Transport For London (TFL)
TFL is the government body responsible for London’s transport. This includes the London Underground (Tube), buses, roads, cycle ways and various rail networks.
Understanding the maps 🗺
Understanding the TFL map is essential for navigating the city's public transportation system, but can be confusing to new Londoners. There are separate maps which display the various modes of transportation, along with their corresponding stations and connections. By familiarising yourself with the colour-coded lines and station symbols, as well as referencing the key landmarks and interchanges, you'll be able to easily navigate London's extensive transport network.
The different maps
Each mode of transport has a different map.
- Tube map and Rail map: For anything rail related, Underground, Overground and National Rail
- Bus map: Bus maps broken down per Borough and per route
- Cycle maps: Proposed cycle routes, as well as Santander Cycle docking stations across London
- River maps: For those travelling by boat East or West on the river
Line colours
Each Tube line has a name and colour associated (for example, the Central line is red). Once you're on the Tube, you will have clear signposting about which line you are on and in which direction the train is headed.
Transport zones
There are 9 zones that cover London's public transport network, an important aspect of the city's fare system. London is divided into zones ranging from 1 to 9, with Zone 1 being the most central and Zone 9 being the farthest out. The fare you pay for your journey is determined by the number of zones you travel through, with each zone representing an increment in fare.
Paying for public transport 💳
When paying for public transport on the TFL network (the Tube, buses, the Overground and some National Rail services), you can use a contactless payment card or buy a prepaid Oyster travel card.
Contactless
- Pro: Unlike Oyster, there is a weekly cap of £32.40 to save you money and you won’t need to carry another card
- Con: Some foreign-issued Mastercard, Maestro and Visa cards won’t work and may charge you transaction or conversion fees
Oyster prepaid travel card
- Pro: Unlike Contactless, you can add discount or concession railcards for cheaper fares
- Con: Remembering and finding a place to top up is more life admin
Accessibility ♿️
London’s transport system is not 100% accessible. TFL Journey Planner has options to filter for step-free and other access and we recommend these dedicated sites for people with other accessibility needs: