cheapest way to travel by tube in london

London Underground 101: A guide to getting the Tube in London

Editor's Note

If you've never visited London before, navigating its iconic Tube system can be either an adventure or a confused mess of Tube lines, fare types and labyrinthian stations.

You might not have initially thought so, but there's a lot more to it than just getting to a station, hopping on a train and then exiting. Thankfully, TPG has your back, and we created this guide to the London Underground.

Let's dive in.

Related: The 23 best hotels in London

Paying for the Tube and how to save money

First of all, let's make sure the price is right.

There are many ways you can pay to travel around London via the Tube.

You can buy paper tickets from the ticket machines at each Tube, Overground and Docklands Light Railway station. One-way, return, daily and weekly travel cards are available. If you're buying tickets for single journeys, you'll probably spend more than you really need to if you take the Tube more than once.

The most convenient payment method, though, is to use your contactless payment card. Simply touch it on the yellow card readers found at Tube entrances and some platforms to pay for your ride.

These card readers also work with prepaid Oyster cards sold at all Tube and Overground stations, plus most Elizabeth Line stations and select newsstands and visitor centers throughout London, for 7 British pounds ($8.86) each. If you choose to purchase and pay via an Oyster card, you can add money to the card using the ticket machines found inside Underground stations. You can then purchase daily or weekly travel cards covering various zones.

Regardless of how you pay for your ride, you'll use the same process for confirming your payment. Use your phone (for contactless payments) or debit, credit or Oyster card to tap in and out at the barriers of your start and end stations. Remember that card readers aren't always connected to gates and are sometimes free-standing, so make sure you locate one and tap in and out to avoid getting charged for traveling through all nine zones.

To see the full details and decide exactly which payment method is right for you, check out the Transport for London website .

Daily limits

If you use an Oyster card or contactless payment to pay for your Tube journey, there is a cap on how much you can be charged, depending on the zones you travel in or between.

Say, for example, you only travel within Zones 1 and 2. For a full day of travel via the London Underground in those two zones, you'll pay 8.50 pounds (around $10.76).

You can view the prices for other zones on the TfL website .

Child discounts

All children under the age of 11 can travel on the London Underground for free, and children between 11 and 15 receive discounted fares (as outlined below). To ensure that you get a discount, you should talk to a member of the London Underground staff inside the station.

How much does travel on the London Underground cost?

The London Underground operates a peak and off-peak fare system. The amount you're charged depends on which zones you're traveling in or between.

Peak fares are charged Monday to Friday between the hours of 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. Off-peak fares are charged at all other times and if you're traveling from a station outside of Zone 1 into Zone 1 between 4 and 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Journeys on the Tube and the Elizabeth Line to and from Heathrow Airport (LHR) are always considered peak fares if you start, end or go through Zone 1.

Travel cards

Peak and off-peak travel cards are also available in the Tube stations' kiosks. The cost of travel cards varies depending on the zones you travel in. Paying with an Oyster card or via contactless payment is usually cheaper.

An Anytime Day travel card can be used for the entire day that you purchase it until 4:30 a.m. the next day.

An Off-peak Day travel card is valid for an entire weekday from 9:30 a.m. — or any time on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays — until 4:30 a.m. the following day.

How to read the London Tube map

The London Underground map is divided into nine zones. The center of London — along with its most popular tourist attractions and iconic hotels — is in Zone 1. The outer parts of the city are in Zone 9. The zones are serviced by 11 tube lines and a handful of other rail services identified by color.

The London Underground lines are as follows:

• Bakerloo (brown) : From Harrow & Wealdstone in northwest London to Elephant & Castle south of the River Thames
• Central (red) : From West Ruislip in west London to Epping in east London
• Circle (yellow) : From Hammersmith to Edgware Road and then back to Edgware Road in a loop around central London
• District (green) : From Upminster in east London to Richmond in south London
• Hammersmith & City (pink) : From Hammersmith to Barking in east London
• Jubilee (gray) : From Stanmore to Stratford in east London
• Metropolitan (maroon) : From Aldgate to Amersham
• Northern (black) : From Edgware in the northern suburbs to South Wimbledon in southwest London
• Piccadilly (dark blue) : From Cockfosters via Hammersmith to Heathrow Terminals 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; the Piccadilly Line has two branches, which split at Acton Town
• Victoria (light blue) : From Walthamstow Central in north London through central London to Brixton
• Waterloo & City (turquoise) : From Bank to Waterloo Station

Though not technically Tube lines, you'll also find the following rail routes on the Tube map:

• Overground (orange — double stripe) : From Watford Junction in the northwest to Croydon in the south and from Barking in the east of London to Richmond and Wandsworth in the southwest
• Docklands Light Railway (turquoise — double stripe) : From Bank in the City to Lewisham in east London and Bank to Woolwich Arsenal; there are further routes from Tower Gateway to Beckton, Stratford to Lewisham or Canary Wharf, and Stratford International to Woolwich Arsenal
• Elizabeth Line (purple — double stripe) : From Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east

Taking the Tube to Heathrow Airport

Depending on where you're traveling from, the Tube or Elizabeth Line will likely be your cheapest and most direct route to Heathrow Airport.

You can learn more about the best ways to reach Heathrow here .

While there's extra space on the Piccadilly Line for suitcases, trains on other lines aren't always as accommodating. Either way, traveling with multiple pieces of luggage at peak times can make for a stressful and awkward journey for you and those around you.

It's not always possible to get to Heathrow without getting on the Tube during peak times. If possible, try to leave earlier to avoid rush hour and have a far more comfortable journey.

How to plan your trip

TfL provides a range of free Tube maps that are available in most Tube stations and some small shops to help you plan your journey.

You can also use TfL's journey planner . Add in your start and end destinations, and the site will work out the nearest Tube stations and what changes you may need to take. The site will also suggest bus routes if they're faster, and it'll advise on journey times.

You can filter its suggestions to only include buses if you wish to avoid the Tube; you can also filter for routes that are accessible, routes near taxi ranks or routes that have the fewest changes or least amount of walking.

In terms of apps, many Londoners tend to use Citymapper ( iOS / Android ) or Google Maps ( iOS / Android ), both of which will provide you with up-to-date Tube suggestions, walking routes and bus options.

How early does the Tube run?

The London Underground's opening times can differ depending on the line you want to take and where you're starting your trip. Generally, though, Tube trains begin operation around 5 a.m. from Monday to Saturday, with slightly reduced operating hours on Sundays.

How late does the Night Tube run?

On Friday and Saturday nights, you can ride the Night Tube when the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines run for 24 hours. Additionally, the London Overground operates a 24-hour service on these days between New Cross Gate and Highbury & Islington.

The Night Tube is charged at off-peak rates.

The quickest route might not be the obvious one

If you're not used to London, you might think you need to take the Tube to get anywhere. The Tube is your best bet for longer journeys in and out of the city. However, shorter journeys in central London will likely be quicker on foot.

When planning your journeys, the TfL website has a handy box to help you determine which routes are quicker to walk.

By walking shorter routes, you'll not only save time but will also breathe in less thick, soupy air. The views are guaranteed to be an improvement, too.

Travel etiquette on the London Underground

Polite behavior when traveling on the London Underground can pretty much be simplified into three main rules.

Escalator etiquette

Perhaps the most important rule of Tube stations is to stand on the right on the escalators. This allows those in a rush to glide down the escalators in a flash to avoid waiting an extra minute for the next train.

Mindful Tubing

Everyone getting the Tube has somewhere to be and is likely in a rush. Letting all passengers get off your carriage before boarding will enable a smoother, quicker and more pleasant journey for everyone.

Additionally, don't hog seats if someone in need, such as elderly people, pregnant women or people with disabilities, would benefit more than you by sitting down. Checking if someone needs your seat will go a long way in making someone's journey, if not their entire day, better.

As for rides during busy commuting hours, remember that squishing as tightly as possible into the area closest to the doors doesn't benefit anyone. Move down the train. It makes for a more comfortable, less sweaty journey for everyone.

In general, queueing is somewhat of a national sport for Brits. We do it anywhere and everywhere, and anyone who fails to queue correctly will receive passive-aggressive eye rolls and tuts from all who witness it.

This also applies to the Tube, whether you're waiting to get through the barriers, waiting to get on or waiting for the stairs, escalators or elevators to leave the station. Save yourself the glares and cranky tuts of fellow passengers by falling into line.

Bottom line

Love it or hate it, London would come to a standstill without the Tube. Whether it's your first time in the capital or you're a seasoned Londoner, the above tips will serve you well. Remember, above all else, to stand to the right.

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

How to Get Around London: A Guide to Public Transport in London

Last updated: March 20, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 25 Comments

So you’ve decided to visit London! Fantastic idea, it’s an excellent city, with enough activities to keep you busy for however long you choose to stay. Today though, I’m not going to give you advice on what to see in London. Instead, I’m going to share with you my advice for how to get around London.

London is a city with an absolutely fantastic public transport network, but the plethora of choice can be a bit overwhelming for the first-time visitor.

This information on getting around London comes from my experience living in London for 2 years, our subsequent visits as a tourist, and some online research (there are so many options!).

In this guide, I’m going to share with you the various options you have for getting around London, from the tube, to taxis, to the bicycle! Let’s get started.

How To Get Around London

London is divided into nine fare zones, with zones 1 & 2 being central London, and then increasing in number the further outside the city you get. Heathrow Airport for example is in Zone 6. The below transport options will cover all the zones.

Transport in London is operated is by TfL , which stands for “Transport for London”. TfL are the government body responsible for all aspects of the transport system in London, from roads to rails and ticketing to maintenance.

There are a number of ways to pay for transport inside London, including buying an individual ticket, using a contactless card, using an Oyster card , using a visitor Oyster Card or purchasing a travelcard.

I have written a whole post on the best way to pay for transport in London , which you can read, as a summary though, currently in most cases if you have a contactless card that works in the UK then this is the best way to go, followed by the Oyster card.

1. Underground – “The Tube”

The London Underground, or “Tube” as its nicknamed, is the oldest underground metro network in the world, with parts operating since 1863. Today, the London Underground carries over a billion passengers a year, across 270 stations and 250 miles of track. Interestingly, less than 50% of the track is actually underground, despite the name.

In the majority of London, you will usually find that there is an underground stop within easy walking distance, and a train arriving within 10 minutes or less. Because the underground doesn’t have to worry about traffic and streets, it is one of the most efficient ways to get around, and usually the best choice.

For the most part, services operate from 5am through to midnight, and as of August 2016, there will be a 24 hour service offered on some lines as well. You can check times and plan your journey here .

Tube stations are easily recognizable with the distinctive London Underground logo, a red circle with the text “Underground” featured in a blue box.

The Underground operates in fare zones 1 – 6, which cover London in expanding concentric circles, with zone 1 in the centre and zone 6 at the outside. Generally, the more zones you cross on your journey, the more expensive it will be.

Most tube stations have a barrier for entry and exit, and you can purchase tickets from machines or ticket offices at the station.

As a tip, if you’re a visitor to London, try to avoid the Underground during rush hour on weekdays as it gets very crowded with commuters. Generally, this is between around 7:30am and 8:30am in the morning, and from 4:30pm to around 7:00pm in the evening from Monday through Friday.

