01/06/2026
London Transport Cheat Sheet 🇬🇧
10 things every tourist should know before using London transport.
1️⃣ You do NOT need an Oyster card
Just use your contactless bank card or phone to tap in and out. If you’re visiting from abroad, check that your bank doesn’t charge international transaction fees. Most importantly, use the SAME card all day, or your fare cap will not work properly.
2️⃣ There’s a daily fare cap 💳
Once you hit the cap, the rest of your journeys are essentially free for the day. In central London (Zones 1-2), the current daily cap is £8.90. So always tap every journey on tubes, trains and buses to make sure it counts towards your cap.
3️⃣ London buses are basically budget tour buses 🚌
Some routes take you past major landmarks for the price of a normal bus fare. A great way to see London without paying for expensive sightseeing buses. has a brilliant video with her favourite routes.
4️⃣ Download Citymapper before you arrive
Honestly, it makes navigating London transport SO much easier.
5️⃣ Stand on the right. Walk on the left.
This is not a suggestion. Londoners take escalator etiquette very seriously. 👀
6️⃣ The Night Tube is NOT 24/7
It only runs on selected lines on Friday and Saturday nights, so always check before heading home late.
7️⃣ “Mind the gap” is real
Some station gaps are tiny. Some feel like a leap of faith.
8️⃣ Off-peak travel is cheaper and less busy
Peak times are Monday-Friday from 06:30-09:30 and 16:00-19:00. Outside of that is usually cheaper and a lot calmer.
9️⃣ Don’t ignore the DLR, Thameslink and Overground 🚆
The Tube is not your only option. Some journeys are actually faster, quieter and easier using London’s other train networks, and yes, Citymapper includes all of them.
🔟 Fancy something adrenaline-fueled but iconic?
Try one of London’s disco rickshaws around central London. Just agree the route and price BEFORE you get in. Trust us on this one.
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