off peak travel on london underground

Avoiding Peak Times on the Tube in London

 TripSavvy /  Joshua Seong

As with public transportation in most major cities, there are peak times of travel on the  London Tube that you really should try to avoid during your trip. These times are when the massive transit network known as the tube is at its maximum capacity, and travelers are often forced to squeeze into the last available spot on a cramped train. So really, it's not to be recommended.

For most of the tube network, the morning "rush hour" takes place mostly between the hours of 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. and the evening peak takes place between 4:40 and 6:30 p.m. However, different lines on the tube experience higher levels of traffic during different parts of the day:

• The lines that travel through popular tourist and entertainment areas—like the Piccadilly, Northern, and Central Lines—stay busy throughout the afternoon.
• The Piccadilly Line remains busy until about 8 p.m. as people head to the West End for restaurants, clubs, and theaters and has another mini-rush hour when theaters close after about 11 p.m.
• If you don't like crowded trains, especially avoid the normal rush hours on lines that travel through the main shopping areas of Knightsbridge and Oxford Street —the Piccadilly and Central lines. On most days, the shops close at about the same time as people are leaving their offices. The added crush of package laded shoppers to the normal burden of 9 to 5'ers can be unbearable.

London's Busiest Lines and Stations

Transport for London is coy about breaking down the numbers of transit users line by line, but they publish a station-by-station guide to rush hour and peak travel times for the tube network, and you can also search its website for individual stations to see if they're busy when you plan to leave your hotel for the day.

Additionally, The City Metric , an arm of the magazine The New Statesman  had a go at doing some number crunching based on the most recent data (from a 2012 report). In their study, they found that the Victoria Line is the busiest in London, but it's mainly reserved for people who commute to downtown London for work. In fact, with the exception of three stops in the middle of the line—Victoria, Green Park, and Oxford Circus—there's almost nowhere of interest to visitors that aren't also served by other lines.

In the end, it comes down to personal perceptions and preferences. Ask any Londoner and they are sure to tell you that their line is the most crowded during rush hour.

Making Rush Hour Travel Easier

If you have to travel on the London Underground during rush hour—and sooner or later, most visitors to London do—there are a few things you can do to make your life easier.

Buy an Oyster Card

First, buy an Oyster card , which is used for all forms of public transportation in and around London including the Underground, Overground, and some rail services, buses (which no longer take cash), and Thames commuter boats. You can purchase an Oyster card from a ticket machine in London and charge it up with cash or your credit card at the same machine.

The card costs £5, which can be refunded at a ticket machine, along with any funds still available on the card, when you leave London. Besides saving you a lot of money , just being able to tap in without standing in ticket machine (or the increasingly rare ticket office) queues during rush hour saves a lot of time. 

For added ease on your transit, charge up your card with credit when you happen to be near a station, even if you aren't planning to travel then. At slow times, there are no queues at the ticket machines.

Use Contactless Payment

If you have a contactless credit or debit card, you can use it in the same way as an Oyster Card and save time that way. The fares for contactless payments are the same as for Oyster Cards for U.K. residents, but if you are visiting London from abroad, be careful. You may save time but you'll have to pay foreign exchange charges on your card bill back home—so this option is really only useful for visitors from elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

Be Prepared for Delays and Aware of Announcements

Travel delays from engineering works, signal failures, and the occasional, euphemistic "person on the line" announcements can create mini rush hours that clog up the tube. All London Underground stations post signs daily—including advance notices—about station closures, engineering works, and other problems. Stop to read them so you can plan alternative routes ahead of time if necessary (on the London Underground there is almost always an alternative route).

Go to the Ends of the Platforms

A relatively easy way to minimize your exposure to the rush hour crush is to go to the very ends of the platforms when waiting for the next train. Most people gather around the middle of the station platforms, where the stairs or escalators disgorge their passengers. If you walk to either end of the platform you'll find the carriages are usually less packed. Do this even if it means missing a train or two. During the rush hour, there will always be another one along in just a few minutes.

Public Transportation Alternatives

If you'd rather not face the rush hour crowds at all and you have to travel at that time of day, there are a few alternatives.

The London Bus

London's red buses  get busy during rush hour, too, but the difference is that they are legally limited in the number of standing passengers they can take. The driver, who keeps track of the numbers, simply won't allow any more passengers on board if the bus is too full.

That may mean that in Central London you will have to watch one or two buses go by without stopping, but it also means you won't be crushed up against a stranger during your commute once you're on board the bus. Additionally, buses travel in special lanes, so they are less affected by rush hour traffic jams and can often get you there faster than taking a cab.

Commuter Boats

London now has Riverbus services along the Thames that are a very pleasant way to travel and that you can pay for with your Oyster Card. Like buses, the boats are legally limited in the number of passengers they can carry.

There are piers for boarding at key places all along the river—Westminster Pier, near Parliament ; close to the London Eye on the Southbank; by the Tate Gallery and so on. Check their stops to see if one of them might be within easy walking distance of where you want to go.

Rent and Ride a Bike

London was the second city in the world, after Paris, to have a public bicycle hire program. At the moment it's called Santander Bikes—for the bank that sponsors them—but don't be surprised if locals still call them Barclay Bikes or Boris Bikes.

You'll need a credit card to use on the touch screen at the cycle docking station. There's no need to book in advance, though at busy times you may have to visit more than one docking station to find a bike. When you are finished with the cycle, you simply return it to the docking station and your credit card will be charged for the amount of time you used it—which could be as little as £2.

