Getting Around London Like a Local: Tube, Bus & Fares

London is a beautiful city, but its sprawling transport network can feel like a puzzle. You’ve seen the famous Tube map—a brilliant, tangled web of color that can make even the most confident traveler pause. How do you get from Heathrow to your hotel without overpaying? What's the real difference between an Oyster card and just using your phone? The challenge of getting around London is real, but it doesn't have to be stressful.

This guide from TravelThru is your key to the city. We'll break down the cheapest, fastest, and easiest ways to navigate the system like a local, saving you time, money, and hassle. By the end of this page, you'll be ready to tap in and explore with total confidence.

Key Takeaways:

 

• Tap your card or phone for the cheapest fares. It's the easiest method.
• On the Tube and trains, tap at both the start and end. For buses, only tap when you get on.
• The Tube is fastest for long journeys. Buses are cheaper and offer great views.
• Download Citymapper or TfL Go for live routes and times. It's a must-have.
• In central London, walking between nearby spots is often faster than taking the Tube.

Getting From the Airport to the City Centre

From Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Heathrow is London's largest airport and the best-connected to the city centre. You have three excellent train options:

The Piccadilly Line (Tube)

This is your most budget-friendly choice. The Piccadilly Line (the dark blue one on the Tube map) runs directly from all Heathrow terminals into the heart of London, with stops at key locations like South Kensington, Piccadilly Circus, and King's Cross.

• Journey time: 50-60 minutes to central London.
• Best for: Budget travelers, those staying near a Piccadilly Line station, and people with light luggage.

The Heathrow Express

If speed is your priority, this is your train. The Heathrow Express is a dedicated, non-stop service that travels directly between Heathrow and Paddington Station.

• Journey time: Just 15 minutes to Paddington.
• Best for: Travelers in a hurry, business travelers, and those staying in the Paddington area. Note: It's the most expensive option; book tickets well in advance for the best price.

The Elizabeth Line

The newest addition to the network offers the perfect middle ground. The Elizabeth Line (the purple one) is faster than the Tube and cheaper than the Heathrow Express. It offers comfortable, air-conditioned trains and stops at major central hubs like Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, and Liverpool Street.

From Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Located south of London, Gatwick also has efficient rail links to the city.

The Gatwick Express

This non-stop train runs directly between Gatwick's South Terminal and London Victoria Station, a major hub for the Tube and buses.

• Journey time: Around 30 minutes.
• Best for: Speed and convenience, especially for those staying in West London.

Southern and Thameslink Trains

These regular commuter trains also run from Gatwick to various central London stations. They make a few more stops, so the journey is slightly longer, but they can be significantly cheaper than the Express.

• Southern trains run to London Victoria.
• Thameslink trains run through the heart of the city to stations like London Bridge, Blackfriars, and St Pancras International.
• Best for: Budget travelers seeking a slightly longer route.

From Stansted (STN) & Luton (LTN)

These airports are further from the city, so transport takes a little longer.

• Stansted Airport: The Stansted Express train is the fastest way into the city, arriving at Liverpool Street Station in about 50 minutes.
• Luton Airport: The Luton Airport Express train runs to St Pancras International in about 30-40 minutes.

For both airports, National Express and other coach services offer the most budget-friendly option, though the journey can take 90 minutes or more, depending on traffic. They serve major hubs like Victoria Coach Station.

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How to Get Around London​ by Public Transportations

Now that you know how to pay, it’s time to explore the system itself. London’s network is a web of trains, buses, and boats, but each mode serves a different purpose. Here’s how to master them all.

The London Underground (The "Tube")

The Tube is the backbone of London. It’s the oldest underground railway in the world and often the quickest way to get from A to B, especially over longer distances.

At first glance, the Tube map looks like a mess of colorful spaghetti, but it's brilliantly simple. Each color represents a different line (e.g., the red Central Line, the blue Piccadilly Line). Where lines cross, you can change between them at an "interchange" station. Plan your route by following the line you're on until you reach your destination or an interchange station where you can switch to another line.

To blend in with the locals, follow these simple rules:

• Stand on the right on escalators to let people in a hurry walk past on the left.
• Let people get off the train before you try to board.
• Have your card or device ready at the ticket barriers to avoid holding up the queue.
• Move down inside the carriage to make room for others.

Peak vs. Off-Peak Travel: To manage crowds and cost, fares are different based on the time of day.

• Peak hours are typically Monday to Friday from 6:30 am to 9:30 am and from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
• Off-peak is all other times, including weekends and public holidays. Travel during off-peak hours is cheaper and much more comfortable.

The Night Tube & Night Overground: On Friday and Saturday nights, several major Tube lines (and parts of the Overground) run 24 hours a day, making it easy and safe to get home after a late night out.

The Iconic Red Buses

The bus is significantly cheaper than the Tube. It's a great way to see London's famous landmarks, and it covers areas the Tube network doesn't reach.

The "Hopper Fare" is one of London Transport's best perks. After you tap on one bus, you can take unlimited additional bus or tram journeys for free within one hour of your first tap.

