travelling by tube around london

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.

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How to use the London Underground

Despite Londoners’ moans, it’s a good service considering it’s the world’s oldest underground system.

There are 12 separate colour-coded lines (including the Docklands Light Railway) that run in northbound, southbound, eastbound or westbound directions.

You’re never far from an underground station in central London – they’re pretty easy to spot.

The new Elizabeth line is actually a train running east to west through central London.

Tube maps and journey planners

View a Tube map or download a PDF version .

Free pocket-sized tube maps are available from underground stations.

The TFL Go app has a ‘live’ tube map, which makes it easy to locate your closest tube station (if location services is turned on), and find the next departure times.

The CityMapper app has a tube map which shows the zones.

Journey planners

If you can’t work out which route to take by looking at the tube map, or if you want door-to-door instruction, see our guide to planning journeys in London .

How to find the right platform

The direction will normally be obvious by looking at the tube map, but if it’s not — here’s what to do:

• Before going through the ticket barriers, or just after the barriers at some stations, look at the destinations list signs to find the tube station you’re travelling to.
• Your destination will be listed on a sign that gives you the direction (eastbound, westbound etc.) at the top.
• Follow the signs and check you’re on the right platform by looking at the destination list on the platform wall.

If you do travel the wrong way, don’t worry, just get off the train and change platform. You won’t pay anything unless you go through the ticket barriers and leave the station.

Some lines have different branches. For example, the westbound Piccadilly line goes to Heathrow, Rayner’s Lane or Uxbridge. Check the display on the platform to make sure you take the right train. You don’t want to end up in Rayner’s Lane if you’re catching a flight from Heathrow.

Tube timetables

The tube does not run to a strict timetable during the day, but you won’t wait long. Most tube trains within central London run every few minutes or so.

If you need more precise information on departure or arrival times, the TfL Journey Planner has a ‘leaving’ or ‘arriving’ option.

Tube first and last times

The first tube trains start running from around 5.00–5.30am. The last tube trains leave central London around 12.30am (see the Night Tube below). Most trains start at least an hour later on Sundays.

The exact start and finish times vary according to each individual underground line. Posters at tube stations give the first and last train times from that station. Alternatively, check the tube timetables on the TfL website for the exact times.

If you need to travel after the tubes have finished, take a bus . Some routes run for 24 hours. If they don’t, there are special night buses.

The Night Tube

There is currently a 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays on the following lines:

Some stations on these lines are not served, so check the TfL website before travelling.

The rush hour

There is a morning and evening peak on the underground when the tube trains, tube stations and platforms are extremely busy. The peak times for travel are roughly 7.45am–8.30am and 5.00pm–7.00pm Monday–Friday.

During these busy times you won’t have much room to stand and you definitely won’t find a seat, especially in central London. If you can, wait until after 9.30am before starting your journey.

The TfL Go app tells you if a station is busy or quiet.

Check for delays

You can check if the underground is working normally or if there are any delays on certain lines on the status updates section of the TfL website.

Check for planned engineering work at the weekend

The underground network is being modernised. Engineering work is carried out at weekends and Bank Holidays and sometimes whole sections of the tube are out of action.

When this happens, a replacement bus service run and underground tickets/passes/oyster cards are accepted on the bus. The replacement buses follow the route of the underground line, stopping outside each station, but it might be quicker to travel to your destination by another bus route.

Check TfL’s service update  if you travel by tube or the ELizabeth line at the weekend, especially if you plan to travel to or from Heathrow airport.

Related pages

• Guide to London transport tickets and passes
• Underground tickets and Travelcards
• Oyster cards
• Contactles cards

Last updated: 14 February 2023

Getting around London

• How to use the London underground
• How to use London buses
• London cycle hire scheme
• Walking in London
• London trains
• London taxis & minicabs

Useful information

• Plan your journey
• London transport zones

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Ultimate Guide to Getting Around London: Public Transport Made Easy

• Post last modified: June 23, 2021
• Post author: Nicole

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Other than walking, the best way to get around London is by public transportation. Primarily, the Underground (a.k.a. the Tube) London’s subway train system. In addition to the Underground, public transportation in London also includes an extensive bus network, an overground, TFL rail, a tram, and even a cable car.

Driving and parking a car in and around central London is best to avoid. Traffic can be horrific, parking can be prohibitively expensive, and London has congestion fees.

London’s public transportation system is efficient and extensive. In this guide to getting around London, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about using London’s public transportation system.

Planning a first trip to London? Also check out our Beginner’s Guide To London , with tips on visiting 20 must-see attractions for first time visitors. All in zone 1.

What are London Public Transportation Zones?

London is divided into nine transportation zones. Zones correlate to fare charges .

Zones start in center of London at zone 1 and extend into some areas of Essex and Hertfordshire. Prices increase as you move from one zone to another. Though each mode of transportation, i.e., subway, bus, river bus, etc., have their own pricing structure.

Except when going to the airports, or Greenwich, most tourists will only travel within zone 1. For more information on transportation between London and the airports, see our post on  Getting Into London from the Airports .

How Do I Find My Way Around on London Public Transportation?

Transport for London’s (TFL) journey planner makes planning a route very easy. All you need is your starting station and your destination station.

The journey planner gives you the price, estimated time, and route for your journey. It includes walking times, transfers and will advise of any delays or closures. It even says what mode of public transportation is best.

Don’t want to walk more than 20 minutes? Need a step free route? Want to go via a certain stop to meet up with friends? The journey planner also allows you to edit your preferences for the way you want to travel.

Alternatively, use the Underground transportation map to work out which Underground lines and stations you need. There are boards at each station, or you can pick up a printed version of the map at most stations. We use this online version which includes walking times between stations.

Be aware, line delays and closures are common, especially on weekends. Travel advisories are usually prominently displayed at the entrance to the Underground stations. Check advisories before planning your journey.

What Are “Peak Hours”?

Try to avoid traveling on public transport during peak hours, Monday to Friday 6:30 to 9:30 am & 4 to 7 pm. This is when most public transportation is more expensive and most crowded.

If you are only traveling on the Underground within zone 1, the peak price is the same as off-peak. Any travel starting or ending outside of zone 1 does cost more for peak hour travel.

Buses do not have peak hour pricing, but they can also be very crowded during peak hours.

A Little About the London Underground

London’s Underground subway system, affectionately called the Tube, is usually the quickest way to get around London. It covers most of the city center and stretches out into the boroughs.

There are 12 Underground lines, plus 5 other transportation lines noted on the  Underground transportation map . A different color and pattern represent each line. The colors make it very easy to figure out your journey on the map.

It is also worth noting that the Underground is an attraction in its own right. It is the world’s first underground passenger railway with a history and character all of its own.

Most stations outside the center are actually above ground. In the city though, many of the lines are so far underground they were used as bomb shelters during WWII. It’s impressive to stand at the bottom or top of the steep escalators of the Piccadilly line at Leicester Square Station for instance.

Though the Tube can be intimidating, especially during peak hours, take a moment in your journey to look around. It might surprise you just how beautiful the Underground is.

Where are London’s Main Attractions?

Look for the “bottle” on its side in the middle of the  Underground map .  The bottle is outlined by the Circle (yellow) line. At the bottom of the bottle are London Paddington and Earl’s Court in the west. At the neck of the bottle, is London Liverpool Street and Tower Hill in the east.

The most popular London attractions sit within this bottle shape, which is zone 1.

How Much Does the Underground Cost?

Individual journeys within zone 1 of the Underground cost £2.40 (2021) using an Oyster or contactless card. Daily caps are set to £7.40 for zones 1 and 2.

Without an Oyster or contactless card, single fares within the Underground zone 1 are £5.50 anytime. It’s so much cheaper to use a contactless or Oyster card.

Day Travelcards, for unlimited travel within zones 1 to 4, cost £13.90. So, if you don’t have a contactless card or Oyster card, it’s best to buy a Travelcard for multiple journeys within a day.

See the Paying for London’s Public Transportation section of this post for more details.

When is the Underground open?

Each line on the Underground has different first and last train times. Typically, most lines on the Underground start around 5:30 am and run until midnight Monday through Saturday.

Many lines run a reduced Sunday service. Trains still run pretty regularly on the main lines in the center of London. If you are traveling beyond zone 1, it is wise to check timetables or the journey planner.

There is a  Night Tube service that runs 24 hours on Friday and Saturday. These five lines are the Victoria, Central, Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly. Trains run about every 10 to 20 minutes during the night service.

How Do I Transfer Lines on the Underground?

If you need to transfer lines, know the name or the color of the line you need to change to. As the train arrives, look on the walls and above the exits for signs marking the way to the transfer line. If there are no signs above the exit hallway, this usually means the passage only leads to the station’s exit.

Once you exit the station gates, you need to pay another fare to get back into the station. If you cannot find your transfer line, ask for help before exiting the gates.

Most Underground stations with multiple street exits have attractions well signposted. If you leave a station and you are not sure where you are, look for a street map. These are usually located close to the station exits and corners on main streets.

Why Must I “Keep Right” on the Escalators?

Londoners use the left side of escalators to walk, and sometimes run up and down to their trains. Those who prefer to stand, keep to the right. It is good etiquette to allow those faster than you to pass.

What Does “Mind the Gap” Mean?

You will hear and see this announcement (over and over again) as you travel through London’s train system. Some stations have a sizable gap between the train and the platform. It is easy to hurt yourself if you are not paying attention.

Is There Wi-Fi on the Underground?

London Underground is Wi-Fi enabled at 260 stations. This service is only free to certain UK mobile phone networks. Others must buy a Wi-Fi Pass to use the network. See the TFL Wi-Fi page for how to enable your phone based on your phone network. 

How Accessible is the Underground?

If you need to avoid steps while getting around London, it is important to plan ahead. Transport for London is working hard to make more transport accessible and step free, but they still have more to do.

On the standard Underground map, stations are marked for wheelchair accessibility. However, TFL’s website has a detailed page explaining the various options, including a “ Step-free Tube guide .”

An alternative option to the Underground, are the buses. They are equipped with ramps and wheelchair accessible seating.

Getting Around on London Buses

Buses are very easy to use, but they are not always great for getting around London. They can be very slow, especially in heavy traffic. Though there are a few reasons you may want to use the bus system.

You are never really more than a 10-minute walk from an Underground station in the center of London. However, outside the center, walking can be 30 minutes or more. Buses make it very easy to get to the trains or even to a destination not near a train station.

The bus is also great for those with mobility challenges. They are equipped with ramps and have wheelchair accessible seating. Plus, they cost significantly less than taxis.

Our favorite use of the buses is for sightseeing . It’s pretty cool to sit in the front seat of the top deck on one of the iconic red double-decker buses. You get a view like no other.

Just don’t confuse the Hop-on-Hop-off tour buses which look very similar. These cost significantly more than the public transportation buses and you need a separate ticket to use them.

TFL has put together a bus leisure routes guide on which routes pass by key city attractions. Each route has a PDF which can be printed, making these services really easy to use.

How Do I Use the London Bus System?

Signage at the bus stop details which bus numbers stop there. There is usually a route map or timetable displayed which tells you where the buses go. TFL’s website includes searchable bus route maps.

Most bus stops also have digital displays with the route number of the upcoming buses and their estimated time of arrival.

Flag down a bus by putting up your arm and giving them a little wave. When you want to get off, push the stop request button before reaching the bus stop. These little red buttons are usually located on the poles around the bus.

If you are nervous about when to get off, most buses have digital signage which posts the upcoming stop. Sit where you can see one of these signs if necessary.

If you are on the top deck of the bus, you need to get down quickly when it is your stop. Unfortunately, drivers are known to not stop very long.

How Much Do the London Buses Cost?

Buses cost £1.55 (2021) for an unlimited 1-hour hopper fare if using an Oyster or contactless card. Buses are also included in Travelcard fares which is currently £13.90 for a zone 1 – 4 day card. Its important to know, buses do not take cash .

Buses also do not run peak hour fares. The daily cap on buses is £4.65. This is substantially cheaper than doing one of the city tour buses.

See Paying for Public Transportation  for more details.

Getting Around on the London River Buses

London has 22  river bus  stations along the Thames. For visitors, the most feasible trip is between Westminster and the Tower of London to connect these two landmarks. This is a more pleasant, but slightly more expensive way to get around compared to using the Underground.

The river bus is also great for those going to the O2 Arena for events. There is a special express service which runs between the London Eye and North Greenwich in 30 minutes, only stopping at London Bridge.

River buses accept Oyster and contactless payment. It is also possible to buy single fares, however these are more expensive.

An alternative to the public transport river buses, there are plenty of tour companies cruising the Thames. There is even service to Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace, though these require separate tickets as they are not run by TFL.

Paying for London’s Public Transportation

What is an oyster card.

An Oyster card is a prepaid touch-point card which works on most London transportation. This includes the Underground, the buses, the tram, the DLR, the Overground, TFL Rail lines, the cable car, and the River Bus. The exception here is mostly for long distance trains which go to London.

For most overseas tourists, buying an Oyster card is usually the easiest and cheapest option to pay for London’s public transportation. It is almost half the price of a single fare or a day Travelcard.

If you plan to do two or less trips on London public transportation, it may be better to consider a single fare or Travelcard ticket instead.

How Do I Purchase an Oyster Card?

You can buy Oyster cards from ticket machines at any Underground station. Some newsagents and visitor centers also sell Oyster cards. Look for the blue “Oyster Ticket Stop” sign in the window. There is a £5 refundable deposit to purchase an Oyster card.

Each person traveling must have their own card. The card does not allow multiple travelers on one card.

In 2021, individual zone 1 journeys on the Underground cost £2.40 using the Oyster card. Daily caps are set to £7.40 for zones 1 and 2. If you are in London for two or more days, we suggest putting a £15 credit on your card. This will make the initial total paid £20 (including the £5 deposit).

You can add additional credit, usually in £5 increments, at any of the automated machines or anywhere you can purchase a card. Credit on the card never expires.

Register your card with the  Transport for London  website. If the card gets lost or stolen, they will refund your credit.

How Do I Use the Oyster Card?

At the ticket gates for the Underground and some rail stations there are large yellow circular pads. Press your Oyster card against the pad. If you have sufficient funds, the gates will open. You need to tap the card on the yellow pad again to exit the station. 

For buses and the tram, only tap your card as you enter, not as you exit.

For the River Bus, tap in when asked by staff, and tap out as you leave. The staff must see you tap in.

Can I Check My Oyster Card Balance?

You can check your Oyster card balance at the ticket machines in Underground stations. 

Also, when you touch out of Underground stations, your balance will flash up on the small black display on the exit gate.

How Do I Get a Refund on My Oyster Card?

You can refund unused credit up to £10, plus the £5 deposit, at any Tube station ticket machine.

You can also claim a refund online by creating an account and registering your card on the  Transport for London  website.

What are Daily Caps?

The Oyster card sets daily spend caps for travel within London. Once you travel so much in a day, and reach a certain spend threshold, you will not be charged anymore that day.

In 2021, the daily cap for travel within Underground zone 1 and 2 is £7.40. This is roughly equivalent to three journeys at an Oyster card anytime fare of £2.40.

Buses have a £1.55 unlimited 1-hour hopper fare and are capped at a £4.65 daily fare.

Note that the daily caps for the Underground and buses are different and do not count towards each other.

Can Oyster Cards Be Used on Airport Express Trains?

Oyster cards can be used to pay for travel on the Heathrow and Gatwick Express trains between the airport and central London.

The costs of traveling on the express lines does not contribute to the maximum daily caps.

There is no discount for using an Oyster card over buying a standard ticket. See our post on  Getting Into London from the Airports for more information.