Also, the tube is the most cost-effective way to get from Heathrow Airport to central London, with a direct link from all the Heathrow terminals to the centre of London. See more on getting to central London from London’s airports here .

2. Overground

The Overground is similar to the Underground, except its above ground. I know – a lot of the Underground is also above ground. That’s just how it is. The Overground is a lot newer than the Underground though, created in 2007, and helps to fill in a number of coverage gaps that the Underground has.

In terms of pricing, the Overground has the same fare pricing as Underground, and follows the same zone-based rules.

In most cases, you also don’t need to touch in and out if you’re using Oyster or contactless payment when switching from Overground to Underground services as they fall inside the same fare zone, although there are some stations where this is required.

The Overground logo is very similar to the Underground logo, except the circle is orange, and of course the title is different.

3. DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

Oh, London. So many transport options, and we’re only on number three! The Docklands Light Railway , or DLR as most people call it, is an automated rail system that specifically covers the docklands area of London, which is the area directly east and south east of central London. The main difference between this train system and the those above is that the DLR is fully automated, which means no drivers.

The DLR links London City Airport to the rest of the tube network, and you will likely find yourself using it if you are taking trips around east and south east London. For instance it is the best way to get to the ExCeL , which hosts a number of large trade shows and events.

In terms of fares, the DLR is the same as the Overground and Underground, part of the overall London fare zone, and in fact some tube stations also contain DLR stations.

If you’re using an Oyster or contactless payment you don’t need to touch in and out when switching from tube to DLR, but you should be aware that many DLR stations do not have barriers, so you mustn’t forget to touch in and out (or have a valid ticket) at the start and end of your journey in order to ensure you pay the correct fare.

4. Rail Services

Yes, I’ve already discussed three rail-like services, but, just in case that wasn’t enough, London also has actual railways too, both suburban rail that links central London to its suburbs, and fast trains that link London to the rest of the country (and the world).

There are also direct rail links to London’s three major airports, namely Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead. See more on getting to and from London’s airports here .

In the majority of cases, trains in and out of London are separate from the Transport for London system, so for example you can’t use your Oyster card on most national rail services, and would have to buy a separate fare.

There are some exceptions, with all suburban trains in zones 1-9 for example, and to select destinations, covered. Trains to Gatwick, including the Gatwick Express, as well as trains to Heathrow, including the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express, are also covered by the Oyster system – you can see more about what’s covered here .

If you asked someone what the most used form of public transport in London was, they might guess Underground. And, with over a billion users a year, that’s not a bad guess. It would be wrong though, because the number of journeys taken on London buses is over two billion a year.

This is likely because there are just so many bus routes in London, serving a huge area – you can basically get anywhere in London by bus. Bus fares are also cheaper, at a fixed price of £1.75 (as of March 2024) for a single journey for Oyster users, regardless of distance.

You can also take advantage of the “ hopper ” fare with Oyster and contactless cards, whereby every bus journey that you take within the first hour of touching in is included in the price. So you can change buses and not have to pay any more – although you must still touch in to the new bus in order to have a valid ticket.

To use the public buses in London, all you have to do is touch your Oyster or contactless card on the big yellow card reader when you board the bus – there’s no need to do it when you get off the bus as fares are fixed. There are also many bus services that operate round the clock, meaning you can still get home after a night out on public transport in many instances.

Buses are generally a little slower than rail services because they have to contend with traffic, which in London is pretty terrible most of the time. However, an advantage is that normally there are no steps involved and no lengthy walks around the Underground system.

As well as public buses, there is also the option to take a Hop on Hop off buses . Whilst these aren’t a form of public transport, for a visitor to London they can be a good way to travel as they visit the main visitor attractions and also include commentary. However, they are priced separately, and are of course more expensive than a standard bus.

You can buy Hop on Hop off bus tickets here . They are also included with city-sightseeing passes like the London Pass .

In south London, and specifically from Wimbledon, through to Croydon and Beckenham, there’s a tram service, known as London Tramlink . The tram has four lines and 17 miles of track, so this definitely isn’t a huge network, but it’s a well used one in the region.

The tram works the same as the bus in terms of payment – it’s a fixed fee per journey, and you just have to touch-in with your Oyster card or contactless card when you board to validate your ticket. You do not need to touch out when you disembark. Trams are also a part of the Hopper fare system.

7. IFS Cloud Cable Car

Now, for something a little bit different. Did you know that London has a cable car service ? It’s the only urban cable car in the UK, and it’s there to get you across the River Thames, from Greenwich to the Royal Victoria Dock.

As well as being a handy way to get to the ExCeL exhibition centre and the O2 Arena from the south side of the river, it also offers panoramic views of this part of the city as you cross.

The Cable Car is part of the TfL system, so you can pay with your Oyster card or contactless card. There are only two stations, one at each end, so it’s also one of the easiest modes of public transport to navigate in London!

8. River Boat

London has a big old river running through it, so it makes sense that this waterway is also used as a public transport system. And so it is, with Thames Clippers operating a service under license from TfL.

There are four “routes”, starting all the way to the west of the city in Putney, and going as far as Woolwich in the east. Essentially this gets you from one end of London to the other.

On board the Thames Clipper in London. 

It’s a fun, scenic way to travel and tends to be a little less busy that many of the other routes. It is used by commuters though, so rush hours can be a little busier. As with other TfL services, the easiest way to pay is by Contactless card or by Oyster card, touching in and out as you board and disembark.

Alternatively you can buy tickets online and print them out, or you can buy tickets in person at the pier. The last option is the most expensive – contactless, Oyster and online ticket purchases are the most cost-effective.

Note that Thames Clipper is a little more expensive than services like the tube or buses, but the point to point service and relatively fast speed, plus the views of London from the river, can make it worth it.

A 24 hour pass is also included on the London Pass (you can buy that here ), if you invest in that money saving attraction pass for your time in London.

London definitely has some iconic modes of transport, from the famous red bus through to the tube. But perhaps most famous of all is the black cab.

With a history dating back to 1662, London’s Hackney Carriages have been carrying people around the city for over 350 years, with drivers having to learn the infamous “Knowledge” – basically a detailed map of London meaning they can navigate the city efficiently, without relying on maps or technology.

Taking a black cab in London is definitely an experience. All you have to do is flag one down by waving at them (the taxi light will be illuminated if it is available), and the driver will stop to pick you up.

Black taxis are certainly more expensive than any of the other forms of transport regulated by TfL, but for the convenience of getting from one part of the city to another, they sometimes can’t be beaten, and if you’re travelling in a group they can work out to be fairly cost effective.

Note that taxis don’t accept Oyster cards, so fares need to be paid by cash or credit card. Fares are paid on completion of the journey, and are set based on distance and time using the meter in the cab.

10. Bicycles

In 2010 London rolled out a new public transport option – the bicycle! There are public cycle points all around the city, and with the increase in cycle lanes, these are becoming a popular way to take short trips.

Hiring a bicycle is relatively easy – it costs £1.65 for 24 hours access to the system, which includes 30 minutes of actual ride time. After your first 30 minutes, each additional 30-minute segment costs you £1.65.

If you think you will use the cycles a lot, then a £20 membership will give you a month of access with unlimited rides of up to 60 minutes each, after which each additional 60 minutes costs £1.65.

To use the cycle hire system you just need a credit or debit card. Because of the need to guard against theft, the system doesn’t accept Oyster cards. You pay your activation fee by card, and then you can access bicycles at points all across the city – there are literally hundreds of them to choose from.

Note that the above pricing is for standard bicycles only. E-Bikes are also available, but for a higher price and for registered users only.

Find out more about the London cycle system here .

11. Walking

Not exactly a public transport option, but don’t discount walking as a way to get around London! Many visitors don’t realise that many parts of London are very pedestrian friendly, and in fact in central London you can get to most of the attractions just by walking.

As a rule of thumb, if somewhere is less than two tube stops away, it’s likely going to be quicker to walk (although worth checking on a map to be sure there’s not an inconvenient river in the way!). Walking is by far the cheapest way to travel around London, and a personal favourite of ours.

Accessibility on Public Transport in London

Given the range of public transport options in London, the accessibility situation is definitely varied. Buses for example are pretty good, with every route serviced by low-floor vehicles and offering a wheelchair space.

The tube on the other hand isn’t so great for step-free access, with only around a quarter of stations offering step free access. An aging network, built well before accessibility was something to consider, has not helped efforts to improve the situation, although certainly efforts are being made. Some stations do have platform to street step free access, but you will need to plan your tube journey carefully.

For a full map and information to help you plan your trip around your needs, take a look at the official accessibility section  of the TfL website.

Which is the best way to get around London?

There’s no really easy way to answer this question. If you’re getting around the majority of central London, the Underground will likely be the most convenient. It’s fast, regular, and doesn’t have to contend with traffic.

Before riding the tube though, it’s worth checking the actual walking distance because the tube map isn’t geographically accurate. So sometimes walking can actually be quicker. This map shows the walking time between stations as a reference point.

For parts of London that aren’t served by the Underground, DLR or Overground services, then the bus is the next most convenient option. There are services all over the city, often running through the night.

If you don’t mind a bit of exercising, then either cycling or walking are both great ways to get around.

If you want to try something a bit different, then the Emirates Air Line or the Thames Clippers will provide that.

The former is certainly excellent for one specific route, and the latter can be a good way to get across London, with water views to boot – although in my mind it’s more of a one-off experience than something to regularly use as a visitor.

Further Reading for Visiting London

We have plenty of further reading to help you plan your trip to London, both content we’ve created based on our experiences, and third-party content we think you’ll find useful.

• The official TfL website , which will give you information on tickets, routes and any updates to services in the forms of delays or cancellations
• If you’re coming into London by air, check out our detailed guide to getting into central London from the airport , which covers all six of London’s airports.
• We have a complete guide to where to stay in London , with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend.
• Jess’s detailed guide to the London pass , which will help you decide if this is a good way for you to save money on your London sight-seeing. The London currently includes Hop-on, Hop-off bus passes, which can be a great transport option.
• We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• Our detailed itineraries for one day in London as well as two days in London , three days in London and six days in London
• Harry Potter fans will want to check out our guide to the key Harry Potter filming locations in London
• Jess’s guide to 1-day walking tour of the highlights of London .
• How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris to help you plan
• The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it for out guide to public transport options in London! What’s your favourite way to get around in London? Any tips to share? Pop them in our comments below!

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There are 25 comments on this post

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Mr. Christopher Twining says

17th February 2023 at 7:13 pm

This is the first, and most likely last and only article I will need to read. Thank you so much for the thorough information. I was last in London in 1972 and I am looking forward to seeing it all again.

Laurence Norah says

18th February 2023 at 7:50 am

My pleasure Christopher, have a lovely time in London. I imagine it will have changed a bit but many sights will surely be familiar 🙂 Safe travels!

