How to Use the London Tube for Complete Beginners

Depending on how you look at it, navigating the London Underground can be one of the most daunting or most exciting elements of spending time in London. The great multicoloured criss cross of lines can look more like lines of code, intertwining and overlapping. Where do you start? How do you find the right station? Are you even on the right line, or going in the right direction?

As people who use the London Tube daily, LHA London know that once you’ve gotten to grips with the basics, jumping on the central line is not quite as frightening as it seems. But you need to know where to start.

The tube lines and zones

The very first thing you need to know about the London Tube is that it is made up of 11 different lines travelling on different routes that cover 9 ‘zones’. This may have made the whole thing sound far more complicated, but let’s break it down so this information is a little less complicated.

The Zones

The zones are there mostly to determine travel fares. They start in the center, with central London being known as Zone 1, and then gradually move outwards. The very outskirts of London are Zone 9.

The zones are usually only relevant when paying for your ticket. When you travel only in the central zones, your ticket will be far cheaper than if you tap on in Zone 1 and tap off in Zone 9. It’s always worth looking at these before planning your journey so you can figure out the overall cost of travel.

The Lines

The Tube comprises 11 lines that stop at a total of 272 stations. These are:

• Bakerloo
• Central
• Circle
• District
• Hammersmith & City
• Jubilee
• Metropolitan
• Northern
• Piccadilly
• Victoria
• Waterloo & City

Each of these lines runs on its own unique journey and will not stray from that journey. The lines overlap so you can easily jump off one train at a station and immediately jump onto another.

This makes planning your journey fairly easy; just figure out where the lines overlap between your starting and ending point and change trains at that station.

Maps on the train

Every train has an easy to read map of the stops it will be taking, so as long as you know which direction you’re travelling in, you can count down the stations until you need to get off. Under each stop, it will also identify the other lines that run through that station.

Navigating the stations

Now we’ve covered the basics of how the underground is structured, it’s time to discuss the stations. Before you panic, we are definitely not going to list out every station. Whilst it can be useful to have a good idea of some of the landmark stations, like Oxford Circus and Shephard’s Bush, to help you find your way around, when navigating the London Underground you only really need to know where the stations on your journey are.

However, it can help to know what to expect from Tube stations before travelling. Here’s how you find your way around:

1. Finding the right station

Finding the right station can be achieved with a simple Google search. Put ‘nearest underground station to [your location]’ into Google and it will tell you how to get there. Google Maps can then direct you to that station.

You’ll be able to spot them easily as every station has a branded logo outside. Additionally, most stations will be signposted to help you find them without your map.

2. Accessing the station

When you walk into a station, like any other train station, you’ll be faced with turnstiles. There are a number of ways that you can get through them: 

• Pay for your ticket at the station
• Tap on with your debit/credit card using the pay as you go system
• Purchase an Oyster or travel card and tap through

3. Finding the right platform

Past the turnstiles, you’ll find clear signs directing you to the right platform.

For example, if you’re travelling on the Piccadilly Line, there will be plenty of markers directing you to the Piccadilly Line platforms. The direction of the train will be signposted (north, south, east, or west), but if you forget which direction you’re travelling, maps on the platforms display the upcoming stations for each direction.

4. Switching trains

If you need to switch trains on your journey, then you’ll find signs directing you to the right platform from the platform on which you exit the train.

5. Leaving the station

Getting off the train is the same as any other station. Follow the signs to the exit, and go through the turnstiles using the same method as you did to get in.

If you use the pay as you go system, your account will be credited for the cost of the journey depending on where you got on and where you got off.

So, as you see, the tube stations work in the same way as any other train station.

How to plan your journey

Now you know how it all works, you’re probably already planning your journey in your head. Once you understand how the tube works, it becomes really simple:

1. Find out the most appropriate onboarding and departure stations.
2. Use the underground map to find underground lines that link so you know which station to change your train on.
3. Get on the train, change your train, and you have arrived.

However, TFL has a handy little tool that can do all the planning work for you: Plan My Journey.

Simply enter your start and end points and it will give you all the information you need including travel time, whether you need to walk between stations, and any buses you may need to take.

Accessibility on the Tube

The London Underground is striving to make their services more accessible to people, but only half of the stations at this point in time have stair-free access. Therefore it’s important to check each station before you travel. 

You can plan an accessible journey using the TFL tool that will help you find the most appropriate method of transport for you without you needing to do extensive research into everything.

Paying for the tube

There are three main ways to pay for your journey on the London Underground:

1. Contactless Payment: You can tap in and out using a contactless debit or credit card, or a device with Apple Pay or Google Pay. This is the easiest option for most visitors. Fares are calculated automatically, and you’ll benefit from daily and weekly fare caps.
2. Oyster Card: A reusable travel card you can top up with credit or Travelcards. Oyster cards can be purchased at ticket machines, Oyster Ticket Stops, or online.
3. Travelcard or Paper Tickets: Travelcards give you unlimited travel within selected zones for a set period (day, week, or month). Paper tickets are generally more expensive and less convenient unless you only need a single trip.

Check your tube fares using the TLF website.

Tip: Always use the same card or device to tap in and out. Mixing payment methods can lead to being charged the maximum fare.

London Tube: dos and don’ts

When travelling on the London Underground, there are a number of written and unwritten rules that you should be aware of:

Do:

• Stand on the right side of escalators to let people pass on the left.
• Let passengers off the train before you get on.
• Keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings.
• Check for service updates before you travel.
• Give priority seating to disabled and elderly passengers.

Don’t:

• Block the doors when boarding or leaving.
• Eat strong smelling food on the train (you’ll get some unhappy looks).
• Play loud music without headphones.
• Hold the doors open, it delays everyone.

Staying safe on the tube

The London Underground is generally safe, but it’s still important to be mindful:

• Keep your valuables secure, especially in busy stations.
• If travelling late at night, stay in well lit areas and near other passengers.
• Report suspicious activity or unattended bags to a member of staff or via the help points on platforms.
• On less busy services, consider sitting in a carriage where the driver or other passengers are visible.

Other information

Opening Times

Most Tube lines run from around 5:30 am until midnight, Monday to Saturday. On Fridays and Saturdays, some lines offer a 24 hour Night Tube service. Always check your route in advance as times can vary.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available in most stations (but not in tunnels) through Virgin Media’s network, with many mobile providers offering automatic connection. Signal on the tube is generally fairly poor, so if you need to contact someone about your journey, it is best to do so before you enter the station just to be safe. 

Bikes on the train

Non folding bicycles are not allowed during peak hours and on certain lines. Folding bikes are generally permitted at all times, but check TfL’s cycle policy before you travel.

The summer heat

Be warned, the Tube can feel like a sauna in summer. Bring water, wear light clothing, and if possible, avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day.

Checking delays

Before setting out, check the Transport for London website, the TfL Go app, or station boards for updates. This will help you avoid unexpected delays or closures.

Travelling to accommodation

Your time spent in the capital city can be made or broken by your choice of accommodation, and LHA London has just the place for you to stay, whether you’re relocating to London for an extended period of time, or a summer stay: Halpin House, South Kensington.

We believe that the cost of accommodation should never be a barrier to following your dreams. That’s why we provide affordable student accommodation that gives you the freedom to live your London life as you choose.

For more information about how our charity can help you get set up in the big city, take a look at our available accommodation.