London Underground: Basic Information

www.MetroLondres.es is one of the most comprehensive websites in Spanish about the London Underground. On our site, you will find a wide range of information. You can learn about the origin and history of the London Underground, learn how to use the Underground, consult and download updated as well as historical maps, view images, check timetables and fares, get information on tickets and payment methods, find out which stations belong to each zone, plan your journey, and much more.

What you need to know about the London Underground

To download an updated version, you can follow this link to the official London Underground website.

Other resources with more information and maps of the London Underground include mapa-metro.com/es and, of course, the Wikipedia.

Lines

The London Underground has 11 main lines: Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, and Waterloo & City. Alongside the Underground, you can combine your journey with London Overground, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and Elizabeth line. These are separate networks shown on the transport map.

Stations and Zones

The London Underground has 272 active stations, spread across 9 fare zones arranged concentrically. Most services operate between zones 1 and 6. Zones 1 and 2 cover much of central London, but the zones you need also depend on your accommodation, sightseeing plans and airport. Check your entire route before choosing a travel pass. The Underground, Overground, and National Rail services extend to zones 7, 8, and 9. Heathrow Airport is located in zone 6.

Network Extension

With over 402 kilometers of track, the London Underground is one of the most extensive transport networks in the world, connecting both the city center and outer suburbs.

Hours and Frequency

The London Underground generally runs from early morning until around midnight, but first and last trains depend on the station, direction and day. Frequency also varies by line, section and time; not every branch has the same interval. Check TfL’s first and last trains and look for service disruptions before setting off.

The Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines also offer overnight services on Friday and Saturday nights. See our Night Tube guide and TfL’s current map and services: not all branches have overnight services. London Overground also runs a night service on part of the Windrush line.

Prices

In London, fares depend on the zone of origin and destination. The following tickets are valid for travel within the included zones. For example, a ticket for zones 1-3 allows you to take the Underground in zone 3 and exit in zone 1, or vice versa.

Adult paper single ticket prices in 2026, where TfL fares apply:

Zones 1–3: £7
Zones 1–5: £7
Zones 1–6: £7

These prices are for paper tickets, not pay as you go with Oyster or contactless. For your specific route, check TfL’s fare finder. We do not give fixed euro equivalents because these depend on exchange rates and your bank’s charges.
In London, paper single tickets generally cost more than paying as you go with Oyster or contactless. You top up Oyster with credit; contactless charges your bank card or compatible device. Both payment methods have spending caps for eligible journeys, known as capping. For example, the adult daily cap for zones 1–2 is £8.90 in 2026; it does not cover every service, such as Heathrow Express. See the official fares and caps.

A Travelcard is a travel pass: compare it against your travel days, zones and discounts rather than assuming it will always be the cheapest option. Our detailed guides explain the differences.

If you are visiting London, compare the attractions on your itinerary with those included in London Pass to decide whether it offers value for your trip. It is an attractions pass, not an Underground travel pass, and does not include a Visitor Oyster card.

Fares on the Underground vary depending on the zone you travel to and the time of day, so it’s advisable to know which zone your destination is in to plan your journey efficiently.

Where to buy London Underground tickets?

You can buy the Oyster Card and Travelcard at the following locations:

Underground stations
Oyster Ticket stops
Some DLR stations
Visitors Centers located at: Victoria Station, Piccadilly Circus Underground Station, and King’s Cross & St Pancras International

Curiosities about the London Underground

The London Underground is known as “The Tube” due to the cylindrical shape of the tunnels where the trains operate.
It is the oldest metro system in the world, having begun operations on January 10, 1863.
It does not operate on December 25th, Christmas Day, being one of the few days when the network is completely closed.

But these are not the only curiosities. There are many more… You can read about them in the Curiosities section of our website.

Tips for Traveling Like a True Londoner

If you want to get around London like a true local, we offer lots of tips. Here’s a sample:

Use an Oyster Card or a contactless card to pay for your journeys. You’ll save a lot compared to buying single tickets.
If possible, avoid the busiest periods and see our rush-hour guide. Do not confuse crowding with fares: the general peak fare periods are 06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00, Monday to Friday except public holidays, based on when you touch in. Exceptions apply, including some afternoon journeys into Zone 1 and journeys to Heathrow; check TfL’s fare conditions.
Make use of complementary transport options such as the DLR and London Overground, which connect with the Underground but are separate networks.
If you plan to visit several attractions, London Pass could help you save compared with buying individual admission tickets. See our London Pass guide to check which stops on your itinerary are included and choose the pass that best suits your trip.
If you’re traveling with your pet, make sure it’s well-controlled (in a carrier or on a leash). Most lines allow pets, but it’s best to avoid rush hours.
The London Underground is working to improve accessibility. Some stations have lifts and ramps, but step-free access to the platform does not guarantee step-free access to the train. Consult TfL’s accessibility guide and check the lifts and interchanges on your route.
Always use the same card or device to touch in and out and for your journeys throughout the day. Your physical card, phone and watch are recorded as separate payment methods even if they are linked to the same account.