How to Pay for London Public Transport: A Practical Guide for Visitors
- THEHOOFIT
- 7 days ago
- 11 min read
Getting around London can look complicated at first, but once you know a few simple rules, using public transport is very straightforward.
For most visitors, paying for public transport is as easy as using their international contactless payment card. You can use a contactless bank card, phone or smartwatch on much of London's public transport network without buying a separate ticket for every journey.
London has been at the forefront of contactless travel for many years. The Oyster card was introduced in 2003, and contactless bank card payments were introduced on London buses in December 2012 before expanding to the Tube and rail network in September 2014.
Today, contactless payment is available on many international cards, making it easy for visitors to use London's public transport without worrying about paper tickets or having money on the Oyster card. Just use the same card or device throughout your journey, and TfL will calculate the fare for you.
And London's transport network is about much more than the Tube, officially known as the London Underground. You can travel by bus, train, river boat or even cable car. Sometimes, the most interesting way to get somewhere is not the most obvious one.
The easiest way to pay: contactless
For most visitors, contactless is the simplest way to travel around London.
You can use:
a contactless debit or credit card
Apple Pay
Google Pay
a compatible smartwatch or mobile wallet
an Oyster card
Look for the yellow card readers at stations and on buses.
The important thing is to use the same card or device throughout your journey. If you tap in with your iPhone and tap out with your physical bank card, or tap in with your Apple Watch and tap out with your iPhone, TfL will treat these as different payment methods, even if they are linked to the same bank account. This can result in an incomplete journey and potentially a maximum fare.
If you are travelling as a group, each person should use their own card or device.
Tip: If you are using a card from outside the UK, make sure it is enabled for international and contactless payments. Some overseas cards may not work reliably with TfL's readers.
When do you tap in and tap out?
This is one of the most important things to remember.
Tube and train
On the Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and applicable National Rail services, you normally:
Tap in when you start your journey.
Tap out when you finish your journey.
Use the same card or device both times.
Bus
On a London bus, it is different:
Tap in when you board.
You do not tap out when you leave.
Just get off when you reach your stop.
Tip: Sometimes the gates may be open when you leave a station. If you tapped in at the start of your journey, make sure you still tap out at the yellow reader, even if the gates are open. Otherwise, TfL may not register the end of your journey correctly, and you could be charged a maximum fare.
Changing between trains and Tube lines
London has several connected transport networks, including the London Underground, London Overground, Elizabeth line, DLR and National Rail.
Changing between them is often very easy, but there is one important thing to remember:
Don't automatically follow the exit signs when you have to change trains.
Instead, follow the signs for your connecting line or service.
There are also a few places where changing between stations involves briefly leaving one station and entering another. Bank and Monument are a well-known example. These stations are treated as a connected interchange, so the journey can still be treated as one journey when you follow the designated interchange.
The important thing is to follow the signs for your connecting service and use the same card or device. If you arrive by train and need to continue your journey on the Underground, look for the Underground symbol and follow the signs for the Tube. If you are changing to a train, look for the National Rail or train signs instead.
For example, at Waterloo, you can change from the National Rail station to the Underground as part of the same journey. Follow the signs for the Underground rather than following Way Out and leaving the station.
Tip: At some interchanges, you may also see a pink card reader. If your route takes you past one, touch your card or device on the pink reader. This tells TfL which route you have taken and can help ensure you are charged the correct fare. In many cases, using the pink reader can mean paying less because it shows TfL that you changed trains without travelling
through Zone 2.
Understanding London station signs
London's stations can be large, and some have several exits. A couple of signs are particularly useful to understand.
What does "Way Out" mean?
Way Out means you are heading towards the station exit.
You may still have corridors, stairs or escalators ahead of you.
What does "Exit" mean?
Exit means you are at, or very close to, an actual way out of the station.
And don't always take the first exit you see.
Large stations can have several exits, sometimes on different streets. If you are heading to a particular attraction, hotel or meeting point, check which exit is best before leaving the station.
You may see signs showing street names, landmarks or destinations. These can be much more useful than simply choosing the nearest exit.
Using an Oyster card
An Oyster card is a reusable transport card that you can load with credit and use across London's public transport network.
