A woman stands in the streets of London while a red bus approaches.

London public transport information: getting around the city guide

Getting around London

Plan your journeys with ease using London public transport and discover the best ways of getting around London.

A close-up photo of the London Underground roundel outside a station with a building in the background

Travel on the Tube

Get around London on the London Underground rail network.

Hand of a woman holding an Oyster card outside the entrance of the underground

Oyster cards

Get an Oyster card or a travelcard to easily explore the capital.

Battersea Power Station Tube station in the evening with people walking around in the foreground and the iconic Battersea Power Station with lights on in the background

Free travel maps

Plan your route around London with these free maps and guides.

A photo of the purple Elizabeth line roundel in a London station

Elizabeth line in London

Discover everything you need to know about the Elizabeth line.

From the London Underground (Tube), buses and trams to local trains, river services and cable cars, there are plenty of ways to get around London depending on your journey and preferences.

London’s public transport system is fully integrated, meaning you can travel across all services using contactless payment or an Oyster card, with fares automatically capped daily to help manage your costs.

Find out more about getting around London, including practical tips, maps and guides.

London public transport at a glance

🚇 The Tube is the fastest way to travel across London.
🚌 Buses are the most affordable option with a flat fare.
💳 Use contactless or an Oyster card – no need for paper tickets.
💷 Daily caps limit how much you spend each day.
🕒 Travel off peak for cheaper, less crowded journeys.
🚫 Buses and trams don’t accept cash payments.

Public transport in London: which option is best for you?

There are several ways to travel around London. Most visitors use a mix of options depending on distance, cost and convenience. Fares vary based on how far you travel, with most attractions located in central London Zones 1 and 2. Travelling outside busy peak times is usually cheaper, while daily caps limit how much you pay in a single day. Not sure which option to choose? Explore each means of transport in London below to find the best way to get around the city.

London Underground (Tube)

The Tube is the fastest way to travel across the city, with 11 lines and frequent services.

Buses

Iconic and practical, London buses are best for budget travel, families and step-free journeys.

A photo of the side of an orange London overground train on a platform

Local trains

Ideal for exploring further, local trains include the London Overground, National Rail and the Elizabeth line.

An image of Thames Clippers' Galaxy river boat approaching Tower Bridge, taken from river level.

Riverboat services

Make the most of the city's riverboat services for picturesque journeys along the Thames.

A Docklands Light Railway train at a station in east London with an office in the background on a blue sunny day

Docklands Light Railway (DLR)

Discover lovely parts of east and south-east London with the city's innovative, driverless DLR network.

London Cable Car

Experience a scenic way to travel above the Thames between Greenwich and the Royal Docks.

From £13.00

More ways to get around the city

In addition to public transport, there are other ways to get around London depending on your journey, budget and preferences. Walking and cycling are ideal for short distances, while taxis offer convenient door-to-door travel – especially late at night or when travelling with luggage.

Cycling

Walking

A photo of three black taxi cabs driving past the Houses of Parliament in Westminster

Taxis

Compare London public transport options

Compare London’s transport options based on ease of use, cost and coverage to help you choose the best way to travel for your journey.

London transport option	Best for	Cost guide	Oyster/contactless accepted	Ease of use	Coverage
🚇 Tube	Fast travel across London	££	Yes	Easy	Excellent
🚌 Bus	Budget travel, step-free journeys, sightseeing	£	Yes	Easy	Excellent
🚆Local train/Overground	Exploring beyond the Tube and central London	££	Yes	Easy	High
🚃 Tram	Budget travel, step-free journeys, exploring parts of south London	£	Yes	Easy	Limited
🚈 DLR	Driverless journeys to parts of east and south-east London	££	Yes	Easy	Limited
🚤 Riverboat	Picturesque, leisurely journeys along the Thames	£££	Yes	Easy	Limited
🚠 Cable car	Scenic, family-friendly ride above the Thames	£££	Yes	Easy	Very limited
🚲 Cycling	Exploring at your own pace, venturing further afield	£	No	Moderate	Central
🚕 Taxi	Carrying luggage, travelling to specific destinations	£££	No	Easy	Citywide

More London travel information

Find useful resources to help you plan and navigate your journeys around London. From understanding fares and checking routes to accessibility guides and travel apps, explore all the information you need to get around the city with confidence.

A photo of an airplane landing on the runway at London City Airport with the City of London skyline in the background

Essential information

Navigate London with ease with the latest traveller information, from airport transfers to luggage storage.

man cycling on bridge on a Santander Bike in front of London skyline

Cheap travel tips

Check out these top money-saving transport tips, including the cheapest ways to get around London.

Illuminated London Underground roundel at night at a Tube station.

Night Tube

Find out about the Night Tube, which offers a 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays.

Woman looking at her mobile phone next to a Tube train on a busy platform at a London Underground station

Best London travel apps

From transport to sightseeing, use the best London travel apps to discover all the city has to offer.

Sign at a London airport that says, 'Meeting point' and has a symbol of a person in a wheelchair

Accessible public transport

Find your way around London with our guide to accessible and wheelchair-friendly travel.

A congestion charge sign on a road with a black taxi behind on a sunny day

Driving in London

If you're planning to drive in London, learn about car hire, parking and the London Congestion Charge.

Explore by category

Tickets, hotels and offers

Theatre tickets

Attraction tickets

Ad feature

Hilton hotels in London

London public transport FAQs

How does public transport work in London?

London’s public transport network is run by Transport for London (TfL) and includes the Tube, buses, trains and river services. The system is fully integrated, meaning you can travel across all services using the same payment method.

How do you pay for public transport in London?

You can pay using contactless (card, phone or smartwatch) or an Oyster card. Simply tap in and out, and fares are calculated automatically.

What’s the best way to get around London as a visitor?

Most visitors get around London using a combination of the Tube, buses and walking. The Tube is the fastest way to travel across the city and reach major attractions, while buses are a more affordable option and a good way to see London as you travel. For shorter distances, walking is often the easiest and most convenient option in central London, with many key sights located close together.

What travel zones do I need in London?

London is divided into nine zones, with most visitor attractions in Zones 1 and 2. The zones you travel through affect the cost of your journey.

How much does public transport cost in London?

Public transport costs in London depend on distance, zones and time of travel. Off-peak journeys are cheaper, while daily caps limit how much you pay each day.