Can I Use a Contactless Card or a Mobile Payment Device?

Contactless credit/debit card holders can use their cards in lieu of an Oyster card. The fares and rules are the same. The key difference is that the Oyster card is a prepaid system.

Cards with a wi-fi looking symbol, four curved lines, are enabled for contactless payment.

Simply walk up to the gate and scan your card against the yellow circular pad. You do not need to register your card for it to work. Though you may want to register your card with the TFL to check payment history or apply refunds, etc.

Multiple cards associated with a joint account need to be registered so you are charged correctly.

The Underground also accepts some mobile payment systems, such as Apple Pay, Fitbit Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and a few others. They work the same as a contactless card.

Should I Use My Foreign Contactless Card or Mobile Payment Device?

When using a foreign contactless card or mobile device, here are some things to consider:

• Does your bank charge foreign transaction fees? If so, using a card for multiple small transactions on public transportation is not wise.
• Each person traveling must have their own card or device. You cannot have one person charge the card then hand it back for another person to charge their journey. This doesn’t work.
• Depending on your bank, your contactless card, or the card associated with your mobile payment device, they may not work in the UK.

If you do not have a contactless card or mobile payment device that can be used in the UK, purchase an Oyster card to pay for use of London’s public transportation.

UK credit cards use a Chip and Pin system. Most US cards now have chips, but do not have a PIN. This may cause issues at automated pay machines. Use a debit card, cash at the machine, or find a newsagent selling Oyster cards.   

It is worth noting that primarily only Mastercard and Visa are accepted in the UK. Only larger stores accept American Express, though AMEX works well on the Underground. Discover Card is hardly accepted anywhere. 

What is a Visitor Oyster Card?

A  Visitor Oyster card is also available. This card must be bought ahead of time as they are mailed to your residence. A postage fee is applicable for this service.

A Visitor Oyster card works the same as a regular Oyster card, but there are a few key differences noted in the table below.

Unless you want to have your transportation tickets sorted out before you travel, we do not see the value in the Visitor Oyster card . We recommend buying the regular Oyster card once in London.

• £5 deposit is refundable
• Must purchase in-person, in London
• No additional postage costs
• No special discounts
• Refunds available for lost or stolen cards registered with TFL
• Travelcards can be added
• £5 deposit is NOT refundable
• Must purchase online, sent by mail
• Additional postage cost
• Includes discounts around London
• Cards cannot be registered, lost or stolen cards cannot be refunded
• Travelcards cannot be added

Can I Buy a Single Fare or Travelcard?

It is possible to buy a single fare for the Underground and various rail lines. It is not usually recommended because they are almost double the price of using an Oyster card. They can be useful if only doing one or two journeys and you don’t want to be concerned with getting refunds on the Oyster card deposit.

A single fare within Underground zone 1 is £5.50 anytime compared with £2.40 when using an Oyster card.

Day Travelcards allow unlimited travel within purchased zones on the Underground, the bus, the TFL rail, the overground, the DLR, the tram and some National Rail lines. A day Travelcard for zones 1 – 4 costs £13.90. In comparison, an Oyster card caps Underground travel for zones 1 and 2 at £7.40 and the bus caps at £4.65 a day.

If you take the National Rail into London from the outskirts, sometimes a Day Travelcard works out cheaper than paying by Oyster or contactless. We often used to park in Slough and come into London for the day. In our case, the Day Travelcard worked out as the best value.

Can I Rent a Bicycle in London?

Santander sponsors  bicycle rental all over the city. These can be an economical and a fun way to get around. Though it’s worth noting that London is not as bicycle friendly as many cities in Europe.

Many bike lanes share the road with traffic and have no separator. Keep in mind, roads in London are relatively small. Riding alongside a double-decker bus can be a harrowing experience.

Riders must follow all the same rules as a motorized vehicle. Bikes are not allowed on the pavement unless signage says otherwise. Going on the sidewalk or disobeying the rules of the road could result in an on-the-spot fine.

If you are looking for somewhere to ride with minimal traffic, consider Hyde Park, the city’s largest green space. Alternatively, check out TFL’s Cycle Map for routes.

How Much Does Renting a Bicycle in London Cost?

Rental charges on the bikes are most economical for multiple short trips in a day. For longer trips, it is quite pricey.

• £2 gives you access to a bike for 24 hours.
• Any journeys less than 30 minutes do not cost anything additional.
• Journeys over 30 minutes, cost £2 for each additional 30 minutes.

In other words, if you check out a bike 5 times during a 24 hour period and use the bike for 25 minutes each time. The cost is £2.

However, if you take one journey for 2 hours then return the bike to a docking station, the cost is £8.

It is important to return the bike to a docking station . Damaged and non-returned bikes are charged £300.

Is London a Walkable City?

Definitely yes! Actually, London is going after the title “world’s most walkable city” as the government implements their “Walking Action Plan”.

Sidewalks are large, pedestrian crossings are frequent, and there are even road signs reminding visitors which way to look when they cross. Also, there are a lot of pedestrian only zones.

In general, London is an amazing place to get in your daily steps. With so many hidden gems across the city, walking is the ultimate London tourist activity. Beyond the typical London attractions, take a look at the architecture. The city is beautiful, and walking is one of the best ways to see as much as possible.

Though walking is a great way to get around, London is too big to get everywhere on foot alone. We suggest using public transport to your starting destination. Then walk to other nearby attractions. One of our favorite walking routes which takes in several key attractions is detailed in Day 3 of our London Guide for Beginners . Enjoy!

How Do I Get a Taxi In London?

London takes the taxicab industry very seriously. All drivers must be licensed, pass the London taxi driving test and are all police background checked.

London has both black taxis and minicabs.

Minicabs must be booked through a licensed minicab office either in person, by phone or by app. Radio Taxis is a popular service to use.

For your safety, when you book, they provide the vehicle registration, drivers first name, and the driver’s private hire license number. If these details do not match, do not get in the car. Also for your safety, the details of your drivers name and vehicle, along with your journey are recorded.

Minicabs are not allowed to pick up non-booked fares. If you need a ride in a hurry, you can hail a black cab from the side of the street. Taxis will have ‘For Hire’ lights lit on their roof if available. Alternatively, keep a look out for taxi stands.

The Free Now app also works with licensed taxi drivers. It gives you the option to hail a licensed taxi with your smartphone, if you don’t see any close by.

Taxi fares are complicated, but TFL gives a good example of typical rates .

Does London Have Ride-Sharing Services?

At the time of writing, Uber does operate in London and most UK cities.

Actually, there are several companies now operating in the UK, including home-grown ride-share platforms, such as xooox, and Kabbee.

We hope you have a great trip to London. For more information on this awesome city, check out our other guides.

• London Guide for Beginners – Must See Attractions
• Our Favorite London Photo Spots
• Getting Into London from the Airports

We recommend and use these companies to arrange our travel plans; they make travel planning easy and affordable. If you have questions on our experiences, feel free to ask us !

• Book Flights: Skyscanner
• Book Accommodation: Booking.com
• Book Rental Cars: Rentalcars.com
• Buy Travel Gear: Amazon

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Though we aim for accuracy, travel is an ever-changing world. Please check information with the facility you plan to visit. 

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How to get around London: from tubes and trains to bikes and buses

Mar 17, 2024 • 10 min read

With a bus, Tube, boat or bike? We'll help you discover the best ways to get around in London © Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock

London is a sprawling city of over nine million people. With its combination of Roman walls, Victorian development, post-WWII rebuilding and pockets of ongoing regeneration, it's a jumble of roads, Tube and train lines, and definitely not the most intuitive city to navigate.

However, with apps, good mapping, signage and a bit of patience, it's possible to visit almost all of the city via public transport. From train companies to Transport for London, here's everything you need to know about each mode of transport and the all-important ticketing system.

The Tube (the London Underground) is the quickest and easiest

The London Underground, or "the Tube," is the city's subway running across 11 different color-coded lines, with only about 45% of the Underground network actually operating underground. Despite the never-ending upgrades and engineering works requiring weekend closures and escalators out of action, the Tube is overall the quickest and easiest way of getting around the city. It is also usually the warmest place to wait for your transport in winter, except on those rare above-ground Tube stations. 

Be aware though: some stations, most famously Leicester Square and Covent Garden, are much closer in reality than they appear on the Tube map, and going underground to travel between them will take much longer than simply walking between them.

Tip for using the Tube for sight-seeing: The Piccadilly Line stops at some of London’s key sights and neighborhoods – Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge – and it runs from Heathrow's airport terminals. It's a good Tube line to base yourself near. 

Catch the Night Tube on Friday and Saturday nights

The Tube runs roughly 5am to 1am, although when your last train departs does vary by line and the day of the week. 

Several lines (the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines) run all night on Friday and Saturday to get revelers home (on what is called the "Night Tube"), with trains every ten minutes or so (and off-peak fares). 

London's red buses (and the best sight-seeing bus route)

London's ubiquitous red double-decker buses afford great views of the city, but the going can be slow thanks to traffic jams and dozens of commuters getting on and off at every stop.

There are excellent bus maps at every stop detailing all routes and destinations served from that particular area (generally a few bus stops within a two- to three-minute walk, shown on a local map).

Bus services normally operate from 5am to 11:30pm. Many bus stops have LED displays listing bus arrival times, although downloading an app such as Citymapper to your smartphone is the most effective way to keep track of when your next bus is due. 

Top tip for taking the bus: Bus Route 15 is no longer served by heritage Routemaster buses but is still a useful route for tourists, connecting the Tower of London, St Paul's, the Strand and Trafalgar Square.

The Elizabeth Line

London’s shiny new "purple" line, connecting towns as far west as Reading and as far east as Shenfield to central London via hubs like Paddington, Liverpool Street Station and Tottenham Court Road,  is now open for business .

The line also offers a quicker (although more expensive!) route between Heathrow airport and central London.

Getting around London by foot

London is too large to realistically cover on foot, but once you're in an area of interest, you can't beat walking for proper neighborhood exploration. A good map or GPS is recommended, as London's winding streets can quickly disorientate. Bridges cross the Thames at regular intervals, and there are two pedestrian tunnels beneath the river: one at Greenwich and one at Woolwich. 

If you're exploring London in winter, wrap up with a warm hat, gloves and scarf. In central London, an umbrella is a liability on narrow footpaths; you're better off wearing a waterproof coat with a hood. Ice and snow are not uncommon in the depths of winter, so watch for slippery streets in the mornings.

Another key hazard for walkers in London can be cyclists, or rather pedestrians are a worry for them. Looking out for cars when you cross the road goes without saying, but in London, many streets allow cyclists to ride against a one-way driving system on "contra-flow" lanes. This means you need to look both ways before crossing roads, especially as you won't hear a bike coming! 

Better on a boat on the Thames

Several companies operate along the River Thames; only Uber Boat by Thames Clippers really offers commuter services, however. It’s fast and pleasant, and you’re almost always guaranteed a seat and a view. Thames Clippers boats run regular services between Embankment, Waterloo (London Eye), Blackfriars, Bankside (Shakespeare's Globe), London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, Greenwich, North Greenwich and Woolwich piers. Tickets can be bought at the piers, or pay-as-you-go with your Oyster or Contactless card (see   below for more information on paying fares).

Cycling is a surprisingly quick way to cross London

Cycling is generally a great way to get around the city , although city traffic can be intimidating for less-confident cyclists – it is important to keep your wits about you. The city has tried hard to improve the cycling infrastructure, by opening new "cycle superhighways" for commuters and "quietways" which are back street cycle lanes for leisure cyclists. The public bike-hire scheme Santander Cycles is particularly useful for visitors with bike-hire docks throughout the city. It costs £2 for unlimited journeys up to 30 minutes and £2 for each additional 30 minutes. Download the app to find the closest bikes and where there are spots available to drop off your bike near your destination. Cycling is also an excellent option for exploring parks and along the Thames.

London's black cabs and other taxi options

Licensed black cab drivers have "The Knowledge", acquired over three-to-five years of rigorous training and a series of exams. They are supposed to know 25,000 streets within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross/Trafalgar Square and the 100 most-visited spots of the moment, including clubs and restaurants.

Cabs are available for hire when the yellow sign above the windshield is lit; just stick your arm out to signal one. Fares are metered, with the initial charge of £3.80 rising by increments of 20p over distance traveled or time taken, which varies depending on the tariff being used. You can pay for your journey with a credit or debit card or cash.

Minicabs (private hire cars) are cheaper alternatives to getting a black cab, but they must be booked in advance through a cab office or an app and cannot be hailed on the street. Fares are set in advance rather than metered.

Ride-share apps are also in operation in London, although their introduction and impact on the city, from undercutting traditional black cabs to accusations of increased car congestion, is still hotly debated by locals. 

Top tip for taking a black cab: Despite the name, not all of London's black cabs are black! They are broadly all shaped the same, though, and will have a yellow sign above the windshield that says "Taxi."

Driving a car in London

As a visitor, it’s very unlikely you’ll need to drive in London. Much has been done to encourage Londoners to get out of their cars and onto public transport (or on their bikes), and the same disincentives should keep you firmly off the road: the additional Congestion Charge (CC) and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fees, extortionate parking costs, the high price of fuel, fiendishly-efficient traffic wardens, and ubiquitous CCTV cameras recording cars parked (even momentarily) on double yellow lines or not giving way when they should... it's probably not worth it. 

Riding above the Thames on a cable car

The Emirates Air Line is a cable car linking the Royal Docks in East London with North Greenwich some 90m above the Thames. The journey is brief and rather pricey, but the views are stunning. The Air Line is step-free, and the cable cars can accommodate most motorized wheelchairs.

The DLR (Docklands Light Rail)

The DLR, or Docklands Light Railway, is a driverless train network operating in the eastern part of the city. It's likely you'll take a ride on it if you're heading to the Emirates Air Line cable car or arriving/departing via London City Airport. It's a winner for travelers with children, who like to pretend they're driving the train from the front carriage. 

London Overground and the suburban train network

The Overground train network is part of Transport for London and operates mainly beyond the center of London (although some lines do pass through Zone 1 so pay attention if you're trying to avoid Zone 1 fares). In February 2024 the sprawling Overground network was rebranded into six separate lines, named to celebrate the capital’s modern history and diversity. Not all Londoners were impressed by the names.

There are various private companies operating trains in London that run out to the suburbs. The train network is particularly good for any day trips out of London , but pay attention to which operator you've booked train tickets with as more than one company will depart from the same station. 

Accessible transportation in London

London is a frustrating mix of inconsistent user-friendliness for travelers with access needs . All tram stops, the Emirates Air Line (cable car) and DLR stations have step-free access, as do all Thames Clippers and most piers (the exceptions are Cadogan Pier, Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier and London Bridge City Pier). However, only around a quarter of Tube stations and half of Overground stations have step-free access. This means that if you need to go through an interchange on the Tube network, you may find yourself facing an unexpected flight of stairs. There is often a gap between the train and the platform to contend with, as well. Careful planning and notification of a staff member are recommended before you board a train.

Buses are a much better bet: all can be lowered to street level when they stop, and wheelchair users travel free. Wheelchair users enter through the middle doors and have priority use of the wheelchair space over stroller users. All black cabs are meant to be wheelchair-accessible, but power wheelchair users should note that the space is tight, and headroom can be insufficient.

Guide dogs are universally welcome on public transport. Pavements are generally in good repair, pedestrian crossings relatively frequent and well-placed, and curb cuts sufficient not to leave you stranded. The further you get from the center of London, the more likely it is that you'll have the occasional issue with a missing curb cut.

