London Underground: how to use it, tickets and local tips

The London is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to get around the city. With 11 lines and more than 270 stations, it is also one of the oldest systems in the world, known locally as "the Tube".

In this guide I explain how the London Underground works, how to buy tickets, which areas to consider, which apps to use and the best tips for getting around like a local.

Tip: Almost all of London's tourist attractions are in zones 1 and 2. If you stay in the center, you'll rarely need to leave these zones.

Which ticket or pass to buy?

Contactless card (credit or debit card)

• The simplest way for those coming for a few days.
• Just tap your card on the reader when you enter and exit.
• Daily cap for zones 1-2: around £7.70

Oyster card

• Rechargeable card specifically for transportation
• Ideal for those who don't want to use their bank card or for longer stays
• Cost £5 (refundable in some situations)

Travelcard

• Physical pass for 1 or more days (by zones)
• It can pay off if you use a lot of transportation in one day

🔁 Important: Contactless and Oyster have exactly the same rates. You don't need both.

How do the metro zones work?

London is divided into 9 zones. Zones 1 and 2 are the city center, where there are:

• Big Ben and Westminster
• Covent Garden
• Soho
• British Museum
• London Eye

The airports are generally outside zone 2, which can affect the price if you take the metro there.

Useful apps

• Citymapperthe most intuitive way to plan routes and see interrupted lines
• TFL Go: London Transport official app
• Google Maps: works well, but less detailed in interrupts

Local tips for using the subway like a Londoner

• Avoid rush hours (7.30-9.30am and 5-7pm)
• Always walk on the left on escalators
• The time between trains is very short (2-4 min), so don't run!
• The line Circle it goes around the center and is great for sightseeing
• Some stations have several names but share the same space (e.g. Bank/Monument)

Prices and daily caps

• Zones 1-2: £7.70
• Zones 1-4: £11
• Zones 1-6 (includes Heathrow): £14.90

The daily cap applies automatically when you use contactless or Oyster. From that amount, the rest of the day is free.

Arriving in London and starting to use the Underground

If you arrive at one of the main airports:

• Heathrow has a direct subway connection (Piccadilly Line)
• Gatwick, Luton, Stanstedneed a train or bus first

Once you're in the city, you can start using the metro with the same contactless card you used to pay for the transfer.

📌 Related articles

• How to get from the airports to central London
• ETA UK: complete guide
• 3-day itinerary in London
• Traveling alone to London

Useful links

• London Underground website

Travel insurance

Even in a city with an excellent transport network, unforeseen circumstances can arise. Take a travel insurance with 5% discount with Heymondo and travel peacefully.

Conclusion: Is it worth using the subway in London?

Absolutely. It's safe, efficient and covers practically the entire city. With this guide and a good contactless card, you'll be able to explore London as if you lived here!