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London Tube

London Underground sign. Copyright Britain on View

The London Underground, or 'the Tube' as it is universally known to Londoners, is normally the quickest and easiest way of travelling around London.

London Tube Travel Information

Plan your route online with Transport for London's Journey Planner.

For detailed information on the Tube, stations, buses, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), trams or local trains within London visit the Transport for London website or phone the 24 hour Travel Information Service on +44 (0)20 7222 1234, email travinfo@tfl.gov.uk

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 the Britain and London Visitor Centre.

You can download a handy Tube and bus map designed for visitors in our Travel Maps section.

London's Tube Network

Greater London is served by 12 Tube lines, along with the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and an interconnected local train network. Trains generally run between 5am and midnight, Monday to Saturday. Operating hours are reduced on Sunday. Exact details depend on the station and the line, so it's worth checking the Transport for London website.

Tips for Tube Travellers

Devised in 1933 by Harry Beck, the Underground map is a 20th-century design classic. It's very useful, clearly indicating the general directions used to designate trains (north, south, east or westbound). Interchanges clearly indicated.
Some other useful tips when using the Tube:

Avoid travelling during the rush hours if at all possible
Check the front of the train for the correct destination
Stand on the right when using escalators

Zones and Tube Fares

London's transport map is divided into six concentric zones with Zones 1 and 2 in Central London and Zone 6 covering the outer edge of the capital. You should consider an Oyster card and/or a Travelcard to get the best fares and beat the queues. If you're caught on the Tube without a valid ticket you're liable for an on-the-spot fine.

Cheaper by Oyster

Oyster card and reader. Copyright Transport for London, 2005

Oyster card prices are always cheaper than paper tickets for the Tube. The cash single fare for all journeys via Zone 1 is £4, up to £2.40 more than the Oyster fare.

Concessions

Various discounts and free travel are available for children, students, the elderly and disabled travellers. See our Travelcard page and the Transport for London website for details.

London Tube - Accessibility Information

Access to most Tube stations is via numerous steps. The system can become very crowded at peak times and, therefore, difficult for those with mobility problems.