Do be aware, though, that these bicycles were designed to be sturdy and unattractive to thieves, so they are heavier than your usual bike and much harder to pedal. However, the good news is that the system of safe Bicycle Superhighways is expanding every day, making it even easier to get around on a cycle.

Advice From Londoners: Things Not to Do in London

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How to Get From Heathrow to Gatwick: The Complete Guide

Tips on Traveling from Heathrow Airport to Central London

A Guide to Free Transport in London for Children

Heathrow Airport Guide

How to Travel from London to London City Airport by Underground and Taxi

Travel Tips for Visiting London on a Budget

Are Dogs Allowed on London Underground Tube Trains?

Exchanging Currency in London and the UK

London Travel: Which Oyster Card is Best for Visitors?

A Guide to Budget Shopping in London

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Number 24 London Bus for a Cheap Sightseeing Tour

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London Underground - 2024 fares and how to use them

Be informed and in control using london's underground / metro system.

For the visitor to London the Underground or Tube will probably be the transport of choice to get around town. The Underground is normally the fastest way to get around town, often much faster than any taxi.

There is invariably an underground station nearby where you want to go and also your hotel and finding your way around the system is very easy. 

There are currently 13 Underground lines, with the Elizabeth Line the latest, which opened in May 2022.

Journey planner   Map   DLR, overground & TfL   Oyster card, contactless & Travelcards   Night service   Fares   Concessions   Child fares   Group tickets   Purchasing tickets   Access

Key points about the London Underground

It is still encouraged to wear a facemask when using public transport in London, but it is no longer mandatory.

The authorities penalise you heavily for buying single journey tickets. In the centre you can pay more than double the price than if you used an Oyster Card for example.

A single journey on the London Underground can involve 1 or 2 changes of train. Your journey starts when you go through the ticket barrier of the station entrance you depart from and finishes when you pass through the ticket barrier at the exit of your destination. You cannot break a journey on a single fare, once you go though an exit barrier of a station that is journey completed.

The buses, Underground, DLR and London suburban trains are managed by a central government body called Transport for London (TfL) chaired by the Mayor of London. The transport passes that nearly everyone uses, Oyster and Travelcard, allow you to travel seamlessly across all modes of transport, bus, Underground, train and DLR using the same ticket/pass.

Children under 11 travel free on the London Underground and DLR (Docklands Light Railway) at all times. Child fares are available for those under 16 and it is possible to get discounted fares if you are under 18 or studying in London with an ID card.

There are no seniors fares for visitors. If you reside in London and are over 60 you can get a pass that makes free bus and Underground travel available. If you have an English National Concessionary bus pass you cannot use it on the London Underground (but you can use it on London's red buses).

The London Underground is closed from around midnight until around 5am, getting started a little later on Sundays. However on Friday and Saturday nights, much of the Underground runs through the night. In Central London there is a very good night bus network when the Underground is closed.

You will rarely have to wait more than 5 minutes for an Underground train at any time of the day.

London Journey Planner - for all types of transport across London

Use the TfL (Transport for London) journey planner to plan your travel. The journey planner covers all public transport.

TFL Journey planner

London Underground map

The London Underground map is a classic design that when first launched was immediately taken up worldwide for similar systems. The clarity, simplicity and ease of use compromises strict geographical accuracy.

The Circle line doesn't really go around in a squashed circle and it is not apparent for instance that Bayswater Underground is only 100 yards from Queensway.

In 2016 the Night Tube was introduced. On Friday and Saturday nights only Underground trains run through the night. For lines that operate a night service see the Night Tube map linked below or on the right-menu.

In May 2022 the long awaited Elizabeth Line opened its first section. The Elizabeth Line provides a route connecting East and West London. Find out more about the new Elizabeth Line .

Underground map   Tube & rail map   Night tube map

Docklands Light Railway (DLR), overground and TfL rail trains

To the east of London in the Docklands region you will see a region covered by something called the DLR (Docklands Light Railway). You can treat this network as just another Underground line.

Not in the centre of London, but in the suburbs you will find a train network called the Overground which can also be thought of as being part of the Underground for ticketing purposes.

Commuter trains into the suburbs are very confusing for the visitor. You can still use Oysters and Travelcards on these but those lines run by the national railways only give free travel to children under 5.

In the north and east of London most of these services are now run by TfL Rail or the Overground so free travel is available to children under 11, but to the south and west of London, services are still dominated by national railways companies.

The Tube and rail map usefully shows which railway stations are in which travel zones. Travel zones are the basis for fare charges on London's railways and Underground system.

London Underground Night Service - the Night Tube

In 2016 the London Underground began to introduce a full 24/7 service on Friday and Saturday nights only. Introduction has been on a phased basis.

Night Tube services are now running on the Central, Victoria, Jubilee line, Northern line (Charing Cross branch) and Piccadilly line (but not Acton to Uxbridge branch). The Night Tube will offer a 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays. Standard off-peak fares are levied for travelling on the Night Tube using Oyster and Contactless cards.

Travelcards are valid from the first day of issue (using the date printed on the card), and for journeys starting before 4.30am the following day. For example, if you buy a 1-day Travelcard at 11am on Friday, you can use it until 4.29 on the following Saturday.

