cheapest way to travel by tube

London Underground 101: A guide to getting the Tube in London

Editor's Note

If you've never visited London before, navigating its iconic Tube system can be either an adventure or a confused mess of Tube lines, fare types and labyrinthian stations.

You might not have initially thought so, but there's a lot more to it than just getting to a station, hopping on a train and then exiting. Thankfully, TPG has your back, and we created this guide to the London Underground.

Let's dive in.

Related: The 23 best hotels in London

Paying for the Tube and how to save money

First of all, let's make sure the price is right.

There are many ways you can pay to travel around London via the Tube.

You can buy paper tickets from the ticket machines at each Tube, Overground and Docklands Light Railway station. One-way, return, daily and weekly travel cards are available. If you're buying tickets for single journeys, you'll probably spend more than you really need to if you take the Tube more than once.

The most convenient payment method, though, is to use your contactless payment card. Simply touch it on the yellow card readers found at Tube entrances and some platforms to pay for your ride.

These card readers also work with prepaid Oyster cards sold at all Tube and Overground stations, plus most Elizabeth Line stations and select newsstands and visitor centers throughout London, for 7 British pounds ($8.86) each. If you choose to purchase and pay via an Oyster card, you can add money to the card using the ticket machines found inside Underground stations. You can then purchase daily or weekly travel cards covering various zones.

Regardless of how you pay for your ride, you'll use the same process for confirming your payment. Use your phone (for contactless payments) or debit, credit or Oyster card to tap in and out at the barriers of your start and end stations. Remember that card readers aren't always connected to gates and are sometimes free-standing, so make sure you locate one and tap in and out to avoid getting charged for traveling through all nine zones.

To see the full details and decide exactly which payment method is right for you, check out the Transport for London website .

Daily limits

If you use an Oyster card or contactless payment to pay for your Tube journey, there is a cap on how much you can be charged, depending on the zones you travel in or between.

Say, for example, you only travel within Zones 1 and 2. For a full day of travel via the London Underground in those two zones, you'll pay 8.50 pounds (around $10.76).

You can view the prices for other zones on the TfL website .

Child discounts

All children under the age of 11 can travel on the London Underground for free, and children between 11 and 15 receive discounted fares (as outlined below). To ensure that you get a discount, you should talk to a member of the London Underground staff inside the station.

How much does travel on the London Underground cost?

The London Underground operates a peak and off-peak fare system. The amount you're charged depends on which zones you're traveling in or between.

Peak fares are charged Monday to Friday between the hours of 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. Off-peak fares are charged at all other times and if you're traveling from a station outside of Zone 1 into Zone 1 between 4 and 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Journeys on the Tube and the Elizabeth Line to and from Heathrow Airport (LHR) are always considered peak fares if you start, end or go through Zone 1.

Travel cards

Peak and off-peak travel cards are also available in the Tube stations' kiosks. The cost of travel cards varies depending on the zones you travel in. Paying with an Oyster card or via contactless payment is usually cheaper.

An Anytime Day travel card can be used for the entire day that you purchase it until 4:30 a.m. the next day.

An Off-peak Day travel card is valid for an entire weekday from 9:30 a.m. — or any time on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays — until 4:30 a.m. the following day.

How to read the London Tube map

The London Underground map is divided into nine zones. The center of London — along with its most popular tourist attractions and iconic hotels — is in Zone 1. The outer parts of the city are in Zone 9. The zones are serviced by 11 tube lines and a handful of other rail services identified by color.

The London Underground lines are as follows:

• Bakerloo (brown) : From Harrow & Wealdstone in northwest London to Elephant & Castle south of the River Thames
• Central (red) : From West Ruislip in west London to Epping in east London
• Circle (yellow) : From Hammersmith to Edgware Road and then back to Edgware Road in a loop around central London
• District (green) : From Upminster in east London to Richmond in south London
• Hammersmith & City (pink) : From Hammersmith to Barking in east London
• Jubilee (gray) : From Stanmore to Stratford in east London
• Metropolitan (maroon) : From Aldgate to Amersham
• Northern (black) : From Edgware in the northern suburbs to South Wimbledon in southwest London
• Piccadilly (dark blue) : From Cockfosters via Hammersmith to Heathrow Terminals 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; the Piccadilly Line has two branches, which split at Acton Town
• Victoria (light blue) : From Walthamstow Central in north London through central London to Brixton
• Waterloo & City (turquoise) : From Bank to Waterloo Station

Though not technically Tube lines, you'll also find the following rail routes on the Tube map:

• Overground (orange — double stripe) : From Watford Junction in the northwest to Croydon in the south and from Barking in the east of London to Richmond and Wandsworth in the southwest
• Docklands Light Railway (turquoise — double stripe) : From Bank in the City to Lewisham in east London and Bank to Woolwich Arsenal; there are further routes from Tower Gateway to Beckton, Stratford to Lewisham or Canary Wharf, and Stratford International to Woolwich Arsenal
• Elizabeth Line (purple — double stripe) : From Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east

Taking the Tube to Heathrow Airport

Depending on where you're traveling from, the Tube or Elizabeth Line will likely be your cheapest and most direct route to Heathrow Airport.

You can learn more about the best ways to reach Heathrow here .

While there's extra space on the Piccadilly Line for suitcases, trains on other lines aren't always as accommodating. Either way, traveling with multiple pieces of luggage at peak times can make for a stressful and awkward journey for you and those around you.

It's not always possible to get to Heathrow without getting on the Tube during peak times. If possible, try to leave earlier to avoid rush hour and have a far more comfortable journey.

How to plan your trip

TfL provides a range of free Tube maps that are available in most Tube stations and some small shops to help you plan your journey.

You can also use TfL's journey planner . Add in your start and end destinations, and the site will work out the nearest Tube stations and what changes you may need to take. The site will also suggest bus routes if they're faster, and it'll advise on journey times.

You can filter its suggestions to only include buses if you wish to avoid the Tube; you can also filter for routes that are accessible, routes near taxi ranks or routes that have the fewest changes or least amount of walking.

In terms of apps, many Londoners tend to use Citymapper ( iOS / Android ) or Google Maps ( iOS / Android ), both of which will provide you with up-to-date Tube suggestions, walking routes and bus options.

How early does the Tube run?

The London Underground's opening times can differ depending on the line you want to take and where you're starting your trip. Generally, though, Tube trains begin operation around 5 a.m. from Monday to Saturday, with slightly reduced operating hours on Sundays.

How late does the Night Tube run?

On Friday and Saturday nights, you can ride the Night Tube when the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines run for 24 hours. Additionally, the London Overground operates a 24-hour service on these days between New Cross Gate and Highbury & Islington.

The Night Tube is charged at off-peak rates.

The quickest route might not be the obvious one

If you're not used to London, you might think you need to take the Tube to get anywhere. The Tube is your best bet for longer journeys in and out of the city. However, shorter journeys in central London will likely be quicker on foot.

When planning your journeys, the TfL website has a handy box to help you determine which routes are quicker to walk.

By walking shorter routes, you'll not only save time but will also breathe in less thick, soupy air. The views are guaranteed to be an improvement, too.

Travel etiquette on the London Underground

Polite behavior when traveling on the London Underground can pretty much be simplified into three main rules.

Escalator etiquette

Perhaps the most important rule of Tube stations is to stand on the right on the escalators. This allows those in a rush to glide down the escalators in a flash to avoid waiting an extra minute for the next train.

Mindful Tubing

Everyone getting the Tube has somewhere to be and is likely in a rush. Letting all passengers get off your carriage before boarding will enable a smoother, quicker and more pleasant journey for everyone.

Additionally, don't hog seats if someone in need, such as elderly people, pregnant women or people with disabilities, would benefit more than you by sitting down. Checking if someone needs your seat will go a long way in making someone's journey, if not their entire day, better.