You only need to tap your contactless card/device on the yellow reader when you board. There is no need to tap out when you exit. Use apps like Citymapper or TfL Go to track live bus arrivals so you know exactly when your ride is due.

The Overground, DLR, and Elizabeth Line

These train lines are fully integrated into the Tube map and payment system, but they serve specific and useful functions.

• London Overground: Look for the orange line on the map. The Overground is a suburban rail network that circles London outside the central area. It's fantastic for connecting outer London boroughs and reaching trendy neighborhoods like Shoreditch, Peckham, and Clapham.

   

• DLR (Docklands Light Railway): These are the futuristic, driverless trains that serve East London, including the modern business hub of Canary Wharf and the historic maritime area of Greenwich.

   

• The Elizabeth Line: The newest and most impressive addition to the network (the purple line). These are high-speed, air-conditioned trains that cut across London from east to west in record time. It has revolutionized travel, connecting Heathrow Airport, central London, and Essex with incredible speed and comfort.

Alternative Ways to Get Around London

While the Tube and buses will be your workhorses, don't forget these other methods. They can save you time, show you a different side of the city, and sometimes be the most convenient option.

Walking

Don't be fooled by the Tube map—it's a diagram, not a geographically accurate map. In central London, many stations are surprisingly close to each other. For example, walking from Leicester Square to Covent Garden takes less than five minutes, but taking the Tube would require a line change and take much longer. Always check a walking map; you'll save time and discover hidden streets and shops along the way.

Cycling

Want to explore on two wheels? London's public bike-sharing scheme, Santander Cycles, is a great option for short journeys. You'll see docking stations all over the city. Simply use the app or a terminal to hire a bike for a small fee. It's a fantastic way to travel through Hyde Park or see the sights at your own pace.

River Bus

For the best views in town, travel by boat. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is a river bus service that operates along the Thames, and yes, you can use your contactless or Oyster card to pay. It’s a brilliant way to travel between landmarks like the London Eye, Tower of London, and Greenwich, turning your journey into a memorable sightseeing experience.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Black Cabs: These are London's iconic, official taxis. You can hail them on the street (if the yellow "TAXI" light is on). The drivers have passed an incredibly difficult test called "The Knowledge" and know the city's streets inside out. They are generally more expensive but are reliable and can use bus lanes to beat traffic.

Ride-Sharing (Uber/Bolt): Services like Uber and Bolt are often the cheaper choice. You'll see the fare upfront before you book. They are convenient but can be affected by surge pricing during busy times.

TravelThru

For those who value certainty, comfort, and a seamless journey, TravelThru offers a premium alternative to standard transport:

• Airport transfers: We meet you at arrivals, handle your bags, and take you straight to your hotel. No stress, no queues.
• Private chauffeur: Book a car for sightseeing or business to explore the city in comfort and on your own schedule.

We are the ideal choice for business travelers requiring punctuality, families traveling with children and luggage, and anyone wishing to start their London visit with a guaranteed, stress-free touch.

How to Pay for London Transport

Contactless Payments

This is the undisputed king of London transport payments. It's the simplest, cheapest, and most convenient way to travel.

Using your existing contactless debit card, credit card, or a payment-enabled device like your phone (Apple Pay, Google Pay) or smartwatch.

You don't need to buy a special card or load it with money. The system automatically calculates your fare and applies "fare capping" (more on that below), meaning you'll never pay more than the daily or weekly limit. Just show up and tap.

Note: Before you travel, check with your bank to see if they charge foreign transaction fees. While the transport fare will be the same, your bank might add a small percentage. Even so, the convenience often outweighs the minimal cost for many travelers.

The Oyster Card vs. The Visitor Oyster Card

Before contactless became standard, the blue Oyster card was the go-to for Londoners. While contactless is now superior for most, these cards still exist and can be useful in specific situations.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Who should get an Oyster card? Honestly, very few people. If you have a contactless card or phone, use that instead. However, a Visitor Oyster Card can be a good option if you:

• Don't have a contactless card or prefer not to use it abroad.
• Want to have your travel card sorted before you even land in London.
• Are buying a gift for someone visiting the city.

Understanding Fare Zones & Fare Capping

• Fare zones: London is divided into 9 concentric travel zones. Central London is Zone 1. The more zones you travel through, the more you pay. Most tourists will spend almost all their time in Zones 1 and 2.

   

• Daily capping: This is the maximum amount of money you can possibly be charged for all your journeys in a single day (from 4:30 am to 4:29 am the next day). Once you hit this cap, every subsequent journey you make that day is completely free.

   

• Weekly capping: This works just like the daily cap but is applied over a 7-day period (always from Monday to Sunday). It ensures you never pay more than the equivalent of a 7-day Travelcard.

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And there you have it! The puzzle of getting around London is officially solved. From mastering the tap-in-tap-out rhythm of the Tube to enjoying the city views from a double-decker bus, you now have all the tools you need. Remember the golden rules: use a contactless card for the best fares, take the Tube for speed, and ride the bus for the sights.

London is a city best explored with a sense of adventure, and now nothing is holding you back. The city is yours to discover.

Have a top London transport tip we missed? Share it in the comments below!