When I first arrived in the UK, learning how to use London’s public transport system was my number one priority. But it was also the thing that scared me the most, as one look at the London tube map will tell you that it is ten times as complicated as the DC metro. After five months abroad, through, I’ve complied what I think are the most essential tips for getting around London in the quickest and most affordable way.
London Underground
Also called the Tube, the London Underground (like the DC metro) has multiple lines, and certain destinations are only accessible from certain lines. Pro tip: use Google Maps to figure out which line to take and in which direction. To pay, you can use contactless payment methods (i.e., Apple Pay) to tap in at the station when you first arrive, and then to tap out at your final destination. Alternatively you can purchase an Oyster card onto which you load money and railcards (which I will discuss later). However, Oyster is only valid in London (so if you are primarily studying in a city other than London, just skip this one). Finally, you can also purchase physical tickets at the station to your specific destination. How much you pay for one journey depends on which zones you are traveling through, with the city being divided into 6 total zones. Zone 1 is central London, and as you get farther out, you will find yourself in higher numbered zones, which consequently cost more. I recommend using a fare finder tool online to determine how much a trip will cost you in advance. Note that fares are capped at £8.10 currently, so you will never be charged more than this in one day.
Buses
London buses have a flat rate of £1.75 per journey. I also took buses in many other UK cities and was usually charged anywhere from £1 to £3 per journey, making this a pretty affordable way to go, although typically not the most time-efficient. This is also a service where you can use contactless methods or your Oyster card to pay.
London Overground and National Rail Services
This is not only your ticket to main London terminals (such as Waterloo, Paddington, and King’s Cross) but also the easiest way to get outside of London. Paying for overground services is pretty similar to paying for the Tube although oyster cards are not valid if you are traveling outside the city. I typically bought an e-ticket online through the SWR app or Trainline (both are also great tools for planning journeys). You can also buy physical tickets. This is a good place to mention how essential it is to have a railcard if you are going to be doing any kind of traveling. You buy a railcard up front (I believe mine, the 16-25 railcard, cost around 35 pounds for the entire year) and then use it to get 1/3 off your rail fares. Believe me, if you do half the traveling I did, this will save you WAY more than the initial price you pay for it.
Of course there are many other transport services provided in London, from boat, to tram, to bicycle, although I have never used them personally. Also importantly, central London is very walkable. Nearly all of the major tourist destinations I wanted to see (think Big Ben, Covent Garden, Buckingham, etc.) I just walked directly to. If it’s a nice day, this is a fantastic way to save money and it also helps you get familiar with the city pretty fast.
My final piece of advice is to use apps like TfL Go and Google Maps to plan journeys and see the status of trains and buses. This makes it so much simpler to plan trips in advance.
All in all, learning how to navigate a new city, especially one as large as London, can be pretty daunting. But after a few trips, you’ll get the hang of it, and apps you likely already have like Google maps can make everything a thousand times easier. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of your time abroad to not only see incredibly sites but also to enjoy London’s incredibly accessible public transport!
Megan Krueger
Spring 2025
GW Exchange - Royal Holloway, University of London
Columbian College of Arts and Science
English & Marketing Double Major