As for rides during busy commuting hours, remember that squishing as tightly as possible into the area closest to the doors doesn't benefit anyone. Move down the train. It makes for a more comfortable, less sweaty journey for everyone.

In general, queueing is somewhat of a national sport for Brits. We do it anywhere and everywhere, and anyone who fails to queue correctly will receive passive-aggressive eye rolls and tuts from all who witness it.

This also applies to the Tube, whether you're waiting to get through the barriers, waiting to get on or waiting for the stairs, escalators or elevators to leave the station. Save yourself the glares and cranky tuts of fellow passengers by falling into line.

Bottom line

Love it or hate it, London would come to a standstill without the Tube. Whether it's your first time in the capital or you're a seasoned Londoner, the above tips will serve you well. Remember, above all else, to stand to the right.

London Underground train fares – Tube Ticket Prices 2024

• Adult fares
• Senior fares
• Child fares
• Return fares
• How to work out a fare
• What’s the cheapest way to travel?
• Buying tickets on the train
• Peak, off-peak and Anytime
• Daily & Weekly price caps
• Two Together Railcard
• Family & Friends Railcard
• Diabled Persons Railcard
• Using single tickets and travelcards
• Using contactless and Oyster cards
• Which is best: cash, contactless, Oyster or travelcard?

Paying with cash

Paying with Oyster

Paying with contactless

Paying with a travelcard

Can you buy a ticket on the train?

No. You have to buy a paper ticket, travelcard or Oyster card before you board the train. It’s not possible to buy one onboard.

How much is a return fare on the London Underground?

There are no return fares on the London Underground.

It is possible to select a return journey at a self-service ticket machine, but you’ll just be paying the same price as two single journeys and end up receiving two single tickets.

What is the daily and weekly price cap?

Daily price cap – Oyster tube fares and contactless tube fares have a daily price cap . This is the maximum daily charge that will be taken from your card each day – regardless of how many journeys you make. The computer keeps track of all the individual journeys you make throughout the day, totals them up, and as soon as the accumulated amount reaches the daily cap it will stop charging you.

The daily cap is always cheaper than buying a 1-day travelcard .

Note: You must remember to use the same card for every journey, otherwise the computer won’t recognise that they all came from you. Likewise, if you’re using contactless through your mobile phone or watch, then you must use the same device each time.

Weekly price cap – Oyster cards and contactless cards also have a weekly price cap . This works in exactly the same way as the daily cap, but will limit your seven day spend to the same price as a 7 day travelcard .

Important note: the weekly cap only works between Monday and Sunday, so if you’re travelling between any other stretch of seven days (like Friday to Thursday, for example) then the computer will charge you for seven individual days instead.

What time is Peak, Off-Peak and Anytime?

For Oyster and contactless – Oyster fares and contactless fares are described as being Peak and Off-peak .

Peak time is between 6.30-9.30 AM and 4-7 PM (Monday to Friday). Anything else is off-peak , including public holidays. Note: Between the 8th March and 31st May 2024 TFL are running a trial called ‘Off-Peak Friday Fares’, where Fridays will be classed as off-peak all day.

For travelcards – Travelcards are slightly different because they’re described as being Anytime and Off-peak .

Anytime means that you can travel at any time of day, and up to 4.30 AM the following morning. Off-peak is any time after 9.30 AM (Monday to Friday), and up to 4.30 AM the following morning. Weekends and public holidays are always off-peak.

Note: Underground fares are worked out according to what time your journey begins . It doesn’t matter what time your tube journey finishes. So an Oyster journey between 6 AM and 7 AM on a Monday is off-peak . Between 9 AM and 10 AM it’s peak . For a travelcard both journeys are anytime .

What is the cheapest way to travel on the tube?

The cheapest way to travel on the tube is with contactless and Oyster – but contactless is usually the better option for UK visitors because you also have to pay a £7 deposit the first time you buy an Oyster card.

We don’t recommend contactless cards for foreign visitors because your bank might add on a transaction fee every time you use it overseas, which will bump up the price of your train ticket.

Try and avoid paying by cash on the London Underground as well, because that always has the highest charges.

Do children get cheap train fares?

Yes. Children under the age of 11 can travel for free on the tube if they’re accompanied by an adult, or they have a 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard. Children aged between 11-17 do have to pay, but they can benefit from cheaper fares if they’re carrying the right photocard, or they have the ‘Young Visitor Discount’ applied to their London Oyster card .

See our child tube fares page for more details.

Do seniors get cheap train fares?

Senior citizens who live in a London borough are eligible for free or discounted travel on the London Underground. (Senior citizens who live outside London can use their OAP pass for free travel on London buses , but not the trains.)

Freedom Pass – If you’re old enough to receive a woman’s state pension (regardless of whether you’re a man or a woman), and your principal home is in London, then you can get hold of a Freedom Pass .

This entitles you to travel for free outside of the morning peak period (4.30 AM to 9 AM, Monday to Friday) on London buses, the London Underground, London Overground, TFL Rail and some National Rail trains within London.

Freedom Passes are supplied by your local council and you can apply online at londoncouncils.gov.uk .

60+ London Oyster photocard – If you’re aged 60 or more and you live in a London borough then you can apply for a 60+ Oyster Card . This allows you to travel for free outside of the morning peak period (4.30 AM to 9 AM, Monday to Friday) on the buses, London Underground, London Overground, TFL Rail and some National Rail services within London.

You can apply for a card online at tfl.gov.uk/​fares/​free-and-discounted-travel .

Senior Railcard – If you’re aged 60 or more and you’re travelling on the London Underground and a few National Rail trains then you might benefit from buying a Senior Railcard .

This entitles you to a ⅓-off train fares throughout Britain. You can also have the discount card loaded straight onto your Oyster card and get a ⅓-off pay-as-you-go fares and a ⅓-off the daily price cap (off-peak travel times only).

Make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully though, because it’s usually not valid during peak hours (the peak times will vary depending on which part of the country you’re travelling in) – but given how expensive train tickets are these days it might pay for itself after just three or four journeys.

What is a Two Together Railcard?

A Two Together Railcard offers discounted train tickets if you’re travelling with your partner to other parts of the UK. But it has to be the same person each time because it will have your names and photos printed on the front (or inside the app, if you’re using contactless). If you want to make a journey on your own during that period then you’ll have to pay normal price.

Another downside when compared to other Railcards is that you can’t use it to get a discount on Oyster pay-as-you-go fares, or Oyster daily caps – but you can use it to get a discount on day travelcards when bought together with a ticket for a National Rail train coming into London.

Check out their website at railcard.co.uk .

What is a Family & Friends Railcard?

A Family & Friends Railcard offers cheap train tickets if your group size is up to 4 adults and up to 4 kids, but if the majority of your holiday is inside London then beware… because the only useful discount you’ll get is ⅓-off 1 day travelcards when bought together with a National Rail train ticket coming into London (subject to a minimum fare). And it doesn’t apply at peak-time either.

Check out their website at railcard.co.uk if you’re interested.

What is a Disabled Persons Railcard?

A Disabled Persons Railcard offers cheap train tickets if you have a disability that meets their eligibility criteria .

After you’ve linked the pass to your Oyster card you’ll get a ⅓-off pay-as-you-go fares and daily price caps. You can also get a travelling companion some money off the cost of a day travelcard if it’s bought in conjunction with a National Rail ticket coming into London.

Find out more at railcard.co.uk .

How do you work out a London Underground fare?

In order to work out your London Underground fare you will need to know every fare zone that your journey passes through (not just the ones you start and finish at). You can use our train journey planner to do this.

For example, if you look at the tube ticket prices on our Heathrow to King’s Cross page then you’ll see that the journey passes through zones 1 to 6.

Just to make things a little bit more confusing, some of London’s underground stations are in two different zones at once. Earl’s Court station , for example, is in zones 1 and 2. The charge for these stations is based on your direction of travel. If your journey begins at Earl’s Court and heads towards zone 1 then Earl’s Court will count as zone 1. If you’re heading towards zone 2 then it will count as zone 2. And if your journey finishes at Earl’s Court then it will count as zone 1 if you came from zone 1. And it will count as zone 2 if you came from zone 2.