Transport passes, tickets and fares

Transport for London operates the integrated transport network in the city and is the best source for up-to-date travel information, including timetables and fares. Children under five travel free with a fare-paying adult. Use the larger automatic gates to pass through with children, strollers, wheelchairs or luggage.

You can buy tickets for single journeys at ticket offices and self-service machines at most stations, but it's cheaper and much more convenient to either use Contactless, an Oyster card, or a mobile payment with a smartphone (unless you're paying overseas transaction fees). 

Contactless: This is any credit or debit card that allows for contactless payment. You hold it near the yellow card readers at ticket barriers for the Underground and rail systems to mark the start (and end) of your journey. This is referred to as "touch in, touch out." The cost of the journey will automatically be deducted from your account.

Oyster cards:  These are pre-paid reusable cards that can be topped up with funds either at a ticket machine or online. They are sold at most Tube/train stations and many newsagents (£5 charge) and follow the same "touch in, touch out" system.

Bus journeys: Buses are all cash-free, meaning you must either have a ticket in advance or pay with Contactless or an Oyster card when you board. You only need to "touch in" at the start of your journey. You will pay a flat fee no matter how long you are on board.

Travel zones for Tube and rail

The city's Tube and rail systems are divided into zones, radiating outwards from Zone 1 in the very center to Zone 9 as the outer section in Greater London to the north (it goes as far as Zone 6 to the south). Fares are capped, so providing you use the same card/device throughout your day and travel within the zones system, you'll pay a reduced Travelcard rate.

If you're taking a train beyond the London zones, perhaps for a day trip to the coast or farther afield, you will need to buy a separate train ticket.

This article was first published March 2021 and updated March 2024

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How to Get Around London: A Guide to Public Transport in London

Last updated: March 20, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 25 Comments

So you’ve decided to visit London! Fantastic idea, it’s an excellent city, with enough activities to keep you busy for however long you choose to stay. Today though, I’m not going to give you advice on what to see in London. Instead, I’m going to share with you my advice for how to get around London.

London is a city with an absolutely fantastic public transport network, but the plethora of choice can be a bit overwhelming for the first-time visitor.

This information on getting around London comes from my experience living in London for 2 years, our subsequent visits as a tourist, and some online research (there are so many options!).

In this guide, I’m going to share with you the various options you have for getting around London, from the tube, to taxis, to the bicycle! Let’s get started.

How To Get Around London

London is divided into nine fare zones, with zones 1 & 2 being central London, and then increasing in number the further outside the city you get. Heathrow Airport for example is in Zone 6. The below transport options will cover all the zones.

Transport in London is operated is by TfL , which stands for “Transport for London”. TfL are the government body responsible for all aspects of the transport system in London, from roads to rails and ticketing to maintenance.

There are a number of ways to pay for transport inside London, including buying an individual ticket, using a contactless card, using an Oyster card , using a visitor Oyster Card or purchasing a travelcard.

I have written a whole post on the best way to pay for transport in London , which you can read, as a summary though, currently in most cases if you have a contactless card that works in the UK then this is the best way to go, followed by the Oyster card.

1. Underground – “The Tube”

The London Underground, or “Tube” as its nicknamed, is the oldest underground metro network in the world, with parts operating since 1863. Today, the London Underground carries over a billion passengers a year, across 270 stations and 250 miles of track. Interestingly, less than 50% of the track is actually underground, despite the name.

In the majority of London, you will usually find that there is an underground stop within easy walking distance, and a train arriving within 10 minutes or less. Because the underground doesn’t have to worry about traffic and streets, it is one of the most efficient ways to get around, and usually the best choice.

For the most part, services operate from 5am through to midnight, and as of August 2016, there will be a 24 hour service offered on some lines as well. You can check times and plan your journey here .

Tube stations are easily recognizable with the distinctive London Underground logo, a red circle with the text “Underground” featured in a blue box.

The Underground operates in fare zones 1 – 6, which cover London in expanding concentric circles, with zone 1 in the centre and zone 6 at the outside. Generally, the more zones you cross on your journey, the more expensive it will be.

Most tube stations have a barrier for entry and exit, and you can purchase tickets from machines or ticket offices at the station.

As a tip, if you’re a visitor to London, try to avoid the Underground during rush hour on weekdays as it gets very crowded with commuters. Generally, this is between around 7:30am and 8:30am in the morning, and from 4:30pm to around 7:00pm in the evening from Monday through Friday.

Also, the tube is the most cost-effective way to get from Heathrow Airport to central London, with a direct link from all the Heathrow terminals to the centre of London. See more on getting to central London from London’s airports here .

2. Overground

The Overground is similar to the Underground, except its above ground. I know – a lot of the Underground is also above ground. That’s just how it is. The Overground is a lot newer than the Underground though, created in 2007, and helps to fill in a number of coverage gaps that the Underground has.

In terms of pricing, the Overground has the same fare pricing as Underground, and follows the same zone-based rules.

In most cases, you also don’t need to touch in and out if you’re using Oyster or contactless payment when switching from Overground to Underground services as they fall inside the same fare zone, although there are some stations where this is required.

The Overground logo is very similar to the Underground logo, except the circle is orange, and of course the title is different.

3. DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

Oh, London. So many transport options, and we’re only on number three! The Docklands Light Railway , or DLR as most people call it, is an automated rail system that specifically covers the docklands area of London, which is the area directly east and south east of central London. The main difference between this train system and the those above is that the DLR is fully automated, which means no drivers.

The DLR links London City Airport to the rest of the tube network, and you will likely find yourself using it if you are taking trips around east and south east London. For instance it is the best way to get to the ExCeL , which hosts a number of large trade shows and events.

In terms of fares, the DLR is the same as the Overground and Underground, part of the overall London fare zone, and in fact some tube stations also contain DLR stations.

If you’re using an Oyster or contactless payment you don’t need to touch in and out when switching from tube to DLR, but you should be aware that many DLR stations do not have barriers, so you mustn’t forget to touch in and out (or have a valid ticket) at the start and end of your journey in order to ensure you pay the correct fare.

4. Rail Services

Yes, I’ve already discussed three rail-like services, but, just in case that wasn’t enough, London also has actual railways too, both suburban rail that links central London to its suburbs, and fast trains that link London to the rest of the country (and the world).

There are also direct rail links to London’s three major airports, namely Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead. See more on getting to and from London’s airports here .

In the majority of cases, trains in and out of London are separate from the Transport for London system, so for example you can’t use your Oyster card on most national rail services, and would have to buy a separate fare.

There are some exceptions, with all suburban trains in zones 1-9 for example, and to select destinations, covered. Trains to Gatwick, including the Gatwick Express, as well as trains to Heathrow, including the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express, are also covered by the Oyster system – you can see more about what’s covered here .

If you asked someone what the most used form of public transport in London was, they might guess Underground. And, with over a billion users a year, that’s not a bad guess. It would be wrong though, because the number of journeys taken on London buses is over two billion a year.

This is likely because there are just so many bus routes in London, serving a huge area – you can basically get anywhere in London by bus. Bus fares are also cheaper, at a fixed price of £1.75 (as of March 2024) for a single journey for Oyster users, regardless of distance.

You can also take advantage of the “ hopper ” fare with Oyster and contactless cards, whereby every bus journey that you take within the first hour of touching in is included in the price. So you can change buses and not have to pay any more – although you must still touch in to the new bus in order to have a valid ticket.

To use the public buses in London, all you have to do is touch your Oyster or contactless card on the big yellow card reader when you board the bus – there’s no need to do it when you get off the bus as fares are fixed. There are also many bus services that operate round the clock, meaning you can still get home after a night out on public transport in many instances.

Buses are generally a little slower than rail services because they have to contend with traffic, which in London is pretty terrible most of the time. However, an advantage is that normally there are no steps involved and no lengthy walks around the Underground system.

As well as public buses, there is also the option to take a Hop on Hop off buses . Whilst these aren’t a form of public transport, for a visitor to London they can be a good way to travel as they visit the main visitor attractions and also include commentary. However, they are priced separately, and are of course more expensive than a standard bus.

You can buy Hop on Hop off bus tickets here . They are also included with city-sightseeing passes like the London Pass .

In south London, and specifically from Wimbledon, through to Croydon and Beckenham, there’s a tram service, known as London Tramlink . The tram has four lines and 17 miles of track, so this definitely isn’t a huge network, but it’s a well used one in the region.

The tram works the same as the bus in terms of payment – it’s a fixed fee per journey, and you just have to touch-in with your Oyster card or contactless card when you board to validate your ticket. You do not need to touch out when you disembark. Trams are also a part of the Hopper fare system.

7. IFS Cloud Cable Car

Now, for something a little bit different. Did you know that London has a cable car service ? It’s the only urban cable car in the UK, and it’s there to get you across the River Thames, from Greenwich to the Royal Victoria Dock.

As well as being a handy way to get to the ExCeL exhibition centre and the O2 Arena from the south side of the river, it also offers panoramic views of this part of the city as you cross.

The Cable Car is part of the TfL system, so you can pay with your Oyster card or contactless card. There are only two stations, one at each end, so it’s also one of the easiest modes of public transport to navigate in London!

8. River Boat

London has a big old river running through it, so it makes sense that this waterway is also used as a public transport system. And so it is, with Thames Clippers operating a service under license from TfL.

There are four “routes”, starting all the way to the west of the city in Putney, and going as far as Woolwich in the east. Essentially this gets you from one end of London to the other.

On board the Thames Clipper in London. 

It’s a fun, scenic way to travel and tends to be a little less busy that many of the other routes. It is used by commuters though, so rush hours can be a little busier. As with other TfL services, the easiest way to pay is by Contactless card or by Oyster card, touching in and out as you board and disembark.

Alternatively you can buy tickets online and print them out, or you can buy tickets in person at the pier. The last option is the most expensive – contactless, Oyster and online ticket purchases are the most cost-effective.

Note that Thames Clipper is a little more expensive than services like the tube or buses, but the point to point service and relatively fast speed, plus the views of London from the river, can make it worth it.

A 24 hour pass is also included on the London Pass (you can buy that here ), if you invest in that money saving attraction pass for your time in London.

London definitely has some iconic modes of transport, from the famous red bus through to the tube. But perhaps most famous of all is the black cab.

With a history dating back to 1662, London’s Hackney Carriages have been carrying people around the city for over 350 years, with drivers having to learn the infamous “Knowledge” – basically a detailed map of London meaning they can navigate the city efficiently, without relying on maps or technology.

Taking a black cab in London is definitely an experience. All you have to do is flag one down by waving at them (the taxi light will be illuminated if it is available), and the driver will stop to pick you up.

Black taxis are certainly more expensive than any of the other forms of transport regulated by TfL, but for the convenience of getting from one part of the city to another, they sometimes can’t be beaten, and if you’re travelling in a group they can work out to be fairly cost effective.

Note that taxis don’t accept Oyster cards, so fares need to be paid by cash or credit card. Fares are paid on completion of the journey, and are set based on distance and time using the meter in the cab.

10. Bicycles

In 2010 London rolled out a new public transport option – the bicycle! There are public cycle points all around the city, and with the increase in cycle lanes, these are becoming a popular way to take short trips.

Hiring a bicycle is relatively easy – it costs £1.65 for 24 hours access to the system, which includes 30 minutes of actual ride time. After your first 30 minutes, each additional 30-minute segment costs you £1.65.

If you think you will use the cycles a lot, then a £20 membership will give you a month of access with unlimited rides of up to 60 minutes each, after which each additional 60 minutes costs £1.65.

To use the cycle hire system you just need a credit or debit card. Because of the need to guard against theft, the system doesn’t accept Oyster cards. You pay your activation fee by card, and then you can access bicycles at points all across the city – there are literally hundreds of them to choose from.

Note that the above pricing is for standard bicycles only. E-Bikes are also available, but for a higher price and for registered users only.

Find out more about the London cycle system here .

11. Walking

Not exactly a public transport option, but don’t discount walking as a way to get around London! Many visitors don’t realise that many parts of London are very pedestrian friendly, and in fact in central London you can get to most of the attractions just by walking.

As a rule of thumb, if somewhere is less than two tube stops away, it’s likely going to be quicker to walk (although worth checking on a map to be sure there’s not an inconvenient river in the way!). Walking is by far the cheapest way to travel around London, and a personal favourite of ours.

Accessibility on Public Transport in London

Given the range of public transport options in London, the accessibility situation is definitely varied. Buses for example are pretty good, with every route serviced by low-floor vehicles and offering a wheelchair space.

The tube on the other hand isn’t so great for step-free access, with only around a quarter of stations offering step free access. An aging network, built well before accessibility was something to consider, has not helped efforts to improve the situation, although certainly efforts are being made. Some stations do have platform to street step free access, but you will need to plan your tube journey carefully.

For a full map and information to help you plan your trip around your needs, take a look at the official accessibility section  of the TfL website.

Which is the best way to get around London?

There’s no really easy way to answer this question. If you’re getting around the majority of central London, the Underground will likely be the most convenient. It’s fast, regular, and doesn’t have to contend with traffic.

Before riding the tube though, it’s worth checking the actual walking distance because the tube map isn’t geographically accurate. So sometimes walking can actually be quicker. This map shows the walking time between stations as a reference point.

For parts of London that aren’t served by the Underground, DLR or Overground services, then the bus is the next most convenient option. There are services all over the city, often running through the night.

If you don’t mind a bit of exercising, then either cycling or walking are both great ways to get around.

If you want to try something a bit different, then the Emirates Air Line or the Thames Clippers will provide that.

The former is certainly excellent for one specific route, and the latter can be a good way to get across London, with water views to boot – although in my mind it’s more of a one-off experience than something to regularly use as a visitor.

Further Reading for Visiting London

We have plenty of further reading to help you plan your trip to London, both content we’ve created based on our experiences, and third-party content we think you’ll find useful.

• The official TfL website , which will give you information on tickets, routes and any updates to services in the forms of delays or cancellations
• If you’re coming into London by air, check out our detailed guide to getting into central London from the airport , which covers all six of London’s airports.
• We have a complete guide to where to stay in London , with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend.
• Jess’s detailed guide to the London pass , which will help you decide if this is a good way for you to save money on your London sight-seeing. The London currently includes Hop-on, Hop-off bus passes, which can be a great transport option.
• We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• Our detailed itineraries for one day in London as well as two days in London , three days in London and six days in London
• Harry Potter fans will want to check out our guide to the key Harry Potter filming locations in London
• Jess’s guide to 1-day walking tour of the highlights of London .
• How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris to help you plan
• The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it for out guide to public transport options in London! What’s your favourite way to get around in London? Any tips to share? Pop them in our comments below!

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There are 25 comments on this post

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Mr. Christopher Twining says

17th February 2023 at 7:13 pm

This is the first, and most likely last and only article I will need to read. Thank you so much for the thorough information. I was last in London in 1972 and I am looking forward to seeing it all again.

Laurence Norah says

18th February 2023 at 7:50 am

My pleasure Christopher, have a lovely time in London. I imagine it will have changed a bit but many sights will surely be familiar 🙂 Safe travels!

