Getting Around

London's transport network — the Tube (Underground), buses, the Overground, DLR and river boats — covers the city thoroughly, and paying for it is simpler than it looks.

Paying for Travel

You don't need an Oyster card if you're paying with a contactless debit or credit card, or a phone wallet — tap in and out the same way, and you'll be charged the same fares as Oyster, including daily and weekly price caps that apply automatically once you hit the cap for the day or week. An Oyster card is really only worth it if your bank card charges foreign transaction fees, or if you want a physical card for a child.

The Tube vs Buses vs Walking

The Tube is fastest for longer cross-city journeys. Buses are often more pleasant for shorter hops and let you see the city rather than a tunnel, though they're slower in traffic. Central London is more walkable than it first appears — many "Tube journeys" between adjacent zones are a 15–20 minute walk.

Rush Hour

Peak times (roughly 8:00–9:30am and 5:00–6:30pm on weekdays) mean crowded trains and platforms, especially on central lines. If your schedule is flexible, travelling just outside these windows makes a real difference to comfort.

Tips

• Contactless card or phone payment works directly — no need to buy an Oyster card first.
• Daily and weekly fare caps apply automatically — you can't overpay by tapping in and out a lot.
• Download the TfL Go app for live journey planning and disruption alerts.
• Avoid rush hour if you can, particularly on the Central, Northern and Victoria lines.
• River boats along the Thames are a scenic, often-overlooked way to travel between South Bank and Greenwich-area sights.