6th June 2022 at 5:46 pm

Hi, Thanks for this extremely useful information for a newbie like myself! We are arriving late Saturday evening and plan to take a sightseeing bus on Sunday to get the lay of the land. I see that most attractions are closed on Sundays. Is there anything you can recommend? I’m thinking the market might be a good option? I’ve also heard of Covent Gardens? We will be closest to Paddington Station and will research what areas we should visit first. We are also off to Paris for only 1.5 days. I’ll read your guide on Paris as well! Any feedback is appreciated. Warmly, Pam

6th June 2022 at 5:55 pm

It’s my pleasure, thanks for stopping by! So I would say that a lot of attractions in London are definitely open on a Sunday, such as the Tower of London, however it will depend somewhat on what you are interested in seeing and doing. If you give me some direction in terms of your interests, I’d be happy to advise!

samanta says

17th May 2022 at 4:28 pm

Hi there! Very interessting, thanks for sharing Did I correct understand you have to buy a new ticket if you change the tube line? Even when you are going in one direction (I mean from A to B with no intermadiate stops) and have no other option but to change the line? Many thanks

17th May 2022 at 4:37 pm

Hi Samanta,

My pleasure! No, you don’t have to buy a new ticket when you change tube lines, as long as you stay in the same station. So for example, Oxford Circus tube station has the Central Line, Victoria Line and Bakerloo line. If you get off a Central Line tube and get on a Victoria Line tube, there’s no charge. Tube lines are well signposted inside the stations.

The only time a fee would apply is if you left the station, or went through the ticket gates. You have to scan in and out of the gates when entering or exiting a tube station, so this would not be something you would do by mistake.

Hopefully this answers your question, if you have any more questions do let me know!

Ginge Robinson says

31st March 2022 at 8:19 pm

I have been reading a lot of blogs like this in anticipation of my July 2022 trip to London. Your articles are well written for the unfamiliar traveler and your sight is easy to navigate. Thank you for the time you put in.

1st April 2022 at 10:19 am

Hey Ginge, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this comment. It means a lot to get such nice feedback! Have a wonderful time in London and do let us know if you have any questions!

11th September 2019 at 5:02 pm

Thank you so much for the articles! Exact, relevant, full, helps really!

11th September 2019 at 5:47 pm

Thanks Irina, my pleasure!

23rd May 2019 at 9:28 am

Really good and comprehensive article. I have been living in London for almost a year now but still used to find myself confused with different types of train services. But not anymore! 🙂

23rd May 2019 at 10:52 am

Thanks very much Sonia 🙂

Pedro Zamuner says

2nd April 2019 at 9:17 am

Thanks for the article. Funny, well written and complete! Just got in London last night and now I feel ready to discover the city.

Cheers guys!! 🙂

2nd April 2019 at 10:06 am

Our pleasure Pedro – have a great time in London!

11th November 2018 at 8:12 pm

A minor edit is needed, you list that bicycles cost “30 minutes” for each “30 minutes” past the first 30 minutes.

11th November 2018 at 8:15 pm

Thank you for the feedback – I’ve fixed that now 😀

19th October 2018 at 8:27 am

This is cool. Super helpful and detail! Thank you 🙂

19th October 2018 at 2:44 pm

Our pleasure Mike 🙂

Vikram Badshah says

25th September 2018 at 1:05 pm

Wonderful insight on how to get around in London.

26th September 2018 at 4:17 am

Thanks Vikram!

Anil Palan says

19th September 2018 at 5:26 pm

Thanks for sharing such a nice article on London transport system. It will be very useful to me as I am visiting London for the first time very shortly.

19th September 2018 at 9:11 pm

My pleasure Anil! We have lots more content on the site about London – hopefully you found it. Have a great trip to London!

3rd September 2018 at 1:18 am

This whole post is incredibly useful!! Thank you

3rd September 2018 at 1:20 am

Our pleasure Joana 😀

wassah saw says

23rd June 2018 at 6:52 am

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Getting Around

To the uninitiated, getting around in London can seem daunting. What’s the difference between the train and the Overground? How do I know which bus stop to wait at? What on earth is was the Emirates Air Line? All reasonable questions. This guide aims to equip you with all the knowledge you need to confidently and efficiently navigate the city.

The basics of getting around in London

Oyster cards & contactless.

Just arrived or moved to London? Welcome. To get around town you can either use an Oyster card which you can pick up from any station and most newsagents will sell them too. You have to pay a £5 deposit which you can get back along with any remaining credit .

If you’re going to be returning to the city or staying for a while, then it’s worth registering your card online so you can keep your card topped up easily at any time.

Alternatively, you can use a contactless payment with a bank card or mobile payment instead – just tap your card on the reader at the gate. London transport accepts contactless mobile payment from Apple Pay, Google Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay, bPay, and Samsung Pay. If you’re visiting from abroad you may be charged overseas transaction fees, if so, getting an Oyster card makes more sense.

For people moving to or commuting to London, your employer may run a discounted travel card scheme to allow you to get a season ticket which is deducted from your wages each month, which also means using an Oyster card rather than contactless.

Daily fare caps

Whether you use an Oyster or contactless, there are daily pay as you go fare caps at play, which limit the amount you pay no matter how many journeys you take on a given day.

For example: a zones 1-2 fare cap is set at £ 7.70 (from 1st March 2022), meaning you can take as many bus, Tube and Overground journeys within zones 1 and 2 in any given day and you will not be charged more than £ 7.70 .

Daily caps are calculated from 4:30 am until 4:29 am the next day. Unless you’re on a real late one, you can often get home from a night out for free if you’ve already maxed out your Oyster. Weekly Caps are calculated from Monday to Sunday.

Table of Daily and Weekly TFL Fare Caps

Prices below valid from 1st March 2022.

But what are these zones you speak of? The London transport map is divided into different zones, which roughly equate to how central a location is. For example, Oxford Circus in the middle of town is located in zone 1, while Richmond is 9 miles away from Waterloo and falls under zone 4.

Ticket fares are based on how many zones you travel through. So, travel within zone 3 will be cheaper than travelling from zone 3 into zone 1. Some stations, such as Stratford zones 2/3, sit on the border of two different zones. This means your journey will be charged at the cheaper rate depending on your direction of travel. If you travel into the city, your journey will be classed as starting in zone 2. If you travel further out of town, your journey will be classed as starting in zone 3. Each station and bus stop will tell you which zone you’re in, and they’re also clearly marked out on transport maps.

Buses Are The Cheapest Public Transport In London

Zones do not apply to bus fares, meaning you can travel anywhere in London for the same fare of £1.65 Additionally, the Hopper fare allows you to bus hop for one hour with no additional charges. Yes, that’s right you can make unlimited bus journeys within one hour of touching in with your Oyster or contactless. As long as you scan the same card on each journey you will not be charged again within an hour. Daily caps on buses are £4.95, and if you have the time, travelling by bus is easily one of the best and cheapest ways to see some of London’s landmarks .

Planning your journey

Even if you’ve travelled around London on a daily basis for a good few years, you’ll probably need to use an app to help plan your journeys. Apps can alert you to service updates, signal issues or changes to bus routes. TfL is great for basic journeys , live updates, station facilities and ticket types.

But CityMapper is your best bet for speed and efficiency. It has a sophisticated algorithm that takes into account how often different trains or buses depart, distance between stops and time of day to provide you with a selection of different route options. And it even lets you know which carriage of the Tube to get on for a swift exit. It also shows you how much your journey will cost you, so you can work out a cheaper alternative if you plan ahead.

Failing that, Google Maps can be useful, especially if you’re walking. You can also download the map to your phone when you have wifi to avoid using your data (or if you’re here without a UK SIM )

The Tube (the London Underground network)

The London Underground network serves 5 million passengers each day, covering 270 different stations. It’s the oldest underground transport system in the world, and has been transporting people around the capital since 1863. Fortunately it’s had a few improvements since then. Most people call it the tube, and the majority of the central stops are underground. But as you get further away from the middle of town the network leaves its subterranean roots. In fact, 55% of the network is actually located above ground.

The Tube is a fast, efficient way to travel. Trains leave most platforms between two and 5 minutes (this is fairly standard, but they can be further apart, especially on Sundays), and take around two minutes to arrive at the next station, depending on the line you’re on.

The different lines each have a name and a distinct colour to help you trace your journey. Make sure you know whether your destination is northbound or southbound, or eastbound or westbound, as that will help you get to the correct platform and watch out for lines like the district and northern lines which have two different branches, although the branch name should be on the front of the train carriage as well on the platform screen and train announcements.

You can travel on most lines from 5 am until 1 am the next day. While at the weekend you can catch a reduced Night Tube service on a number of lines throughout the night. The downside is the Tube can get hot and sweaty during busy periods and especially in the summer (although some upgraded lines now have air con). If you can help it, try to avoid the morning rush between 7:30-10 am and the afternoon rush between 4.30-7 pm. If you’re travelling around central London, it can often be easier and more enjoyable to walk between destinations, rather than taking the Underground and changing lines.

London buses

London buses are brilliant at connecting the dots between train lines and other parts of the city. They are mostly double-deckers, meaning you can get a great view of the city streets as you travel. However, they are generally slower than the Tube and are susceptible to traffic.

Certain journeys can take two-to-three times as long during rush hour. When planning your bus journey, pay special attention to the route number and specific bus stop name and code. For example, if you needed to get the 45 bus heading north from Brixton, you’d need to look out for Route 45, Brixton Stop N.

There are 673 routes, 19,000 stops and 8,500 buses in London, meaning it’s easy to get confused if you’re not careful. If you get the right bus number, but wrong bus stop, you could end up travelling in the wrong direction.

Many bus routes also run 24 hours a day, so you can easily get home once the underground and trains have stopped running.

Travelling out of London

London’s major train lines connect the capital to the suburbs, the coast and even several European cities , So whether you’re looking for an easy day trip , a weekend hike or a city break, there are plenty of high speed trains to get you there. Flying in from abroad? Check out our guide to the cheapest ways into the city centre from London’s six airports .

London Overground

The Overground is a great way to travel, and mostly covers zone 2 and beyond. You can travel east to west or north to south easily without having to go through central London or taking suburban railways – great for getting to places like Kew Gardens .

It’s a bit less frequent than the tube, but you get views of the city, air-conditioning and wider trains. On busy days, these little luxuries really mean a lot. Look out for the orange symbol, some stations like Highbury & Islington have both Overground and Underground stations in the same place, so it makes for a fast and easy transfer.

The Elizabeth Line

It may have been delayed several times, but the much anticipated new line opened in May 2022. Or at least, the first phase of it opened. It’s on the tube map and runs partly underground, but isn’t technically part of the London Underground. Confused? Here’s the quick explanation: originally called Crossrail, the whole line will eventually cover 73 miles connecting the suburbs with the city centre and Heathrow Airport. Eventually it will run all the way from Shenfield in Essex and Abbey Wood in South East London to Reading, Berkshire and Heathrow to the west of London. At the moment, the western tunnels aren’t connected to the central ones, but are expected to be in Autumn 2022.

Contactless and pay-as-you-go Oyster payments can be made on most of the central parts of the Elizabeth Line, and the fares are the same too. The line has slashed the travel time across several journeys (For example Liverpool Street to Woolwich is now halved to 15 minutes) and the new stations are much more spacious and accessible than a lot of underground stations too.

Passengers should eventually be able to travel the full length of the line from May 23, but in the meantime, if you get the chance to use it to travel through the central parts of the line, it should be a more pleasant experience than getting the tube.

Other Train Networks in and around London

Thames Clipper (ferry boats)

The Thames Clipper ferry network is an exhilarating way to travel. Connecting Putney in the west to Woolwich in the east, the boat zips along the River Thames, taking in some of London’s top landmarks along the way. You can use contactless and oyster on the Thames Clipper, but the river is divided into different zones from the underground and the prices are different too.

