London Tube
- greaterlondon
- Apr 8, 2015
- 3 min read
The London Underground rail network, or "the Tube" is a great way to travel to and from Central London and will be an integral part of most people's stay in the UK capital.
Greater London is served by 12 Tube lines, along with the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and an interconnected local train network. Underground trains generally run between 5am and midnight, Monday to Saturday, with reduced operating hours on Sunday. From Saturday 12 September 2015, there will be 24-hour Tube service on Friday and Saturday nights on the Jubilee, Victoria and most of the Piccadilly, Central and Northern Tube lines. Exact details depend on the station and the line, so it's worth checking the Transport for London website.
Zones and Tube Fares
London's public transport network is divided into nine travel zones. Zone 1 is in Central London and zones 6 to 9 are on the outskirts of the city. Buy a Visitor Oyster card, Oyster card, Travelcard or use a contactless payment card to get the best value as cash is the most expensive way to pay.
An adult cash fare for a single journey in zone 1 is £4.80. The same fare with Visitor Oyster card, Oyster card or contactless payment card is £2.30. For contactless payment cards issued outside the UK, please check for transaction fees or bank changes. There are various discounts available for children, students, and elderly travellers.
Free London Tube Maps and Guides
Transport for London produces free maps and guides to help you get around. You can pick up a London Underground Map upon arrival at any London Tube station. London Travel Information centres sell tickets and provide free maps. There are centres at all Heathrow Airport terminals, major stations in London and at Tourist Information Centres.
You can also download a handy Tube and bus map designed for visitors in our Travel Maps section.
Tips for Tube Travellers
Travelling around London on the Tube? Here are some other useful tips that will make your journey more enjoyable and efficient:
Avoid travelling during rush hours (weekdays, 7-9am and 5.30-7pm) if at all possible
Check the front of the train for the correct destination
Stand on the right when using escalators
Wait for passengers to leave the train before boarding
Move down inside the Tube carriages while travelling, so you don't block the doorways for other passengers
Stand behind the yellow line whilst waiting for the train on the platform
Offer your seat to anyone who is unwell, elderly, pregnant or travelling with small children
Hold onto the rails if you are standing during your journey
Mind the gap!
Accessibility Information
Access to most Tube stations is via numerous steps. The London underground system can become very crowded at peak times and, therefore, difficult for those with mobility problems. Many deep-level Tube stations have escalators to platforms. But nearly all the stations with escalators or lifts also have stairs between street level and the ticket hall and/or between the escalator/lift and the platforms. When boarding Tube trains, be aware that there is generally a step of up to 8 inches (20cm), either up or down, between the platform and the train. If this is problematic, travel in the first carriage, so the driver can see you more clearly, and allow enough time for you to get on or off.
Source: Visit London
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