Night Tube map - current lines operated

London Underground fares

The London public transport system is divided up into zones that radiate from the centre. Nearly all the hotels and the main sights are in Zone 1. Heathrow Airport is in Zone 6 and the furthest zone out is Zone 9.

The majority of visitors will only travel in the two most central zones 1 and 2. The Underground Map (link above) has the stations and their zones marked.

Some stations, such as Turnham Green, are in two zones. You use whichever zone for these stations is most beneficial in working out your fare.

Underground fares

You can see from the table below there is big financial incentive not to purchase individual tickets and use an Oyster card or Contactless payment card .

The other main way of paying is purchasing a Travelcard , which is a pass giving you unlimited travel for a set time period. The cost goes up with the coverage of zones required. The more zones you require the more expensive the Travelcard.

London Underground Fares from 3 March 2024 - March 2025

Oyster cards, contactless payment cards & travelcards.

As you can see from the above fare structure the authorities do not want you to buy single tickets, they want you to purchase one of the three payment options, Oyster cards, Contactless payment cards or Travelcards.

The Oyster card is a permanent reusable electronic ticket which is topped up from time to time by its owner. Londoners also have their season tickets loaded onto Oyster cards as well and there are passes for one weekly and monthly durations. All can be loaded onto the one electronic Oyster card.

Contactless cards are standard credit or debit cards that support the contactless payment technology, the total cost of all the journeys that you make in one day is calculated at the end of the day and a single charge is made to your Contactless payment card account.

Unlike the Oyster card the contactless facility has a 7-day cap as well as the Oyster daily cap used by Oyster.

You can use Oyster cards on all of London's public transport, not just the Underground, but buses, overground, DLR, suburban rail services and some river services.

Travelcards are another alternatives. Travelcards are valid on the same modes of transport but are unlimited travel passes for a fixed flat fee. Travelcards are available for 1 and 7 days, 1 month and 1 year durations.

You can purchase and subsequently top up Oyster cards and Travelcards from Underground stations and a wide variety of other outlets throughout London including neighbourhood stores, but not Contactless payment cards.

Oyster cards - more details

Contactless payment cards - more details

Travelcards - more details

Seniors concessions

There are no seniors fares for visitors. If you reside in London and are of pensionable age you can get a Freedom pass giving free travel. If you are 60+ and live in London the Seniors Oyster ID Card that makes free bus travel available. You can apply online or get a form from your local Post Office.

Anybody with an English National Concessionary bus pass can use that on London's red buses too and travel free of charge.

If you have a Senior Railcard you can get your 1/3 discount on off-peak Oyster fares. You have to ask a member of staff to load the concession on to a standard Oyster card (note, not a Visitor Oyster card) at an Underground station after showing your Seniors Card.

If you have a Senior Railcard you can also buy a 1 day off-peak zone 1-6 Travelcard at the discount applied.

Child concessions

This is a very complex subject and is covered in detail in the table below. Generally, a child is defined as under 16 years old, but in the last couple of years it has been possible to get child fares after jumping through a few hoops up to the age of 17.

Children under 11 can travel free on the London Underground, DLR and buses without a ticket. If a child is between 11 and 15 years old, you require an Oyster 11-15 Photocard (which has a fee, see below). This allows 11 to 15 year olds to travel at child fares on the Underground, DLR, Overground and some trains, free on the buses.

If you are a short-term visitor (in London for up to 14 days) with kids between 11-15 you can take advantage of the Young Visitor Discount. This means you can get half price fares on an Oyster card on a temporary basis for your child without going through the hoops and expense of getting an Oyster ID card. You do need to read carefully the rules of this scheme though.

Children's Fare Concessions

Group tickets - 1-day group travelcard for groups of 10 or more.

This ticket is for groups of 10 or more travelling together.

This in scope is the same as a 1-day off-peak Travelcard for zones 1-6 and 1-9 providing unlimited travel on all services after 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.

The pricing is particularly attractive if you have kids in the group and those staying in one of the outer zones, however if you are staying in the centre of London zones 1 to 3 it will be cheaper to purchase individual Oyster cards.

If you are a group of 10 or more then do check out this product.

Purchasing tickets & fares levied

There are no longer manned ticket offices at Underground and DLR stations. All tickets are dispensed by ticket machines in the ticket hall and there will be a member of staff hanging around these.

The same machines will allow you to top up your Oyster cards or see what the balance is on your Oyster card and they will also allow you to cancel your Oyster card and get your deposit and any cash left on the Oyster refunded.

If you prefer talking to people selling the tickets there are Oyster ticket stops. These are many of these and typically are convenience stores or news-stands that sell public transport tickets as a sideline. These outlets will have a sign in their front window.

The fare you pay is set by which zone your departure and destination stations are in. Your journey starts when you go through the ticket barrier of the station entrance you depart from and finishes when you pass through the ticket barrier at the exit of your destination. You cannot break a journey on a single fare, once you go though an exit barrier of a station that is your journey completed.

Access to platform & luggage

To gain access to the platforms, and again to exit a station you have to pass through automatic barriers (pictured). There is always one wide ticket barrier for wheelchairs, pushchairs and people with large suitcases.

If you have a single ticket, the barrier at your destination will not return your ticket. There is a manned side gate by the barriers. If you have a Travelcard you insert the Travelcard into the same slot as for the single tickets, the barrier will check that your Travelcard is valid for both date and zones travelled.