River services operate in three zones: west, central and east, and a single central zone journey is £8.70.

The Former Emirates Air Line (cable car)

The Emirates Air Line was the name of the cable car that takes passengers on ‘flights’ across the Thames from “Emirates” Greenwich Peninsula on the south of the river to “Emirates” Royal Docks on the north. It’s quite a niche mode of transport, only serving two stops, but it’s great fun nonetheless.

As of June 2022, the branding contract with Emirates has ended, so at the moment we’re not sure what the future of this cable car line holds!

Bikes in London

Cycling is often as fast (or sometimes faster) than getting the tube, and is a great way to see more of London and really get your bearings. There are dedicated bike routes all over the city, which will show up on CityMapper but are probably best accessed via Google Maps.

There are few places to hire bikes on the go around London, the biggest scheme is Santander Cycle which has over 800 docking stations across London (mostly in zones 1 and 2, and a limited number in outer London). You can just turn up and rent a bike for £2 a day (plus an additional £2 for each hour after that) and you can just drop it off at another docking station one you’re done.

One nice bonus is that journeys under 30 minutes are free. This means you can cycle for 29 minutes and dock the bike at a station, then get another bike out and do the same throughout the day to avoid additional charges.

If you find yourself doing a lot of cycling and want to get a bike of your own, see our article on where to buy a bike in London .

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Visitor Guide to London Transport Tickets and Passes

Public transport in London is not cheap. If you are on a budget, it’s worth spending time to make sure you buy the cheapest ticket or pass for your visit.

You should never pay the full cash fare for tickets on any form of transport in London. The full cash fare means buying a single paper ticket from an underground station ticket machine, either with cash or coins or with a debit/credit card.

It’s always cheaper to Pay as you go with a contactless debit/credit card or Oyster card or to buy a Travelcard or bus pass.

London Transport ticket/payment options

There are four main options to choose from and they all save you money compared to paying the full fare:

Pay as you go Oyster card

This is a card that you ‘top up’ with money and use to pay for cheaper single tickets and discounted rates for unlimited travel for the whole day (the ‘daily cap’). The Oyster card costs £7 .

Contactless debit or credit card

Instead of an Oyster card, you can use a contactless debit or credit card . Fares are the same as the Pay as you go Oyster. You do not need to register your card to use it.

One day or weekly bus pass

Bus passes are available for 1 day or 7 days for unlimited travel for the whole of London.

One day, weekly or monthly Travelcards

Travelcards are travel passes for unlimited travel within certain zones .

Travelcards, Pay as you go Oyster cards and contactless debit/credit cards are valid on all types of transport in London:

• Underground (the tube)
• Local suburban trains
• London Overground
• The Elizabeth line
• Docklands Light Railway (DLR)

Please note: The ticket prices listed below are for visitors staying in zone 1 (central London) and zone 2. The information is still relevant if you stay outside zone 1-2, but the prices will be higher (apart from bus fares). Full prices for all zones are on the ticket type pages.

Best transport ticket or pass for 1,2,3, 4 or 5 day visits to London

For short trips to London paying with a contactless debit/credit card/device is the cheapest ways to pay for transport. The fares are the same with an Oyster card, but the card now costs £7 (and is not refundable).

If you use the underground for 3 or more journeys during the day, there’s a ‘daily cap’ — the maximum amount deducted from your card.

For travel in zone 1-2:

• Single tickets on the underground cost  £2.80 with an Oyster card/contactless card. If you buy a ticket from a ticket machine, the full cash fare is £6.70.
• If you use your card to pay for transport in central London for the whole day, the ‘daily cap’ – the maximum amount deducted is  £8.50.

The next best option, if you don’t have an Oyster or a contactless card, is a One Day Travelcard. It’s  £15.90 for zones 1-4, but you still save money if you use it for 3 or more trips on the underground.

Is there anything cheaper?

Yes, don’t use the underground or trains and only use the buses. The ‘daily bus cap’ with a Pay as you go Oyster card or contactless card is the cheapest way to travel around London for the day.

For all zones:

• A bus fare is  £1.75 for unlimited bus journeys within one hour if you use an Oyster/contactless card. (Cash is not accepted on London buses)
• If you use an Oyster/contactless card to pay for bus travel for the whole day, the maximum amount deducted from your card is  £5.25 .

If you don’t have an Oyster or a contactless card, a paper One Day Bus pass costs  £5.90.

• Read more about the Pay as you go Oyster card
• Read more about contactless cards
• Read more about bus tickets and passes
• Read more about One Day Travelcards

Best transport ticket or pass for 6 or 7 day visits to London

A 7 day weekly Travelcard is cheaper than paying for 6 ‘daily caps’ with a Pay as you go Oyster/contactless card.

• Zone 1-2 weekly Travelcard costs  £42.70.

If you think there will be a few days when you won’t be using public transport, use a Pay as you go Oyster card or contactless card instead.

Read more about Weekly Travelcards

Again, if want to save money, make sure you only travel by bus; a Weekly Bus Pass (starts any day) or the Oyster/contactless weekly bus cap (Monday-Sunday) is  £24.70.

Related pages

• London transport zones
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• Contactless cards
• Bus tickets & passes
• Child tickets & passes

Last updated: 22 February 2024

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London travel hacks: Cheaper ways of travelling around London

3 December 2020

In this article one of our Communications and Project Advisers, Ayesha, shares her favourite travel hacks to help you to get around London for cheaper!

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and London life

We understand that some of you may be studying remotely to begin with due to the coronavirus situation and therefore unable to arrive on campus and in London in January.

We hope that even if you can’t join us immediately, that these articles get you excited for when you are able to join us here in London and give you a flavour of the amazing things to come.

London is one of the most exciting cities in the world! There is always somewhere to go and something to do. However all that travelling can often get expensive and tiresome, so here are some travel hacks to help you get around. Don't forget that due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, currently, you must wear a face mask and to try to maintain social distancing measures when using public transport. Guidelines may be subject to change so check our coronavirus FAQ's regularly 

Read our coronavirus FAQs to find out more on the latest developments.

Oyster card

The cheapest way to travel is with an Oyster card. An Oyster card allows you to travel between all parts of London on the Underground, Trams (DLR), Overground, some river boats, Emirates Air Line, and the iconic red London buses. As a student you may be eligible to apply for an 18+ Oyster which will give you 30% off on weekly, monthly, and annual travel cards! 

Find out more about Oyster cards here.

Hours of travel

Planning your day in advance can also help you to save money. The Underground has two different prices for peak and off peak hours. Try to avoid travelling on the tube between  06:30 to 09:29  and from  16:00 to 18:59 for the cheapest fares. 

Hopper fare

Although the tube is convenient, London buses and trams may actually be a cheaper alternative with the introduction of the ‘Hopper fare’. This fare means that passengers can take a £1.50 bus/tram journey and then change onto another bus/tram for free within an hour of starting their journey. Planning your bus/tram journeys prior to travelling can help you save money. Also trams and buses offer a more scenic mode of travelling.

Walk and cycle

You could also walk/cycle the tube map. This may seem a little ambitious at first, however once you get to know London, you will realise that tube stations are actually positioned quite close together. Santander bikes are also dotted around London and can be hired for free for up to 30 minutes. If you want to borrow a bike for the whole day, it will only cost £2!

16-25 railcard 

If you’re planning to use National Rail services to get around London or you fancy venturing out to the rest of the UK, a 16-25 Railcard is what you’ll need! This card allows you to get 30% off rail tickets. Also booking tickets 12 weeks in advance can help you get some of the biggest savings. Also, if you don't have a student oyster card - you can go to a manned ticket office and link up your rail card to your regular Oyster card and enjoy 30% off-peak fares!

Skip the express

Most London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted) have express trains that promise to get you into central London quickly. Although they provide a fast service, the tickets are often expensive, with a Heathrow Express ticket costing upto £37 to get you into central. A cheaper option is to take the Underground that will get you straight into the centre of town for less than £5.

Ayesha Khan, SSW Communications and Projects Adviser and UCL alumna

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London: 10 tips for riding the Tube like a local

Oct 4, 2019

Frances Ambler

The London Underground carries a whopping 1.357 billion (yes, that’s over a billion!) passengers a year. And, if you’re planning on visiting London any time soon, it’s highly likely you’ll be one of them.

Londoners may frequently grumble about the Tube, but there’s lots to love about it — including that it makes this big city much more navigable.

However, before you hop on board, there are a few written (and unwritten) rules that you should know about, so you can ride the Tube like the locals do.

London tube tips to ride like a local

These tips will save you money, time and gain you the unspoken appreciation of your fellow passengers.

1. Don’t use the tube in central London

Locals know that in central London it’s often easiest not to take the tube. Getting the bus or even walking may be quicker and more direct — not to mention cheaper. This is a handy list of stops where it’s quicker to walk than to change tubes. Take note of the Covent Garden/Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus/Charing Cross and Embankment one to feel extra smug around fellow tube-reliant visitors.

Related:  Top budget hotels in London

Use an Oyster card wisely and you’ll save a plethora of pounds. Photo: Mikey on Flickr

2. Play your Oyster or credit card right

Londoners will always carry an Oyster travel card to get the cheapest fares, and you should too! Not getting an Oyster card is one of the  top rookie mistakes visitors to London can make. You can read all about our guide to Oyster cards here .

Another option is using a contactless payment card to travel on the London transport network for the same price as an Oyster card. Just check with your card provider first that you can do so without incurring a transaction fee.

3. Don’t rely on the Tube 24/7 (on most nights)

The Tube doesn’t run 24 hours a day, so don’t rely on it to get you to that early morning train. (Note: A “ night tube”  was launched in September 2015 for certain lines on Friday and Saturday nights.)

Times vary from line to line, but most open shortly after 5 a.m. and close again before 1 a.m. The time of the first and last train should be displayed at each tube station. For public transit outside these hours, you’ll need to rely on the night bus services.

Related: How to save on Tube and bus tickets in London

Don’t even try to get on during the morning scrum on the Tube. Photo: Ted Sullivan

4. Avoid traveling during rush hour

Why on earth would you want to squeeze yourself into a carload of grumpy Brits during morning rush hour if you have the leisure of waiting a bit? Need another reason to wait to jump on board? It’s cheaper to travel after 9:30 a.m., too. Relax — have a coffee, then travel “off peak.”

5. Let everyone off before boarding

The train has pulled into the station. We know you’re eager to get onto the train, but don’t push your way in the second the doors open. Let everyone who wants to exit the train get off before getting on (admittedly this principle gets a little stretched at very busy times).

6. Be prepared to give up your seat

You shouldn’t need us to tell you, but consider this a gentle reminder to give up your seat on the tube to someone who looks like they need it more than you — most expectant mothers will wear a “Baby on Board” badge  — and take a look round before you throw yourself onto the last remaining seat in a carriage.

This being Britain, we’ll just glare, and perhaps mutter under our breath rather than simply saying if someone really does need a seat. But we always appreciate being offered one.

7. Move down!

Try not to stand by the doorways of the trains. Chances are there are plenty more people who’ll want to get on at the next stop. The same goes for the station platforms, too. The entrance to a tube platform is not the best place to stop with your case and pull out your Tube map if you want to make new London friends. And when you get off, keep an eye out for directional signs to show you the nearest exit.

