London Underground
The London Underground is the most used method of transport in London. It is the cheapest and quickest way to get around town. It can however be complicated, here we try to give you the information you need to be able to travel easily on this comprehensive system.

The system is divided into zones (1 thru 6). If staying in London there is no doubt you will be within a few minutes of a local station. Most London hotels and attractions are located in Zone 1. Heathrow Airport is located in Zone 6. You can buy your ticket from a ticket machine or ticket office at any Underground station. The Underground system is divided into six fare zones. The city centre is in Zone 1, where many of the attractions of London are found. The price of your ticket depends on how many zones you travel through.

Carnet Tickets:

If you are making several journeys on the tube you can purchase a Carnet. A Carnet is a booklet of ten single Underground tickets for Zone 1 only, which can be bought in advance of your journey. They are valid for 12 months and they can be used by you or by anyone you wish to give them to. Each ticket is for a journey starting and finishing in Zone 1 only. It has to be validated for use on the day of travel at the Zone 1 station where you start your journey. If you travel with a ticket which is not made valid you will be liable to pay a £10 penalty fare. A Carnet ticket cannot be used as a Ticket Extension in Zone 1.

One Day/Weekend/Family Travelcards
These can be bought from any station (after 09:30am on weekdays) and allow you to travel in the zones selected for one-day or one weekend and also as a family at a special rate . They are all valid not only on the underground, but on most London Buses/Night Buses as well. The Weekend/Family* Travelcards are especially worthwhile as they are sold at a special price and you can travel over any 2 days of the weekend or public holidays. *A group using the Family Travelcard must consist of one or two adults traveling with between one and four children.

Tips and advice :
Each Underground line has a different name and colour. This makes it easy for you to follow your route on the map. When you arrive at a station, look for the colour-coded signs which will direct you to the line you need Travelcards offer the best value for money.

Trains run for 20 hours every day. Try to avoid the busiest times between 08.00 and 09.30 and 17.00 to 18.30, Mondays to Fridays.

You must buy the right ticket for your destination before you begin your journey or you will be liable to a £10 Penalty Fare.

Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Underground. Always check on the nearest station to you, plan your route in advance.

The Underground runs until approximately 00.30. After this time you can use the Night Buses.

The Tube is divided into six fare zones. Zone 1 covers central London. Ticket halls display a list of fares.

If you know what you want why not use the ticket machines- they can save you time. Just follow the instructions.

They usually give change, but please try to use the correct money if you can It helps to keep change for customers who really need it.

Magnetic interference caused by some handbag clasps, security passes and keys may damage your tickets. Avoid delays by keeping them separately.

All children under 5 travel free on the Underground.

5 to 15 year olds can travel at a reduced rate but 14 and 15 year olds need a Child Rate Photocard.

Adults and children need a photocard to buy a Travelcard for seven days or longer.

To obtain your photocard take a passport-size photo of yourself to any ticket office.

Central London stations have ticket gates. You pass through them to enter and to leave the system.

To pass through the gates simply insert your ticket (face upwards) into the slot on the front of the machine.

Your ticket will pass through the machine and appear from a slot at the top. Take your ticket from the slot and the gates will open to let you through.

If you have completed your journey (and your ticket is used up) the gates will open but the machine will retain your ticket.

If you are entering or leaving the Underground with a pushchair, buggy, folding bicycle or other bulky items, special wide gates are available for you to go through. The staff will be happy to open them for you.