Do you have to pay twice if you change trains?

If you change trains during your journey then you only have to pay one fare – assuming you don’t exit any of the stations in-between.

For example, if you’re travelling between Waterloo and South Kensington then you’ll have to change trains at Westminster, but you’ll be able to walk between the platforms without passing through any ticket barriers. If you did pass through a barrier then that would be the end of your journey.

How do you use paper tickets on the London Underground?

Using paper tickets on the London Underground is easy. Just insert your single ticket or paper travelcard face-up into the slot at the front of the ticket barrier (underneath that big yellow Oyster reader). The same ticket will then pop out of the slot on the top. The gate won’t open until you remove your ticket from this slot (something that catches a lot of people out).

If your travelcard has been loaded onto a London Oyster card then it’s a little bit easier, because all you have to do is wave it in front of the yellow reader and the gate will open automatically.

How do you use Oyster and contactless cards on the tube?

Using contactless cards and Oyster cards on the London Underground is easy. All you have to do is wave them in front of the big yellow reader by the gate. If the machine registers it correctly then the ticket barrier will open automatically for you to walk through.

If it doesn’t work then try taking your card out of your purse or wallet and touching it flush against the reader. If it still doesn’t work then look at the little LCD screen by the reader to see what it says (you’re probably out of credit).

If you’re travelling from a suburban station outside central London then you might find that it doesn’t have any gates, and the readers will either be at the foot of the platform stairs or on the platform itself.

When you leave the train at the end of your journey you will need to tap your card down again, so the computer can work out which fare zones you travelled through. You need to do this even if there’s no barrier, or when the barrier has been deliberately left open by the TFL staff (which they sometimes do to speed the flow of passengers during rush hour). If you forget to touch your card down then the system will whack you for a maximum fare (ouch!).

Which is best: cash, contactless, Oyster card or travelcard?

Cash fares on the London Underground are considerably more expensive so they should be avoided unless it’s just a one-off journey.

Day travelcards are surprisingly expensive when compared to the contactless and Oyster daily cap , but lots of tourists like the simplicity of being able to buy a travelcard straight from a self-service machine. (You also have to pay a £7 deposit the first time you buy an Oyster card, which will wipe out any savings you make if you’re only staying in the city for one day.)

Contactless and Oyster have the joint cheapest fares on the tube, but contactless is more convenient for UK visitors because of that £7 deposit. We don’t recommend contactless for foreign visitors because your bank might add on a transaction fee every time you buy a train ticket overseas.

Note: If you’re staying in London for a week and you’re planning on making three or more tube journeys on six days, or two or more on seven days, then a weekly travelcard might work out cheaper – but only if you’re not staying from Monday to Sunday. (That’s because the weekly cap on Oyster and contactless only applies from Monday to Sunday, whereas a travelcard can start on any day you like.)

The verdict: Contactless is always the best option for UK visitors. A 1-day travelcard is the best option for foreign tourists staying for just one day. Oyster is the best option for foreign tourists staying for more than one day, and a weekly travelcard might be the cheapest option if you’re staying for 6-7 days, depending on how many journeys you make.

Your comments and questions

Daniel Hi everyone. I'm going to spend the whole of January in London for a course. I'll stay in West Hampstead and the course is in the Swiss Cottage area (walking distance). Since my course will be less than 3 hours daily from Monday to Friday, I'll have a lot of free time to visit the city. I'm planning on getting a one-month Oyster card, but I'm in doubt as to which zones should I get covered for tourism purposes. What do you suggest? Is coverage for zones 1 and 2 enough? Thanks! Daniel

Staff It will probably be enough, but of course it depends where you want to go. Most people do spend their entire holiday inside zones 1-2. You might be better off just using your contactless bank card because then you can go wherever you like and you won't be restricted to zones. But depending on how many trips you actually make a monthly travelcard might work out a bit cheaper - unfortunately the only way of knowing for sure is to total up all the journeys you'll be making

JPH Hi everyone, I have a question for you. I take the tube from the station Blackhorse (zone 3) and I change at Highbury&Islington (zone 2). From there I take the train to Whitechapel (zone2). My question is: why I have to pay for a ticket 2.40? When I have a one week travelcard zone 2&3 I still pay? Why? Can anyone tell me?

Staff Even though none of those stations are in zone 1, if you look at a tube map you'll see that the journey does actually pass through zone 1. Your travelcard already covers zones 2&3, so the computer just charges you the extra bit for zone 1 (I'm assuming that you've got your travelcard loaded on to an Oyster card)

JPH Thank you for your explanation.

Wendy Hi. I have a bus pass on my Oyster - can I use this on the tube? Thanks Wendy

Staff Hi. It depends what you've bought. It is possible to buy travelcards that only cover the bus (and tram). If you've got one of those then you won't be able to use that on the tube. But you can also buy ones that cover the buses, tubes and trams together. So that would be okay.

Drew If I get on the train before peak time [4pm] but off the train in peak time, how will I be charged?

Staff Hi Drew, it goes by what time your journey starts. So if you board the train in off-peak, you will be charged off-peak. It doesn't matter what time your journey finishes.

Nads Can I buy the ticket for zone 1-2 in advance, online?

Staff Hi Nads. Not a single ticket, no. You can only buy those at the station on the day. You can buy a zone 1-2 travelcard online in advance, and have them post it to you, but they don't do 1-day travelcards for those zones, only weekly, monthly or annual ones.

MRyan Just a word of caution for everyone using Oyster/contactless payment cards. Make sure your Oyster card and contactless card are not in the same pouch or wallet when you tap in or out. You may find (as I did to my cost) that you are tapped in on one card and tapped in again on the other rather than tapped out on the original one. You will then be charged twice rather than just the fare for the journey you made. The good news is that can get a refund by e-mailling TFL with times and dates of the journeys made. I only realised when I got my bank statement that I had slipped up repeatedly during the previous month. Now the cards are kept completely separate!

Judy 2 seniors visiting London and staying in Chelsea. Family is also visiting London and lodging near the British Museum. I think I understand the Oyster card may be our most economical way of traveling around the city. I am assuming that we can access both tube and bus using the cards? Haven't figured out the zones, yet, but City center and Kensington Gardens are both on our list of places we will be going to. Any suggestions?

Staff Hi Judy. You can use an Oyster card on both the bus and tube... or you can just pay with your contactless card instead (your bank card), which is a bit easier. They have exactly the same fares as Oyster, and you don't have to pay the £7 deposit to set it up. Some people don't like the idea of using their bank card though (like me), so maybe you'll prefer paying with Oyster. All of the places you've mentioned are inside zone 1.

S MacDonald What discounts applied if you are over sixty?

Staff Hi. If you're a tourist from abroad then there aren't any. If you live in a London borough then you can travel for free on the trains if you get hold of a 60+ Oyster card. But they only work until you're old enough to apply for a Freedom Pass. More details here: city-guide.london/​transport/​senior-train-fares.php

Gudjonsson If I hold my wallet to the card reader intending to pay with my Oyster card, could the computer debit my bank account for a contactless payment, if my debit card happened to be in the same wallet? In other words: do you need to be careful not to inadvertently present two or more cards to the reader at the same time?

Staff Hi Gudjonsson. It could do, yes. If it detects two cards then it will probably reject both cards and not let you through until you separate them, but it could register one card. If you then turn your wallet up the other way when leaving the train it might register the other, which will mess up the fare and daily cap. So it's best to keep them separate.

Jane Are the prices quoted single or return fares?

Staff Hi Jane. There's no such thing as return fares on the underground. You can buy return tickets at the machine, but you'll just be paying the same as two singles

Baxter Why is paying by cash more expensive than using a contactless card, it's double the price!