8. Everybody always gets off at your stop

It’s really busy and they announce your tube stop. You leap to your feet and start trying to make your way to the door so you don’t miss it, right? Rookie error. Chances are half the carriage will also be getting off at your stop, and trying to get there in advance is not only pointless but the pushing required will also wind up and frustrate most of the car.

Wait until the train gets to the station, then try and make your way to the exit (and then any pushing is, of course, fully justified).

9. Stand on the right. Walk on the left.

Perhaps the London Tube’s most sacred rule: When standing on an escalator, stand to the right; if you want to walk up or down it, do that along the left-hand side. Sorry, suitcases/friends/loved ones you want next to you will not be tolerated — it’s single file only. Londoners are so well trained that you’ll probably catch us doing this on department store escalators too.

10. Keep it down

Shhh…  for a place that’s so busy and vital to the city, the Tube can be eerily quiet. Don’t take that as your cue to fill the void with noise. It’s not that we’re unfriendly; It’s just easier this way. Playing loud music, of course, is definitely a no-no and probably goes without saying. And going without saying is definitely one of a London tube traveler’s favorite things…

Your tips on the London Tube?

Do you have any tips for riding the Tube like a local? Share in the comments below.

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About the author.

Frances Ambler has been doing her best to live in London on the cheap since 2003. She works as an editor in one of London’s best – and free – museums, as well as writing for various websites including domesticsluttery.com . An avid second-hand shopper, ten years of "research" culminated in her most recent project: writing for the soon-to-be-published "Rough Guide to Vintage London."

Related Posts

• London Transportation: How to save on your Tube and bus tickets
• London: 4 ways to save on public transportation
• London Transportation Tip: Get the most out of the Tube!
• London’s Night Tube Opens! How does it work?

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3 thoughts on “London: 10 tips for riding the Tube like a local”

As an occasional visitor to London, I have often engaged in brief conversations with Londoners on the Tube — asking legitimate questions, not just small talk.

Everyone has always been very helpful and engaging, and I appreciate that.

Also, as a journalist, I notice with pride the number of Tube riders who actually read newspapers. This is encouraging because you’d rarely see an American reading a paper version of a newspaper. I have always felt welcome on the Underground.

What would be a combined attraction ticket for lOndon eYE AND mADAM TUSsAUD together

Really love this article and planning on tweeting and sharing!

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Cheapest Way to Get Around in London

Tips for saving money in transportation

• London is divided into 6 zones starting with zone 1 in the center. If you are travelling across London, try to avoid zone 1 like the plague as it is the most expensive.
• Oyster cards are essential for travelling around London, taking the bus is the cheapest fare at just £1.45. However, if you’re having ‘one of those days’ and forget your oyster card you could be looking to pay at least £4.70 for a single trip!
• London transportation may be the most complained about but it is also the most efficient network of tubes, buses and trains worldwide. Closest thing to teleportation we have (maybe not as fast).
• Never consider getting a black cab if you have half empty pockets and weak heart because the taximeter is no friend to broke Londoners! However, after a night out it may be cheaper to get a taxi with friends and more efficient than chasing night buses.

Everyday Essentials

Oyster card.

City Mapper & TFL Journey Planner

Don’t be a sap! Use a map!

Tips for Everyday Transportation

• First and foremost, if you have an iPhone or a smartphone you should download some of these Top 10 free London transport apps to help you plan your journeys.
• Students! Students should apply for student Oyster Cards to save themselves 30% on adult Travelcards and bus and tram passes.
• Job Seekers! For those of you that are on Jobseekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance of Income Support you are entitled to reduced rates whilst travelling around London. Find more information and also check with your local Job centre to apply.
• Avoid peak hours! When travelling by DLR, National Rail or London Overground, try to avoid the peak hours between 06:30 – 09:30 and 16:00 – 19:00 as the prices are a lot higher than normal plus the trains are usually jam-packed full of busy-bodies trying to get to work. Visit TFL to find out about different fares.
• 7 day Travelcard?  A 7 day Travelcard may be useful if you are planning to travel 5 or more days in a row as it would work out cheaper than using your Oyster card, this can be loaded onto an Oyster Card once you have paid.
• Heading torwards the airport? If you want to travel from or towards an airport, you have to buy a specific ticket and cannot use your oyster card. Ask tube staff for more information and check our Top 5 Tips for Saving money at the Airport .
• South Londoners! Always use London Overground/tube and DLR when you can as they are cheaper than National Rail.
• Bus vs Tube. If you are not in a rush why not take the bus instead of the tube? It is less stressful than jumping on and off platforms. Find everything you need to know about London bus fares .
• Bike it!  Why not buy a bicycle and take it out on a nice day instead of using public transport. This is for sure the cheapest way to get around in London. It will save you a fortune whilst improving your fitness! Win/Win. Find tips and tricks for cycling in London .
• Night out! Need to get home late at night? If there are a few of you, check the prices of local taxis. There is now a smartphone application that provides cheap prices – from personal experience: once there were four of us sharing a taxi from Hackney Wick to Surrey Quays and we paid only £3 each! So, always check with the closest local cab office and use  Minicabster  which is a price comparison and booking engine for booking cheap taxis and minicabs.

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Getting around london in 2024 [guide by a local].

One of the best things about London is how good the public transport system.

In fact, for such a big city there are a lot of great ways to get around London ! 

If this is your first time visiting London, then it may seem daunting at first.

Should you use the underground?

The black cabs?

Time to stop stressing. I’ve broken everything down below to make it as straightforward as possible.

Helping you enjoy your time in London to the max (and hopefully save a bit of money too!) .

Let’s get straight into it …

Travellerspoint

What are the best ways to get around London?

London underground.

Let's start with (what is in my opinion) the best way to get around London, the London Underground . Although it’s more commonly known as the “ tube ” to everyday commuters.

London’s underground network is the oldest underground service in the world and has been transporting people around London since 1863! 

There are 11 lines in the underground covering 272 stations all across the city so it's likely you will be using the tube during your trip. While it might seem overwhelming at first, the London underground is actually pretty simple, once you get the hang of it. 

The tube is by far the fastest and most convenient way to get around London . Pretty much anywhere on your London itinerary will be accessible via underground and trains come every two to five minutes and run quite late into the night. 

Each tube line is displayed as a different colour on the tube map, which you can view here . Every station where you can switch to a different line has a larger circle on the map.

Make sure you know your north, south, east and west before trying to navigate as this will dictate which platform you need to head to for the right direction. 

My number one tip for anyone wanting to use the underground in London is to download either Citymapper or the Google Maps app . 

This will let you plan your route beforehand so you know which stop you’re getting on and off at as well as how long it will take. Simply type in where you want to go, click public transport and follow the directions. 

Both of these apps will tell you which line you need and where you might need to change lines. 

Luckily all the tube stations are well-signposted. Different train lines and London landmarks always have staff willing to point you in the right direction if you do get a bit lost. If either that or the information desk fails, just ask any number of the employees in the variety of shops.

London Overground

There are various overground train services like Docklands light railway (DLR), Thameslink and the London Overground line. These work similarly to the tube system but run on predominantly overground lines and operate mainly in the further out zones . 

The overground is a great alternative to the tube as they are usually a lot less busy and less claustrophobic. 

Just like the underground, you pay by tapping in at the barriers and tapping out at your destination. 

However, if you go so far on the overground that you end up going out of London, you will have to purchase a ticket for your whole journey, you can do this by either buying one at the station or using the Trainline app ; which is great for getting the best deals on tickets. 

On the National Rail map , overground lines are shown with a dotted line, unlike the tube lines which are solid-coloured lines.

London's iconic red double-decker buses are an ideal way to get around . With over 19,000 bus stops and 700 routes, you can get just about anywhere in London via bus. 

Not only is getting around via bus convenient, it is also really affordable ! One ride on the bus will cost you a flat rate of £1.65 and if you are taking multiple, it will never cost you more than £5 a day. 

The night bus service in London is great with a lot of routes running 24 hours making it a perfect way of getting around if you're planning to experience some of London’s nightlife - which I recommend you do! You can view London's night bus map here . 

The only downside to getting the bus is that it does take a long time, especially for long distances. Unfortunately, buses do get stuck in London traffic and even short trips can take a little while. But if you aren't in a rush, buses are ideal.

Tips for getting London Buses

• You don't need to speak to the driver to pay to ride the bus, simply tap on your way on and you will get charged the rate. However, it's always nice to say thank you when you get off ! 
• Most buses announce the stop names before you arrive so you know when to get off but press the button before you reach it or they won't stop. 
• All the main bus stops have letters above them which help to know which bus stop you need to be at. Many roads have a few different bus stops for different services.

Walking is by far my favourite way to get around London! Now obviously, London is a big city and realistically you can't get around just by walking, but a lot of it is very walkable .

Whether you are walking along the river at South Bank or exploring the cobbled streets of Covent Garden, some of the best hidden spots are best found on foot . 

Comfortable shoes should be top of your London packing list as I would definitely recommend walking as much as you can! 

Tips for walking around London

• Watch out for cyclists before crossing the road as London has a lot of cycle lanes. They are often found in the city centre. 
• Try to stay on one side if you are walking slowly or stopping, or you might experience some classic Londoner huffs from busy workers! 
• Pack for all weather and don't forget your umbrella or raincoat; especially if visiting London in winter . 
• Use a good map or app to find your way around as London has some windy back streets
• Be extra careful having your phone out while strolling around, whilst London is pretty safe for tourists, petty theft is not uncommon.

Unless you are planning on staying or spending time in south London you will probably not see a tram .

London trams run regularly between Wimbledon, Croydon, Beckenham and New Addington and is an affordable way of getting between these locations as it only costs £1.65. 

Top tips for getting the tram in London

• You only have to tap on once to ride the tram once so don't pay on the way off or you'll get charged twice .
• The tap in machine is located at the tram stop, do not ride without paying as they do come around and check. 
• Trams stop at every station on their route so no need to worry about pressing buttons when you reach your destination.

London riverboat services are an amazing way to see and get around the city. 

Not only do you skip out on the busy London traffic but you also get to see the city’s famous landmarks from the water . 

Uber Boat (also known as the Thames Clipper) is popular with both tourists and commuters. Not only is it speedy with the best views but it has several stops along the river making it an ideal way to get around! 

Getting around London by boat is a slightly more pricey option with a single fare starting at £4.80 but it is a great experience. 

If you are looking for a slower, more scenic trip along the Thames, I would recommend booking a guided boat tour this this as there are some amazing attractions that you can see along the way. This includes the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater and Tower Bridge. 

Tips for getting the London River Boat

• Ride in the evening for some amazing skyline sunset views and bright lights.
• Download the Thames Clippers app to check departure times 
• You can use a contactless card, an oyster card or a pre-paid ticket to get onto the river boat. 
• Stand at the back of the boat to get the best photos. 
• All the river buses have toilets and refreshments available to buy on board.

Riding in a London black cab is on a lot of people’s London bucket lists and while it is not the cheapest option, it is somewhat iconic ! 

London’s taxi drivers are usually very helpful as they know the city very well and are often used by tourists. 

