The London Underground is one of the world's most recognisable transit systems, and for good reason — it connects virtually every corner of Greater London. For tourists, it's the single most efficient way to get around the city.
Getting Started: Oyster vs Contactless
Skip the ticket queue entirely. If you have a contactless Visa, Mastercard, or Amex, you can tap in and out of any station without buying an Oyster card. Fares are automatically capped daily and weekly so you never overpay.
If you prefer an Oyster card, pick one up at any Tube station or Gatwick Express stop for a £7 deposit (refundable).
Understanding the Zones
London's fare system is built around nine concentric zones. Most tourist sights — Westminster, the City, Shoreditch, South Bank — sit in Zone 1. An off-peak Zone 1 single journey costs around £2.80 with Oyster/contactless.
The daily cap for Zone 1–2 travel is about £8.10, meaning after three or four journeys you ride free for the rest of the day.
Getting from Heathrow
The Elizabeth line (purple on the map) runs from Heathrow directly to Paddington in approximately 30 minutes. An off-peak fare with Oyster/contactless is around £13.50 for Zones 1–6.
The Piccadilly line (dark blue) also serves Heathrow and costs less (~£5.60 off-peak Zone 1–6) but takes around 50 minutes to central London.
Night Tube
On Friday and Saturday nights, selected lines run through the night. The Central, Jubilee, Victoria, Northern, and Piccadilly lines offer 24-hour service on these nights — perfect for late nights out.
Top Tips
- Always tap out when you exit — failing to do so results in a maximum fare charge.
- Avoid peak hours (06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00 Mon–Fri) if you can.
- Stand on the right on escalators; walk on the left.
- The Elizabeth line is new (2022) and significantly faster for cross-London journeys.
Always verify schedules and fares with the official operator before travelling.