Staff Hi Baxter. Good question. I suppose they're trying to encourage people to use them, because then they won't need so many ticket windows and ticket machines - keeps their costs down

Russell If you get on a train at 15.55 off-peak and change trains and get off your destination an hour later at 16.55 is it still classed as off-peak? With an Oyster card. Regards.

Staff Hi Russell. That's right, yes. The only time that matters is when you board the train. If you board the train during off-peak hours then it will be charged as off-peak, even if you get off again during peak hours

Caroline Wah How much money should I top up on my Oyster card?

Staff Hi Caroline. It depends how many days you're staying, and where you want to travel to. The maximum amount you'll spend each day is the 'daily cap' for the zones you travel through (shown in the table above). Most tourists tend to spend their entire holiday inside zones 1 and 2. So just add enough to cover the daily cap each day

Rahmah Hi, we are Malaysians (3 paxs). Can we buy weekly ticket on senior citizen fares. We will be visiting London for 10 days. Thank you

Staff Hi Rahmah. Unfortunately not, no. Cheap fares for senior citizens are only available for UK citizens or people who actually live in London. An Oyster card will probably work out cheaper for you, rather than a weekly travelcard, but it all depends on how many journeys you're making in total. Bear in mind that a weekly travelcard has to be used over seven consecutive days. you can't spread the seven days over a stay of ten

Robin Is there a disabled price for zone 1 travel?

Staff Hi Robin, not if you just turn up on the day, but you can get discounted travel if you apply for a disabled persons railcard or freedom pass before you travel - londoncouncils.gov.uk/​services/​freedom-pass/disabled-persons-freedom-pass . It's different on the buses because people in wheelchairs can travel for free without needing any kind of pass

Tony Hi. Are the contactless prices including the return journey so there and back? Or just one way?

Staff Hi Tony. It's just one way. There are no return prices on the underground - you just pay the same as two singles

Shanzey We are British citizen. Want to travel to london from 10th to 17th of August (Thursday to Wednesday). We want to go to see lonfin Eye, green street, South Hall, Emirates cable cars ,museum, famous parks etc. Two of my kids are 15 and 13th of age. We are traveling by train from oxford to southwoodford area. I am not sure which option would be cheapest for us. I have rail card as well. Many thanks

Staff Hi Shanzey. Your 13 year old should get an Oyster card with the 'Young Visitor Discount' applied to it - as explained here city-guide.london/​transport/​child-train-fares.php . The others might be better off with a travelcard, which can work out cheaper if you make at least 2 journeys on each of the seven days, but maybe it will be simpler just to get Oyster cards for everyone. Not sure what you mean by Green Street and South Hall, but zones 1-2 will cover the other places

Terri What is the cost from bow church dlr to Lewisham dlr

Staff Hi Terri. It depends on how you're paying. All the prices are here - city-guide.london/​transport/​train-journey.php?from=bow-church&to=lewisham

Michael Living in Mile End and will be travelling from Mile end underground to Farringdon 5x a week there. And will be getting a bus from Holborn circus to regents canal 5x a week back. This will be weekly for next 2 years. I am eligible for 16-25 railcard and would like to know whether it will be cheaper to do contactless or oyster, Thanks

Staff Hi Michael. Oyster and contactess are exactly the same price (apart from the £7 deposit you have to pay the first time you buy the oyster card). It's not possible to load the railcard onto a contactless card, though. So you should probably get an oyster card. But check the railcard rules apply to your train times - 16-25railcard.co.uk/​help/​faqs/

Will Bolt Hi, why was I charged £6.40 for travel in zone 1 when it should have been £2.70. I touched in at Waterloo and out at Liverpool Street

Staff Hi Will. TFL don't charge you straight away for each individual journey. Their system usually totals up all the journeys you've made during the day and then charges you in one lump sum at the end. Our guess would be that £6.40 is for a couple of different journeys. If its a contactless card you can get a 7-day journey history, even if you havent registered, and see whats going on - contactless.tfl.gov.uk/

Colin Do service veterans get discount prices when attending the Cenotaph Remembrance Parade

Staff Hi Colin. You might be able to apply for a Veterans Oyster card for free or discounted travel on the buses, London underground and some National Rail trains. More info here -- tfl.gov.uk/​fares/​free-and-discounted-travel/veterans-oyster-photocard

Syl What's the difference between a UK visitor and a foreign visitor when you say you do not recommend contactless for foreign visitors. I am a senior from New Zealand and have a Wise multi currency card. I will be traveling by train to Scotland and plan to stay in London for 6-7 days.What is the best card to get and can I get it from New Zealand before I start mu travel.

Staff Hi Syl. The reason we say that, is because if you have a bank card issued overseas then your bank might add on a transaction fee every time you buy a bus or train ticket, because it's in a different currency. And that will make them a lot more expensive compared with using an Oyster card, for example. So you might want to check with your bank first. Otherwise we would suggest getting a Visitor Oyster card, which can be posted overseas before you go - city-guide.london/​transport/​visitor-oyster-cards.php

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Getting Around

To the uninitiated, getting around in London can seem daunting. What’s the difference between the train and the Overground? How do I know which bus stop to wait at? What on earth is was the Emirates Air Line? All reasonable questions. This guide aims to equip you with all the knowledge you need to confidently and efficiently navigate the city.

The basics of getting around in London

Oyster cards & contactless.

Just arrived or moved to London? Welcome. To get around town you can either use an Oyster card which you can pick up from any station and most newsagents will sell them too. You have to pay a £5 deposit which you can get back along with any remaining credit .

If you’re going to be returning to the city or staying for a while, then it’s worth registering your card online so you can keep your card topped up easily at any time.

Alternatively, you can use a contactless payment with a bank card or mobile payment instead – just tap your card on the reader at the gate. London transport accepts contactless mobile payment from Apple Pay, Google Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay, bPay, and Samsung Pay. If you’re visiting from abroad you may be charged overseas transaction fees, if so, getting an Oyster card makes more sense.

For people moving to or commuting to London, your employer may run a discounted travel card scheme to allow you to get a season ticket which is deducted from your wages each month, which also means using an Oyster card rather than contactless.

Daily fare caps

Whether you use an Oyster or contactless, there are daily pay as you go fare caps at play, which limit the amount you pay no matter how many journeys you take on a given day.

For example: a zones 1-2 fare cap is set at £ 7.70 (from 1st March 2022), meaning you can take as many bus, Tube and Overground journeys within zones 1 and 2 in any given day and you will not be charged more than £ 7.70 .

Daily caps are calculated from 4:30 am until 4:29 am the next day. Unless you’re on a real late one, you can often get home from a night out for free if you’ve already maxed out your Oyster. Weekly Caps are calculated from Monday to Sunday.

Table of Daily and Weekly TFL Fare Caps

Prices below valid from 1st March 2022.

But what are these zones you speak of? The London transport map is divided into different zones, which roughly equate to how central a location is. For example, Oxford Circus in the middle of town is located in zone 1, while Richmond is 9 miles away from Waterloo and falls under zone 4.

Ticket fares are based on how many zones you travel through. So, travel within zone 3 will be cheaper than travelling from zone 3 into zone 1. Some stations, such as Stratford zones 2/3, sit on the border of two different zones. This means your journey will be charged at the cheaper rate depending on your direction of travel. If you travel into the city, your journey will be classed as starting in zone 2. If you travel further out of town, your journey will be classed as starting in zone 3. Each station and bus stop will tell you which zone you’re in, and they’re also clearly marked out on transport maps.

Buses Are The Cheapest Public Transport In London

Zones do not apply to bus fares, meaning you can travel anywhere in London for the same fare of £1.65 Additionally, the Hopper fare allows you to bus hop for one hour with no additional charges. Yes, that’s right you can make unlimited bus journeys within one hour of touching in with your Oyster or contactless. As long as you scan the same card on each journey you will not be charged again within an hour. Daily caps on buses are £4.95, and if you have the time, travelling by bus is easily one of the best and cheapest ways to see some of London’s landmarks .

