Public transport in London
London has one of the largest public transport networks in the world, with integrated underground, train and bus systems spanning the city.
London Underground: the Tube
The London Underground rail network, also called "the Tube," is a great way to travel to, from and around central London.
Greater London is served by 11 Tube lines, along with the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), the London Overground, the Elizabeth line and National Rail services.
London Underground trains generally run between 5am and midnight Monday to Saturday. Operating hours are slightly reduced on Sunday. Night Tube trains run on some lines throughout the night on Fridays and Saturdays.
For more detailed travel information on which stations to use and suggestions for the best route to reach your destination, use Transport for London's Journey Planner.London's public transport network is divided into nine travel zones. Zone 1 is in central London and zones 6 to 9 are on the outskirts of the city.
London buses
London's iconic double-decker buses are a convenient and cheap way to travel around the city, with plenty of sightseeing opportunities along the way.
Pay your fare on cash-free London buses
Paying your London bus fare is easy. Simply touch your Oyster card or contactless payment card on the yellow card reader as you board the bus or show the driver your paper Travelcard. To avoid card clash, make sure to only touch one card on the yellow reader and keep your other cards separate.
If you don’t have enough credit on your Visitor Oyster card or Oyster card, you will be able to make one more journey on a bus before needing to top up.
For more information about London bus fares, see the Transport for London website.