One of London's longest Tube lines, the Northern Line runs from south to north, serving the Camden neighborhood, the stations of King's Cross St Pancras, Euston and Waterloo, but also central areas such as London Bridge, Leicester Square and Embankment.

Further north, Archway station is also close to the beautiful Victorian Highgate Cemetery, an attraction in its own right. The line is known for its multiple branches, so make sure you check the terminus on the display boards before getting on.

Piccadilly Line (dark blue)

The Piccadilly Line serves many outer London neighborhoods and also provides access to Arsenal's Emirates Stadium (Arsenal station). Its central section is heavily used by tourists because it serves stations like Knightsbridge (near the Harrods department store), Hyde Park Corner, Green Park, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden as well as King's Cross St Pancras station. It also connects the center to Heathrow Airport, which makes it particularly convenient when arriving in or leaving London.

Victoria Line (light blue)

The Victoria Line crosses London from north to south (or vice versa!). It serves King's Cross St Pancras, Euston and central areas such as Oxford Circus, Green Park, Brixton… and of course Victoria station. It is one of the fastest and most frequent Tube lines, which makes it useful for many London itineraries.

Waterloo & City Line (sea green)

The line most visitors will probably never use! It is a short 2.4 km (1.5-mile) line, which runs from Waterloo to Bank. It links Waterloo directly with the City. The line is mainly used by commuters traveling to and from the City and runs primarily on weekdays during commuting hours.

It's sometimes nicknamed "The Drain," reportedly because the line's initials are "W & C." :)

Future improvements to the London Underground

The London Underground continues to be upgraded to make journeys more comfortable, accessible, and reliable.

One of the biggest projects is the upgrade of the Piccadilly line, which is receiving a new fleet of trains. More spacious, air-conditioned (a first on a deep Tube line), equipped with wide doors and open gangways between cars, the new trains should make journeys more comfortable while increasing train frequency during peak hours.

The upgrade is part of the New Tube for London program, which also aims to replace trains on other deep-level Tube lines over time, subject to funding and project timelines.

TfL is also working to make the Underground more accessible, with new stations equipped with elevators, more step-free access, and improvements designed to make travel easier for wheelchair users, families with strollers, and travelers with luggage.

Finally, although it is not technically part of the London Underground, the Elizabeth line is now fully integrated into the Transport for London network. It provides a fast east–west route across London, serving, in particular, Heathrow, Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Liverpool Street, Canary Wharf, and Abbey Wood. Depending on your route, it can be an excellent alternative to the Tube.

You now have everything you need to use the London Underground with confidence. Although the map may look intimidating at first, the Tube is actually very easy to get the hang of: after a few journeys, changing lines will feel second nature!

If you're planning your trip, feel free to also check out all my articles on London: areas to stay in, must-see sights, good places to eat, itineraries, and practical tips to really make the most of the British capital.

FAQ about the London Underground

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the London Underground to help you plan your stay.