Planning your journey

Even if you’ve travelled around London on a daily basis for a good few years, you’ll probably need to use an app to help plan your journeys. Apps can alert you to service updates, signal issues or changes to bus routes. TfL is great for basic journeys , live updates, station facilities and ticket types.

But CityMapper is your best bet for speed and efficiency. It has a sophisticated algorithm that takes into account how often different trains or buses depart, distance between stops and time of day to provide you with a selection of different route options. And it even lets you know which carriage of the Tube to get on for a swift exit. It also shows you how much your journey will cost you, so you can work out a cheaper alternative if you plan ahead.

Failing that, Google Maps can be useful, especially if you’re walking. You can also download the map to your phone when you have wifi to avoid using your data (or if you’re here without a UK SIM )

The Tube (the London Underground network)

The London Underground network serves 5 million passengers each day, covering 270 different stations. It’s the oldest underground transport system in the world, and has been transporting people around the capital since 1863. Fortunately it’s had a few improvements since then. Most people call it the tube, and the majority of the central stops are underground. But as you get further away from the middle of town the network leaves its subterranean roots. In fact, 55% of the network is actually located above ground.

The Tube is a fast, efficient way to travel. Trains leave most platforms between two and 5 minutes (this is fairly standard, but they can be further apart, especially on Sundays), and take around two minutes to arrive at the next station, depending on the line you’re on.

The different lines each have a name and a distinct colour to help you trace your journey. Make sure you know whether your destination is northbound or southbound, or eastbound or westbound, as that will help you get to the correct platform and watch out for lines like the district and northern lines which have two different branches, although the branch name should be on the front of the train carriage as well on the platform screen and train announcements.

You can travel on most lines from 5 am until 1 am the next day. While at the weekend you can catch a reduced Night Tube service on a number of lines throughout the night. The downside is the Tube can get hot and sweaty during busy periods and especially in the summer (although some upgraded lines now have air con). If you can help it, try to avoid the morning rush between 7:30-10 am and the afternoon rush between 4.30-7 pm. If you’re travelling around central London, it can often be easier and more enjoyable to walk between destinations, rather than taking the Underground and changing lines.

London buses

London buses are brilliant at connecting the dots between train lines and other parts of the city. They are mostly double-deckers, meaning you can get a great view of the city streets as you travel. However, they are generally slower than the Tube and are susceptible to traffic.

Certain journeys can take two-to-three times as long during rush hour. When planning your bus journey, pay special attention to the route number and specific bus stop name and code. For example, if you needed to get the 45 bus heading north from Brixton, you’d need to look out for Route 45, Brixton Stop N.

There are 673 routes, 19,000 stops and 8,500 buses in London, meaning it’s easy to get confused if you’re not careful. If you get the right bus number, but wrong bus stop, you could end up travelling in the wrong direction.

Many bus routes also run 24 hours a day, so you can easily get home once the underground and trains have stopped running.

Travelling out of London

London’s major train lines connect the capital to the suburbs, the coast and even several European cities , So whether you’re looking for an easy day trip , a weekend hike or a city break, there are plenty of high speed trains to get you there. Flying in from abroad? Check out our guide to the cheapest ways into the city centre from London’s six airports .

London Overground

The Overground is a great way to travel, and mostly covers zone 2 and beyond. You can travel east to west or north to south easily without having to go through central London or taking suburban railways – great for getting to places like Kew Gardens .

It’s a bit less frequent than the tube, but you get views of the city, air-conditioning and wider trains. On busy days, these little luxuries really mean a lot. Look out for the orange symbol, some stations like Highbury & Islington have both Overground and Underground stations in the same place, so it makes for a fast and easy transfer.

The Elizabeth Line

It may have been delayed several times, but the much anticipated new line opened in May 2022. Or at least, the first phase of it opened. It’s on the tube map and runs partly underground, but isn’t technically part of the London Underground. Confused? Here’s the quick explanation: originally called Crossrail, the whole line will eventually cover 73 miles connecting the suburbs with the city centre and Heathrow Airport. Eventually it will run all the way from Shenfield in Essex and Abbey Wood in South East London to Reading, Berkshire and Heathrow to the west of London. At the moment, the western tunnels aren’t connected to the central ones, but are expected to be in Autumn 2022.

Contactless and pay-as-you-go Oyster payments can be made on most of the central parts of the Elizabeth Line, and the fares are the same too. The line has slashed the travel time across several journeys (For example Liverpool Street to Woolwich is now halved to 15 minutes) and the new stations are much more spacious and accessible than a lot of underground stations too.

Passengers should eventually be able to travel the full length of the line from May 23, but in the meantime, if you get the chance to use it to travel through the central parts of the line, it should be a more pleasant experience than getting the tube.

Other Train Networks in and around London

Thames Clipper (ferry boats)

The Thames Clipper ferry network is an exhilarating way to travel. Connecting Putney in the west to Woolwich in the east, the boat zips along the River Thames, taking in some of London’s top landmarks along the way. You can use contactless and oyster on the Thames Clipper, but the river is divided into different zones from the underground and the prices are different too.

River services operate in three zones: west, central and east, and a single central zone journey is £8.70.

The Former Emirates Air Line (cable car)

The Emirates Air Line was the name of the cable car that takes passengers on ‘flights’ across the Thames from “Emirates” Greenwich Peninsula on the south of the river to “Emirates” Royal Docks on the north. It’s quite a niche mode of transport, only serving two stops, but it’s great fun nonetheless.

As of June 2022, the branding contract with Emirates has ended, so at the moment we’re not sure what the future of this cable car line holds!

Bikes in London

Cycling is often as fast (or sometimes faster) than getting the tube, and is a great way to see more of London and really get your bearings. There are dedicated bike routes all over the city, which will show up on CityMapper but are probably best accessed via Google Maps.

There are few places to hire bikes on the go around London, the biggest scheme is Santander Cycle which has over 800 docking stations across London (mostly in zones 1 and 2, and a limited number in outer London). You can just turn up and rent a bike for £2 a day (plus an additional £2 for each hour after that) and you can just drop it off at another docking station one you’re done.

One nice bonus is that journeys under 30 minutes are free. This means you can cycle for 29 minutes and dock the bike at a station, then get another bike out and do the same throughout the day to avoid additional charges.

If you find yourself doing a lot of cycling and want to get a bike of your own, see our article on where to buy a bike in London .

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London travel hacks: Cheaper ways of travelling around London

3 December 2020

In this article one of our Communications and Project Advisers, Ayesha, shares her favourite travel hacks to help you to get around London for cheaper!

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and London life

We understand that some of you may be studying remotely to begin with due to the coronavirus situation and therefore unable to arrive on campus and in London in January.

We hope that even if you can’t join us immediately, that these articles get you excited for when you are able to join us here in London and give you a flavour of the amazing things to come.

London is one of the most exciting cities in the world! There is always somewhere to go and something to do. However all that travelling can often get expensive and tiresome, so here are some travel hacks to help you get around. Don't forget that due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, currently, you must wear a face mask and to try to maintain social distancing measures when using public transport. Guidelines may be subject to change so check our coronavirus FAQ's regularly 

Read our coronavirus FAQs to find out more on the latest developments.

Oyster card

The cheapest way to travel is with an Oyster card. An Oyster card allows you to travel between all parts of London on the Underground, Trams (DLR), Overground, some river boats, Emirates Air Line, and the iconic red London buses. As a student you may be eligible to apply for an 18+ Oyster which will give you 30% off on weekly, monthly, and annual travel cards! 

Find out more about Oyster cards here.

Hours of travel

Planning your day in advance can also help you to save money. The Underground has two different prices for peak and off peak hours. Try to avoid travelling on the tube between  06:30 to 09:29  and from  16:00 to 18:59 for the cheapest fares. 