I am sorry to disappoint but not all of London’s cabs are black but they do all look quite similar. They are easily noticeable with the yellow taxi sign on the roof and when lit, they are available to hail. This is quite easy, just locate an available one by putting your arm out or wave and they will usually stop and ask where you would like to go. 

All of London's cabs are licensed and run on a meter usually starting at around £4, depending on the time. Be careful though as these do rise quite quickly over longer distances. 

You can pay for your cab at the end of your journey by either card or cash. 

Taxis are one of the most expensive ways to get around London but they do come in handy after a long day of exploring when you want to get from A to B stress-free.

Ride hailing apps like Uber and Grab have somewhat taken over the taxi scene and are regularly used in London. It is a great alternative as you can see how much your full journey will cost before actually booking it. 

While not as glamorous, booking an Uber is often more affordable than a black cab and slightly more convenient as you can book a driver from your exact location. 

There are always cars available 24/7 so it is a handy way to catch a late flight or to get back to your hotel after a night out. 

London is becoming more and more of a bikeable city and cycling is a fun and fast way of getting around the city ! 

Although the roads and busy traffic might seem daunting at first, the city has been improving their cycle lanes in recent years to try to encourage more commuters and tourists to cycle. 

Santander Cycles , also known as Boris Bikes, is the best way to rent a bike in London. You will see these Santander cycle ranks all across the city, here you cant rent a bicycle for £1.65 for 30 minutes and return to any other cycle rank. 

The best way to use these is to download the Santander Cycle app to find pick up and drop off points. A great travel tip for saving money, if you return your bike and rent a different one within that 30 minutes, you will not be charged again so you cant rent endless bikes within a 24hr period for only £1.65. 

I would recommend renting a bike to explore some of the beautiful parks around London . 

Tips for cycling around London

• Try to avoid the main roads as much as possible and opt for the quieter streets. 
• Don't cycle on the pavements unless it's signposted that you're allowed to. 
• Try not to cycle at night but if you do be sure to use lights. 
• Use the app to know where your nearest drop off point is!

London is one of those cities where you really do not need a car to explore !

The public transport system is amazing and the city tries its best to prevent people from driving as much as possible. This includes congestion charge s and low emissions zones which you have to pay to drive through. Not to mention the expensive, and lack-of parking! 

Be sure to look up the congestion charge zones before thinking about driving in London. 

Even if you are looking to do some day trips from London to other parts of the UK, you will either be able to book a tour or get there via train.

However, if your heart is set on driving yourself, then you can check out our guide on the best car rentals in London .

How the zones system in London works

The transport system in London runs on a zone system . All the locations within London are in a dedicated zone (1 to 9) which dictates the cost of transport. 

If you are visiting London as a tourist, most of the city’s main attractions such as the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square are located in zone 1 and 2. Unless your accommodation is further out, you will likely stay within these zones. 

If you are travelling out of zones 1 and 2, expect slightly more expensive rail travel, but the bus prices remain the same.

Paying for transport in London

Transport in London is best paid for by contactless card as this allows you to tap in and out of trains and buses. 

If you do not have a contactless card, Oyster Cards can be purchased from news agents or in some larger train stations where you can load money onto them and use them the same as you would a contactless card. Alternatively, you can use your mobile phone to pay as you would in a shop. 

Overground and Underground stations have barriers with a yellow contactless sign which you simply tap and the barrier will open. Do not forget to tap out even if the barriers are open when using trains or you might be charged the train's full route! 

For buses you only need to tap on , not off as the buses have a standard fare no matter how far you travel. 

If you are travelling in London for more than three days within a week, it might work out more cost-effective to buy a full day ticket . You can pick what zones you will be travelling between and buy an unlimited day travel card from any train or tube station in London.

Common FAQ for getting around London

What's the best way to get to london from the airport .

Heathrow Airport 

The quickest way into the city is to take the Heathrow Express train which runs straight to Paddington every 15 minutes. 

Alternatively, you can get the underground which is the cheapest option. The Piccadilly line runs from every terminal and will get you into central London in just under an hour. Alternatively, the brand new Elizabeth Line runs through central and into east London. 

Gatwick Airport

There are a few options for getting from Gatwick to central London. The Gatwick Express runs non stop to London Victoria station every 15 minutes with a 30 minute journey time. 

Southern Trains also run every 15 minutes stopping at Croydon and Clapham Junction and take around 35 minutes. Thameslink runs often with services to London Bridge and St Pancras. 

If you would rather book a coach, National Express runs direct to London Victoria from all terminals, you can book in advance here or buy a ticket at the terminal. 

London Stansted Airport

You can take the Stansted Express which goes between London Stansted Airport and Liverpool Street station. These trains run every 30 minutes and take 50 minutes of journey time. 

National Express also runs a service all night all around London with ticket prices starting at around £5. 

London City Airport

London City Airport is located on the DLR Overground train line so is easily accessible by rail all across London. 

London Luton Airport

Luton airports have a free shuttle bus to their Luton Parkway station, from here you can get a direct train into central London, stopping at St Pancras and Blackfriars. 

Should you get an oyster card?

Unless you are planning on staying in London for an extended amount of time, I personally wouldn't bother getting one; I live here and I don't even have one! 

All the transportation in London accepts contactless payment, meaning if you have a contactless card or Apple/Google Pay on your phone, you really won't need one . Conversely, you can purchase travel day cards at any train/tube station in London. 

The only time an Oyster Card is really useful is if you have a UK railcard which you can link up to your Oyster and can save a bit of money on some journeys. 

What is the quickest way to get around London?

If you are looking to go across the city, the underground is definitely the quickest method ! However, if you are only going a short distance, it is much quicker to walk. By the time you go through the barriers and down all the stairs, it actually takes a while, especially when it's busy. 

What is the cheapest way to travel in London? 

The bus is considered the cheapest way to get around London , especially for longer distances. That being said, the tube is not much more expensive especially if you are spending most of your time in zones 1 and 2. 

What apps are useful for getting around London? 

I recommend downloading …

• Google Maps  
• Santander Cycles

What is the best way to get around London as a family?

Tubes and buses are the best way to get around London as a family . These are affordable and will get you pretty much everywhere you want to go in the city! 

Children under 10s actually ride free on the tube and there is a reduced fee for under 15s, as long as they are with a paying adult. You can go to the wider barriers which are usually operated by staff and scan one card for you all to go through as a family. 

Around a third of the tube stations have step-free access meaning they’re accessible for pushchairs and wheelchair users and all the buses have a ramp if needed. You can check here for more information on accessibility around London Transport. 

If you are a large family and are planning on using the tube system i would try to avoid travelling at peak times as it does get a bit squished and is very fast paced. 

How will you get about London?

Hopefully this post has helped ease your worries and break down the most common (and less common) means of getting around London! 

The public transport system really is amazing and I would recommend everyone to use it as much as possible. 

But now I want to hear from you …

• Are there any ways of getting about, that you think I missed out?
• And what do you think of London’s transport system? Especially if this is your first visit …

Let me know in the comments below!

And for more tips on planning your visit to London, check out my other guides:

• Best London date ideas
• Best free things to do in London
• Best cheap eats in London

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13 Tips for Travelling Cheap in London (2024)

It’s no secret that London has one of the most expensive public transport systems in the world with tourists paying around  £21 a day on local transportation . So, we’ve created this useful collection of top tips to help you find the cheapest way to travel in London, letting you keep your money for the fun stuff.

How to travel cheap in London

1. get an oyster card.

As you move around London you will spot locals tapping something against a yellow card reader at the underground turnstiles, on buses, trams, and even on the Thames Clipper Uber boat. This is an Oyster card, and it is an incredible 50% cheaper than buying single tickets or a paper travelcard. Check the Transport for London website to  get an Oystercard .

There’s also a special visitors Oyster card available. You can order an Oyster card online before your trip or pick one up from any  TfL Visitor Centre , Oyster ticket shop, or mainline rail station. Just put as much credit on your card as you feel you’ll need, and you can use it on public transport throughout the city. It’s important to remember to tap the card at both the beginning and end of journeys to ensure you pay the right fare, but if you forget, don’t worry. You may be eligible for an Oyster refund. 

Image courtesy: Insidecroydon.com

2. Go contactless

Our second insider tip is to ditch the cash and go contactless. Unlike Oyster cards, your contactless debit, credit or pre-paid card won’t run out of credit unexpectedly. This is a good choice if you are unfamiliar with London and aren’t sure how much to pre-load your Oyster card with. Using contactless payments means you can take advantage of the same  pay-as-you-go-capping system  that Oyster cards use, ensuring you only pay the lowest possible amount.

3. Know where you’re travelling to 

Being spontaneous is fun, but not more fun than saving money, right? To work out the cheapest possible route, plan your trips in advance and use the  Citymapper app  or the  TFL Journey Planner  to know where you’re going.

London is divided into nine zones, which spread out from its historic heart covering areas such as the West End and Waterloo. The further you travel, the more expensive your fare becomes. 

Transport for London (TfL) fare caps

The table below was accurate from March 1st 2022. Please keep in mind this applies to the tube, DLR, TfL Rail, the London Overground, and selected National Rail journeys, not buses.

4. Avoid travelling during peak hours

For those wondering how to travel cheaply in London, an easy answer is to never travel during peak hours. The morning peak time runs between 6.30 am, and 9.30 am, and the afternoon peak time is between 4 pm and 7 pm. Did you know that travel during peak time is often twice as expensive as off-peak?

5. Take the bus for long distances 

Those  big red buses  are synonymous with London. They are also of the few things that are cheaper in the Big Smoke than anywhere else in the country, with a single fare costing less than a Starbucks latte at just £1.65, and this is the case no matter how long or short your ride. 

You can make further savings if you take our advice and use either an Oyster Card or pay contactless, as a day’s unlimited travel costs £4.95. With buses running over Tower Bridge and other scenic routes, it’s a great way to combine transport with sightseeing.

6. Take advantage of the Hopper fare 

While an all-day ticket is far from hard on the wallet, the  Hopper Fare  is another penny-pinching option for frugal travellers. This deal lets you make unlimited bus and tram journeys for just the price of one single, so long as it is within one hour of first tapping in. All you have to do is make sure you use the same card each time.

7. Rent a bike when it’s sunny 

Take advantage of the  Santander bikes  located around the city. There’s no need to book. Head to the nearest docking station, sign in on the terminal and ride away. You’ll find the  CityMapper  comes in handy here, allowing you to locate the nearest docking station. Bikes only cost £2 for every 30 minutes of use, and you can return them to any docking station with space. With plenty of new cycle roads and car-free areas popping up throughout the city,  cycling in London  has never been easier.

Image courtesy: Intelligenttransport.com

8. Walk wherever possible 

With so many public transport options available, it’s easy to forget the simplest and cheapest way to travel in London, walking! For practical examples, here are some of the most popular routes in London which are cheaper and easier on foot.

• Instead of taking the tube, walk from Covent Garden to Leicester Square. It will only take you 4 minutes.          

• Going from Trafalgar Square to the Thames? Don’t take the Bakerloo line, they’re only a 5-minute walk apart. 

• In London for a shopping spree? Walk between Knightsbridge to Sloane Square in about 10 minutes.

If you’re worried about getting lost or arriving late, there is no need to panic. Use  TfL’s Legible London map  for walking routes and estimated travel times.

