London Public Transport Guide
Discover everything you need to know about getting around London, from payment options and transport modes to understanding travel zones and fares.
How to Use Public Transport in London
Tickets & Payment Methods
The Oyster Card
The Oyster Card is a reloadable travel card used for London’s public transport.
Why Use an Oyster Card?
1️⃣Cheaper fares compared to paper tickets. Works on the Tube, buses, Overground, DLR, and more.
2️⃣Daily & Weekly caps ensure you never overpay.
3️⃣ Easily top up online or at ticket machines.
How to Get & Use an Oyster Card
1️⃣ Buy one at Tube stations, visitor centers, or online.
2️⃣ Tap in & out at station gates or on buses.
3️⃣ Reload easily at ticket machines or online.
Contactless Payment
Use your credit/debit card or mobile device (Apple Pay/Google Pay) to tap at the gates. No need to buy separate tickets.
Paper Tickets
Available for single journeys, but more expensive. Avoid if possible.
📍 Where to Buy
- Ticket machines at Tube & Rail stations.
- TFL Visitor Centres.
- Some newsagents & kiosks.
Modes of Transport
🚇 Tube (Underground)
The fastest way to get around London. Runs frequently and covers most areas.
🚌 Bus
Affordable and scenic. Great for short trips and night travel.
🚆 Overground
Connects suburban areas to the city center.
🚝 DLR (Docklands Light Railway)
Serves East London and is driverless.
🚋 Tram
Operates in South London.
⛴️ River Bus
A scenic way to travel along the Thames.
Zones & Fare System
London is divided into 9 travel zones.
- Zone 1: Covers Central London.
- Zones 1-2: Include most tourist attractions.
- Fares: Depend on the zones you travel through.
- Peak vs. Off-Peak: Prices are higher during peak hours (6:30-9:30 AM and 4:00-7:00 PM).
- Daily Cap: Your contactless card or Oyster card will automatically stop charging after reaching the daily cap.
💡 Quick Tips
- Always tap in and out when using the Tube, Overground, or DLR.
- Buses have a flat fare of £1.75 (no need to tap out).
- Your daily fare will be capped when using contactless payment or an Oyster card.
- Avoid using the Tube during rush hours (7-9 AM & 5-7 PM).
- Buses don’t accept cash payments.
- Stand on the right side of escalators!
Boarding Tip: When traveling by bus, always enter through the front door to tap your card.
- Night buses operate when the Tube is closed.
Getting to Central London
Quick Travel Tips
✔️ Use contactless payment cards for all transport in London.
🚆 Heathrow Express is the fastest way to get from Heathrow to Central London.
🚆 Gatwick Express takes you directly to Victoria Station in 30 minutes.
🚆 Stansted Express is the best way to reach Liverpool Street from Stansted Airport.
Tourist Travel Passes
Oyster Card
✔ Cheaper than paper tickets
✔ Daily & weekly fare caps apply
✔ Works on Tube, Bus, Overground, DLR & more
✔ Refundable £5 deposit
✔ Buy in London at Tube stations, airports & visitor centers
⚠ Tourists cannot buy a standard Oyster Card online before arrival
Contactless
Use your debit/credit card or mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay).
✔ No need to buy a separate card
✔ Daily & weekly fare caps apply
✔ Works the same as Oyster, no top-ups needed
✔ Available with UK/EU contactless bank cards
✔ Some overseas cards may incur fees
Travelcard
A fixed–price pass for unlimited travel within selected zones.
✔ Best for unlimited travel within London.
✔7 Day Travelcards give you seven days’ travel for the price of five days
✔ Available for 1, 7, or 30 days
✔ Covers Tube, Bus, Tram & Overground
✔ 7–day Travelcard starts at £40.70 (Zones 1-2)
Alternative Transport: Bikes & Boats 🚲 ⛴️
⛴️ Faster than Tube & buses on some routes!
🌆 Enjoy stunning views of London’s skyline.
🎟️ Pay with an Oyster card or contactless
🕒 Boats run every 20 minutes.
📍 Operating Hours
- Monday – Friday: 05:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 08:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 09:00 AM – 09:30 PM
Accessible Travel in London: A Guide for Everyone
London’s public transport system is designed to accommodate all travelers, including those with mobility impairments, visual or hearing disabilities, and other accessibility needs. From step-free stations to audio announcements, here’s what you need to know for a smooth journey
Step-Free Access 🚇
Many Tube, Overground, and Elizabeth Line stations have step-free access from the street to the platform. Check TfL’s step-free station map before you travel.
Audio & Visual Announcements 🦻
Buses, trains, and stations have both visual screens and automated announcements to guide passengers.
Assistance Services 🆘
Passengers can request assistance at staffed stations or book help in advance for Overground, Elizabeth Line, and National Rail services.
Contact & Help
For users needing additional assistance, include a contact section:
📞 TfL Accessibility Hotline: +44 343 222 1234
📧 Email: [email protected]
🔗 Link: TfL Accessibility Guide