Hopper fare

Although the tube is convenient, London buses and trams may actually be a cheaper alternative with the introduction of the ‘Hopper fare’. This fare means that passengers can take a £1.50 bus/tram journey and then change onto another bus/tram for free within an hour of starting their journey. Planning your bus/tram journeys prior to travelling can help you save money. Also trams and buses offer a more scenic mode of travelling.

Walk and cycle

You could also walk/cycle the tube map. This may seem a little ambitious at first, however once you get to know London, you will realise that tube stations are actually positioned quite close together. Santander bikes are also dotted around London and can be hired for free for up to 30 minutes. If you want to borrow a bike for the whole day, it will only cost £2!

16-25 railcard 

If you’re planning to use National Rail services to get around London or you fancy venturing out to the rest of the UK, a 16-25 Railcard is what you’ll need! This card allows you to get 30% off rail tickets. Also booking tickets 12 weeks in advance can help you get some of the biggest savings. Also, if you don't have a student oyster card - you can go to a manned ticket office and link up your rail card to your regular Oyster card and enjoy 30% off-peak fares!

Skip the express

Most London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted) have express trains that promise to get you into central London quickly. Although they provide a fast service, the tickets are often expensive, with a Heathrow Express ticket costing upto £37 to get you into central. A cheaper option is to take the Underground that will get you straight into the centre of town for less than £5.

Ayesha Khan, SSW Communications and Projects Adviser and UCL alumna

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London Underground with kids: tips for using the tube

If you’re visiting London, whether on a day trip or a longer break, you’ll find yourself on public transport at some point – and chances are that means the Tube. So after travelling on it as a child myself and navigating the lines with a buggy, toddler, child and tween, here are my tips on using the London Underground with kids. 

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Because if you’re baffled by the thought of using the world’s oldest underground system, it’s not as overwhelming as it might appear – although there are some quirks to the system, especially when you’re travelling with children on London Underground.

So whether that’s planning in advance to get the best tickets, or knowing when it’s a good idea NOT to take the train, here’s everything you need to know about the London Underground with kids.

Contents - click to jump to a section

What ticket do I need for the London Underground?

With new technology bringing new ways to pay for travel, there’s now a surprising number of choices when it comes to tube tickets.

At its simplest, the options are the old paper travelcards (due to be phased out from January 2024), Tfl’s Oyster card or using contactless payment, with different variations for teens, and for anyone who needs 7-day travelcards or longer (mostly aimed at London residents rather than visitors).

Don’t count on using cash if you’re hopping onto a bus either: since 2014, you can only use contactless or an Oyster card to pay (unless you already have a travelcard).

Adult fares on the tube

Using paper tickets and old-fashioned travelcards is almost never the cheapest way to get around – and you’ll find yourself queueing a lot more if you play to buy one every day (or every journey). They’re also due to be phased out from January 2024 so may not be an option before long.

The only exceptions when they may be worth buying are if you’re spending a week or more in London, or if you’re planning to travel a lot in the outer travel zones – you can compare prices for pay as you go fares and travelcards here.

Instead there are two main options for adults which will work out cheaper (and easier).

Contactless payment

If you can pay using contactless – either a contactless bank card (credit or debit) or Apple/Google Pay on your phone – it’s the simplest option.

Simply tap your card or device on the yellow readers, and the system will register each journey and automatically cap it at a maximum daily cost, the same rate as an Oyster card. Always tap in and out on the tube, or when you get on a bus.

You must use the same card or device each time though, to ensure it’s capped correctly, and each adult needs a separate card or device (although they can be linked to the same bank account).

Check out the current fare caps here

Oyster card

Alternatively, a visitor plastic Oyster card costs £7 and you can order it online beforehand or buy one at an underground station when you arrive, as well as from a Tfl London Visitor Centre .

These have to be set up with a minimum of £10 pay-as-you-go credit, which you can top up in tube stations and some shops; then just like like contactless, you use the card to tap in and out, and the system automatically caps the amount you spend per day.

The fares vary depending on the time of day and how many zones you’re travelling through but the daily cap for zones 1-2 is currently £8.50 for adults. You can get a refund on any money you’ve loaded on but haven’t spent, but the cost of the Oyster card is non-refundable.

Child fares on the tube

Tfl child fares depend on the age of your kids, with free travel on the Tfl network (tube, bus, DLR, Elizabeth Line and London Overground) for all children under 11 years old.

This is only for the Tfl network – if you’re travelling on National Rail services, such as local commuter trains, kids aged 5-15 pay half-price and only under fives are free. The exception is the fast train to Watford Junction, which you might need if you’re visiting the Harry Potter studios.

Otherwise children aged11-15 travelling on the tube can get discounted travel using paper travelcards (being phased out from January 2024) and Oyster cards. Read on for more details.

Teens aged 16+ can only get discounted travel if you have a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard , which you need to apply for in advance, and costs £20.

Bus & tube travel with children under 11

Children under 11 travel free with an adult with any valid ticket, including a contactless card or Oyster card, up to a maximum of four kids per adult.

You’ll need to use the wide luggage/accessible gates to get through, as the main gates close speedily to stop fare evaders – fine if you’re carrying a baby, but not otherwise, and certainly not with a buggy.

You have longer to get through the wider gates though, and you’ll find these at the end of the bank of entry gates into the tube. In larger stations, there is usually one at each end so look for the one with the green light.

In smaller stations there may only be one, so if it’s showing a red cross, stand near it and it should automatically switch to green as you go to swipe your ticket.

It’s worth knowing that Zip Oyster cards for age 5-10 are aimed at London residents who might be using public transport alone, and aren’t needed for child visitors travelling with an adult.

Bus & tube travel with children aged 11-15

Children aged 11-15 have to pay for tube travel, but they get 50% off the standard adult fare. In order to do that, they’ll need to have a child ticket of their own to get the discounted fare.

For visitors to London and non UK-residents, Tfl suggests ordering a Visitor Oyster card before you leave home, then when you arrive in London, Underground staff can add the Young Visitor discount to your card.

This can only be done at tube stations, not National Rail stations, and can also be added to a standard Oyster card if you already own one or if you buy one on arrival. While all tube staff should be aware of this, if you run into any problems at smaller stations, this page has all the details.

You then top up credit as normal but are charged half the adult rate on pay-as-you-go tickets for up to 14 days.

Zip Oyster Photocards for age 11-15 are aimed at those based in the city (or frequent visitors) as they cost more and are more complicated to apply for – you’ll need a passport photo, and to allow extra time for it to arrive. It’s worth considering if you visit London frequently though, and includes free travel on buses.

As the Oyster cards cost £7 to buy, if you’re only visiting for a day or are travelling outside zones 1-2, it can be worth getting a paper child travelcard .

However, these are being phased out from January 2024. The day child travelcard also costs more than the maximum daily capped fare using an Oyster card, so if there’s a chance you’ll return, having an Oyster card with the young visitor discount quickly saves money.

There’s no way to get child fares on the tube using contactless payment, so it’ll charge full adult rate if you use this.

For more ideas on how to save money on days out in London with kids , check out my top tips

Download the apps

If you’re struggling to plan out your journeys, there are some helpful apps to take the stress out of working out a route.

Citymapper is my personal favourite, with information on different routes, real-time train times, and even suggestions on which carriage to get on at for the easiest exit.

Or the Tfl Go app is Tfl’s own route planner, with status updates and bus information as well as helping to plan tube journeys.

Google maps is also particularly useful for bus travel, but you can use it for route planning on the tube network as well.

Avoid rush hour

London at rush hour isn’t fun, even if you’ve had practice. Cramming yourself into a carriage of surly commuters with a pushchair, toddler or suitcase is even less fun.

It’s not always possible to avoid peak times entirely, but bear in mind the crush will usually be worst from 8am to 9am, and 5.30pm to 6.30pm, then allow at least half an hour either side when it’ll be busy too.