If you have an Oyster card or Contactless payment card you swipe the card over a bright yellow pad, the barrier will check validity and will record the station you have started your journey before opening the barrier. The barrier may display the balance on your Oyster too.

At your destination station, exiting through the barrier in effect tells the system you have ended your journey and it works out the fare to be deducted from your card.

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London Travelcard

The London Travelcard is a transport pass which entitles you to unlimited travel on London’s public transport. You can use a travelcard to travel on the London Underground, overground, public buses, DLR (docklands light rail), TFL rail and other trains, as long as you travel within London’s travel zones.

It is designed for people who are planning on using London’s public transport a lot when visiting London or for people who commute into London on a daily basis. Still, a London Travelcard may sometimes not be the cheapest option even if does entitle you to unlimited travel.

London Travelcard: What do I need to know before I buy one?

When buying a London Travelcard there are three things that you need to know:

1. The duration of the card:

You can buy a travelcard for one day, 7 days, one month or annual.

2. The travel zones of London that will be using:

When you buy a travelcard you need to choose what travel zones you want use. If you are going to travel between zones 1 and 2, you will need a travelcard that is valid for these two zones, but if you are going to travel between zones 1 and 5 every day, you will need a travelcard that covers zones 1 to 5. This does not apply to travelling by bus, as any travelcard will allow you to travel on buses to and from any zone within London’s travel zones. So for example, if you have a travelcar for zones 1 and 2, you can still use a bus to get to zone 3 or zone 5 with that travelcard at no extra cost.

Most of London’s tourist attractions are located in zone 1, and only a few of the most popular attractions can be found outside zone 1, such as Camden Town Market which is in zone 2. Make sure you know what zone your hotel is in before you buy a travelcard.

3. Off-peak or Anytime

If you are buying a 1 day travelcard  (which we don’t normally recommend as an oyster card has a daily cap that is cheaper than a one day travelcard – see below) you will have to choose if you want it to travel anytime of the day, or just during off-peak times (Monday – Friday from 9.30 am; all day Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays).

This does not affect 1 day travelcards for zones 1 to 4, so if you are visiting London you probably don’t need to worry about this at all as you are unlikely to be travelling to zone 5, 6 or beyond.

Which Travelcard to buy if you are planning a trip to London

1 day travelcard.

The price of the 1 day London travelcard for zones 1, 1-2, 1-3 and 1-4 costs £15.20. We don’t normally recommend using the 1 day travelcard, as it is actually cheaper to use an oyster card, a visitor oyster card, or a contactless card as these payment methods have a daily cap. The daily cap applied to these zones are: £8.10 for travel within zones 1-2; £9.60 for zones 1-3 and £11.70 for zones 1-4. Once you have reached this daily cap you will be able to travel within the same travel zones for free. It is still necessary to tap in and tap out on the yellow reader with your oyster card, visitor oyster card or contactless card when using public transport.

Find out more about choosing between an oyster card, a travelcard or using contactless on London Transport here: Oyster card, Travelcard or Contactless .

7 day Travelcard

The 7 day travelcard for London travel zones 1-2 costs £40.70. When comparing oyster card/visitor oyster card/contactless fares to a 7 day travelcard, I would probably say that it is convenient to get a 7 day travelcard if you are going to be travelling around London for more than 6 days. If you are going to be in London less than 6 days then I would recommend using an oyster card (vistor oyster card or contactless if you are a UK resident).

Where to buy a London travelcard

Buying a London Travelcard at an underground station

It is possible to buy a London travelcard at any underground station in London, by either using a ticket machine at the ticket office or a manned desk in a the ticket office (if available). When you buy a 7 day, monthly or annual London travelcard at an underground station you will normally get an oyster card with the travelcard incorporated in it. So your oyster card will be pre-loaded with the travelcard you have chosen. This way you can also use this oyster card with pay as you go for any trips that are not included in the travelcard.

So, as an example, if you have a 7 day travelcard for zones 1 – 4 in your oyster card, you will be entitles to unlimited journeys within these  travel zones for 7 days, and you can use your oyster as you normally would, by touching in and touching out. But, if one day you need to go to zone 6, you will be able to use the same oyster with pay as you go balance. One example when this might happen, is if you arrive at Heathrow airport (zone 6) but you want to buy a 7 day travelcard for zones 1 – 4. It will be much cheaper to use they oyster card with pay as you go for the journey from Heathrow to central London and the journey from central London to Heathrow Airport on your last day and adding a 7 travelcard for zones 1 – 4, than using a 7 day travelcard for zones 1 – 6.

Buying a London Travelcard at a train station

It is possible to buy a London travelcard at any train station located inside London’s Travel Zones . When you buy a travelcard at a train station, you will normally get a paper travelcard and not an oyster card.

Stansted, Luton or Gatwick airports are all outside London’s Travel Zones so these stations won’t normally sell London travelcards.

Buy a London Travelcard online

One of the easiest ways to buy a London travelcard is by buying it online. The price is exactly the same as what it would cost you to buy it in London but you will pay a little extra for delivery.

Buy a London travelcard at Heathrow airport

London travelcard fares from 5th march 2023, travelcard for children.

Children under the age of 11 travel free within London travel zones. Children over 11 can also benefit from reduced fares; you can learn more about this in our article: Travelling in London with kids .

Find out more

For more information, visit London’s official transport website: Transport For London

Related Posts

London underground, london travel zones, travelling in london with kids, contactless payment on london transport.

