London has a great public transport network

Local public transport in London is operated by TMB. In a line network, you have the greatest possible mobility on buses and trams. The TMB is connected to the VBN-Land transport association and thus also offers the opportunity to reach the region and the surrounding area with a uniform tariff area. The Londoner Verkehrsbetriebe (TMB) provides public transport services throughout the city of London. The public transportation TMB keeps the city running 365 days a year. The city has an extensive public transportation network consisting of bus services, trams that provide convenient access to the entire city and the surrounding region. Here you can find everything you need to know about London's fare zones, ticket prices and purchase options. Find also a London city map and the line network and of course a timetable, as well as an individual route planner.

London Underground
To get around London as effectively as possible, you should use the tube. The London Underground is the oldest underground railway in the world and has the largest network length in Europe. The subway network is the fastest means of public transport with 12 lines and around 270 stations.

The underground runs from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to midnight on Sundays. Some stations are closed on Sundays or late in the evening. There are few underground lines south of the Thames. Instead, the area is mainly served by suburban railway lines. North of the Thames is the densest network: Here the underground lines predominate, while the railroad is limited to a few main lines to the terminal stations.

For more information on the underground, buses, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), trams or local trains in London: www.tfl.gov.uk


Buses in London
The bus network in and around London is well developed. Numerous bus routes operate - each stop is marked with the name and number of the stopping line bus. A bus ride is also always a great way to get to know the city while you're on the move.

The night buses run from the standstill of the underground until the start of normal bus traffic during the day. Many bus routes also run 24 hours.

Route plan and timetable
Network maps (subway and bus) can be obtained from the travel information centers of the larger subway stations.


More transport information

COMMUNITY TRAINS
The region or Greater London can be easily reached with so-called local trains. The National Rail Inquiries Service provides detailed information about train traffic in London.


THAMES BOATS
There are numerous boat connections on the Thames, which are used by tourists and commuters alike. Travelcard holders receive discounts on many standard routes.


Frequently asked questions
What does a day pass in London cost?
Which ticket is suitable for tourists?
What do tickets cost in London?
Where can I buy a day pass in London?
What public means of transport are there?

TICKETS & 'TARIFFS
Discover London with the Oyster Card

The Visitor Oyster Card is the best way for tourists to get around London. With it you can use all public transport in London without restrictions. For most journeys, the Oyster Card is the cheapest and easiest way. It essentially replaces the paper ticket.

The Visitor Oyster Card is a rechargeable smart card the size of a credit card. After holding the card up to one of the yellow readers, you can use the underground or other means of transport in London. However, the Oyster cards must be loaded with cash beforehand. The respective fare is then automatically debited from the card for each trip. You can travel as often as you like within a period of 24 hours (4.30 a.m. to 4.30 a.m.) and the fare is lower than with paper tickets.

The London Oyster Cards are valid for all bus, tram, tube, DLR and London Overground journeys as well as for almost all National Rail journeys within London. Once the price for a corresponding 1-day Travelcard has been reached on one day, no further costs will be debited from the Oyster card.

If you use public transport regularly, you can load a London Travelcard or a bus pass onto the Oyster card. A Travelcard or a bus pass can be combined with an Oyster credit.

Advantages of the Visitor Oyster Card at a glance:

• Use of all London public transport, including boat trips
• 50% discount - a ride in central London costs £ 4.50 when paid in cash, or just £ 2.10 with a Visitor Oyster Card
• No queuing at the ticket office
• Price limit - no matter how many journeys per day, you never pay more than £ 8.40 per day in central London

Travel cards
Travelcards are valid for the underground, buses, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), trams, London Overground trains and some National Railway trains within the zones. They allow all trips in one day, seven days or within a month, the prices depend on the respective zones that you drive through.

 
Where can I get Visitor Oyster Cards?
Visitor Oyster cards are available from the VisitBritain shop. The Oyster card for visitors can also be obtained from the ticket offices at Gatwick Airport and Victoria stations, on board Eurostar trains to London, as well as from some airlines and various other points of sale.

In the City of London, Oyster cards can be purchased from London Travel Information Centers, Oyster sales outlets (e.g. newspaper kiosks) and from underground, overground and some stops buy and recharge on the National Railroad.