6th June 2022 at 5:46 pm

Hi, Thanks for this extremely useful information for a newbie like myself! We are arriving late Saturday evening and plan to take a sightseeing bus on Sunday to get the lay of the land. I see that most attractions are closed on Sundays. Is there anything you can recommend? I’m thinking the market might be a good option? I’ve also heard of Covent Gardens? We will be closest to Paddington Station and will research what areas we should visit first. We are also off to Paris for only 1.5 days. I’ll read your guide on Paris as well! Any feedback is appreciated. Warmly, Pam

6th June 2022 at 5:55 pm

It’s my pleasure, thanks for stopping by! So I would say that a lot of attractions in London are definitely open on a Sunday, such as the Tower of London, however it will depend somewhat on what you are interested in seeing and doing. If you give me some direction in terms of your interests, I’d be happy to advise!

samanta says

17th May 2022 at 4:28 pm

Hi there! Very interessting, thanks for sharing Did I correct understand you have to buy a new ticket if you change the tube line? Even when you are going in one direction (I mean from A to B with no intermadiate stops) and have no other option but to change the line? Many thanks

17th May 2022 at 4:37 pm

Hi Samanta,

My pleasure! No, you don’t have to buy a new ticket when you change tube lines, as long as you stay in the same station. So for example, Oxford Circus tube station has the Central Line, Victoria Line and Bakerloo line. If you get off a Central Line tube and get on a Victoria Line tube, there’s no charge. Tube lines are well signposted inside the stations.

The only time a fee would apply is if you left the station, or went through the ticket gates. You have to scan in and out of the gates when entering or exiting a tube station, so this would not be something you would do by mistake.

Hopefully this answers your question, if you have any more questions do let me know!

Ginge Robinson says

31st March 2022 at 8:19 pm

I have been reading a lot of blogs like this in anticipation of my July 2022 trip to London. Your articles are well written for the unfamiliar traveler and your sight is easy to navigate. Thank you for the time you put in.

1st April 2022 at 10:19 am

Hey Ginge, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this comment. It means a lot to get such nice feedback! Have a wonderful time in London and do let us know if you have any questions!

11th September 2019 at 5:02 pm

Thank you so much for the articles! Exact, relevant, full, helps really!

11th September 2019 at 5:47 pm

Thanks Irina, my pleasure!

23rd May 2019 at 9:28 am

Really good and comprehensive article. I have been living in London for almost a year now but still used to find myself confused with different types of train services. But not anymore! 🙂

23rd May 2019 at 10:52 am

Thanks very much Sonia 🙂

Pedro Zamuner says

2nd April 2019 at 9:17 am

Thanks for the article. Funny, well written and complete! Just got in London last night and now I feel ready to discover the city.

Cheers guys!! 🙂

2nd April 2019 at 10:06 am

Our pleasure Pedro – have a great time in London!

11th November 2018 at 8:12 pm

A minor edit is needed, you list that bicycles cost “30 minutes” for each “30 minutes” past the first 30 minutes.

11th November 2018 at 8:15 pm

Thank you for the feedback – I’ve fixed that now 😀

19th October 2018 at 8:27 am

This is cool. Super helpful and detail! Thank you 🙂

19th October 2018 at 2:44 pm

Our pleasure Mike 🙂

Vikram Badshah says

25th September 2018 at 1:05 pm

Wonderful insight on how to get around in London.

26th September 2018 at 4:17 am

Thanks Vikram!

Anil Palan says

19th September 2018 at 5:26 pm

Thanks for sharing such a nice article on London transport system. It will be very useful to me as I am visiting London for the first time very shortly.

19th September 2018 at 9:11 pm

My pleasure Anil! We have lots more content on the site about London – hopefully you found it. Have a great trip to London!

3rd September 2018 at 1:18 am

This whole post is incredibly useful!! Thank you

3rd September 2018 at 1:20 am

Our pleasure Joana 😀

wassah saw says

23rd June 2018 at 6:52 am

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Easy Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the London Underground for the First Time

If you have high anxiety like me, you’re probably wondering how to use the London underground for the first time.

The London tube system is massive and complex – where do you even begin? 

For anxious travelers like us, navigating a huge city like London can be overwhelming. If you’re worried about how to take the tube, you’re not alone.

I’m going to explain how to use the London tube: from maps to tickets to stepping on the train, I’ve got you covered.

Here’s my step-by-step guide for how to use the tube for the first time. 

Let’s start with the basics.

📖 London Underground Guide to Words and Phrases

Londoners use many of these common words and phrases when referring to the Underground.

Let’s look at the most common ones you will encounter and may need to understand.

• London Underground (or “The Underground”) : The official name of the public rapid transit system of London.
• Tube or “The Tube”: Nickname that has become the unofficial name for the London Underground. You can say either “tube” or “underground.” 
• Train: The trains that run within the underground network. Not to be confused with National Rail, which is the above-ground trains that run all over the UK. People usually say “I’m taking the tube” when they’re talking about the Underground, and “I’m taking the train” when making a longer journey out of London. 
• Carriage: the individual train cars that you board on the underground. A series of carriages make up the train. 
• Tap In/Tap Out: Touching your Oyster card or contactless payment card on the yellow card readers at the start and end of your journey to pay for your fare.
• Mind the Gap: A famous audible and visual warning to remind passengers to be cautious about the gap between the train door and the station platform.
• Oyster Card: A reusable, credit card-sized smartcard used to pay for journeys on public transport in London. It can be topped up with credit.
• Top Up: To add credit to your Oyster Card ( put more money on it either in the app or at a machine inside the station).
• Platform: The area in a station where passengers wait for the train.
• Lines: These refer to the different tube lines on the London Underground, each identified by its own name and color on the map. ( you might say “I’m taking the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden”) .
• Zone 1, Zone 2, etc.: The tube network is divided into fare zones (1-9) with Zone 1 in central London and higher numbers on the outskirts. Fares vary by how many zones you travel through.

Now that you know all the terms I’ll use here, let’s get into how to use the Underground!

🧭 How to Use the London Tube Map

The London tube map looks confusing, but it’s actually pretty simple. Every tube line is color coded, and every station is mapped with what lines connect through it.

If you’re visiting London, you don’t need to study or memorize the tube map.

Most travelers coming to London will have a mapping app (I like Citymapper the best ) that can tell you exactly where you are and where you’re going.

If you don’t have a phone or mobile data in London (I highly recommend you do!), then you can use the tube map to get around.

Alternatively, you can download maps within your navigation app when you’re on wifi, then use them when you’re out and about.

🧭 London’s Tube Lines Are Color-Coded

Each London Underground line has its own color so the routes are easily identifiable.

Follow your color through the station and onto the train. It’s that easy! (I’ll show you some photos from inside of a tube station and how to find the correct platform down below).

Just don’t call London’s tube lines “the blue line” or “the yellow line” – they are only referred to by their names.

🧭 Riding the Tube in London: Zones & Fares

The Underground’s zone and fare system is a bit more complicated, but for visitors, you don’t need to understand the whole thing.

The basic system is this: the transport zones categorizes areas of the London Underground by their proximity to Central London.

Zone 1 is the most central, Zone 2 is a bit further out, Zone 3 is even further out, etc.

Here’s what you need to know as a visitor about zones :

• The further out from Central London you go – the more zones you travel through – the more you pay in tube fare.

Here’s what you need to know as a visitor about fares :

• For each zone, there is a daily and weekly fare cap.
• If you’re using pay-as-you-go ( simply tapping in with a contactless or oyster card ), you’ll never pay more than the cap for the farthest zone you traveled to.
• The most central zones are cheapest, and the furthest zones are the most expensive, since you’re traveling farther.
• There are peak and off-peak fares, but these don’t affect the fare cap.
• You can use TFL’s Fare Finder to calculate a fare, or if you use Citymapper , it will tell you the price right in the app.

💳 How to Pay for Your Tube Ticket

Visitors to London can get overwhelmed by the amount of tube ticket varieties: daily or weekly Travelcards, Visitor Oyster Cards, single journey tickets, and more. It’s unnecessarily complicated.

✅ See my full guide to Oyster Card tourist options HERE. ✅

For MOST London visitors, you should just use Pay as You Go. That means simply tapping in and out with any any form of contactless payment .

Simply tap your phone or contactless card on the big yellow circle and the gate will open.

There’s generally no need to buy a ticket, an Oyster Card, or a Travelcard. These options are usually more expensive for visitors.

Tap again on the way out, and you’ll be charged the correct fare! When you use pay-as-you-go, you will automatically be capped at the daily maximum, no matter how many rides you take.

Make sure you have a different contactless payment method for each member of your party to avoid being drastically overcharged.

💳 Paying for the Tube When Traveling with Family or Groups

Don’t have enough contactless payment methods for everyone?

You can double the amount of contactless methods simply by adding your debit or credit card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or any digital wallet – those are counted as separate payment methods from the physical credit or debit card.

Keep in mind children under 11 travel free and don’t need any type of payment method, as explained in detail below.

For example:

• Traveler #1: Uses debit card A to tap in and out.
• Traveler #2: Uses Apple Pay connected to debit card A to tap in and out.
• Traveler #3: Uses physical credit card B to tap in and out.
• Traveler #4: Uses Apple Pay connected to credit card B to tap in and out.

💳 Do I Need an Oyster Card?

No. Unless you don’t have enough different contactless payment methods for everyone in your group, you don’t need to buy an Oyster card or any kind of travel pass or ticket.

Oyster Cards cost £7 for the card itself, along with however much money you want to load onto them. You can avoid this hassle by just using the contactless payment methods you already have.

However, if you’re traveling with children between 11-18, it may be smart to buy them an Oyster Card and have TFL staff apply the child discount to that card. Children’s fares are cheaper, but only using Oyster, and under 11’s travel free .

👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 How to Take the Tube with Kids

Riding the tube with kids under 11 is easy!

Locate the largest ticket barriers marked with blue signage.

Tap in with your contactless payment method, and the gate will open.

Your child or children walk through the barrier with you at the same time.

Do the same thing when you tap out at your destination. Done!

🚇 London Underground Guide: Exactly How to Ride the Tube for the First Time

Now that you know all about the maps, colors and payment methods, let’s go through exactly how to ride the London tube.

Have your mapping app and your contactless payment method ready for the journey.

✅ Step 1: Plan Your Journey

Riding the tube in London is easiest when you use a navigation app to guide you.

My favorite London navigation app is Citymapper , but you can also use Google Maps.

Plug in your destination, and the app will tell you which tube line you need and which station to catch the train at. 

Make your way to the station you need for your journey. 

Look out for travel alerts on your journey: an alert icon will come up if there are delays, strikes, or stoppages.

✅ How to Use the Tube for the First Time Step 2: What to do at the Station 

Once you reach the station, you will see a line of ticket barriers. If you have never gone through one before, just stand out of the way and watch what others do. 

When you approach the gate, have your contactless payment or Oyster Card ready.

Tap it on the big yellow circle and the gate will open. The little electronic display will tell you how much the fare is and the balance left on your Oyster Card (if you’re using one). 

Go through the gate and look for signs to the line that you need. 

✅ How to Take the Tube Step 3: Finding Your Train 

In your navigation app, find out which train line you need. They are all color coded : follow signs to the correct color. 

Going down the escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left.

DO NOT stand still on the left hand side of the escalators; this will block people who are going down the escalator in a hurry. 

At the bottom of the escalators, there will be more signs.

Look on your app to find out which direction your train is going (Northbound, Southbound, Eastbound, or Westbound). 

Locate the direction you need and follow the signs.

At some point you will reach a sign that has all of the stops that your train is going to. Make sure your stop is on that sign, and if it is, you can be sure that you’re taking the correct train !

✅ Riding the Tube in London Step 4: On the Platform 

Wait on the platform (well behind the yellow line) until your train arrives. There will be an electronic reader board that tells you when the next trains are arriving. 

When the reader board flashes, that means the train is approaching. Stand back. 

The doors will open, and passengers will get off. When no one else gets off, you can board the train. 

As the train approaches, it may be loud coming through the tunnel and you may feel a big gust of wind. There may also be a squeak as the brakes engage. 

You will hear and read the common warning “mind the gap”: this means to be aware of the gap between the train and the platform. Some gaps are big, and some you won’t notice at all.

✅ How to Use the Tube for the First Time Step 5: Finding a Seat 

You can sit in any open seat, including seats for disabled, elderly, or pregnant passengers, as long as no one else needs the seat.

If someone boards the train who needs that seat, make sure to get up and offer it to them. 

If the train is very crowded, like during morning and evening rush hours, you may need to stand and hold on to a railing. 

✅ London Underground Guide Step 6: Getting off the Train

Stops are announced both over the speaker and on the screen.

You can also look out the windows when you’re entering the station to see which station it is on the roundel logos (the red/blue circle logo that signifies the London Underground). 

Once you’re at the correct stop and get off the train, look at the signage.

If it’s your destination station, look for the exit signs. 

Once you step off the train, pull over out of the way to look at the signs directing you to where you need to go.

If the station is very crowded, just wait a minute by the wall. The passengers will clear out and you can more easily find the signs you need.

If you’re transferring to another line, look for the signage to that line. Transferring may involve more escalators, lifts, and walking through the station.

Just keep following the signs to the line you need, then repeat the same as above when you found your first train. 

✅ Riding the Tube in London Step 7: Exiting the Station

If you’re using Citymapper , it will tell you which station exit is best (if the station is large it may have multiple exits). 

Follow the exit signs, and tap out with the same card you used to tap in. Make sure you use the exact same card so that the fees will be charged correctly. 

If from here you want to connect to a bus, read my guide on how to catch a London bus.

Etiquette for Riding the Tube in London

There are lots of subtle courtesies Londoners use when riding the tube, but as a visitor, these ones are the most important for you to follow.

• Have your contactless card ready at the barriers. Don’t block the barriers while fumbling to take out your card, especially if the station is very busy.
• On escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left. Do not block the whole escalator – many, many people walk on the escalators (on the left) instead of standing still.
• Don’t be oblivious to someone who needs a seat. You can sit in the priority seats if no one needs it, but if anyone enters the carriage who needs it more than you do, give them your seat.

How to Use the London Underground for the First Time: Final Tips 

Using the London Underground for the first time might seem daunting, but with this step-by-step guide, you can confidently explore the city.

It’s absolutely the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to get around in London.

Simply plan your journey in advance, use contactless payment, and follow the signs within the stations. If you get lost, ask any Underground employee for help!

Remember, London’s Underground is a safe, efficient, and exciting way to see the city, so take a deep breath, embrace the adventure, and enjoy your journey!

More on Navigating London

The Best Oyster Card Tourist Options to Save Money

How to Catch a Bus in London for the First Time

Where Can I Charge my Phone in London? Local’s Ultimate Guide (2024)

What NOT to do in London: The Truth About these 15 Tiring Tourist Traps

The Ultimate London Underground Quiz: Can you Pass? 

How to Travel in London During a Tube or Rail Strike

The Best Navigation App for London to Download Now 

How to Use Google Maps in London

The Best Free Viewpoints in London 

How to Use the London Tube: FAQ

How do i use the london tube ticket machine.

The ticket machines in every station are very easy to use. First select your language, then follow the prompts. If you need help, TFL staff are always happy to assist you.

Does the Tube always come from the left?

For the most part, yes, but not always. Tube trains run on the left hand track (tracks are like a road underground; there are left tracks and right tracks) so they generally enter the station from your left when you are standing on the platform. But this isn’t true for all stations. 

Do I need a card for the tube?

Not necessarily. You just need some type of contactless payment method. 

Do I need an account to use contactless on the tube?

No. Just use your contactless card or digital wallet on your phone to tap in and out. There’s no need to register an account! 

Does the tube take cash?

No. The London Underground only uses contactless payment methods at the ticket barriers.

You CAN use cash to purchase an Oyster Card at some ticket machines inside stations, but not all ticket machines accept cash.  

Is it cheaper to use Oyster card or contactless?

The rate you pay for your journey will be the same whether you use Oyster or contactless. But if you buy a physical Oyster Card, it costs £7 for the card, not including any money you put on it.

If you have a contactless card for each member of your party, there is no need to purchase any Oyster Cards. 

Is the Tube faster than the train?

The tube and train are two different things. The “tube” refers to the London Underground network. The “train” in London is referring to National Rail, which are trains that run to and from London.

