Getting Started
The London Underground is your best friend as a visitor to London. It's fast, affordable, and covers all the major attractions. Here's everything you need to know before your first trip.
How to Pay
Skip the ticket queue. Tap in and out with your contactless debit/credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and pay the same as an Oyster card — automatically capped daily. No need to buy a separate card unless you're paying in cash.
If you don't have contactless, get an Oyster card from any station (£7 refundable deposit).
Understanding Zones
London is divided into 9 fare zones. Almost every tourist attraction is in Zone 1: Westminster, the City, Shoreditch, South Bank, Soho. The daily cap for Zone 1–2 travel is around £8.10 — after 3–4 journeys you travel free for the rest of the day.
Top Stations for Tourists
| Attraction | Nearest Station | Line |
|---|---|---|
| Buckingham Palace | St James's Park / Victoria | Circle, District / Victoria |
| British Museum | Tottenham Court Road | Central, Elizabeth |
| Tower of London | Tower Hill | Circle, District |
| Tate Modern | Southwark / Blackfriars | Jubilee / Circle, District |
| Heathrow Airport | Heathrow Terminals 2–3 | Elizabeth, Piccadilly |
Heathrow Airport by Tube guide →
Essential Tips
- Always tap out — failing to tap out at exit charges you the maximum fare.
- Stand right, walk left on escalators — a strict unwritten rule in London.
- Avoid peak hours (06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00 Mon–Fri) if you can — trains are very crowded.
- Night Tube runs Fri/Sat nights on Central, Jubilee, Victoria, Northern, and Piccadilly lines.
- Elizabeth line is fastest for east-west journeys — opened 2022.
Fare Guide
See the full London Underground ticket prices guide for all fares and payment options.
Source: Transport for London (TfL). Information is for general guidance — verify with the operator before travel.