Lines and stations
The Tube has 11 lines and 272 stations, and carried about 1.2 billion journeys in 2024/25. Each line has its own colour on the map. London is split into fare zones, from Zone 1 in the centre outwards.
Trains run from early morning until around midnight. On Friday and Saturday nights the Night Tube runs all night on the Victoria, Jubilee, Central, Northern and Piccadilly lines, at off-peak fares.
Fares and caps
From 1 March 2026 a pay-as-you-go journey in Zone 1 costs £3.10 at peak times and £3.00 off-peak. Zones 1-2 cost £3.60 peak and £3.10 off-peak. Peak is 06:30-09:30 and 16:00-19:00 on weekdays.
Daily caps are £8.90 for Zones 1-2, £10.50 for Zones 1-3, £12.80 for Zones 1-4 and £16.30 for Zones 1-6. With contactless, weekly caps run Monday to Sunday: £44.70 for Zones 1-2 and £81.60 for Zones 1-6. TfL has said caps stay frozen until March 2027.
Prices change, usually each March. Check the TfL fare finder before you travel.
Contactless or Oyster
Most visitors can simply tap a contactless bank card or phone wallet on the yellow reader when entering and leaving. Fares and caps are the same as Oyster. Ask your bank about foreign transaction fees, which are often about 1-3% per payment.
A Visitor Oyster card is an option if your card charges fees. It has a non-refundable £10.50 fee. Each person needs their own card or device; you cannot share one card for two people.
Tips for travellers
Always touch in and touch out with the same card or phone, or you may be charged a maximum fare. Keep only one card near the reader to avoid paying with the wrong card.
Stand on the right on escalators. Avoid rush hours with large suitcases. Many stations have stairs only, so check step-free access on the TfL map if you travel with a pram or wheelchair.
Buses use the same cards and are cheaper. The bus Hopper fare gives unlimited bus transfers within one hour.
Last checked: October 2026. Fares and timetables change, so confirm on the official website before you travel.