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What’s a London Travelcard?

A London Travelcard is a ticket type that allows unlimited travel for a certain amount of time on:

• The London Underground within zones 1-4 or 1-6
• Docklands Light Railway
• Most National Rail Services in London

It also offers discounts on Emirates flights and a third off River Boat fares on selected services.

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Which London Travelcard is right for me?

One day london travelcards.

There are two types of One Day London Travel cards:

Anytime Day Travelcards: you can use these anytime on the date shown on your ticket, until 04:30 the following day.

Off-Peak Day Travelcards: you can use these from 09:30 Monday – Friday and at any time on weekends and bank holidays on the date on your ticket, until 04:30 the following day.

London Weekly Travelcard

The London Weekly Travelcard offers 7 days of travel for the price of 5.

Monthly London Travelcard

Monthly Travelcards are typically more cost-effective than buying consecutive 7-day ones. You’ll save 11% on your journeys if you go for the monthly option.

Group One Day London Travelcard

Travelling as a group of 10 or more? Get a Group One Day London Travelcard. It’s valid for the day from 9:30 am (Monday to Friday), anytime on weekends or public holidays right up until 04:30 the next day.

London Travelcard season tickets

We have various London Travelcard Season Ticket options, including:

Your Travelcard season ticket can start on any day of the week, and you can travel right up until 04:30 on the day after your travelcard expires.

How do I get a London Travelcard?

You can get a travelcard when you buy an Anytime , Off-Peak , Super Off Peak , Advance or season (except Flexi Season ) train ticket to London on our website, SWR app or at your local station.

You can add London Travelcards to your SWR touch smartcard , making it easier for you to tap in and out across the capital.

Travelling outside the area covered by your Travelcard

If you have a Travelcard, then you are permitted to use any services within its Zones (subject to the time restrictions of the Travelcard). If you wish to travel beyond the Zones permitted by your Travelcard, then you can purchase a Boundary Zone ticket to or from the station outside of those Zones.

For example, if you have a 7-Day Zones 1 to 3 Travelcard and wanted to travel to Shepperton, you can buy a Boundary Zone 3 to Shepperton Day Return ticket from any staffed ticket office or from our self-service ticket machines. The train you are on does not need to call at a station within Zone 3 to be valid. Boundary Zone tickets can also be sold in the opposite direction (e.g. Shepperton to Boundary Zone 3).

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London Underground 101: A guide to getting the Tube in London

Editor's Note

If you've never visited London before, navigating its iconic Tube system can be either an adventure or a confused mess of Tube lines, fare types and labyrinthian stations.

You might not have initially thought so, but there's a lot more to it than just getting to a station, hopping on a train and then exiting. Thankfully, TPG has your back, and we created this guide to the London Underground.

Let's dive in.

Related: The 23 best hotels in London

Paying for the Tube and how to save money

First of all, let's make sure the price is right.

There are many ways you can pay to travel around London via the Tube.

You can buy paper tickets from the ticket machines at each Tube, Overground and Docklands Light Railway station. One-way, return, daily and weekly travel cards are available. If you're buying tickets for single journeys, you'll probably spend more than you really need to if you take the Tube more than once.

The most convenient payment method, though, is to use your contactless payment card. Simply touch it on the yellow card readers found at Tube entrances and some platforms to pay for your ride.

These card readers also work with prepaid Oyster cards sold at all Tube and Overground stations, plus most Elizabeth Line stations and select newsstands and visitor centers throughout London, for 7 British pounds ($8.86) each. If you choose to purchase and pay via an Oyster card, you can add money to the card using the ticket machines found inside Underground stations. You can then purchase daily or weekly travel cards covering various zones.

Regardless of how you pay for your ride, you'll use the same process for confirming your payment. Use your phone (for contactless payments) or debit, credit or Oyster card to tap in and out at the barriers of your start and end stations. Remember that card readers aren't always connected to gates and are sometimes free-standing, so make sure you locate one and tap in and out to avoid getting charged for traveling through all nine zones.

To see the full details and decide exactly which payment method is right for you, check out the Transport for London website .

Daily limits

If you use an Oyster card or contactless payment to pay for your Tube journey, there is a cap on how much you can be charged, depending on the zones you travel in or between.

Say, for example, you only travel within Zones 1 and 2. For a full day of travel via the London Underground in those two zones, you'll pay 8.50 pounds (around $10.76).

You can view the prices for other zones on the TfL website .

Child discounts

All children under the age of 11 can travel on the London Underground for free, and children between 11 and 15 receive discounted fares (as outlined below). To ensure that you get a discount, you should talk to a member of the London Underground staff inside the station.

How much does travel on the London Underground cost?

The London Underground operates a peak and off-peak fare system. The amount you're charged depends on which zones you're traveling in or between.

Peak fares are charged Monday to Friday between the hours of 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. Off-peak fares are charged at all other times and if you're traveling from a station outside of Zone 1 into Zone 1 between 4 and 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Journeys on the Tube and the Elizabeth Line to and from Heathrow Airport (LHR) are always considered peak fares if you start, end or go through Zone 1.

Travel cards

Peak and off-peak travel cards are also available in the Tube stations' kiosks. The cost of travel cards varies depending on the zones you travel in. Paying with an Oyster card or via contactless payment is usually cheaper.

An Anytime Day travel card can be used for the entire day that you purchase it until 4:30 a.m. the next day.