It can be useful if:
you don't have a contactless card
your bank card isn't suitable for contactless travel
you prefer to keep your transport spending separate
you are travelling with someone who cannot use contactless
For many visitors, however, there is no need to buy an Oyster card if their contactless card or device works with TfL.
The important thing is not which one you choose, but that you use the same payment method consistently throughout your journey.
What about the cost of London public transport?
London's fares depend on the journey, zones and type of transport.
With contactless or Oyster pay-as-you-go travel, TfL calculates your fares automatically and applies the relevant daily fare caps. You therefore don't need to work out the cost of every journey yourself.
If you want to check the price of a particular journey before you travel, TfL has a useful Single Fare Finder.
You can also use TfL's journey planner to see the different ways of getting from A to B.
Changing buses: the Hopper fare
London buses have a useful system called the Hopper fare.
With pay-as-you-go contactless or Oyster, you can make unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour of your first tap in, using the same card or device.
So if you need to change buses during your journey, you can simply tap in when you board the next one.
One important exception: buses are charged separately.
If you travel by Tube or train and then continue by bus, the bus journey is charged separately. The Hopper fare can then apply to your bus and tram journeys within the relevant one-hour window.
So, for example, if you take the Tube to Waterloo and then take a bus to your final destination, you will have a Tube journey and a bus journey. They are not treated as one single journey for fare purposes.
Don't just take the Tube
The Tube is one of the best ways to get around London, but it is not always the most interesting.
Sometimes, the journey itself can be part of the experience.
🚌 Bus
A bus journey can be part of the sightseeing experience. Sit upstairs, take a seat by the window and watch London unfold around you rather than travelling underground.
For a particularly scenic ride, look out for routes that pass through some of London's most recognisable streets and neighbourhoods.
Route 11, for example, is a classic choice through central London, passing places such as Westminster, Trafalgar Square and St Paul's.
When you can, sit upstairs at the front. It is a great view to explore a different perspective on the city.
You may see more of London from a bus window than you would ever notice underground.
🚤 River boat
The Thames is one of London's great routes through the city, and travelling by river gives you a very different view.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers connects piers along the Thames and can be a great option when your destination is near the river.
We recommend including a boat trip as part of your London visit, even if you take it in one of the directions. It is one of the best ways to see the city from a different perspective.
From the water, you get views of London's bridges, riverside buildings and skyline that you don't get from the Tube.
Good to know: River boat journeys are not included in TfL's daily fare cap, so they are charged separately from your Tube, train, bus and tram journeys. You can check pricing on their website.
Tip: If you are travelling between two places along the Thames, consider taking the boat in one direction and using the Tube or DLR for the return. For example, take the river boat to Greenwich and return by DLR. It is a great way to experience two very different sides of London in the same journey.
🚡 Cable car
Want to do something a little different?
The IFS Cloud Cable Car crosses the Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks.
It may not be the most practical way to get from A to B, but it is a fun way to see London from a different perspective. The journey takes around 10 minutes and gives you views across the Thames, Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks.
You can pay using contactless, an Oyster card, cash or card at the ticket office, or buy your ticket online in advance. Cable Car journeys do not count towards TfL's daily fare cap.
Tip: If you book your Cable Car ticket online in advance, you can get 30% off the standard fare. Book your Cable Car tickets
Sometimes getting from A to B can be part of the adventure.
A few things to remember
Before you travel
Have your contactless card or phone ready.
Decide which card or device you will use.
Make sure your card works for international payments if you are visiting from abroad.
Each traveller should use their own payment method.
Keep using the same card or device throughout your journey.
At the station
Yellow reader: tap in or out.
Pink reader: use when instructed during certain interchanges.
Way Out: follow the signs towards the exit.
Exit: you are at or close to the way out.
Changing trains? Follow the signs for your connecting service before following the signs for the exit.
On the bus
Tap in.
Find a seat.
Enjoy the view.
No tap out.
Good to know
Keep your phone charged. If you are using your phone or smartwatch for contactless travel, make sure you have enough battery for your journey.