You will rarely have a journey where you can take either the tube or the train to the same destination; it’s usually one or the other. 

Can you just use a debit card on Underground?

Yes, as long as it’s contactless. You’ll know if you have a contactless card by the chip on the front of the card.

If your card does not have a chip, it is not contactless and you will need to either set up a digital wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Wallet) to tap in and out of the tube, or purchase an Oyster Card. 

What is the cheapest way to use the Tube in London?

Fares vary by zone: which zone you start in and how many zones you travel through. There is no “cheapest” way for a single journey: the cheapest way is simply to use a contactless card to tap in and out (always use the same card).

Never buy a travel card or a single journey ticket at the ticket machines. These are rip offs. 

What to do if you forget to tap in on the tube?

It’s unlikely that you’d forget; you won’t make it through the ticket barriers unless you tap in and out. 

What is the cost of a day Travelcard in London?

Travelcards start at £15.20. The daily fare cap is usually less than this , so don’t buy a travelcard. 

Do all tube stations have ticket machines?

Yes, every tube station in London has a ticket machine. Rarely they will be out of order and you will need to find one somewhere else.

What happens if I touch in with one contactless card and touch out with another on the same journey?

You’ll be charged for two incomplete journeys. Always tap in and out with the same card. 

Can 2 people use the same contactless card on the tube?

If you each have different physical cards on the same bank or credit account, that’s fine: you have two different cards. But you can’t tap in with the card then hand it to the person behind you to tap in, too. That would really mess up the prices and you’d be overcharged. 

How do I pay contactless without a card?

If you don’t have your physical card with you, you can set up a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Wallet. If you don’t have a credit or debit card at all, purchase an Oyster Card.

Can you bring food on the tube?

Yes, but try not to bring really smelly foods (a tunafish sandwich, for example) or messy foods. 

Do I need to register my contactless card to use on underground? Do I need to register my debit card for London Underground?

No, just tap in and out. No need to register for anything. 

Can I just tap my card on the tube?

Yes! If it’s a contactless card, just tap in and out with the same card. 

Can I charge my phone on the London Underground?

The Elizabeth Line is currently the only line that offers charging ports on trains, but many stations offer charging stations and battery rentals.

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How to Get Around London: A Guide to the London Public Transport System

T his comprehensive guide to getting around london will help you understand and navigate the london public transport system so that you can spend more time enjoying the city instead of deciphering underground maps.

First of all, if you’ve decided on visiting London, let me congratulate you on your excellent taste. It’s my favorite major city in the world and one of my all-time favorite destinations. While there are a million things to do in this amazing city, I want to be sure you know how to get around London before you go.

Our family spent several months living in London without a car and also several months living outside the city, and we have also been back to visit several times. Using London public transport is one of our favorite things to do in London and I think it’s actually part of the fun of this city and what makes it so special. While the London transport system is as extensive as the human nervous system, it can also be simplified and easy to use.

Since it’s such a huge city, getting around London can consume a good portion of your trip, but I’m going to share some tips that will help you to understand your options and make the most of your time. Sometimes transportation in big cities can be kind of a drag, but in this city, it’s all so iconic, clean and easy that it makes getting around London part of your true experience. Here are some tips to help make getting around London life go smoothly.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting London:

Wanderlust london guide.

If you’re traveling to London, you’ll want to have a solid itinerary that will help you organize your time in the best way possible and maximize your time and money. I’ve created this 5-day London itinerary that will help you see the best sites in London along with some hidden gems. It contains open-and-go day-by-day schedules and expert advice from me!

Our favorite Hotels in London

• Marriott County Hall
• Georgian House Hotel (Harry Potter Chambers)
• The Mad Hatter Hotel
• H10 Waterloo

Must Have: London Pass

Our Favorite London Activities

• Hop On Hop Off Bus
• Tower of London
• Harry Potter Studio Tour

How to Get Around London: The London Public Transport Zones

London is conveniently…or maybe just confusingly…divided into 9 different zones that determine your fare on most public transport. The zones are circular with 1 in the center and 9 being the outer circle. Zones 1 and 2 are contained in central London. In the London transportation system, the fare generally gets more expensive the more zones you cross.

How Much Does it Cost to Use London Public Transport?

Getting around London is fairly affordable, especially if you’re traveling with kids , since ages 10 and under ride anything that uses an Oyster Card for free, including the Underground and the Bus. Fares for riding each mode of transportation differ. The London buses cost around £1.5 per ride. A single tube fixed price is £2.40 with an Oyster card, but the card has a daily cap and even weekly cap which you can see in the chart below, which means that if you’re riding London public transport all day long you are saving a ton of money.

Different Types of London Public Transport

• Underground
• National Rail
• Heathrow Express

I know that list seems long and scary, but don’t be worried, it’s great to have options and you don’t need to use all of these! I’m going to break down each option so you’ll know the ones that will work best for you.

1. The London Underground

The most well known, and most used London public transport is the London Underground, also known as “the Tube.” It is the oldest underground transportation network in the world, first opening in 1863, and carries over one billion passengers a year. The system is vast, with over 250 miles of track and over 200 stations.

The London Underground is the best way to get around London if you want to move quickly across a large area. And thanks to its efficiency, trains are usually on time.  You can easily find “Tube Stations” all around the city that will allow easy access to its 11 different colored lines. The stations are easily recognizable with the big red circle with “UNDERGROUND” written across it.

Trains generally run at least every 10 minutes between 5 am and midnight, some lines offering 24-hour lines. You can plan your journey on the London Underground here or you can use Google Maps on your phone. To ride the London Underground, you’ll need a ticket or an Oyster Card. Oyster cards are plastic credit card like passes that you can “top up” (add money to) at any time. 

They work on the underground, bus systems, and some National Rail.  Children 10 and under ride the bus and tube for FREE ! To buy your Oyster card, find a machine in any Tube station or ask an attendant. To ride the Tube, hold your Oyster Card over the indicated area on the barriers on your way in and out. The barriers will automatically deduct your fare from your card.

2. Black Cabs

Of course, you can’t leave London without getting a ride from a London Cabby. The cabbies are required to take a difficult test to get this job. It can take years to study and pass the test and they must know the streets of London like the back of their hand! If you want to know about something you pass, ask the cabby, he most likely knows a bit about everything! London cabs seat 5 in the back.

They can get quite expensive so we try to save them for a rainy day (literally). Some cabs take credit cards, but about 80% of the ones we took were cash only. Fares are metered and paid upon completion of the journey. As a common courtesy, it’s always a good idea to go to the passenger window of the cab before getting in and telling them where you’re going to be sure they are willing to go there, especially if it’s far.

When the Taxi sign is lit, the cab is empty. To hail a cab, stand on the curb and hold your hand up. Also, look for designated Taxi pick up spots and be sure not to stand on a “zebra crossing” because they are not allowed to stop there.

My personal favorite way of getting around London is in the iconic red double-decker buses. With over 2 billion journeys a year taken by bus in London, this is the most popular mode of transportation in the city, and for good reason. Here are a few reasons why I think the bus is the best way to get around London:

• Cheap: There is a set fare per journey, so even if you’re going from one end of the city to the other, your fare is still only 1.50 pounds! Also, kids 10 and under ride free!
• Convenient: There are literally bus stops on almost every corner of London and the buses run continuously throughout the day and night, even stopping where there may not be an Underground station.
• Accessibility: If you’re getting around London in a wheelchair or with kids in strollers, the bus is the most easily accessible mode of transportation, lacking the necessity of stairs. If you have a stroller you can just wheel it right on to the bus.
• Oyster Card: You can pay for the bus using your Oyster Card by simply touching it to the yellow reader. You only need to use it at the beginning of your journey.
• The View: Riding the bus in London provides you with incredible views of the city and allows you to see more of London while in transit than you otherwise would by being underground on the Tube. Yes, it’s slower than the Underground due to being restricted by traffic, but I think the trade-off is worth it.

4. River Bus

Guess what else you can use your Oyster Card on? That’s right, you guessed it: the riverboats of London known as the Thames Clippers River Bus. I feel like this is one of the most underutilized modes of transportation in London. Maybe because it’s a little pricer or because the boats don’t run as frequently as the buses or the Tube, but the riverboats can be a convenient way to get across the city while seeing it from a truly unique perspective.

5. Overground

The London Overground is pretty much the Underground, but, you guessed it, above ground (even though much of the Underground is also above ground). The overground is fairly new and basically covers areas that the Underground does not. You can use your Oyster Card on the Overground and the fare system with zones is the same as the Underground.

6. DLR (Docklands Light Rail)

This fully automated rail system (without any drivers) services mostly the East and South of Central London near the docklands area of London. It works just like the Underground and Overground and you can use your Oyster Card.

7. National Rail

What?! More trains? Yes! Most national rail services consist of several different lines that connect London to the rest of the country. Many commuters use these rail lines to commute from the suburbs surrounding London. Your Oyster Card will not work on National Rail lines and children 10 and under are not free, but usually ride at a discounted rate. There will be machines at the station where you can purchase rail tickets and usually a ticket office where you can talk to a human.

8. TramLink

This small tram system services South London, so if you’re staying there you’ll need to know about this one. The TramLink has a fixed fare and works like the bus so you only need your Oyster Card on the way in, not the way out.

9. Heathrow Express

If you’re coming to London you’re most likely flying into Heathrow Airport, London’s largest international airport. If so, taking the Heathrow Express is the fastest way to get into the city center. Don’t make the newbie mistake of taking a cab all the way into London! Book your tickets ahead of time online here to get the best deal. Fares range from £5-£32 depending on when you book.

10. Ride Share

• UBER : UBER is regularly used and accepted in London. It’s an easy way to book and pay for transportation and you can now split fares with your travel buddies. It’s not quite the same experience as riding in a Black Cab in my opinion, but just as efficient. When we were there we found the price to be about the same, but you don’t have to worry about having cash on you for UBER at least. If you’ve never used UBER, don’t worry it’s fun, safe, and easy. Here’s a coupon for $5 off your first ride. 
• Free Now : Despite its name, Free Now is not free, but it will save you a few pence! What I like about Free Now is that you can call a regular car or a black cab, which is much easier than trying to hail one down on the street! I’ve also found it to be a bit cheaper than UBER. Download Free Now for Apple . Download Free Now for Google .

Biking around London can be a really fun and inexpensive way to see the city and get you from place to place on a nice day. The bikes with “Santander” written on them are affectionately known as “Boris Bikes” after Boris Johnson who was the Mayor of London when the bike program launched.

The bikes only cost £2 to access the bikes and the first 30 minutes are free. You could technically bike somewhere for 30 minutes, check in your bike, then check out a new bike and ride it for 30 minutes and so on, potentially paying only £2/day for your bike. There are  750 docking stations and 11,500 bikes to rent around London. You can use a credit card or the app to pay for your bike. 

London has also recently put in millions of pounds to creating more bike lanes around the city to help the environment and the flow of traffic. They’ve done a nice job and you’ll see dedicated lanes for bikes all around the city, and especially in the most congested areas.

If you want to know how to get around London on a bike, you can learn more about the London Bike Scheme here .

12. Walking

Walking is a great way to see a lot of London. Most things in central London can be seen by walking and it’s a great way to make more room for all those delicious foods you’ll be eating! Plus, if you’re on a budget it’s the best way to get around London. Be sure to check the distance between you and your destination on Google Maps. You’ll be able to see a different view of London by walking the city. London is full of beautiful parks and they can make great short-cuts and lovely walks.

What is the Best Way to Get Around London?

While there’s no right or wrong answer to this questions, I definitely have my favorite ways of getting around London. As I’ve stated above, the bus is my personal favorite way to travel in London, but the Underground may be the fastest. If you’re lucky, you’ll have the chance to use every mode of transportation during your time there.

Do You Need an Oyster Card to Travel in London?

Having an Oyster Card in London is not strictly required, but I would highly recommend getting one. A London Oyster Card is the cheapest way to get around London, it covers journeys across London’s public transport networks including the Tube lines, buses, overground train station, and DLR, and can be used any time of the day throughout the week.

It makes life easier and will be more affordable. There is actually a price cap currently of £9.80 for zones 1-4. So you know that you won’t be paying more than that each day you are in London, regardless of how many times you ride.   This article from London Toolkit about the London Public Transport fares was really helpful.

Go Contactless

Use your contactless card, phone, or watch to pay for the tube map. Now riding the tube and bus is even easier with contactless payment. Just use your card, phone, or watch as you would when making a purchase. Be sure to “swipe” in and out using the same contactless card so you’ll be charged the correct fare.

Tips for Getting Around London

• Buy an Oyster Card or Prepare Contactless Payment in Advance:  Having an Oyster Card is a great option as it will allow you to ride multiple forms of transportation around London without having to purchase single-ride tickets.
• Download Google Maps App  and use it! Even if you have to look up directions before you leave wifi. I recommend using google maps public transit directions. These have almost never failed me! The app gives you train or bus times and even track numbers, alternate train times, bus stop letters, and exit names. Google Maps will also provide you with several options for public transportation around London. You can see below that to get from the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey using public transportation you have the option to take the Underground or the River Boat.Along with detailed public transport maps and directions, Google Maps will also provide detailed walking directions from the transit stop to the destination.
• Mind the Gap: Those signs everywhere that say “Mind the Gap”…they’re no joke! During my last trip to London, my nephew got stuck in the gap. It was pretty scary, so just be careful.
• Stand on the Right: When riding on the escalators, stand on the right or walk on the left.
• Travel During Off Peak : Try to avoid using public transportation between 7-9 am and 5-7 pm when trains and buses are crowded.
• Try New Things: Don’t be afraid to try different types of transportation like riverboats.

More London Resources

If you need more help planning your trip to London, check out these great resources!

7 Day London Itinerary

London With Kids

Paddington’s Guide to London

Christmas in London

FAQ on How to Get Around London

There are several ways to get around London on a budget. The best way to save money is by taking public transportation such as the Tube, buses and overground trains. You can also rent a bike or walking is always free. Getting an Oyster card and using contactless payment are great ways to pay for your journeys. Additionally, look out for special offers and discounts when travelling.

The current price is £7 and £9.80 for zones 1-4. You can always top up your Oyster card with cash whenever you need.

It costs £20 for the Visitor Oyster card. This allows you to save £1.75 for a single journey with £5.25 as a daily cap. That’s why many tourists and even locals opt for the Visitor Oyster card when travelling around London.

Yes, as the underground stop is usually within walking distance from most places, it makes traveling around London easy. Trains always arrive in 10 minutes and the system is well connected. Additionally, there are Uber rides that are perfect for sharing in groups and other taxi services.

I hope this guide to getting around London has been helpful. You are going to love this city, and now that you know how to navigate it you’ll feel more comfortable and be able to enjoy seeing the sites without stressing about how to get between them. If you have any questions about how to get around London, please ask! You can message me on Facebook or Instagram . -Vanessa

The post How to Get Around London: A Guide to the London Public Transport System appeared first on Wanderlust Crew .

Hi, I'm Candace

Candace Abroad

A London & Travel Blog

London , London Travel Tips & Inspiration , Moving to London Advice & Resources · August 14, 2023

How to Get Around London: Your Ultimate Transport Guide for 2024

Table of Contents

Looking to get around London? Whether you’re navigating getting around London as a tourist for the first time or just need a brush up on the London transportation system, here’s how to navigate the London public transport system like a pro — from a Londoner!

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Travelling to London can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with getting around the city.

With its sprawling metropolis and countless attractions, getting from A to B in London can seem like an impossible task. But don’t fret!