If you’re coming from outside Zone 1, it’s can also be cheaper if you avoid peak morning times (fares drop after 9.30am) – and in summer, some tube lines are horribly hot (especially the Central Line) so the emptier the better.

The end carriages are often the emptiest if you do find yourself on a busy platform. For more ideas on how to avoid some of the busiest stations, check out Tfl’s advice

If you want to avoid being laden down with heavy bags as you travel, check out Luggage Hero and Radical Storage which have dozens of places around London to store baggage securely while you explore

Always touch in and out

It’s not such a strangely coded message as it sounds – simply that if you don’t touch your card on the yellow readers as you go in and out of stations (or when you get on to buses), you’ll find yourself getting a penalty fare as a result.

Don’t forget to do this, even if barriers are open. And it applies whether you’re using Oyster cards or contactless.

With the bus, only tap your card when you get on though, you don’t need to do is as you get off.

If you are using a paper travelcard, there’s a slot to feed the card into, not far from the round yellow card readers.

Do consider the bus

Depending on your journey, it can be easier taking one bus than lots of line changes underground, especially with a buggy – if you’re using the London Underground with toddlers and preschoolers, check out my separate tips.

Bus journeys also give you a chance to see more of the city – a couple of routes will take you past some of London’s top sights too for a bargain tour, including routes 9, 15 and 26 (the old number 11 has changed route so isn’t as good any more)

Unless you’re doing a short straightforward journey, it’s unlikely to be faster than the tube though. Apps like Citymapper are really useful if you want to compare different options to get you from A to B, while Google Maps gives real-time bus information and shows the closest stops.

Don’t forget trains on the Tfl network

As well as buses and the underground, overground services, the Elizabeth Line and DLR (Docklands Light Railway) trains are also part of the Tfl network, and count towards the daily cap for fares.

You can also use Oyster cards/contactless for airport trains including the Heathrow Express, as well as the Gatwick Express, although the airport journeys aren’t covered in the daily limit.

For the best ways to get from London airports to central London , check out this post

If you’re heading to Watford Junction to visit the Harry Potter studios , you can use Oyster/contactless cards for this as well and kids under 11 travel free on the fast trains from Euston to Watford Junction.

However, if you’re planning to use other rail services – including local suburban rail routes, such as Waterloo to Hampton Court Palace – kids aged 5-15 get 50% off ticket prices but do not travel free.

Travel by boat & cable car

If you fancy travelling by river, you can use contactless and Oyster cards on the Uber Boat by Thames Clipper services (or buy tickets directly using the app).

Only kids under five travel free, otherwise it’s 50% of the adult fare – it’s not included in the daily cap either.

If you have a paper travelcard, you can also get a discount on these river boat services.

And while the river boats aren’t the fastest way to travel, it’s a lot more scenic than a dark tunnel.

Or the IFS Cloud Cable Car whisks you 90m above the Thames, crossing between the north Greenwich peninsula and the Docklands.

You can also use Oyster cards and contactless payment to travel on London’s cable car, but again, only kids under five travel free and it’s not included in the daily cap.

For more ideas of the best boat tours in London with kids check out my top picks

Walk when you can

London’s sheer size means that if you want to explore, you really can’t do it all on foot. But the tube map, iconic design though it is, does not accurately reflect the geography of London so there are a few spots where it’s simply not worth taking the tube.

All Londoners know it’s faster to walk from Embankment to Charing Cross, for example, or from Leicester Square to Covent Garden, instead of venturing up and down the escalators for a single stop.

There’s a helpful map showing walking distances between stations or simply check Google Maps and Citymapper to compare how long it’ll take on foot, versus the fastest option on public transport.

Check out my walking tour of London’s landmarks if you want to explore the capital on foot with kids

Be prepared for stairs & walking

There are more than 250 stations on the Tfl network, and only a limited number have step-free access – Tfl’s Journey Planner can rule out stairs though it’ll be limiting, while the Citymapper app also gives an option to search for step-free journeys only.

Either way, you’ll probably encounter steps at some point, especially outside the centre. Stations in the centre will usually have an escalator, including the 60m whopper at Angel, while the deepest stations have lifts – when they say not to take the stairs except in an emergency, these ones really mean it.

If you’re taking the underground with a baby, consider a baby carrier or sling, or at least bring the lightest pushchair you can get away with.

Some bigger stations have long walks between lines as well: changing from the Victoria line to the Piccadilly line at Green Park seems to involve a never-ending walk, while switching lines between Bank and Monument (though officially connected) is another long trek.

If you’re switching to the Elizabeth Line, you may need to head outside and walk (for example at Canary Wharf), even when the stations share the same name or are officially connected

If you’re feeling entirely overwhelmed, footsore and fed up, it’s worth knowing that black cabs can take pushchairs so you needn’t worry about not having a car seat – simply pop the brake on, and settle yourself back.

Stand behind the yellow line

A serious piece of advice. At most stations, there’s nothing between the platform and the train (except occasionally a gap, mind that too), so keep kids behind the yellow line to be safe. If you’re travelling with a buggy, reversing can be easiest.

If you need to stop to check a map once you’ve got off (there are plenty around the stations as well), or simply to get your bearings, head over towards the wall to do it.

Stopping right in the middle of the platform will make you very unpopular when there’s a train’s worth of people walking behind you.

Keep kids entertained

If you’re spending a while with bored kids on the tube, the novelty can quickly wear off – if you’ve got a long journey, it’s worth having something up your sleeve to entertain.

For short trips, where you don’t want to be forever taking things out of bags and putting them back two stations later, encourage them to turn the trip into a challenge with a pocket-sized  I-Spy London Transport  book.

Or there’s masses of tube trivia to keep you amused – you won’t be striking up conversation with your neighbours, I promise.

Check out these 150 facts celebrating the underground’s 150 years , including the two station names containing all five vowels, and the one station which doesn’t have any letters of the word ‘mackerel’ in it.

Otherwise, keep the usual entertainment – stickers, books, magazines – to hand. Counting the stations is always a good failsafe as well.

Don’t talk but do stand on the left

Some things are simply not done on the tube – and if you want to avoid too many scowls from Londoners it’s best to know the etiquette in advance (although we’re not all unfriendly).

Those unspoken rules include not chatting with fellow passengers, while the official rules include not standing on the left on escalators.

The left hand side is intended for people walking rather than standing: the same often goes for the corridors between platforms or if you’re changing line too, so those who are walking more slowly with small children, keep an eye out for the little blue signs as you go to avoid the speedwalkers.

The Tfl website is packed with surprisingly helpful information – there are FAQs for visitors and more details on fares for children  who get either free travel or reduced prices on different transport, even suggestions on the best buggies to use on the tube .

It also has maps showing those tube stations with toilets – click here – although it’s definitely best not to rely on these, or be aware some have a small charge if you do need them.

And there’s also a status update for all the lines, which is worth checking before you go, in case of delays or to see if any lines are temporarily closed. You can also find advance details of weekend engineering works and any strike action.

For more ideas on things to do in London with kids , check out my guide to London with kids , as well as suggestions for free things to do in London , unusual things to do in London and things to do in London in the rain with kids

* First published 2014, last updated 2024*

PIN FOR LATER: LONDON UNDERGROUND WITH KIDS

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. All opinions on using the London Underground with kids are my own.

Images courtesy Depositphotos

Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller, aka Minnie. Together we've visited Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, tried a cruise and a road trip, and survived countless long-haul trips. London (UK) based. Serious beach habit.

This is very helpful, like all your blog posts! Thanks

Thank you! Glad it’s useful – and one extra tip given the weather at the moment… take a fan.

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5 Cheap Ways to Travel Around the US

W hen you’re considering travel within the United States, walking, cycling, driving, or taking a bus, train, commercial airliner, or private jet comes to mind. Which one you choose comes down to how far you want to go, how quickly you want to get there and how much you’re willing to spend.

