London is one of the world’s most exciting cities — but if you’re visiting for the first time, the London Underground (a.k.a. the Tube) can feel like a giant puzzle.

With 11 lines, 270 stations, and millions of commuters who always seem to know exactly where they’re going, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But don’t worry — once you pick up a few tricks, the Tube quickly becomes your best friend.

It’s fast, efficient, and one of the cheapest ways to zip across the city. Here’s your beginner’s guide to surviving (and mastering) the Underground.

1. Get an Oyster Card (or Go Contactless)

Forget paper tickets. The easiest way to travel is with an Oyster Card or your own contactless debit/credit card.

Just tap in and tap out at the yellow readers in stations. Fares are capped daily, so you’ll never pay more than a set amount no matter how many journeys you take.

💡 Tip: Always use the same card/device to tap in and out — otherwise, you’ll get charged twice.

2. Mind the Zones

London is divided into travel zones (Zone 1 in the centre, stretching out to Zone 9 on the edges).

Most visitors stick to Zones 1–2, where the big sights are. The further out you travel, the higher the fare.

💡 Tip: Double-check which zone your hotel or Airbnb is in before buying passes — it can save you money.

3. Learn the Map (But Don’t Panic)

The Tube map looks like abstract art at first, but it’s designed for clarity, not geography. Focus on the lines and connections, not exact distances.

You can find the most up-to-date version on the TfL (Transport for London) website.

Also, don’t panic if your journey mixes services — some lines on the map aren’t strictly “the Tube.”

You’ll see Overground or even National Rail services included. They’re fully integrated into the network, so your Oyster or contactless works the same way.

I’m sure you’ll be using **Google Maps or Citymapper** — and that’s perfectly fine.

These apps will tell you exactly which line to take, at which station, and if you look closely, even which **platform** to go to.

BUT here’s a local thing: before the train arrives, always check the display boards to see where the train is heading and when is the train arriving. It will normally say the last station.

That way you double-check you’re hopping on the right one.

You can also check the front of the train.

Don’t worry — it’s not complicated once you’ve done it once or twice.

*Train arriving at the platform. Photo by Kévin et Laurianne Langlais on* *Pexels*

Give it a month or so, and you’ll start to get your bearings — Trains towards North, South, East, West will click naturally, and hopping on the Tube, train, or Overground will feel second nature.

4. The Golden Rule: Stand on the Right

On escalators, stand on the right, walk on the left.

Break this rule, and you’ll hear the collective sigh of commuters behind you.

5. Avoid Rush Hour (If You Can)

Trains get packed from 7:30–9:30 AM and 5–7 PM. If you’re sightseeing, travel outside these hours.

Not only will you get a seat, but the stations are less stressful.

6. Look Up Before You Swipe

At every station entrance, big screens show whether lines are running smoothly.

Always check them before tapping in. London loves weekend engineering works, and there’s nothing worse than finding out your line is closed once you’re already stuck underground.

7. Don’t Chase Trains

The Tube isn’t like other systems where you wait forever. In central London, trains arrive every 2–3 minutes.

If you hear the doors beeping, let it go — another one will be right behind it. Run if you like, but locals will definitely judge the sweaty dash.

8. Keep Left in Corridors

Many stations feel like underground cities with endless tunnels.

When walking, stick to the left unless you’re overtaking. It keeps the flow moving and saves you from a commuter traffic jam.

9. Don’t Forget to Tap Out

Unlike New York’s subway, London requires you to tap out when you leave the station.

If you forget, you’ll be charged the maximum fare. Look for the yellow card readers on your way out — they’re usually right by the barriers.

10. Bonus Insider Tips

Bring water – Summer down there feels like a sauna.
Mind the Gap – The phrase is iconic for a reason; some gaps between train and platform are surprisingly wide.
Blend in – Most Londoners are buried in books, podcasts, or their phones. Join them - or just one time, grab one of the newspapers at the station, have a read through.
Skip the smelly food – Curry, fried chicken, tuna sandwiches… all guaranteed to earn side-eyes in a carriage.Final Sip

The London Underground can seem intimidating at first, but it quickly becomes second nature.

Think of it as part of the London experience: the screech of the tracks, the whoosh of air as the train pulls in, the surprise of surfacing in a completely different part of the city.

Master these basics, and you won’t just survive the Tube — you’ll ride it like a Londoner.

Surviving the London Underground: A Beginner’s Guide