Over the years I’ve learned the ins and outs of London transport (and may or may have gotten on several wrong tubes along the way). Seven years later I can proudly say getting around London is a breeze, but there’s definitely a learning curve.

This London transport guide will provide all the information you need on getting around London using public transportation. From the tube, buses, trains, the infamous black cabs and more — here’s everything you need to know to make your way around London as easily as possible. Let’s dive in!

How to Get Around London: Your Ultimate Transport Guide to the City

How London Zones Work

Before you dive into the world of London transport, it’s important to know how the transport system is set up.

The zone system divides up London into nine circular zones that extend out from Zone 1 (Central London) to Zone 9 (the outskirts of London).

As you can see on the London transit map above, these zones are used by many forms of public transport in London in order to calculate fares and determine which areas are served by each service.

So for example, if you’re travelling within Zone 1 by tube, as of 2023 it would cost you £2.50 on your Oyster Card.

But if you’re travelling from Zone 1 to Zone 3 by tube, it would cost you £2.90 on your Oyster Card.

Knowing how the zone system works can help you make sense of getting around London quickly and efficiently. So know it well!

P.S – If you’re just getting around London as a tourist you’ll most likely be staying in ‘Zone 1-2’ during your trip (unless you’re going somewhere like, for example, Kew Gardens in Zone 3 or Hampton Court Palace in Zone 6).

The Best Transit Apps for Getting Around London

Before bracing yourself for the mighty world of the London transport system, you’ll want to have an app or two handy, or in my case, just one. Citymapper .

It’s a public transit app that started in 2011 (in London actually!) and is hands down the best way to get around the city.

I’ve used it for years without a glitch, but if in doubt Google Maps or Apple Maps will work too.

How Do You Pay for Public Transport in London?

The easiest way to pay for your rides on London public transport is by getting an Oyster Card or using your Contactless Payment Card.

Both cards use the same ‘tap-in’ payment system, that you’ll use on most public transport in the city.

The Oyster card is a physical card that you top up with money at any Tube station or online — and it’s always best if you plan ahead and pre-load your card before travelling .

You can purchase an Oyster card at most airports (except London Southend), or any Tube or National Rail station in London as well as most newsagents and convenience stores throughout the city. It’s also possible to purchase an Oyster Card online through the official Transport for London website .

Once you have your card, simply top it up with money, and you’re ready to start getting around London quickly, safely and conveniently!

Alternatively, contactless payment cards are linked directly to your bank account and allow you to tap into stations and buses without having to worry about topping up beforehand. Contactless payments can be made using debit or credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other mobile wallets such as Samsung Pay.

The best thing about using your Oyster and contactless card are the pay-as-you-go daily and weekly caps .

These were made to limit the amount that London tourists and locals alike pay on transport every day and week, with a daily cap of £7.70 between Zone 1-2 and £38.40 weekly for Zone 1-2 (meaning you’ll never pay more than this for unlimited travel within these zones), for London buses the daily cap is £4.95.

The cap amount depends on what zones you’re travelling to that day and your passenger type, so be sure to check what your cap fare would be here .

What about Travelcards and Visitor Oysters?

You may have also heard of something in London called ‘ Travelcards ‘.

When purchased these enable unlimited travel within certain zones, however unless you’re travelling non-stop in London the cost of Travelcards usually isn’t worth it in comparison to using your Oyster or Contactless card.

Visitor Oyster Cards on the other hand are designed specifically for visitors who need short-term access to transportation services in the city and also come with special discounts to various London experiences and restaurants.

Overall, unless you’re eligible for discounts on the Oyster card or want to make use of the discounts on the Visitor Oyster Card , the easiest way to pay for London transport will be your contactless card as you can use it instantly straight from your phone as soon as you arrive in London (as long as you have your Apple Pay or Google Pay set up).

How Much is Public Transport in London?

The price of public transport London varies depending on the method of transit you use as well as the distance you’re travelling to between Zone 1-9.

The tube and Overground starts from £2.50 a journey and the bus from £1.65. But to get a realistic number on what your journey will cost I highly suggest using the TfL Fare Calculator so you can price your journey beforehand.

P.S – Citymapper will also tell you how much any journey you take will cost!

Discounts on Travelling in London

Like most things that involve London life, getting around the city can get expensive. So here’s a few ways to save on transport in London.

Hopper Fare: This gives you unlimited journeys within one hour on all TfL buses for £1.65 and works automatically

18+ Student Oyster: Any student in London (even international) can save 30% on bus & tram journeys

16-25 Railcard: 1/3 off train travel and 1/3 off single off-peak pay as you go fares on the London Undeground and DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

26-30 Railcard: Same discounts as the 16-25 Railcard

16-17 Zip Oyster: 50% off travel on most London transit

11-15 Zip Oyster: Free travel on London bus and 50% off most fares

Children Under 11: Free travel on most London transport services for up to 4 children accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket

60+ London Oyster: Free travel if you’re over 60 living in London

P.S – For more free and discounted options for public transport in London make sure you check out TfL’s official website !

What’s the Best Way to Travel Around London?

The best way to travel around London will depend on your specific journey, but my favourite way is walking .

London has SO many beautiful hidden corners that you’ll simply miss on public transportation.

My love for walking in London aside, in general, using the London Underground or the London buses will be the best way to get around the city.

The tube (London Underground) is usually very reliable, even with the recent TfL strikes over the past year, along with the London buses which are a great way to experience London like a true local.

Both also have incredible connections to almost an place in the city, unlike the Overground, DLR (Docklands Light Railway), River Boat or many other London transport options we’ll run through in a bit.

10 Ways to Get Around London

The London Underground (a.k.a. the Tube)

The Tube is the most iconic form of public transport in London (and for good reason). It’s been around since 1863, and today it’s a vital part of getting around the city.

The Tube consists of 11 lines that cover 270 stations over 402 kilometres (250 miles) of track and can take you to nearly every corner of the capital, making it one of the best ways to get around London.

London Tube Lines:

• Bakerloo Line
• Central Line
• Circle Line
• District Line
• Hammersmith & City Line
• Jubilee Line
• Metropolitan Line
• Northern Line
• Piccadilly line
• Victoria line
• (NEW) Elizabeth Line

If you’re getting around London as a tourist, you should be able to get to the majority of places on your itinerary through the tube alone (although I still highly suggest taking a ride on the London buses and walking if your location is close enough).

Before you take your first ride, I suggest having a look at the tube map and familarising yourself with the lines.

To catch the tube to your destination you’ll need to know which line and which direction you’ll need to take (Eastbound or Westbound or Northbound or Southbound), followed by the branch of the line (i.e the end destination of the line).

So, for example, if I wanted to from Leicester Square to Hampstead , my directions would say I need to get the ‘Northern Line’ going ‘Northbound’ on the branch that’s going towards ‘Edgeware’ .

Step-by-step here’s how you would get there on the tube once you have the directions:

• Walk to Leicester Square station
• Tap in with your Oyster, Visitor Oyster or Contactless card on the yellow reader
• Follow the signs to the Northern Line
• Go to the platform that says ‘Northbound’ on the Northern Line
• Look at the digital display board on the platform screen and make sure you’re getting on the tube that is going towards the end destination listed on your directions
• Get off at Hampstead
• Follow the signs to the exit
• Tap out with your Oyster, Visitor Oyster or Contactless card on the yellow reader
• Give yourself an internal high-five for figuring out the London tube system
• Explore Hampstead!

Mimic these steps for any journey you’re taking on the tube until it becomes like clockwork!

Safety is a also top priority on the Tube network with CCTV cameras located throughout all stations and on every train carriage. Emergency help points are also positioned at regular intervals along each platform with constant monitoring to make sure any potential problems are quickly identified and dealt with. If you’re ever feeling lost the TfL staff is also more than willing to help you get back on your route.

There’s also a night tube service on the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines if you’re coming home late from a night out in London.

P.S. – Don’t forget to read my tube etiquette guide !

With over 8,000 buses operating in the city, getting from one place to another on public transport in the city has never been easier.

Buses are a great way to explore all that London has to offer as they provide access to some of the city’s best attractions and views of the capital (check out the best bus routes for sightseeing in London! ).

Like I mentioned before, you’ll also get unlimited rides on any London bus journey within an hour through the Hopper Fare , so for example, if you take 3 buses across the city in one hour, it’ll still be £1.65.

To use the bus — simply load up the directions to your destination and catch your correct bus from the bus stop (for example, ‘Bus 148 to White City, leaving from Stop P).

When you get on tap your Oyster, Visitor Oyster or contactless card on the yellow reader near the bus driver and take your seat (you won’t need to tap-out like you do on the tube).

Although taking the bus usually works out longer than taking the tube, it’s a great way to see London from a new perspective and get to more secluded areas in the city.

P.S – Try getting the top left or right seat on the double-decker buses for the best views!

DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is a light rail network in London, connecting parts of East and South East London.

It operates using driverless automated trains, with easy-to-understand route maps that make getting around this part of the city much smoother.

The DLR is fully integrated with other forms of public transportation too, including the Tube and bus services, so you may end up using it as part of your journey from time to time. Like if you’re going from Central London to the beautiful Greenwich !

This makes getting around this part of London easier than ever before, as you can easily switch between transport networks while using the same payment card and ticketing system.

Unlike the Tube or bus, it also runs above ground on its own tracks, meaning that it has no traffic congestion to delay your journey and no waiting for traffic lights, with great views along the way. From the ExCel Centre to Canary Wharf, Greenwich and more, it’s a lovely way to get from point A to point B when needed.

The London Overground is a suburban and inner-city network that services many locations in the Greater London area.

It covers a large part of Central London and includes lines like the East London Line (ELL), North London Line (NLL), West London Line (WLL) and more. These lines also lead to popular neighbourhoods such as Shoreditch High Street Station , Camden Town , Angel Islington, and Old Street Station.

Getting around on the London Overground is very easy and follows the same ‘tap-in, tap-out’ system as the tube. Trains don’t come as often as the Underground so you may find yourself waiting a bit longer, they also move a bit slower too — but of course as it’s the ‘Over’ground, this means London views!

Rail Services

The National Rail services in London play a key role in getting around the capital. The National Rail network consists of over 2,500 stations and more than 11,000 miles (17,700 kilometers) of track across Great Britain…that’s a lot of rail services!

Lucky for you, in London there’s only four main ones to rememeber —  The Southeastern Railway, Thameslink, The Southern Railway and The Southwestern Railway, i.e the major railway networks in the city.

These offer frequent services from many points in the city in addition to destinations across the entire UK and many London airports.

For rail journeys within London you can use your Oyster card or contactless, but you’ll need to purchase a seperate physical or digital ticket if you’ll be taking a train from London to elsewhere in the UK.

You can save 30% on all train travel in the UK if you’re 16-25 or 26-30 by getting a Railcard .

You’re also likely to use a train if you’re coming from the airport to Central London, but other than that you won’t be using the train often if you’re getting around London as a tourist.

If you’re looking to do a few London day or weekend trips away from the city, I’d suggest catching the train from Paddington, Waterloo or London Bridge station. Make sure you use Trainline to find the cheapest train tickets !

River Bus Services

For a more unique way to get around London, try a river bus !

London has one of the largest networks of navigable waterways in Europe, which includes the famous River Thames and other small streams, rivers and canals.

This network is both picturesque and practical, providing public transport in London for passengers like no other.

The most popular river boat services in London are run by Thames Clippers , who operate regular daily cruises from Embankment Pier to many locations along the Thames such as Tower Bridge, Greenwich, Canary Wharf and Woolwich. Prices vary depending on how far you’re travelling along the route but it’s generally quite affordable for tourists; single adult fares cost about £5-£7 per journey or £9-£15 return tickets and they accept Oyster and contactless cards .

Thames Clippers also offer various combined tickets which provide discounted prices when travelling on multiple boats or getting off at multiple stops – they even have an Oyster card reader installed on their ticket machines so you can top up your card while onboard.

Apart from Thames Clippers there are loads of amazing river cruises in London that will allow you to experience the city from a new perspective, in style!

P.S – Due to their slightly higher price point in comparison to the tube, London buses etc. you won’t often find locals using river boats for their daily commutes, but if you live here it’s a great option if you’re ever looking to mix things up! You can check out more TfL river bus services here .

London’s black cabs are also a popular (and expensive) way of getting around the city, offering a convenient and reliable transport service for both locals and tourists alike.

Black cab drivers must pass extensive tests known as ‘the knowledge’ in order to get their license, so they are highly experienced in getting you from A to B with minimal fuss.

There are two main types of black cabs in London, the traditional TX4 and the newer LEVC electric models — both offer a spacious interior for up to 6 passengers with plenty of room for luggage or shopping bags. Most have built-in payment terminals accepting credit/debit cards and Apple/Android pay options; but you can pay in cash if preferred.

Black cabs can be hailed on the street by flagging them down or you can use apps like Uber or Gett to hail one from the app.

The cost of a journey varies depending on how far you’re travelling, but generally speaking every mile is about £6.50 to £11.20 (roughly 6-13 minutes) and prices are 10% higher in the evening.

It’s also worth noting that while getting around by black cabs is usually very safe, I always recommend checking the driver’s ID badge before getting into your ride.

London is a great city for getting around by bicycle, with a huge network of dedicated cycle lanes and bike paths for cyclists (although we’re no Copenhagen yet).

If you’re new to London or just getting into cycling then the best place to start is to understand the Cycleways which comprises hundreds of miles of dedicated cycle lanes throughout London. You can also download and plan your route ahead of time .

To rent a bike simply find a Santander Cycles station near you or check out other options like Lime’s E-scooters and E-bike rentals .

London drivers can be a bit unforgiving, so make sure you know the Highway Code while you’re out on the road. For example all cyclists must keep left unless they’re passing another cyclist; and pedestrians always have right of way (even if they don’t look like they’re paying attention!). This is particularly true in busy pedestrian areas such as Oxford Street or Trafalgar Square.

Overall cycling around London is a fantastic way to explore the city and save on travel, with bike hires starting from less than £2.

Getting around London on foot is a great way to explore the city and experience its sights, sounds and culture.

Walking allows you to take in your surroundings at a leisurely pace (something that let’s just say the tube doesn’t always allow…), getting up close and personal with the bustling metropolis that makes up London. Plus getting around by walking is one of the most cost-effective ways to get from A-B — no tickets or fares required!

When getting around London by foot it’s important to plan your route carefully beforehand so you know exactly where you’re going. With apps like Citymapper you can find the best routes and the estimated time it’ll take to reach your destination.

If you’re exploring Central London, you’ll also find most locations are in walking distance from each other. For example, walking from Soho to Covent Garden will take you just 15 minutes! And we all know Big Ben to Tower Bridge is just an excuse to do a lovely walk along South Bank .

Just make sure to pack your comfortable shoes!

P.S – I’ve got plenty of custom London walking tours if you’re looking for an interesting route

Read More: Ultimate London Packing List: What to Wear in Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Bonus: Cable Car

The newly renamed IFS Cloud Cable Car offers a unique way to get around London while getting stunning views of the city and the River Thames.

Spanning across the river between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, it’s an incredibly efficient, low-cost and convenient form of transport that can take you on a stunning journey across London in a matter of minutes.

You can pay for your ride via your Oyster card or contactless and ride with up to 10 passengers at a time. Although the ride is only about 10 minutes, there’s plenty of Instagram opportunities and breathtaking views to take in along the way, including the likes of the O2 Arena, Canary Wharf and iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the City Hall if you look close enough.

I’ll admit, this isn’t a London transport option you’d use on a daily basis, but if you’re looking for a new way to see the city, this is it!

