Getting Started on the London Underground
The London Underground is the fastest and most affordable way to get around London. The network covers 272 stations across 11 lines and 402 km of track, connecting the city's key neighbourhoods, transport hubs, and attractions. Around ~3.6 million journeys are made every day.
The London Underground, known to Londoners as "the Tube", is the world's oldest underground railway — opened on 10 January 1863. Today it operates 272 stations across 11 colour-coded lines and 402 km of track, carrying over 1.35 billion passenger journeys every year.
How to Pay
The best way to pay is with the Oyster Card — faster boarding, no queue at the machine, and usually a discount on fares. Everything about the Oyster card: how to get one, top up, daily caps, and whether you need one in 2026.
All payment options: Oyster card · Contactless (Visa/Mastercard/Amex) · Travelcard · Cash (station machines only).
💡 Oyster and contactless are capped daily and weekly — always cheaper than buying single tickets.
Peak hours: Mon–Fri 06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00.
Getting from the Airport to London
Two Tube lines serve Heathrow Airport — the Elizabeth line (fastest) and the Piccadilly line (cheapest). Full guide with journey times, fares, and terminal tips. Journey time: ~30 min (Elizabeth line) / ~50 min (Piccadilly line). Estimated fare: £13.50 off-peak Oyster/contactless (Zones 1–6).
Full airport connection guide →
Key Stations
These are the most important and useful stations on the London Underground for visitors:
Lines Overview
Essential Tips for Visitors
- Always tap out — some European metros require you to tap your card at exit as well as entry. Failing to do so results in a maximum fare charge.
- Validate your ticket — in cities like Paris and Madrid, ticket validation at the barrier is mandatory. Keep your ticket until you exit.
- Travel off-peak — Mon–Fri 06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00. Fares are lower off-peak and trains are less crowded.
- Operating hours — hours vary by city and day. Most European metros run reduced hours on Sundays. Check the operator app or website.
- Multi-trip cards save money — Oyster Card Guide is cheaper than buying single tickets. Recommended for any visit of 2+ days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for the London Underground?
Tap in and out with a contactless card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) or Oyster card. Both apply daily and weekly caps. Paper tickets from machines cost up to double — always use Oyster or contactless.
What are peak hours on the Tube?
Peak hours are Mon–Fri 06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00. Fares are higher during peak times. Travel off-peak for cheaper fares — the savings can be significant on longer journeys.
Does the Tube run 24 hours?
Night Tube runs Friday and Saturday nights on the Central, Jubilee, Victoria, Northern, and Piccadilly lines. Other lines end between 00:00 and 01:00.
How do I get from Heathrow Airport to London by Tube?
Take the Elizabeth line for the fastest journey (~30 min to Paddington, same Zone 1–6 fare as Piccadilly). The Piccadilly line is slower (~50 min) but runs to more central stations including King's Cross and Covent Garden.
What is the Tube daily fare cap?
Daily cap for Zone 1–2 is £8.10 off-peak and £8.10 any time (Mon–Fri). Zone 1–6 cap is £14.90. Once you hit the cap, all further journeys that day are free — Oyster and contactless both apply it automatically.
Do I need an Oyster card or can I use contactless?
Contactless bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) now offer exactly the same capped fares as Oyster. For most visitors, contactless is more convenient — no deposit, no queuing at machines. Oyster is still useful if you don't have contactless or want to track spending separately.
How many stations does the London Underground have?
The Tube has 272 stations across 11 lines, spanning nine fare zones and 402 km of track. The busiest station is King's Cross St. Pancras, a major interchange for six Tube lines plus national rail and international Eurostar services.
Which Tube line is best for tourists?
The Central line (red) connects key sights including Notting Hill Gate, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, St. Paul's, and Stratford. The Jubilee line (silver) links Westminster, London Bridge, and Canary Wharf. The Northern line reaches Borough Market and Camden.
Fare Guide
See the full London Underground ticket prices guide for all fares, the Oyster Card Guide discount, and payment options.
Source: Transport for London (TfL) and Wikipedia. Information is for general guidance — verify with the operator before travel.