Cheap airport transfers in London

9. avoid express trains.

Express trains headed straight for London’s airports may be speedy, but they certainly aren’t easy on the wallet. Frugal travellers would be wise to avoid these options. London offers a range of buses, coaches, and underground journeys for cheap airport transfers.

10. Take the Piccadilly line to go to Heathrow airport

Allow yourself a little more time, 46 minutes to be precise, and save yourself money by hopping on the Piccadilly line. It will cost you just £3.10 when you use your Oyster or contactless card. Compare that to a whopping £22 for an off-peak ride on the Heathrow Express!

11. Consider your options 

There are 6 airports in London (Stansted, Southend, Luton, Heathrow, Gatwick and City) and there’s a range of affordable train services to get to them. One cheap option is to hop on a bus or a coach at Victoria station. Direct buses to all airports are available except for Southend.

It’s cheaper to use your Oyster card than to buy a paper ticket, but be careful, you can’t use it to go to Luton, Southend or Stansted airports as they’re outside of the London travel zones.

If there’s a group of you, you might be surprised to find that sharing a taxi is cheap and convenient. With average airport transfer fares between £17-£40, a taxi can still work out a lot cheaper than the express train. Last but not least, the tube and Docklands Light Railway provide routes to City and Heathrow airports that cost under £5 with an Oyster card, that’s less than the price of a fancy London sandwich!

Cheap airport transfers London 

Cheapest ways to travel outside of London

12. get a 16-25 railcard.

If you’re between 16-25 years of age, you’re in luck because you can get your hands on a  16-25   railcard . This offers a third from the price of train tickets. It costs just £30 for a years’ pass, so you’ll make your money back in just a few journeys. 

Image courtesy: Mylondon.news

13. Book your tickets 12 weeks in advance 

Train tickets are cheapest when booked  twelve weeks in advance . The early bird really does catch the worm here, with advanced bookings leading to potential savings of 80%.

So now you know how to travel cheap in London, with all the insider secrets for getting around like a local, you’ll need to source some cheap, cheerful accommodation. Hostels are always a great shout, allowing you to socialise with like-minded travellers from around the world and friendly staff who can point you in the direction of the city’s hidden gems.

Book a room at  Clink261 Budget Hostel in London  for a memorable stay. We offer free walking tours and a 24-hour reception team, so somebody will be on hand to help you whenever you arrive.

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The best way to travel around London

There are lots of ways to travel around london. if you want to go sightseeing and explore london’s best landmarks, there is no better way to do it then by taking a tour bus around the city with tootbus..

Tootbus London

We may be biased, but if you are only in the capital for a short amount of time, the best way to get around London is on an open top tour bus. Don’t miss a single sight by being stuck underground or getting lost on the streets. Just book a city sightseeing ticket! Choose from bus or bus + cruise tour from Tootbus or select the London Express  for a quick overview if you have less time in the city. You can hop on and off our buses as much as you want to without worrying about paying each time you get on a bus. With a ticket from Tootbus, you will have access to bus stops all over central London. Our tours show you around the best bits of the city. You don’t even need to worry about catching the wrong bus as all of The Original Tour buses are easily recognisable with a giant Union Jack covering each bus. If that wasn’t enough, each tour has either a live guide or multilingual audio commentary on board and you can save money on top attractions when you combine with a bus ticket from Tootbus. Once your tour is booked, we will recommend activities and attractions you can add to your basket at a discounted price!

How much is the cost of a bus in London?

 A bus in London costs £1.55 for unlimited journeys for made within one hour of touching in but you can not pay with cash. There are over 8000 busses in the city and over 700 different routes, but with so many options it can be very overwhelming knowing how to travel on London buses. To travel on a London bus, you will need to pay by using either an Oyster card, London bus travel card or contactless payment. If you have an older person’s bus pass issued by another English council, you might also be able to use this for free bus travel on London’s public buses.

Public buses can be the cheapest way to travel around London, with a daily cap of £4.65 for unlimited travel. However, you might miss out on some key attractions in the city and it can sometimes be difficult to know which bus to get. Don’t miss a moment and benefit from audio commentary and exclusive insights when you travel with Tootbus.

How much does the London Underground cost?

A tube journey costs £4.90 in zones 1-2 if you buy a single journey ticket from the tube station. However, if you choose to pay with a contactless card or an Oyster card, that same journey could cost you just £3. It is usually cheaper to travel around London in zones 1-9 by paying as you go. If you only want to travel around zones 1-2, you will still need to purchase a London underground day travel card for zones 1-4, costing £12.70 for the day. However, if you use pay as you go with contactless or an Oyster card, there is a daily cap in zones 1-2 of £7.40 so you won’t pay more than the capped amount for a days travel in these zones. When you are travelling around London, using the underground at least once is a must. Experience a new side to London when you go underground and enjoy musicians, poems, art and some fantastic underground stations. This is definitely not a travel experience you should miss out on but you may miss out on some amazing architecture and attractions if you choose to travel on the underground for your whole trip. It can also be difficult to predict how busy a train will be. If you are travelling in Zone 1 past popular tourist hotspots, you can bet that train travel in London is going to be very busy. So you either need to brave the crowds and squash into a carriage or wait for the next train… Although the chances are, the next one will probably be packed too.

How much is a London travel card?

A London travel card costs £12.70 per day for travel in zones 1-4. If you need to know where to buy a London day travel card, you can purchase these at most tube stations. While this seems like a good option, you can pay as you go with either a contactless bank card or an Oyster card and travel for a whole day in the same area at a capped cost of £10.60. If you are travelling with children under the age of 11, they will travel for free. If you already have a contactless bank card, you can use this the same way you would use an Oyster card and you will be charged the same price. However, each member of your party needs their own card to travel. If you are visiting London from another country, it might be worth getting a Visitor Oyster card as you may be charged by your bank for using contactless payments on the underground. You can only purchase a Visitor Oyster card before you travel to London which costs £5 for the activation fee as well as a minimum top-up of £10 when you purchase. If you will be in London for 2 days, £15 credit should be plenty to cover your travel costs but you can always top up your card if you need to add more money to it. You can use a Visitor Oyster card on the underground, tram, bus, DLR and some National Rail and River Bus services. The Visitor Oyster card is valid in all travel zones and calculates the cheapest fare for the day, with unlimited travel in zones 1-2 capped at £7.40 per day. You will also receive discounts for some shops, restaurants and attractions with a Visitor Oyster.

What is the cheapest way to travel in London? 

It may seem so obvious you didn’t even realise it, but the cheapest way to travel in London is to walk. If you are physically fit and enjoy wandering around a city then, like most places, walking is an easy way to travel for free in London. Although it may seem daunting to navigate London by yourself, if you are confident with a map (or have a smartphone with a map app) you might be surprised to find how close some of London’s main sites are. If you only need to take one or two tube stops, it can often be quicker to just walk to your destination once you factor in the time taken to walk to the platform and wait for your train. The same could be said for waiting for the right bus to come along. However, if you don’t feel confident making your own way around the city, Tootbus London can take you to all of the top attractions and destinations so you don’t have to worry about getting lost or taking the wrong bus or train.

How much does it cost to hire a bike in London?

If you are more active and feeling brave enough to take to the roads in London yourself, then renting a bike can be a great way to see the city. With designated cycle lanes, it can often mean that travel times are much shorter than they would be by taking public transport as you won’t be stuck in traffic or crammed between floods of people on the tube.

How to use the Santander bikes in London?

You can hire city bikes in London at multiple places throughout the capital with Santander Cycles where it costs £2 to access bikes for 24 hours. Your first 30 minutes are free and you will pay an additional £2 for every 30 minutes after. You can register and pay instantly at any terminal and return your bikes to any docking station in the city. Download the app for live bike availability, docking stations, journey summaries and bike release codes sent straight to your phone.

Alternatively, hire a bike from Cloud 9 Cycles in Fitzrovia from £25 per day and up to £80 for the whole week. Or, try On Your Bike at London Bridge for £48 for 3 days to £85 for the week, depending on which bike you choose. During peak times, you usually won’t be able to take a bike on public transport and some coaches and trams only allow folded bikes on board. If you choose to cycle in London, wear a helmet and  plan your journey  before you set off. 

How much are taxis in London?

You simply can’t visit London without taking a ride in a black cab just once. There is a minimum taxi fare of £3.20 at all times, no matter how far you are travelling, and 3 different tariffs in operation depending on when you are travelling. Before your journey, you should either agree on a price with the driver or you will be expected to pay the full amount on the meter once you reach your destination. All taxis accept contactless card payments and if you are wondering how much does a taxi cost from Heathrow to central London, you will likely pay between £48-£90.

If you are visiting London to go sightseeing, a  bus tour with Tootbus  is undoubtedly the best way to see the city. Explore all of London’s top attractions from the comfort of an open top bus for the best way to get around London. If you only need to make one or two journeys to go shopping or to the theatre then public transport might be a better option. No matter how you travel in London, explore your options, plan your journey and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.

The best ways to get from Heathrow Airport into London

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

After a long flight to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR), you’ll probably want the easiest possible plan to get to the hotel and relax before taking in the United Kingdom capital’s world-renowned landmarks.

Heathrow is in Greater London. It’s roughly 16 miles from Central London, where you’ll find the London Eye, the South Bank of the River Thames, the shopping haven of Covent Garden and the famously frenetic Oxford Street, as well as plenty of luxury and points-friendly hotels.

Related: Watch us race to London Heathrow by cab, Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth Line

There are many ways to reach Central London and elsewhere in the city from Heathrow, including taxis, the Tube, a dedicated train service called Heathrow Express and the new, unmistakably purple Elizabeth Line. The best option to get from Heathrow into London depends on what you’re looking for — a low price, ease, speediness, or ample space for luggage.

Here are the best options for traveling from Heathrow to London, so you can start your trip off on the right foot.

London Underground (aka the Tube)

Heathrow is conveniently located on the Piccadilly Line, one of several Tube lines that make up the London Underground. The popular service — run by Transport for London — connects the airport to plenty of Central London locations. So, you may not have to transfer once you’ve made it to the city center.

Taking the Tube from the airport is likely the cheapest option. However, it may not be the most comfortable if you’re weighed down by myriad heavy suitcases, or you’re traveling during peak commuter hours.

Depart from: Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3, 4 and 5 Underground stations.

Possible destinations: The Piccadilly Line directly serves, among other stops, Hammersmith, Gloucester Road, South Kensington, Hyde Park Corner, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Holborn and King’s Cross St. Pancras. 

When does it run? Typically you can expect Tubes from all terminals from around 5 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.; nighttime services from Terminals 2 and 3 stations and the Terminal 5 station run on Fridays and Saturdays. Check the timetable here .

Transit time: It depends on where you’re headed, but from Terminal 5, it takes approximately 50 minutes to reach Piccadilly Circus or an hour to reach King’s Cross St. Pancras.

Estimated cost: Single journeys to destinations in Zone 1 (such as Piccadilly and King’s Cross) cost 5.60 British pounds ($7) if you pay contactless or with an Oyster card. Buying a ticket to Central London at a machine will cost around 6.70 British pounds ($8.29) per person. Children under 11 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

If you’re going outside of Zone 1 (such as to Hammersmith, in Zone 2), then you’re looking at a smaller fare of 2.10 British pounds ($2.60) to 3.40 British pounds ($4.21) depending on travel time.