On a busy sightseeing day, using your physical contactless card can sometimes be the simplest option. You don't have to worry about your phone battery, unlocking your phone or switching between devices. Keep the same card easily accessible and use it throughout your journey.
Planning your journey
You don't need to understand the whole London transport network before you arrive.
Simply check your journey, follow the signs and give yourself a little extra time when travelling through a large station.
For official information, you can use:
Check the fare for a specific journey.
Plan your route using public transport.
We also have a separate guide to the best apps for getting around London, including the apps we recommend for route planning, live transport information and finding your way around the city.
And sometimes, the best way to explore London is on foot
London's public transport makes it easy to get across the city. But some of the best parts of London are found between the stations.
Walking lets you notice the details you would otherwise miss: small streets, historic buildings, hidden courtyards, local neighbourhoods and the stories behind the places you pass.
That's what we love about exploring London with The Hoofit.
Our walking tours take you beyond simply ticking off the major sights, while our private tours give you the flexibility to explore London at your own pace, with a route designed around what you want to see.
And if you want to experience London a little differently, we can always add a bus ride, river boat or another unexpected way of seeing the city along the way.
London is a city to move through, but also a city to discover.
Ready to explore London on foot? Discover TheHOOFIT walking tours of Camden, Chelsea and East London here.
Quick London Public Transport FAQ:
Is there air conditioning on London's public transport?
It depends on the service. Many newer trains and Tube lines have air conditioning, making them a good choice on hot summer days.
The Elizabeth line and London Overground are air-conditioned, as are most National Rail trains. On the Tube, the Circle, District and Metropolitan lines have air conditioning, while the newer trains on the Piccadilly and Central lines are also air-conditioned.
Some older Tube trains do not have air conditioning. For example, the Northern and Victoria lines do not currently have air-conditioned trains.
Most London buses do not have air conditioning, and can become very warm on hot days. If temperatures are high, consider an air-conditioned Tube, Overground or train service where possible.
Tip: On a very hot day, check your route before travelling. Choosing an air-conditioned service can make a noticeable difference, particularly during busy periods.
Do I need a ticket to use the London Tube?
Not necessarily. For most visitors, a contactless bank card, phone or smartwatch is the easiest way to pay. An Oyster card is another option.
Do I tap in and out on the Tube?
Yes. Tap in when you start your journey and tap out when you finish, using the same card or device.
Do I tap out on a London bus?
No. You only tap in when you board the bus.
Can I use Apple Pay on London transport?
Yes. You can use compatible mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Remember to use the same device throughout your journey.
Can I change buses without paying another fare?
The Hopper fare allows unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour of your first tap in when using pay-as-you-go contactless or Oyster.
What happens if I forget to tap out?
Your journey may be recorded as incomplete, and you could be charged a maximum fare. You can check your journeys, fares and payments online through TfL's contactless service.
This is particularly useful if you want to check a fare, see your recent journeys or find out whether a journey was recorded correctly.
What is the difference between "Way Out" and "Exit"?
Way Out means you are following the route towards the station exit. Exit means you are at, or very close to, an actual exit.
Can I use contactless on London's trains?
Contactless pay-as-you-go is available on many rail services within London. Always check your specific route if you are travelling beyond the usual TfL network.
Can I use contactless on the London Cable Car?
Yes. Contactless and Oyster are accepted, but Cable Car pay-as-you-go journeys do not count towards the normal daily fare cap.
What is the best way to get around London?
There isn't one answer. The Tube and trains are useful for longer journeys, buses can give you a great view of the city, and the river boat and Cable Car can turn the journey itself into part of the experience.
Do children need to pay for public transport in London?
Children's fares depend on their age and the type of transport they are using. Children under 11 can generally travel free on London buses and the Tube when accompanied by an adult, while older children may need a child fare or a suitable Oyster arrangement.
If you are travelling with children, check the rules for their age before you travel, as the arrangements are different from those for adults.
Tip: Don't simply tap your own contactless card for a child. Each paying passenger needs their own valid payment method or ticket
Sometimes, the best way to see London is to walk.
Ready to explore London on foot? Discover TheHOOFIT walking tours of Camden, Chelsea and East London here.
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