How to Use London’s Public Transportation: A Guide for Visitors
London has one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world. Combine London’s underground metro and the iconic red buses with the new easy-to-use tap-to-pay system, and visitors can easily get anywhere in the city.
London also has river boats, famous black cabs, and Uber. So with Google Maps guiding your way, you should absolutely use London’s public transportation on your next trip.
Understanding London’s Fare Zones
London’s public transport network is divided into nine zones. Tourists will spend most of their time in zones one or two.
The further away you are from Central London, the higher the zone. For example, Heathrow Airport is located in Zone 6.
The good news is that you don’t need to worry about zones at all. Just tap on and off with your credit card, phone or Oyster card and the system will automatically calculate the fare. On buses, you just need to tap on, no need to tap off.
Debbie with our luggage at Earl’s Court tube station. All photos by John O’Boyle / The Empty Nest Explorers
Paying for London Mass Transportation
Since London has moved to a tap-in - tap-out system, paying for public transportation has become simple.
Contactless cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a contactless debit/credit card) are the easiest option for most travelers. Simply tap the same card or device at the start and end of each journey, and the correct fare is calculated automatically.
Oyster cards are prepaid smartcards designed specifically for London transport. They work in the same way as contactless cards but are useful if your bank card doesn’t support contactless payments in the UK. Another good use of Oyster cards is for children; no need to hand them one of your credit cards.
You can purchase Oyster cards at any Underground station.
The iconic colors and shape of the Jubilee Line.
The London Underground (“The Tube”)
The London Underground, commonly known as the Tube, is one of the oldest metro networks in the world.
The Tube opened in 1863, making it the first underground railway ever built. The first trains were powered by steam locomotives, creating smoky conditions in the tunnels.
While many of the Underground stations are ultra-modern, some still remind travelers of the classic days.
Today, the Underground consists of 11 color-coded lines serving more than 272 stations.
The huge number of stations and frequent train arrivals make The Tube a fast and efficient way to get around.
The Tower Hill Underground Station with the Tower of London in the background.
Tube Operating Hours
Trains generally run from around 5:00 am until midnight, Monday through Saturday, with slightly reduced hours on Sundays.
Night Tube services operate on selected lines—such as the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines—on Friday and Saturday nights, offering 24-hour travel for late-night outings.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the “Night Tube” services operate on selected lines—such as the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines allowing for 24-hour service.
Many Underground stations are very deep below the streets but others are above ground like the Earls Court Station.
London Overground, Elizabeth Line, and Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
The distinctive colors of the London Overground line.
Transport for London, the governmental organization that operates London’s Underground, has simplified its complex network of lines. As a visitor, you may use the Elizabeth Line to access Heathrow Airport. The DLR lines don’t have fare gates, so you’ll need to tap on and off at the platform.
Other than that, just think of them as another colored line on the Underground map.
Day Trips outside of London
The Windsor train station has fantastic views of Windsor Castle - a wonderful and easy day trip.
If you are taking a day trip outside London by yourself, you’ll probably be taking National Rail.
We have a whole blog post about Britain’s National Rail network: Traveling by train in Britain: a guide for beginners
We also have posts on great day trips from London:
London Buses
The red double-decker buses are more than just a symbol of London; they are also the city’s most used transportation system.
You’ll see buses everywhere. The buses reach nearly every section of London, and many run 24 hours a day.
All bus journeys cost a flat fare, regardless of distance, making buses one of the cheapest ways to get around London.
Unlike the Underground, you only tap in when boarding—there’s no need to tap out when you get off.
Generally speaking, buses are slower than the Underground, but they offer a wonderful tour of the city. Riding on the upper deck, especially in the front seat, never gets old.
Numerous bus lines, including line 11, take you past many of London’s iconic landmarks. A cheap and easy sightseeing tour.
A London bus passes The Elizabeth Tower.
River Boats on the Thames
On our most recent trip to London, we took the Uber boat to visit Greenwich. It was a fun and scenic way to go. Floating under Tower Bridge is a sight to remember.
These may not be the fastest way to get around, but they certainly are memorable, giving you a fresh view of many iconic landmarks along the river.
An Uber Boat goes under Tower Bridge.
Operated primarily as Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, river services run between Putney in the west and Woolwich in the east.
Boats stop at major piers near attractions such as Westminster, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Greenwich.
Just like the Underground, you can pay using Oyster or contactless cards by tapping in and out, or you can purchase tickets online or at the pier.
River travel is typically more expensive than buses or the Tube, but I highly recommend you try it at least once during your visit.
Black cabs and Uber
A Black cab passes the Houses of Parliament.
London’s Black cabs are not only iconic, but they are spacious. The Black cabs can fit up to 5 people, making it affordable for larger groups.
The most unique aspect of Black cabs is that the drivers are required to pass “The Knowledge” test. The notoriously difficult exam requires drivers to memorize London's streets, landmarks, and routes within a 6-mile radius of Trafalgar Square. This includes an impressive 25,000 streets and thousands of points of interest. So when you are riding with a Black cab driver, you are riding with a London expert.
Uber in London works exactly the same as Uber in the United States. The cars are readily available, and the pricing is moderate.
Bottom line - Many of London’s main central attractions are walkable, but walking everywhere will wear you out very quickly.
Please use London’s mass transit system. Google Maps will give you great instructions, and using tap on and tap off is very easy.
Keep your valuables out of sight and in zippered or safe pockets, and you’ll be in great shape.
Some well-reviewed London travel experiences:
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Other London travel posts:
London has one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world. Combine London’s underground metro and the iconic red buses with the new easy-to-use tap-to-pay system, and visitors can easily get anywhere in the city.
London also has river boats, famous black cabs, and Uber. So with Google Maps guiding your way, you should absolutely use London’s public transportation on your next trip.