Prices for the London Underground
People want to know how much it costs to travel on the London Underground. What are the current prices? But like all things, it depends on how you use it and how much you use it.
Travelling on the underground is simple, you need a ticket for your journey (either single or return). If you are travelling at multiple times during the day and/or using the buses, then it’s advisable to get a travelcard.
However, as technology has advanced, using an oystercard or your debit card is definitely easier and often cheaper. The oystercard and debit card methods are commonly known as ‘contactless’ payment methods as you contactlessly touch in and out for each tube journey.
If you try to minimise your costs, you are on a hiding to nothing. It’s not worth the effort, because Transport for London provides a price cap on the amount you pay. So as long as you use a contactless payment method to pay and you know what you are doing, you will always get the best price.
There are a variety of tickets and ways to pay. All contactless methods are easy and usually the best way to pay, for ease and cost.
What are the rules?
Just remember, you pay more for the number of zones used on any one day. If you are new to travelling on the London Underground or you are from overseas, you may want the London Underground Fare Zones Explained. It’s a bit complicated, but all will become clear after you read our explanation.
As of April 2022 the following information is correct.
Pay-as-you-go caps
For Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and National Rail services
A Pay as you go cap means that there is a limit to the amount you will pay IF you use an oystercard or other contactless payment method. Because of this cap is it unlikely that you will ever need to buy a paper travelcard.
| Zone(s) | One Day Anytime | One Day Off-peak | Monday to Sunday |
| Zone 1 only | £7.70 | £7.70 | £38.40 |
| Zone 1 and 2 | £7.70 | £7.70 | £38.40 |
| Zone 1, 2 and 3 | £9.00 | £9.00 | £45.20 |
| Zone 1, 2, 3 and 4 | £11.00 | £11.00 | £55.20 |
| Zone 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 | £13.10 | £13.10 | £65.70 |
| Zone 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 | £14.10 | £14.10 | £70.30 |
You can always check current prices for all Travelcard, Tube and rail fares by using the official TfL website.
If you are still unsure which is the best option for you
Oyster Card vs Visitor Oyster Card vs Travelcard – which one should you choose? Click here to find out.
or Tfl have a ‘What’s the best ticket for me?‘ page.
