How to Use the London Tube: A Local Guide for First-Time Visitors
How to Use the London Tube
In Brief
The London Underground, better known as the Tube, is the quickest and easiest way for most visitors to travel around London. Simply use a contactless debit or credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, tap in and out at the barriers, and Transport for London (TfL) will automatically calculate the cheapest fare up to the daily cap. It's safe, efficient and connects almost every major attraction in central London.
At Experience England, we always encourage visitors to see London like a Londoner when on one of our Private Guided Walking Tours. That means combining walking with London's excellent public transport network. Walking lets you soak up the atmosphere, while the Tube helps you cover longer distances quickly, giving you more time to enjoy the city rather than sitting in traffic.
Whether you're joining one of our private tours or exploring independently, here's everything you need to know about using the London Underground.
Why Use the London Tube?
London is one of the world's great walking cities. There's no better way to explore areas like Westminster, Covent Garden or the South Bank than on foot, stopping whenever something catches your eye.
But London is also enormous. At some point you'll probably want to travel between different parts of the city—perhaps from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London, or from your hotel to one of the museums in South Kensington.
That's where the Tube comes into its own. American’s may know it as a Subway or Transit System.
Fast, reliable and extensive, the Underground carries millions of passenger journeys and is often the quickest way to travel around central London.
How Do You Pay for the Tube?
The easiest option for most visitors is to use a contactless debit or credit card, or a mobile wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Simply:
Tap your card or device at the entrance barrier.
Tap out again when leaving the station.
Always use the same card or device throughout the day.
Transport for London automatically calculates the correct fare and applies a daily fare cap, so once you've reached the maximum daily amount for your travel zones, any further eligible Tube and bus journeys that day won't cost you extra.
There's usually no need to buy paper tickets, and many visitors won't need an Oyster card unless they prefer using one.
Westminster Tube Station Platform. Stations and trains are clean, safe and comfortable
Is the Tube Easy to Use?
Yes. Although London's Underground map may look intimidating at first, it's surprisingly straightforward.
Think of it like joining the dots:
Find the station where you are.
Find the station you want to reach.
Follow the coloured line or identify where you need to change trains.
Station staff are usually happy to help if you're unsure.
If you're travelling with one of our Blue Badge Guides, we'll naturally take care of all of this for you.
What Is the Elizabeth Line?
Although technically separate from the Underground, the Elizabeth line connects with many Tube stations and is part of the wider TfL network.
For visitors, it works much like another Tube line and is particularly useful for travelling quickly across London or to and from Heathrow Airport.
What Are the Advantages of Using the Tube?
The Tube is popular for good reason.
It is:
Fast and frequent.
Safe and clean.
Excellent value for money.
Easy to use with contactless payment.
Connected to almost every major London attraction.
Most importantly, it allows you to spend more time sightseeing and less time travelling.
Are There Any Downsides?
The main disadvantage is simple—you don't see much of London while travelling underground.
If you've travelled halfway across the city, you may have saved time, but you've missed the wonderful views you'd enjoy from the top deck of a London bus, a black taxi or a boat on the River Thames.
That's why we usually recommend combining different types of transport.
Our Favourite Way to Get Around London
If you're spending several days in London, we'd suggest mixing your transport depending on where you're going.
Walk through London's historic areas whenever possible.
Use the Tube for longer journeys.
Take a riverboat to Greenwich or along the Thames.
Consider a traditional black taxi when exploring neighbourhoods beyond the main tourist areas.
Every form of transport offers a different perspective on the city.
A Blue Badge Guide's Story
Some years ago, Transport for London invited me to give a presentation to a group of transport ministers from around the world about London's public transport system.
After my talk, I proudly led fourteen distinguished visitors to the nearest Tube station, confidently announcing:
"The wonderful thing about the London Underground is that you never have to wait more than a few minutes for the next train."
Then I looked at the departure board.
Next train: 59 minutes.
After a moment of disbelief, a member of station staff explained that an unexploded Second World War bomb had just been discovered at a construction site in East London, forcing the entire line to close.
Of all the days!
Fortunately, London's transport network is wonderfully resilient. While the Tube wasn't running, the buses, riverboats and famous black cabs were all operating as normal, and after a little improvisation, the day was saved.
Thankfully, unexploded wartime bombs are a very rare occurrence, so you're extremely unlikely ever to experience a 59-minute wait!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the London Tube safe for tourists?
Yes. The London Underground is one of the safest metro systems in the world and is used by millions of people every week.
Do I need an Oyster card?
Not usually. Most visitors simply use a contactless bank card or mobile wallet.
Can I use the same card for two people?
No. Each traveller needs their own contactless card or device when tapping through the barriers.
Is the Tube the best way to get around London?
For longer journeys, yes. For shorter distances and sightseeing, we recommend combining the Tube with walking, riverboats and, occasionally, London's famous black taxis.
Experience London Like a Londoner
The Tube is one of London's greatest strengths. Once you've used it a couple of times, you'll quickly understand why Londoners rely on it every day.
Whether you're exploring independently or joining one of our private guided tours, knowing how to use the Underground will help you spend less time travelling and more time discovering everything this remarkable city has to offer.