Paying for your trip: To pay for your tube journey or get a ticket, you have several options. The most convenient method is to pay using your contactless card by touching it on the yellow card readers found at Tube entrances or before the platforms.

You can also tap in on the yellow card readers using a prepaid Oyster card. You can buy them at all Tube, Overground and most Elizabeth Line stations for 7 British pounds ($8.69). They’re also available at most newsstands and visitor centers throughout London. Once you’ve purchased your Oyster, you can use the ticket machines inside Underground stations to add money to the card for individual journeys or a daily or weekly travel card covering various Zones.

Note the card readers aren’t always connected to gates and are sometimes free-standing. Keep an eye out for them. If you don’t tap in and out at the start and end of your journey, you’ll get charged for traveling through Zones 1 to 9.

Alternatively, you can buy paper tickets from the ticket machines at each Tube, Overground or DLR station. These tickets allow for one-way and return journeys or daily and weekly travel cards. To use the tickets, insert them in the signposted areas on the gates as you head to the line you’re traveling on.

Some stations will also have a staffed kiosk that you can use instead of ticket machines; you can ask for advice here on the best tickets to buy or routes to take.

Elizabeth Line

Opened in 2022, the Elizabeth Line (also run by TfL) is a swift option for traveling into Central London from LHR. It strikes a nice balance of price and efficiency. While not as cheap as the Tube, the trains are newer, roomier and air-conditioned, and they have Wi-Fi. Like the Heathrow Express, these trains stop in Paddington, but there are other destination options, too. It takes a bit longer than the Heathrow Express, but it’s also more affordable.

Depart from: Terminals 2 and 3, 4 and 5 railway stations.

Possible destinations: The Elizabeth Line travels direct from Heathrow to Abbey Wood — serving Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, and Canary Wharf. See the full map on TfL’s website here. There are no longer direct services between Canary Wharf and Terminal 5 except for some early morning and late evening services. Trains arriving at Heathrow from Canary terminate at Terminal 4.

When does it run? Times vary by terminal and whether you’re transiting on a weekday or weekend. Typically, the first trains leave between 5:15 a.m. and 6:05 a.m., while the last trains leave the airport between 11:46 p.m. and 12.13 a.m. Find specific timings here.

Transit time: It depends on where you’re headed. It takes about 35 minutes from Terminal 5 station to Paddington or about 45 minutes from Terminal 2 and 3 stations to Liverpool Street.

Estimated cost :  Heathrow’s website claims any journey to or from the airport that starts or ends in Zone 1 costs 12.80 British pounds ($15.83) per person. Whether you use contactless payment or Oyster, TfL’s single fare finder shows a single journey from Terminal 5 to Paddington on the Elizabeth Line costs 12.20 British pounds ($15). A journey from Terminals 2 and 3 stations to Liverpool Street costs 13.30 British pounds ($16.45).

However, these prices apply to contactless payments or Oyster payments only. Buying a paper ticket via the ticket machines in stations will cost you a small amount more — as discovered by TPG recently when we paid 14.30 British pounds for an off-peak ticket from Liverpool Street to Heathrow via the Elizabeth Line. Generally speaking, although the savings are only minor, it’s better to pay for your travel by contactless or Oyster card.

Children under the age of 11 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

Heathrow Express

Heathrow Express will be the fastest way to get from Heathrow to Paddington Station. It’s a direct train, so there are no extra stops along the way. Also, there are luggage racks and plugs for charging phones, which is always handy. For onward journeys, Paddington is well connected to multiple Tube lines. The downside is that the Heathrow Express can be expensive compared to other rail options.

Depart from: Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 station and Terminal 5 railway station. You’ll need to take a free connecting shuttle service to the station if you land in Terminal 4.

Possible destinations: Paddington Station. For an extra cost, you can change to the Tube lines Bakerloo, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City or the Elizabeth Line. 

When does it run? Typically from 5:10 a.m. until around 12 a.m., though it can vary. Trains run every 15 minutes. See the full Heathrow Express timetable here.

Transit time: 15 minutes to Paddington from Terminals 2 and 3 station or 20 minutes from Terminal 5 station. 

Estimated cost: Typically, a single Heathrow Express journey from Paddington to Heathrow costs 25 pounds ($31) per person though you sometimes can pay less if you book in advance. If you’re from Great Britain and have a National Railcard, this price could drop down to 16.50 British pounds. 

If you don’t have a National Railcard or are not from Great Britain, you can sometimes find discounts online by searching for Heathrow Express vouchers or coupon codes you can use when booking online.

While the Heathrow Express can be a more expensive rail option, it may be a better deal than it seems for families since children under 15 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

If you are returning to the airport within one month of your ticket, then an anytime ticket may be cheaper overall at 37 British pounds ($45.76) or 24.40 British pounds with a National Railcard. 

If public transport doesn’t appeal to you, or you’re landing in the middle of the night when no public transportation is operating, you can use Uber to get to and from Heathrow and Central London. Naturally, you’ll pay more than you would for a Tube ride or train ticket.

Depart from: Terminal 2, 3, 4 or 5’s short-stay parking lot. The app will tell you where to go once you’ve requested a ride and your driver is confirmed, but typically pick-up spots will be here:

• Terminal 2 — Level 4, Row H (Short Stay Car Park 2).
• Terminal 3 — Level 3, Row A (Short Stay Car Park 3).
• Terminal 4 — Level 1, Private Hire Pickup.
• Terminal 5 — Level 1, Row R (Short Stay Car Park 5).

Possible destinations: Direct service wherever you like, which can be a benefit with luggage and tired kids.

When does it run? In theory, you can get an Uber at any time.

Transit time: Varies depending on traffic, destination and other factors. (Pay attention to rush hour and commuting times.) As a rough guide, it typically takes around 50 minutes to reach Paddington by car or one hour to reach Piccadilly Circus from Terminal 5 (on a good day). This means it isn’t necessarily the quickest option during many times of the day as the Heathrow Express makes that trip to Paddington in just 15 minutes.

Estimated cost: The cost of an Uber depends on traffic, your destination and other factors. As an example, it can cost 59 British pounds ($73) from Terminal 5 to Paddington or 63 British pounds ($78) to Piccadilly Circus – both UberX rides, excluding tips.

If you’re traveling in a group of more than four or have more than a small suitcase or two, you’ll likely need a bigger car. Expect to pay more for an Uber Lux or Comfort journey. 

Related: Everything you need to know about the Uber Rewards program

Taxis (including black cabs, WeKnow and Addison Lee)

Beyond Uber, numerous other options exist for getting a taxi into London from Heathrow. Options include hailing an iconic London black cab at the taxi rank, pre-booking an electric car from Heathrow’s private hire transfer service WeKnow or arranging a car from a company such as Addison Lee.

The latter two options provide a meet-and-greet service to help get you and your luggage straight into the car. Addison Lee also requires your flight number at booking, which means the company can adjust your ride in case of a delay. Again, this type of transfer will cost you more than rail services.

Depart from: The relevant taxi rank outside Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 for a black cab. For another service, the pick-up location will be specified in your booking, or your driver will meet you at the terminal.

Possible destinations: Again, wherever you’d like.

When does it run? In theory, you should be able to arrange a taxi or car transfer anytime.

Transit time: Varies depending on traffic, destination and other factors. From Terminal 5, it typically takes about 50 minutes by car to Paddington or one hour to Piccadilly Circus. Although, Addison Lee estimates it’ll take one hour and 10 minutes for a journey to Paddington around 6 p.m.

Estimated cost: This will vary, depending on the type of taxi you go for, among other considerations such as traffic. Some estimates are below.

• Black cab: The meter will start running when your ride begins. TfL, which manages London’s black cabs, says a Heathrow to Central London journey can range from 52 pounds ($64.31) to 97 pounds ($120). Find out more about black cab fares here .
• WeKnow: Prices are fixed, so you’ll know what you pay when you book. A trip from Terminal 5 to Paddington or Piccadilly Circus costs 70 pounds ($86.57) to 94 pounds ($116.25) depending on the car size you need. A meet-and-greet service costs 14.99 pounds ($18.54) extra. Use WeKnow’s calculator to work out your exact journey price.
• Addison Lee: Prices are fixed, so you’ll know the price when you book. A sample Terminal 5 to Paddington journey (leaving ASAP) was quoted online as 94.32 pounds ($116.66) or up to 122 pounds ($150.89), depending on the car size needed. The meet-and-greet is included in both prices. For an exact quote, visit Addison Lee’s website and input your flight number and journey details.

Coach (including National Express and Megabus)

Coaches operated by National Express and Megabus drop you off at Victoria Coach Station. They’re usually inexpensive and often have Wi-Fi and phone charging points. They can also carry your luggage in the hold – check Megabus limits  and National Express limits .

However, buses are not the fastest way to reach Central London. How long they take depends on traffic, time of day and other factors.

Depart from: Heathrow Central Bus Station between Terminals 2 and 3 is the quickest departure point for both National Express and Megabus coaches. If you leave Terminal 4, take the free shuttle to the bus station. You can also alight a coach from Terminal 5 (look for arrivals level stops 13, 14 and 15 for Megabus). 

Possible destinations: Victoria Coach Station. From there, it is a short walk to the Victoria Line at Victoria Station; the line stops at Green Park, Oxford Circus, Warren Street and King’s Cross (at an extra cost).

When does it run? National Express coaches usually run throughout the day, with a service gap between 1 a.m. and 3.45 a.m. Check the exact timetable for your route here. You can find out more about Megabus times on its website.

Transit time: From Terminals 2 and 3, National Express coaches take anywhere from 55 minutes to one hour and 20 minutes to reach Victoria Coach Station, depending on the time of day you travel. Megabus lists transit times of 45 and 55 minutes for the same journey. 

From Terminal 5, National Express coaches can take anywhere from one hour and 20 minutes to one hour and 35 minutes.

Estimated cost: For National Express coaches, a single journey starts from 6 pounds ($7.42) per person. For Megabus coaches , a single journey starts from 8 British pounds ($9.89).

Other travel options

You can take local bus 285 from Heathrow Central Bus Station (serving Terminals 2 and 3) to Feltham train station. It’s 16 stops away. From there, you can hop on a 30-or-45-minute train to Waterloo via Clapham Junction. 

London bus “hopper fares” cost 1.75 British pounds ($2.16), and train tickets start from 8.60 pounds ($10.64) per person. This option is on the cheaper side. However, it’s very long-winded, especially since you can reach Waterloo Station from Paddington via the Bakerloo Line and the Piccadilly Line (with a change to Jubilee Line at Green Park). 

For those traveling somewhere in Greater London, rather than Central London, there are several local bus routes from the airport. View them here.

Bottom line

The best way to get from Heathrow Airport to London depends on your budget, your amount of luggage, and how much time and hassle you are willing to invest in the journey. 

If you want to avoid street traffic and save money, the Elizabeth Line and Tube are our top picks. If speed is your primary concern, it’s hard to ignore the Heathrow Express. Need to get away from dragging luggage around or just want the absolutely simplest path from Point A to B? Consider an Uber or taxi.

Additional reporting by Kathleen Porter Kristiansen, Hayley Coyle and Jordan Waller.

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.