An Off-peak Day travel card is valid for an entire weekday from 9:30 a.m. — or any time on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays — until 4:30 a.m. the following day.

How to read the London Tube map

The London Underground map is divided into nine zones. The center of London — along with its most popular tourist attractions and iconic hotels — is in Zone 1. The outer parts of the city are in Zone 9. The zones are serviced by 11 tube lines and a handful of other rail services identified by color.

The London Underground lines are as follows:

• Bakerloo (brown) : From Harrow & Wealdstone in northwest London to Elephant & Castle south of the River Thames
• Central (red) : From West Ruislip in west London to Epping in east London
• Circle (yellow) : From Hammersmith to Edgware Road and then back to Edgware Road in a loop around central London
• District (green) : From Upminster in east London to Richmond in south London
• Hammersmith & City (pink) : From Hammersmith to Barking in east London
• Jubilee (gray) : From Stanmore to Stratford in east London
• Metropolitan (maroon) : From Aldgate to Amersham
• Northern (black) : From Edgware in the northern suburbs to South Wimbledon in southwest London
• Piccadilly (dark blue) : From Cockfosters via Hammersmith to Heathrow Terminals 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; the Piccadilly Line has two branches, which split at Acton Town
• Victoria (light blue) : From Walthamstow Central in north London through central London to Brixton
• Waterloo & City (turquoise) : From Bank to Waterloo Station

Though not technically Tube lines, you'll also find the following rail routes on the Tube map:

• Overground (orange — double stripe) : From Watford Junction in the northwest to Croydon in the south and from Barking in the east of London to Richmond and Wandsworth in the southwest
• Docklands Light Railway (turquoise — double stripe) : From Bank in the City to Lewisham in east London and Bank to Woolwich Arsenal; there are further routes from Tower Gateway to Beckton, Stratford to Lewisham or Canary Wharf, and Stratford International to Woolwich Arsenal
• Elizabeth Line (purple — double stripe) : From Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east

Taking the Tube to Heathrow Airport

Depending on where you're traveling from, the Tube or Elizabeth Line will likely be your cheapest and most direct route to Heathrow Airport.

You can learn more about the best ways to reach Heathrow here .

While there's extra space on the Piccadilly Line for suitcases, trains on other lines aren't always as accommodating. Either way, traveling with multiple pieces of luggage at peak times can make for a stressful and awkward journey for you and those around you.

It's not always possible to get to Heathrow without getting on the Tube during peak times. If possible, try to leave earlier to avoid rush hour and have a far more comfortable journey.

How to plan your trip

TfL provides a range of free Tube maps that are available in most Tube stations and some small shops to help you plan your journey.

You can also use TfL's journey planner . Add in your start and end destinations, and the site will work out the nearest Tube stations and what changes you may need to take. The site will also suggest bus routes if they're faster, and it'll advise on journey times.

You can filter its suggestions to only include buses if you wish to avoid the Tube; you can also filter for routes that are accessible, routes near taxi ranks or routes that have the fewest changes or least amount of walking.

In terms of apps, many Londoners tend to use Citymapper ( iOS / Android ) or Google Maps ( iOS / Android ), both of which will provide you with up-to-date Tube suggestions, walking routes and bus options.

How early does the Tube run?

The London Underground's opening times can differ depending on the line you want to take and where you're starting your trip. Generally, though, Tube trains begin operation around 5 a.m. from Monday to Saturday, with slightly reduced operating hours on Sundays.

How late does the Night Tube run?

On Friday and Saturday nights, you can ride the Night Tube when the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines run for 24 hours. Additionally, the London Overground operates a 24-hour service on these days between New Cross Gate and Highbury & Islington.

The Night Tube is charged at off-peak rates.

The quickest route might not be the obvious one

If you're not used to London, you might think you need to take the Tube to get anywhere. The Tube is your best bet for longer journeys in and out of the city. However, shorter journeys in central London will likely be quicker on foot.

When planning your journeys, the TfL website has a handy box to help you determine which routes are quicker to walk.

By walking shorter routes, you'll not only save time but will also breathe in less thick, soupy air. The views are guaranteed to be an improvement, too.

Travel etiquette on the London Underground

Polite behavior when traveling on the London Underground can pretty much be simplified into three main rules.

Escalator etiquette

Perhaps the most important rule of Tube stations is to stand on the right on the escalators. This allows those in a rush to glide down the escalators in a flash to avoid waiting an extra minute for the next train.

Mindful Tubing

Everyone getting the Tube has somewhere to be and is likely in a rush. Letting all passengers get off your carriage before boarding will enable a smoother, quicker and more pleasant journey for everyone.

Additionally, don't hog seats if someone in need, such as elderly people, pregnant women or people with disabilities, would benefit more than you by sitting down. Checking if someone needs your seat will go a long way in making someone's journey, if not their entire day, better.

As for rides during busy commuting hours, remember that squishing as tightly as possible into the area closest to the doors doesn't benefit anyone. Move down the train. It makes for a more comfortable, less sweaty journey for everyone.

In general, queueing is somewhat of a national sport for Brits. We do it anywhere and everywhere, and anyone who fails to queue correctly will receive passive-aggressive eye rolls and tuts from all who witness it.

This also applies to the Tube, whether you're waiting to get through the barriers, waiting to get on or waiting for the stairs, escalators or elevators to leave the station. Save yourself the glares and cranky tuts of fellow passengers by falling into line.