Accessibility & London Transport

Although using London’s transport network is an incredibly convenient and straightforward way to get around the city, it can be more difficult for people who may require extra assistance or support. Fortunately, London is getting more accessible every year.

The majority of London’s public transport offer wheelchair access , as well as other facilities such as ramps, lifts and audible announcements. All buses in London also feature low floors which make getting on and off easier for wheelchair users.

Additionally, most tube stations have been redesigned to include new tactile maps, Braille signs and audio-visual systems to help passengers find their way around with greater ease.

You can also use the TfL website to plan your accessible journey and find out more .

Final Tips on Using Public Transport in London

• Always ‘Mind the Gap’ when you’re on the tube and stick to the right side of the escalator for standing and the left side for walking
• Don’t forget to check how close two destinations in London are to each other — or you may miss out on a lovely walk!
• Stick to exploring 1-2 areas of London at a time to save on your transportation costs and time

Whew — that was LONG! But hopefully now you feel more prepared than ever to tackle the London transport system.

Like I said, once you do it a few times you really do get into the swing of things. And we all know getting around London by public transportation is the only way to be a true Londoner (at least if you ask me!).

Happy Londoning,

• Ultimate London Packing List: What to Wear in Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Map shows London Marathon route map and road closures for 2024

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Thousands of people will be making their way into the capital today for this year’s London Marathon.

Crowds of people will be supporting the runners as they take on the 26.2 mile course through the city.

The course will set off in Blackheath and will take the runners past such sites as the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, Canary Wharf, The Shard and Tower Bridge, before finishing up at St James’s Park.

There will of course be travel disruptions and road closures today, so read on to find out where you can expect them and from what time.

Which roads will be closed for London Marathon 2024 and at what times?

Which roads are closed for the marathon?

Here are the closures to be mindful of:

• Charlton Way, Greenwich: 4am to 1pm
• Shooters Hill Road: 4am to 1pm
• St John’s Park: 7am to 1pm
• Charlton Park Road: 7am to 1pm
• Old Dover Road: 7am to 1pm
• Little Heath: 7am to 1pm
• Charlton Park Lane: 7am to 1pm
• Artillery Place: 7am to 1pm
• John Wilson Street: 7am to 1pm
• Woolwich Church Street: 7am to 2pm
• Woolwich Road: 7am to 2pm
• Trafalgar Road: 7am to 3pm
• Creek Road: 7am to 3pm
• Evelyn Street: 8am to 4pm
• Surrey Quays Road: 8am to 4pm
• Salter Road: 8am to 4pm
• Brunel Road: 8am to 4pm
• Jamaica Road: 8am to 4pm
• Tower Bridge: 8am to 7pm
• The Highway (south side): 8am to 7pm
• Narrow Street: 8am to 7pm
• Westferry Road: 8am to 7pm
• East Ferry Road: 8am to 7pm
• Marsh Wall: 8am to 7pm
• North Colonnade: 8am to 7pm
• Poplar High Street: 8am to 7pm
• Commercial Road: 8am to 7pm
• The Highway (north side): 8am to 7pm
• Byward Street: 7.30am to 8.30pm
• Upper Thames Street: 7.30am to 8.30pm
• Victoria Embankment: 7.30am to 8.30pm
• Birdcage Walk (westbound): 6am on April 21 to May 18
• Birdcage Walk (eastbound): 7.30am on April 22 to May 18

There will be closures right across the route of the London Marathon occurring at separate times throughout the day.

For more information on road closures, download the official guide from the  TCS London Marathon website .

London Underground on marathon day

The  London Underground , London Overground and Docklands Light Railway are running extra services throughout marathon day and are recommended as the best way to get around to keep up with the race action.

Due to the nature of the day, expect services to be busy with crowds of spectators along the route.

Stops near the Marathon route are likely to be very busy, especially the Jubilee, Circle and District lines, and the DLR.

Latest London news

• You could soon be paying £10 a pint in London
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• Map reveals the worst London boroughs for phone thefts as cases rise

To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

Transport for London is encouraging everyone to plan their journeys in advance and check the  TfL website  or TfL Go app for the latest travel information.

London Marathon 2024

• Record number of people take part with millions raised for charity
• Alexander Munyao claims victory as Briton Emile Cairess secures third
• Joel Dommett amongst the big name stars taking part in this year's race
• How to apply for London Marathon 2025 registration as ballot opens
• Ukrainian band of brothers will return to fight after marathon finish line

Buses on marathon day

Bus routes along the route of the marathon will either be diverted or will not run the length of their usual journey until the roads are back open.

If travelling by bus on the day, visit  tfl.gov.uk/bus/status  to see if your bus route is affected.

What time does the London Marathon start?

The race will kick off at around 8.30am with professional athletes leading the way.

The rest of the runners will then set off in waves from rom 10am to 11.30am, with gaps in between to allow the course ahead to clear. All start lines will be closed by 11.30am. 

Start waves and times are allocated based on runners’ predicted finish time, which will have been given to organisers ahead of time.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

MORE : Alexander Munyao wins London Marathon as Briton Emile Cairess secures third spot

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London travel news LIVE: Tube stations forced to shut as 24-hour strike hits the Underground

Several London Underground stations are closed due to workers striking while two Tube lines were halted because of a casualty on the track.

Transport for London said four stations were closed on the network at 3.50pm on Friday due to the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association action.

They are staging a fresh 24-hour strike in a dispute over terms and conditions from Friday and are banning overtime until May 5.

The union said the action was likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including into Saturday morning, but Transport for London said there will not be significant disruption.

Those closed are marked Pimlico, and Regents Park.

Aldgate, Caledonian Road, Bermondsey, Barbican, Temple, Vauxhall and Piccadilly Circus had also been closed but have now reopened.

Camden Town has reopened as well after a power failure.

There is, as of 8pm, a good service on all lines apart from the Northern which had minor delays.

Follow latest updates below...

‘Hundreds of thousands’ expected at pro-Palestinian march in London on Saturday

Police CCTV appeal after sexual assault on Tube station escalator

How do you find out your zone in London?

Celebrate Art of London’s collaborations with women artists

Live updates

Live coverage ends

Our live coverage of today’s travel developments is now ending.

Thank you for joining us, we will be back again with all the latest London travel news.

Tube station reopens

Tufnell Park Tube station has now reopened, TfL has said.

That leaves Pimlico and Regent’s Park still closed, alongside Kentish Town, which is closed for engineering works.

Severe delays on Northern Line

There are severe delays between Camden Town and Battersea due to an earlier fire alert at Brent Cross.

Three Central London Tube stations remain closed

Three central London Tube stations remain closed this evening due to strikes.

These are Pimlico, Regent’s Park and Tufnell Park.

Kentish Town remains closed for engineering works.

Chorleywood, which had earlier been closed, has since reopened.

Highgate station reopens

Highgate station has reopened, Transport for London has said.

It had been closed earlier on Friday.

Meanwhile, the previously reported delays on the Victoria line have cleared up.

Severe delays on the Victoria line

Transport for London is now reporting severe delays on the Victoria line.

A signal failure at Walthamstow Central has led to the issues on the stretch back to Seven Sisters.

Tufnell Park station closed

Tufnell Park station has been closed due to strike action by station staff.

Transport for London will look to reopen it later today.

Minor delays on Victoria Line

The Victoria Line is experiencing minor delays between Seven Sisters and Walthamstow Central due to a signal failure.

Severe weather may impact rail journeys this weekend

Trains running across Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Great Northern networks may be delayed this weekend due to severe weather, National Rail has warned.

Disruption is expected from Saturday evening until 12pm on Sunday.

Camden Town back open

Camden Town Tube station has reopened after being forced to close on Friday due to a power failure.

It means only four stations are now closed, including Kentish Town which is set to be out of action for some time due to works.

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London horses – live: Update issued on return of Household Cavalry horses as Quaker ‘not looking good’

Cavalry horses vida and quaker ran loose in the road near aldwych, central london, article bookmarked.

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The Household Cavalry horses that did not sustain serious injuries after they bolted through London will return to duty in due course, the Army said.

One of the five horses that rampaged through central London has had their condition described as “not looking good”.

A military source has told The Sun that concerns were still high for the black horse Quaker as Vida returned to her stables overnight after an operation.

One has since been transferred to an equine hospital while the others remain under close observation.

It came as an alleged whistleblower at Hyde Park Barracks explained that she saw rats roaming around where the horses are kept and that they were often given “dirty water”.

The former volunteer, giving her name as Kate, told LBC the horses would sometimes “only have exercise for an hour a day, and very little sunlight, often stuck inside.”

An Army spokesperson told The Independent: “We take the health and wellbeing of our military working horses extremely seriously. They are well looked after, exercised daily and have 24/7 direct access to world-class veterinary care.”

‘There was so much panic’: How five Household Cavalry horses wreaked havoc across six miles of central London

Where did the five loose london horses go during their run across the capital.

• Household Cavalry horse spooked and rider thrown to ground in separate incident after London chaos

What is the Household Cavalry?

Injured household cavalry horses offered new home after rampaging through streets of london, offers to rehome injured household cavalry horses who rampaged through london.

Exclusive: The Horses Trust - already home to many retired military horses - has offered to rescue the stricken pair

Army denies whistleblower claims horses only get one hour exercise from ‘dark, rat-infested barracks’

Army denies claims horses get one hour exercise from ‘dark, rat-infested barracks’.

Quaker and Vida were spooked by falling concrete and ran at top speed through central London during Wednesday rush hour

How five Household Cavalry horses wreaked havoc across six miles of central London

Three soldiers were injured after the mounted regiment horses getting exercise were spooked by falling concrete - covered in blood they then tore through the capital

Two rampant horses covered a great distance in central London, leaving four injured

‘We’ll rehome Household Cavalry horses,’ says UK’s oldest equine charity

The UK’s oldest equine charity has offered to rehome the runaway Household Cavalry horses should they be unable to return to military duty, The Independent can reveal.

Five people were injured after seven service horses — one of which was covered in blood — ran riot through central London on Wednesday, smashing into cars, buses and bringing parts of the capital to a standstill.

“There were five horses. They have all been recovered. Three of them are fine, two of them are unfortunately in a relatively serious condition and obviously we will be monitoring that condition,” the defence minister James Cartlidge told Sky News this morning.

‘Tradition is no excuse for cruelty’ PETA call for end of horse exploitation

Elisa Allen, of PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, wrote in the Mirror: “As prey animals, their natural fight or flight instinct is paramount to their survival – and the only reliable outcome is that a horse will behave unpredictably.

“Attempting to suppress horses’ natural stress response puts them at risk – those used to control rowdy crowds are often the targets of hooligans. Earlier this week, a horse was struck with an umbrella at a St George’s Day protest, and in 2020, crowds threw glass bottles and even a bike at mounted officers.

“Tradition is no excuse for cruelty. Just as the practise of using horses to pull buggies has long since faded from our streets with the advent of cars, so must our ever-evolving knowledge of animal sentience spell the end of horse exploitation by our police and military.”

Horses were in flight-or-fight mode, says expert

Redwings Horse Sanctuary explained why the situation, which required two of the horses to be operated on, may have escalated so quickly.

“The incident that spooked those horses must have been fairly dramatic for them to have taken off like that,” Nic De Brauwere, head of behaviour at the charity told The Independent .

“When horses are in flight-or-fight mode, they will continue to run away from what they think could be a dangerous situation until they feel calm enough to relax.

“I imagine that they probably felt disorientated when they started to calm down and they didn’t have a solution as to how to find their way back home until they were caught.

“They probably would have known how to get back to the barracks and walked to that place if they were along their normal route. Horses are pretty good at recognising where they are.”

Formed in 1992, The Household Cavalry is made up of the two most senior regiments in the British Army: The Life Guards and The Blues & Royals.

It is divided into the Household Cavalry Regiment and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, according to its website.

The Household Cavalry Regiment, based at Combermere Barracks in Windsor, is the corps’s operational wing of four squadrons - and fights as part of the Royal Armoured Corps.

The regiment had squadrons on duty with the United Nations in Bosnia in 1994-95 and with Nato forces in Kosovo in 1999. It also fought in Afghanistan in 2006.

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is the ceremonial face of the regiment, conducting mounted state and public duties in London.

It carries out the ceremonial duties from Hyde Park Barracks in London. It consists of one squadron from The Life Guards, one from The Blues and Royals and one joint Headquarters Squadron.

Members of the regiment take part in many of the great state occasions such as Trooping the Colour and the State Opening of Parliament. They also stand sentry at Horse Guards, once the official entrance to St James’s Palace and Whitehall Palace.

Two Household Cavalry horses are injured but still alive after a bloody rampage through central London

Blood-soaked Household Cavalry horses loose in central London injuring people and hitting cars

Blood-soaked household cavalry horses loose in central london cause chaos.

The horses are said to have become spooked during a training exercise

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Middle East Crisis U.S. Won’t Suspend Aid, for Now, to Israeli Unit Accused of Abuses

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• Israeli police detaining protesters during a demonstration by Israeli and American rabbis near the Erez crossing into Gaza. Reuters
• Palestinian children waiting for a water supply tank in Rafah, southern Gaza. Mohammed Abed/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Damage in the area of Nabatieh, southern Lebanon. Ramiz Dallah/Anadolu, via Getty Images
• Walking past posters in Tel Aviv of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
• Hanging around the apparent remains of a ballistic missile near the southern Israeli city of Arad. Amir Cohen/Reuters
• Palestinians on a hot day at a beach west of Deir al Balah in southern Gaza. Mohammed Saber/EPA, via Shutterstock

Follow live news updates on the crisis in the Middle East .

Blinken says the U.S. could take action if Israel fails to hold its troops accountable.

The Biden administration, which has been under pressure for its support of Israel’s war in Gaza, will not withhold military aid from a troubled military unit accused of human rights violations in the West Bank, so long as Israel continues with steps to hold the members of the unit accountable.

In an undated letter, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken told the House speaker, Mike Johnson, that the United States was working with Israel to address charges against the unit, the Netzah Yehuda battalion. Though the letter did not mention the battalion’s name, a U.S. official confirmed that Mr. Blinken was referring to Netzah Yehuda, which has been investigated for crimes in the West Bank predating the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack that set off the war in Gaza.

The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss delicate diplomacy, said that the Biden administration could still take action against Netzah Yehuda if it concludes that Israel has not taken sufficient steps to hold its members to account.

The letter, obtained by The New York Times, said the State Department had determined that Netzah Yehuda had committed “gross human rights violations” against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

U.S. officials had reached similar findings about two other Israeli military units and two civilian units, the letter said, but in those cases the Biden administration had decided not to withhold military aid because Israel was already acting to “bring to justice” culpable service members.

Mr. Blinken assured Mr. Johnson in the letter, reported earlier by ABC News , that the United States “will not delay the delivery of any U.S. assistance, and Israel will be able to receive the full amount appropriated by Congress.”

Under federal statutes commonly known as the Leahy law , the U.S. government must deny aid to foreign military units found to have committed gross violations of human rights without accountability. The law allows for the targeting of individual units without cutting off entire foreign militaries.

It was not clear what practical effect any such move might have, given that funding of specific Israeli units is hard to track, and it is unclear whether the units mentioned in the letter receive American training or equipment.

Still, the news last week that U.S. officials were considering withholding aid from Israeli military units for abuses prompted a furious response from Israel and from Mr. Johnson, a strong supporter of the current Israeli government. Mr. Johnson said this week that he had called the White House in protest and had received an assurance in writing that none of the billions in additional U.S. aid to Israel approved by Congress this week would be affected.