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Here are 5 inexpensive methods of travel within the United States:

• Use smaller regional airports over national ones. These domestic airports tend to have cheaper airfares. They are still relatively accessible to major cities such as Long Island MacArthur Airport in Islip, New York or Hollywood Burbank outside Los Angeles. You can also save money on flights from May to June and August to September by traveling on days with lower traffic, like Monday to Wednesday. Try also to book your flight a month or two in advance.
• If you’re going a long distance, trains tend to be cheaper than flights. Consider something like  Amtrak’s USA Rail Passes , which offer a great way to explore the country. It has a multi-segment (10 rides, one board-disembark cycle = one segment) 30-day trip to your choice of over 500 destinations. You can “hop from town to town across the country.” This option will help you if you want to visit several places throughout a long-distance trip.
• Use credit cards for more daily transactions. If you still prefer the quicker journey of flying, Delta SkyMiles American Express Card or Chase Sapphire offer ways to slowly but surely earn your next trip; they reward cardholders with discounted tickets, hotel bookings, dining and car rentals.
• Take a bus.   Greyhound  offers an affordable way to get to nearly 2,300 destinations. You can reserve your seat and take advantage of real-time tracking to help you plan. You can get lower fares by booking in advance and/or during the mid-week when there is less demand. There are also travel deals during the Winter. If you’re traveling in the Northeast to and from states like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York or New Jersey,  Peter Pan Bus Lines  offers low fares.
• Rent a car rather than drive your own. Depending on the car you own, you may benefit from renting a more fuel-efficient vehicle, which will save you money on a nice, long road trip. Another option is to relocate someone else’s vehicle for them through a company like  Transfercar , which will have you assist a rental car company. You could plan a trip around driving one vehicle from point A to point B, then returning the way you came with another vehicle.

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Want Better Skin? Here's How to Naturally Boost Your Body's Collagen Levels

Your body produces less collagen as you age, but you can keep your skin supple and your joints healthy by eating these foods.

No, collagen isn't a fountain of youth, but it can make your skin look smoother.

Are you looking for ways to improve your skincare routine? If so, you've probably seen plenty of  collagen products that promise to rejuvenate your skin and nails . 

Luckily for your wallet, it's better to get collagen from the foods you eat rather than popping a pill. Below, we'll help you understand what collagen is and the role it plays in your body so you can make the best nutrition decisions.

What is collagen and what does it do?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and, therefore, important in maintaining your body's functions. Registered dietitian and nutritionist Tony Castillo explains that the best way to think about collagen is "as a glue to hold things together." It's the major building block of tendons, ligaments, bones, muscles and skin. It also helps your body rebuild itself after injuries , especially at sites like tendons, ligaments and muscles. Take a moment right now to thank collagen for literally keeping your body together.

Your body creates its own collagen by combining amino acids. The process also uses vitamin C, zinc and copper, so you can promote natural collagen production by eating a well-balanced diet (more on that later).

Read more: 10 Daily Habits to Improve Your Eye Health

Do I have enough collagen?

As we get older , our bodies start to naturally produce less collagen. While wrinkles and aches are a part of the aging process, you may be wondering if low collagen is to blame for your ailments. 

Castillo says that the following are signs that you may be low on the vital protein:

• Less flexible tendons and ligaments
• Wrinkles on skin
• Weak muscles
• Worn-out cartilage or joint pain
• Gastrointestinal issues caused by thinning of the lining of the digestive tract

If any physical symptoms significantly interfere with your quality of life, check in with your doctor. If you'd just like smoother skin and a little more pep in your step, it could be worth looking into how you can increase your collagen levels.

Do I really need collagen supplements and skin treatments?

Although you can certainly try to produce more collagen naturally (more on that later), at this point you're probably wondering if those trendy collagen supplements and skin treatments actually work. I have an unsatisfying answer to the burning question: They kind of do.

First, let's start with supplements. Castillo recommends that active people take collagen supplements an hour before working out, and there's certainly scientific research that supports this suggestion. 

One comprehensive literature review found that collagen supplements can help with wound healing and skin aging, as well as increasing skin elasticity and hydration. These results are just preliminary; a lot more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness. Be careful when searching online; many studies are performed by companies that manufacture collagen supplements, so you can't put too much stock on what they say.

On the other hand, Castillo doesn't see any compelling reason to invest in skin treatments designed to increase collagen. These treatments often have a hefty price tag, and most of the supporting research is inconclusive at best. 

If you have the resources to spare, certain treatments might be worth a shot. Some studies have shown that microneedling (which is said to increase collagen) can treat facial scarring and stretch marks , while ultrasound therapy seems to be fairly effective for tightening and lifting facial muscles. This research is far from definitive, so consider trying collagen supplements first before you move on to advanced procedures. 

Read more: Do You Really Need to Take a Vitamin? 5 Things to Know Before You Buy

How can I produce more collagen naturally?

A balanced diet will help promote natural collagen production.

If the world of supplements and freaky skin treatments doesn't appeal to you, you can take a more natural approach to increasing your collagen. 

The most effective way is through a well-balanced diet . When your body produces collagen, it uses amino acids, vitamin C, zinc and copper. To get the necessary amino acids (Castillo specifically names proline and glycine) you can eat eggs, bone broth, beans and meat . For vitamin C , go for citrus fruits, berries and bell peppers . Eat meat, shellfish, nuts, whole grains and beans for zinc and copper.

If you had to choose just one food to increase your levels of collagen, it would have to be bone broth . When you simmer beef, chicken or fish bones in water, the collagen and other minerals seep into the water, delivering a delicious and nutrient-dense liquid. Plan for this type of preparation:  Making your own bone broth can take a day or two. 

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Transportation | Avelo Airlines to test Miami-to-Orlando route…

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Transportation | avelo airlines to test miami-to-orlando route for $46 one-way — faster and mostly cheaper than brightline.

This is only a test. But could it be long before airlines start competing with Brightline’s high-speed rail service with high-volume discount flights between Central and South Florida?

Up-and-coming discounter Avelo Airlines announced Wednesday it is taking a flier on the high-volume Miami-Orlando travel market with “seasonal” Boeing 737-800 flights on Fridays and Sundays, between June 7 and Aug. 18.

Avelo’s first-day one-way fares: $46 for a one-hour, five-minute flight.

The Brightline SMART fares posted for June 7: $39 to $89 for its three-hour, 30-minute train rides, depending on the time of day during the course of the railroad’s 16-train schedule.

Based in Houston, Avelo previously operated charters before becoming a regularly scheduled carrier in 2021. It serves 52 U.S. destinations in 23 states and Puerto Rico. The airline operates at 10 Florida airports, including South Florida’s three international airports in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Miami.

Courtney Goff, the Avelo communications manager, said the cheap fare idea arose because the airline is operating charters between Miami and Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic , and is moving an Orlando-based plane to Miami to cover those flights starting June 8.

Low-fare experiment

“We thought, ‘Maybe those in Central Florida want a quick, affordable trip to Miami for the weekend,'” she said. “We’re also the only low-fare carrier on this route.”

“If you look at our flight dates and times compared to theirs, we are almost $100 less and have a shorter travel time,” Goff added.

About 20% of the plane’s 160 or so seats will go for $46. But the other seats will be priced slightly higher as the airline is keeping all of its fares at low levels, she said.

In a monthly financial report covering March, Brightline said demand is on the rise for its 235-mile rail service between Miami and Orlando, which has station stops at Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. That’s despite a rise in the average fare per passenger to $57.96 from $26.23 in March 2023.

Although Avelo is unlikely to see the passenger volumes enjoyed by Brightline, the airline believes the Orlando-Miami route is worth testing as a bargain proposition.

“While this is only scheduled for summer due to the charters, it is similarly a test to see if the demand is fully there,” Goff said. “Having a base of operations in Orlando makes it easier to try out new options for travel and see what resonates with travelers.”

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