Bottom line

Love it or hate it, London would come to a standstill without the Tube. Whether it's your first time in the capital or you're a seasoned Londoner, the above tips will serve you well. Remember, above all else, to stand to the right.

• Places to Visit
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Oyster Single Tickets

Single tickets on London Underground are much cheaper if you use a Pay as you go Oyster card.

The tables listed below show the Oyster single ticket price for travel between different zones in London for 2024 (valid until March 2025). These are the fares for travel by underground .

The single ticket fares are the same if you pay with an Oyster card or with a contactless debit or credit card .

Peak and off-peak single tickets

There are two prices for single underground tickets with a Pay as you go Oyster or contactless card depending on when you travel.

Peak single The ‘peak’ single fare is deducted from your card if you use the underground between 6.30am and 9.30am and 4pm and 7pm Monday–Friday . The main exception to this rule is when you travel to zone 1 from zones 2-6 between 4pm and 7pm Monday–Friday — the off-peak single fare is taken. Off-peak single The off-peak single fare is taken from your card at all other times including all-day Saturday and Sunday. All single journeys on the Night Tube are off-peak fares.

Excess fares

If you want to travel outside the zones of your weekly Travelcard on an Oyster, check the tables to find out how much extra you need to ‘top-up’ to cover the cost of the whole journey.

For example, if you have a zone 1-2 weekly Travelcard and want to go to Richmond in zone 4, you need to pay for travel in zones 3-4. This is either £1.90 or £2.10 depending on the time of day you travel.

To find single fares for a local London train journey or for a journey that includes a train, use TfL’s Single Fare Finder instead.

Single tickets to/from zone 1 2024

Travelling via zone 1.

You need to pay the fare for all zones you travel through , not the zones of the stations you enter and exit. For example, if you start your journey in zone 3, travel via zone 1 and then exit a station in zone 2 on the other side of London, you need to pay for travel through zones 1, 2 and 3 (£3.00 off peak or £3.70 peak) – not just zones 2-3.

Another example would be getting on at Tottenham Hale (zone 3) and travelling on the Victoria line to Brixton (zone 2). As this journey passes through zone 1, you need to pay for travel in zones 1, 2 and 3.

Single tickets to/from zone 2 – 2024

Single tickets to/from zone 3 – 2024, single tickets to/from zone 4 – 2024, single tickets to/from zone 5 – 2024, single tickets in zone 6 – 2024.

If you know the station name but don’t know the zone, use TfL’s Single Fare Finder .

Related pages

• London transport tickets & passes for visitors
• London transport zones
• Oyster cards
• Travelcards

Last checked: 23 June 2024

Transport tickets & passes

• Guide to London's transport tickets
• One day & weekly Travelcards
• Zone 2–6 weekly Travelcards
• Bus tickets & passes
• Oyster card
• Oyster single tickets
• Oyster card refunds
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• Local train tickets

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• DESTINATION GUIDE

The essential guide to visiting London

Here’s what you need to know about England's capital city—when to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.

Why you should visit London

Architectural landmarks such as the   Tower of London ,   Westminster Cathedral , and   Kensington Palace , as well as revived modern buildings like   Tate Modern   and the   Battersea Power Station . Some of the finest theaters in the world, from the   Old Vic   to the rebuilt   Globe . Brown ale, fish’n’chips and weekend markets from Greenwich to Camden.  

Best time to visit London

Spring : The Gulf Stream warms up the city early. Flowers start blooming in February and trees follow with their blossoms in March. The   Chelsea Flower Show   is a major draw in May.  

Summer : The tourist season peaks between mid-July and late August. Music festivals play out in   Somerset House ,   Hyde Park , and   Victoria Park .  

Autumn : Fall kicks off with the   London Design Festival , and the weather stays temperate into late October. Halloween is gaining importance throughout the city, though Guy Fawkes Night—a festival of fireworks and bonfires on November 5 – is more widely celebrated.   Battersea Park , by the Thames, has a great display.  

Winter :   Shopping streets   switch on their festive lights in early December. While some cultural life slows down during the dark, wet winter months,   Kew Gardens   launches its winter fair and skating rink. And Hyde Park hosts a   Winter Wonderland .    

Lay of the land

The Thames River, lined with grand public architecture like   St Paul’s Cathedral , the   London Eye ,   and Westminster (the seat of government), divides the city into north and south. The oldest enclaves lie to the east, around the   City of London , the old financial center also known as the “square mile.” Cultural energy revolves around   Soho ,   Covent Garden ,   Mayfair , Bloomsbury, and the   South Bank , a riverfront strip of modernist theaters and galleries.    

Historically, wealthy residents settled in West London communities like   Belgravia , Kensington, and Chelsea, gravitating to Holland Park and Notting Hill. The picturesque Georgian streets around   Hampstead Heath   have always been popular among literary types, with nature-lovers hiking up   Parliament Hill   for the city view. The neighborhood becomes more fashionable as you descend toward   Primrose Hill , with its pastel-colored townhouses and ivy-clad pub gardens.  

Younger Londoners congregate in East London, in gentrifying working-class neighborhoods like Dalston and Clapton. Postindustrial Hackney Wick has reinvented itself as a hub for live music, clubs, and inventive restaurants. Just over the River Lea is the former Olympic Park, a sports mecca that’s been rewilded and developed with museums and restaurants.  