The Biden administration has faced growing calls to restrict American aid to Israel over its military offensive in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attacks in October. President Biden so far has declined to place conditions on U.S. aid over Israel’s devastating tactics in the Gaza war, though he has taken several steps in response to violence by Israelis in the West Bank, including placing sanctions against several Israeli settlers for what the U.S. has called “extremist” acts of violence against Palestinians.

In his letter to the Republican House speaker, Mr. Blinken said that two Israeli battalions and “civilian authority units,” none of which he named, had committed human rights abuses but that he had “determined that the Israeli government has conducted effective remediation of the units involved.” He defined remediation as a process in which a foreign government takes “effective steps to bring to justice the responsible members of the unit.”

In the case of Netzah Yehuda, which he did not cite by name, he said that “there has not been effective remediation to date” but that the Israeli government “has presented new information regarding the status of the unit, and we will engage on identifying a path to effective remediation for this unit.”

Mr. Blinken is planning to travel to Israel next week for meetings with Israeli leaders to discuss efforts to free hostages from Gaza and an impending Israeli military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, an Israeli official said on Friday. It was not immediately clear whether he would discuss Netzah Yehuda. Mr. Blinken has discussed the matter by phone with senior Israeli officials in recent days.

Under the terms of a 10-year security agreement that the United States and Israel reached in 2016, the United States must consult with Israeli officials before placing restrictions on security assistance. That consultation is ongoing, according to the U.S. official.

Netzah Yehuda, which was created to accommodate the religious practices of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community, has been repeatedly accused of mistreating Palestinians.

In January 2022, according to witnesses, its soldiers bound and gagged a 78-year-old Palestinian American who died of a heart attack while in military custody. An investigation concluded that the two soldiers who bound the man thought he was sleeping. The soldiers faced disciplinary action but no criminal charges were brought.

The unit was transferred in 2022 from the West Bank to the Golan Heights in northern Israel, according to Mr. Blinken’s letter.

Mr. Blinken added that no other Israeli units had been found culpable of rights violations under the Leahy Law and that the administration’s deliberations “will have no impact on our support for Israel’s ability to defend itself against Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah or other threats.”

— Michael Crowley reporting from Washington

Blinken will make another wartime trip to Israel.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will visit Israel next week, an Israeli official said on Friday, as talks on a cease-fire deal that would allow for the release of hostages held in Gaza appear stalled and tensions have risen between Israel and the United States over the war.

The Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of lack of authorization to speak publicly on the matter, said talks with Mr. Blinken would center on hostages and an impending Israeli military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Mr. Blinken last visited Israel in March, when he warned that its plans to invade Rafah , where more than a million displaced people are sheltering, would pose severe risks to civilians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead with those plans, saying that such an operation is necessary to eliminate Hamas battalions in the city.

Still, the Biden administration has stuck by Israel as mediators have failed to broker even a temporary cease-fire in Gaza that would give Palestinians some respite and allow for the release of hostages abducted in the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel .

The United States has proposed a deal through Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries in which Hamas would release 40 of the most vulnerable hostages in exchange for a six-week truce and the release of hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. A senior Biden administration official who briefed reporters on Thursday on condition of anonymity under official ground rules put the blame solely on Hamas for blocking the deal.

The official said that while Israel had signaled it would accept those terms, the response from Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader hiding underground in Gaza, had been “totally nonconstructive.” Hamas has since signaled that it is not completely rejecting the deal and is willing to sit down again, the official said, adding that the United States and its partners would test that in coming days.

President Biden and the leaders of 17 other nations called on Hamas on Thursday to release all the hostages in a joint statement that appeared intended to send the message that the world is not entirely against Israel and that Hamas is the main impediment to ending the war.

Peter Baker contributed reporting from Washington.

— Patrick Kingsley reporting from Jerusalem

Israel fires into Lebanon after a deadly Hezbollah missile strike.

An Israeli man was killed in an anti-tank missile attack from Lebanon, the Israeli military said on Friday, the latest in a growing string of civilian casualties on both sides of Israel’s northern border as tit-for-tat strikes intensify with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah .

The Israeli military said in a statement that the man had been carrying out “infrastructure work” when two anti-tank missiles were fired late Thursday into the area of Har Dov in northern Israel, a disputed sliver of land where Israel, Lebanon and Syria meet. Also known as the Shebaa Farms, the area is claimed by Lebanon but occupied by Israel, and has long been a crucible for violence.

Hezbollah, Iran’s most powerful regional proxy , described the overnight attack as an “ambush,” claiming that two vehicles had been destroyed in a combined missile, artillery and rocket assault on an Israeli military base in the area. The Israeli military statement did not say whether a base had been hit.

Kan, Israel’s public broadcaster, identified the man killed as Sharif Suwayed, 35, and said that his truck had been hit while he was working to improve defenses at a military base, modifications that were being carried out at night to protect against Hezbollah attacks. The Israeli military was investigating, the broadcaster reported.

Israeli forces responded by striking Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon, among them a weapon storage facility and military compound, according to a military statement. Lebanese state media reported on Friday that multiple towns had been targeted by heavy Israeli bombardment, damaging dozens of houses. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The fighting between Hezbollah and Israel, the heaviest between the sides in nearly two decades, has shown no sign of subsiding. Israeli strikes inside Lebanon have begun to creep deeper into the country’s interior, though the hostilities for now have been confined largely to areas along the Israeli-Lebanese border.

In Israel, 19 soldiers and civilians have been killed in the recent violence, which began after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel in support of the deadly Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7.

More than 70 civilians have been killed in Lebanon, along with roughly 270 Hezbollah fighters, the group has said, a figure that exceeds its losses in the 2006 war with Israel .

Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defense minister, said this week that its strikes had eliminated half of Hezbollah’s commanders in southern Lebanon, although experts expressed skepticism about that claim . They also have cast doubt on whether targeted killings of commanders could achieve Israel’s goal of pushing Hezbollah farther from the border, reducing the threat of attacks and allowing the tens of thousands of Israeli civilians displaced by the fighting to return to their homes.

Patrick Kingsley contributed reporting from Jerusalem.

— Euan Ward Reporting from Beirut, Lebanon

A baby born in Gaza after her mother was killed in an Israeli strike dies less than a week later.

A baby who was delivered through an emergency cesarean section after her mother was killed in an Israeli strike died on Thursday, a relative said, less than a week after news of her birth brought a glimmer of hope to war-torn Gaza.

The baby, who was born prematurely after a strike in southern Gaza that also killed her father and sister, suffered respiratory problems, and doctors were unable to save her, said her uncle, Rami al-Sheikh.

“I buried her in her father’s grave,” he said in a phone interview on Friday.

The mother, Sabreen al-Sakani, was killed along with her husband, Shukri, and their 3-year-old daughter, Malak, when an Israeli strike hit their home in the city of Rafah shortly before midnight last Saturday. Rescue crews took the bodies to the Emirati Hospital in Rafah, where doctors performed a cesarean section on Ms. al-Sakani, who was 30 weeks pregnant.

The girls’ uncle said that Malak had wanted to name her little sister Rouh, the Arabic word for soul. The extended family decided instead to name her after her mother, Sabreen.

Sabreen weighed just three pounds at birth, said Dr. Mohammed Salama, head of the neonatal intensive care unit at Emirati Hospital. Her birth was captured on video by a journalist from the Reuters news agency, who filmed doctors providing artificial respiration to her after she emerged, pale and limp, from her mother.

Instead of a name, doctors initially wrote, “The baby of the martyr Sabreen al-Sakani” on a piece of tape across her chest.

“The baby was delivered into a tragic situation,” Dr. Salama told Reuters, adding, “Even if this baby survives, she was born an orphan.”

— Hiba Yazbek Reporting from Jerusalem

Drone attack kills 4 workers in an Iraqi gas field, but no one claims responsibility.

A drone attack on a large gas field in Iraq’s Kurdistan region killed four workers and plunged much of eastern Kurdistan into darkness because it relies on gas to fuel its electrical plants, according to a Kurdistan regional government spokesman.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. While Iranian-backed armed groups have bases in the area, there are many competing interests in Kurdistan, leaving it unclear whether the attacks are part of the larger regional fight between Iran and Israel, which has intensified during the war in Gaza.

The Kurdistan region’s president, Nechirvan Barzani, condemned the attack and called on the government in Baghdad to investigate. “These attacks endanger the peace and stability of the country,” Mr. Barzani said, adding, “The representatives of the Iraqi federal government must do their duty to prevent these attacks and find the perpetrators from any side and punish them according to the law.”

Iraq’s joint command in Baghdad issued a statement calling the attack “sabotage,” confirming that a drone was used. The statement said Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani had ordered an investigation.

Friday’s drone attack was the second so far this year on the Khor Mor field in Sulaymaniyah Province. The last one, in January, did not inflict casualties.

“Four Yemeni workers have been killed, and the field has been severely damaged, which will cause electricity shortages,” said Peshawa Hawramani, a spokesman for the Kurdistan regional government.

Almost a million people in Sulaymaniyah Province were left without power, along with thousands more in adjacent provinces. It took about 24 hours to restore electricity after the last attack, but because the damage was greater this time, Kurdish authorities said it could take longer. While hospitals and security services have large generators, many ordinary residents have access only to limited power from shared generators.

Claims of responsibility were never made for previous attacks on the gas field, which is operated by Dana Gas, based in the United Arab Emirates, and a related company, Crescent Petroleum.

While the drone attack could stem from the regional conflict between Iran and Israel, there are other tensions in the region — between internal Iraqi factions and between Baghdad and Kurdistan. There has been a multiyear effort by the Iraqi federal government in Baghdad and the courts to reduce the Kurdistan region’s control over its natural resources.

At the same time, there is tension between Iran and Iraq over any efforts by Iraq to expand domestic gas production. Iran sells about $4 billion of gas to Iraq each year because Iraq does not have enough gas to fuel its electricity plants. Kurdistan and the Iraqi government had been discussing expansion of the Khor Mor field.

Kamil Kakol contributed reporting from Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq .

— Alissa J. Rubin Reporting from Baghdad

Rabbis are arrested near the Gaza-Israel border at a rally to highlight starvation.

Police arrest group of rabbis and activists near gaza, the israeli police arrested rabbis and peace activists near the border with gaza..

[singing] You can arrest us, but we’re going to walk slowly, our way towards the crossing.

Seven rabbis and peace activists were arrested on Friday near the border with Gaza after they tried to take food supplies into the territory, according to two participants and the campaign group that organized the effort.

The detainees were among a group of roughly 30 rabbis and activists from Israel and the United States who were stopped by police officers as they tried to reach the Erez crossing, a major transit point between Israel and northern Gaza.

Organized by Rabbis for Ceasefire, a peace movement based in the United States, the effort was intended to build support for a truce and to highlight rising reports of starvation in Gaza . A global authority on food security, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative, has predicted an imminent famine in northern Gaza, the area of the territory closest to Erez.

The protest was timed to coincide with the week of Passover , a Jewish festival that celebrates the biblical story of the liberation of Jews from slavery in ancient Egypt.

“We were making the point that Jewish liberation is bound up with Palestinian liberation, that we want freedom for all,” said Toba Spitzer, a rabbi from Boston who attended the protest but was not arrested.

The group had tried to drive into Gaza with a pickup truck carrying half a ton of rice and flour but was stopped roughly a third of a mile from the border, Rabbi Spitzer said. The effort was largely symbolic and the organizers expected it to fail given the restrictions along the border; the supplies will now be donated to needy Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Rabbi Spitzer said.

The Israeli police did not respond to requests for comment.

The author Ayelet Waldman of Berkeley, Calif., was among those arrested, her husband, the author Michael Chabon, said on Instagram .

There are widespread food shortages in Gaza. Israeli restrictions on where convoys can enter the strip, Israeli bombardment and widespread damage to roads, the collapse of Gazan agriculture, and a breakdown in law and order have all made it harder to distribute aid safely.

Aid groups and United Nations officials have accused Israel of systematically limiting aid delivery. Israel denies the assertion, blaming the shortages on logistical failures by aid groups, and has recently increased the number of trucks entering the strip.

Israeli officials say that the Erez crossing, which was primarily used for pedestrian traffic before the war, is difficult to use for aid delivery because it lacks the right infrastructure and was also badly damaged during the Hamas-led raid on Israel in October.

A majority of Jewish Israelis oppose the delivery of more aid to Gaza, according to a poll conducted in February by the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based research group.

Israeli protesters regularly gather at another crossing point farther south, trying to block aid convoys entering Gaza .

— Patrick Kingsley and Rawan Sheikh Ahmad Reporting from Jerusalem and from Haifa, Israel

The U.S. Army has begun work on a floating pier to move aid from ships into Gaza, the Pentagon says.

Army engineers on Thursday began construction of a floating pier and causeway for humanitarian aid off the coast of Gaza, which, when completed, could help relief workers deliver as many as two million meals a day for the enclave’s residents, Defense Department officials said.

The construction on the “initial stages of the temporary pier and causeway at sea” means that the project’s timing is in line with what Pentagon officials had predicted, Maj. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder, the Defense Department’s press secretary, said. The construction is meant to allow humanitarian aid to bypass Israeli restrictions on land convoys into the besieged strip.

General Ryder said that defense officials expected the project, ordered up by President Biden early last month, to be completed early next month. The facility is meant to include an offshore platform to transfer aid from ships, and a floating pier to bring the aid to shore.

Aid organizations have welcomed the plan, which will be an addition to the airdrops of humanitarian supplies that the U.S. military has been conducting over Gaza. But aid workers say, and defense officials have acknowledged, that the maritime project is not an adequate substitute for land convoys. Such aid convoys fell sharply when the war began more than six months ago and have only partly recovered .

Some U.S. military officials have also privately expressed security concerns about the project, and General Ryder said that the military was looking into a mortar attack on Wednesday that caused minimal damage in the area where some pier work is supposed to be done. However, he said, U.S. forces had not started moving anything into the area at the time of the mortar attacks.

The floating pier is being built alongside an Army ship off the Gaza coast. Army ships are large, lumbering vessels, so they have armed escorts, particularly as they get within range of Gaza’s coast, defense officials have said.

The United Nations says famine is likely to set in within Gaza by the end of May.

Aid workers have described bottlenecks for aid at border crossings because of lengthy inspections of trucks, limited crossing hours and protests by Israelis, and they have highlighted the difficulty of distributing aid inside Gaza. Israeli officials have denied that they are hampering the flow of aid, saying the United Nations and aid groups are responsible for any backlogs.

Senior Biden administration and military officials detailed a complex plan in a Pentagon call with reporters on Thursday afternoon, explaining how the pier and causeway are being put together, and how it is supposed to work. Army engineers are constructing the facility aboard Navy ships in the eastern Mediterranean. One official said that the “at-sea assembly of key pieces” of the pier began on Thursday.

Biden officials are insistent that the Pentagon can carry out aid deliveries through the floating pier without putting American boots on the ground in Gaza. Officials described a complicated shuttle system, through which aid would be loaded onto Navy ships in Cyprus and transported to a causeway — a floating platform — at sea.

The Pentagon’s military acronym for the project is J-Lots, for Joint Logistics Over the Shore.

The causeway at sea is different from the floating pier where the aid will be offloaded into Gaza. An engineering unit with the Israeli military will anchor the floating pier to the Gaza shore, a senior military official told reporters in the Pentagon call.

Shuttle boats run by aid organizations, the United Nations or other countries are then expected to transport the aid to the floating pier, where it is to be loaded onto trucks driven by “a third party,” the official said. He declined to identify the third party.

The official said that Israel was dedicating a brigade to provide security for the American troops and aid workers working on the pier.

The operation is expected to bring in enough aid for around 90 trucks a day, a number that will increase to 150 trucks a day when the system reaches full operating capacity, the official said.

— Helene Cooper Reporting from Washington

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