London Underground fares are calculated by fare zones. The network is divided into nine concentric zones, with Zone 1 covering central London and zones increasing as you travel further out. The fare you pay depends on how many zones you cross during your journey.
The cheapest way to travel is with an Oyster card or a contactless bank card — both automatically apply daily and weekly caps so you never pay more than the cap regardless of how many journeys you make. Paper single tickets from ticket machines can cost up to double the Oyster price and are not recommended.
How to Pay
- Oyster card
- Contactless (Visa/Mastercard/Amex)
- Travelcard
- Cash (station machines only)
Peak Hours
Mon–Fri 06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00 — fares are higher during peak hours. Travel off-peak (after 09:30 and before 16:00 on weekdays, or anytime weekends) to pay lower fares.
Fare Table (GBP)
All fares shown are Oyster / contactless prices. Cash paper tickets cost significantly more at every zone level.
| Zones | Off-Peak | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 only | £2.80 | £3.70 |
| Zones 1–2 | £3.40 | £3.70 |
| Zones 1–3 | £3.70 | £4.30 |
| Zones 1–4 | £4.30 | £5.00 |
| Zones 1–5 | £5.00 | £5.80 |
| Zones 1–6 | £5.60 | £6.40 |
Daily and Weekly Caps
Once your Oyster or contactless total for the day reaches the daily cap, all further journeys are free. Weekly caps (Mon–Sun) work the same way. Example caps:
| Zones | Daily Cap (Off-Peak) | Weekly Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 only | £8.10 | £40.70 |
| Zones 1–2 | £8.10 | £40.70 |
| Zones 1–3 | £10.10 | £50.60 |
| Zones 1–4 | £12.40 | £61.80 |
| Zones 1–6 | £14.90 | £74.80 |
Payment Cards & Passes
Oyster Card Guide
Everything about the Oyster card: how to get one, top up, daily caps, and whether you need one in 2026.
- Daily and weekly fare caps — never overpay however many trips you take.
- Off-peak fares lower than cash tickets.
- Works on Tube, Bus, DLR, Overground, Elizabeth line, National Rail (within zones), River Bus.
Tips to Save Money
- Always use Oyster or contactless — never buy a paper single ticket.
- Travel off-peak (after 09:30 on weekdays, any time weekends) for lower fares.
- The daily cap means your 4th+ journey in a day is effectively free — factor this in when planning day trips.
- A 7-Day Travelcard can be cost-effective if you are making 5+ zone-crossing journeys per day for a week.
- Buses and Elizabeth line are included in the zone cap — use all modes freely once you hit the cap.
Fares are indicative and subject to change. Always verify current fares at the Transport for London (TfL) official website.