( 11 must-do experiences in London. )

Getting around London

By public transport:   The   London Underground , or Tube, is an extensive subway network that reaches from Heathrow Airport in the west, to Greenwich, the Olympic Park, and northern suburbs. The system incorporates an above-ground network called the Overground, and the new inter-city Elizabeth Line. Fares start at £2.70 ($3.50) and rise according to distance.   London buses   follow more winding routes between neighborhoods and start at £1.75 ($2.25) with a daily cap at £5.25 ($6.75). Seniors and students 11 and over are eligible for discounts. Children 10 and under travel free. Riders can pay with any contactless card or device, but cash is no longer accepted.

By train:   Trains beyond London are found at larger stations like Paddington, Euston, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Victoria, and Charing Cross. Riders must purchase tickets ahead of travel at the station or with an app like   Trainline .  

By taxi:   London’s famous   black cabs   can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Typical fares start at about £7.60 ($9.75) for a mile-long journey. Minicabs, or privately run taxi services, can be booked in advance or hired from a licensed purveyor, found on most main streets. Uber operates throughout the city.    

By boat:   The   Thames Clipper   boat service, now operated by Uber, runs along the Thames between Putney, in southwest London, and Barking, in the east, stopping at Battersea, Westminster, Tate Modern, Tower Bridge, Greenwich, and other piers. Prices start at £5.60 ($7.20) one way, with discounts for children and families. Riders can pay with a contactless card or with the Uber app.

( Going underground: a subterranean tour of London's abandoned tube stations. )

By bike:   Transport for London operates the   Santander bikeshare program , with bike docks in place across the city. A day-pass costs £3 ($3.85) for unlimited 30-minute rides; payment can be made through the   app   or at a docking terminal.   Lime operates an e-bike- and scooter-share program. Vehicles are GPS-equipped and located via the   app ; prices vary.    

By car:   Only confident drivers familiar with England’s road laws should operate a private car in London. There is a daily £15 ($19.25)   Congestion Charge   in effect for most areas of central London, which must be paid on the day of travel. New   emissions rules   impose additional fees on non-compliant motor vehicles, and “ultra-low-emission zones”   (ULEZ)   make it tricky to enter some neighborhoods during the day.  

By foot:   London neighborhoods are highly walkable, but the distance between them can be vast. Most roads have sidewalks that are well populated into the night. Always look both ways before crossing, even at a green light. Traffic normally comes from the right.  

Know before you go

Diversity:   London is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse cities, with 37 percent of residents born outside London—many from South Asia, West and East Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. Hundreds of languages are spoken here, and most neighborhoods have a mix of residents.    

LGBTQ+:   The most recent   Open For Business index   gave London a top AAA rating as a “stalwart supporter” of LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality, and its universities rank highly among gay students. Soho is, historically, the LGBTQ+ hub of the city, though gay bars pop up in several neighborhoods, notably in East London and Lambeth.  

( Best hotels for every type of travele r. )

What to read and watch

The most fascinating London-based books and films transport the reader to a specific neighborhood and historical period and focus on its rich diversity.    

Oliver Twist , by Charles Dickens. Tragic, romantic, and surprisingly funny, this classic exposed the underbelly of Victorian London and prevails on high school reading lists everywhere.  

Bridget Jones’s Diary , by Helen Fielding. The titular Jones is a sad, sardonic, desperately funny 20-something single woman working for a London publisher. The book centers on West London while the film adaptation transports most scenes to the southeast. Both will get you in the mood to explore.  

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes , by Arthur Conan Doyle. The book series and the companion TV show Sherlock take place around Baker Street in central London but investigate further afield into Piccadilly, New Scotland Yard, and the Tower of London  

London: The Biography , by Peter Ackroyd. Possibly the greatest contemporary history of the city, the weighty tome reaches back with wisdom and wit through Victorian London to the Plague and the Great Fire.  

Brick Lane , by Monica Ali. This instant classic, published just after the millennium, is an evocative peek into the lives of Bangladeshi immigrants in East London, based firmly in reality.  

Notting Hill , written by Richard Curtis of Four Weddings and a Funeral (and others), this 1990s hit comedy capitalized on the vulnerable charm of Hugh Grant—and the undeniable charm of bohemian London—and inspired generations of tourists to seek out that blue door.  

Rye Lane . Set around the eponymous market in Peckham, South London, this post-Covid romance begins with a meet-cute in   an   gender-neutral   bathroom.  

My Beautiful Launderette . An enduring favorite that introduced a young Daniel Day-Lewis to the world, this romance by Hanif Kureishi was set in South London during the Thatcher years and emerged as one of the first “queer fairytales” to reach a wide audience.

Related Topics

• HISTORY AND CIVILIZATION
• HISTORIC SITES
• PEOPLE AND CULTURE
• CITY GUIDES

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Points failure causes London Underground chaos for a second day

T here’s chaos on the District line – and now, the Northern Line – for the second day in a row after a points failure at High Street Kensington.

The London Underground station was closed to commuters during rush hour yesterday evening while engineers tried to fix the problem.

There’s now been a points failure at Euston which is causing problems on the Northern line, meaning no service from Kennington to Camden northbound via Bank.

As for the District Line, it’s still partially suspended between High Street Kensington and Edgware Road.

There are also severe delays on the rest of the line thanks to other engineering work finishing late.

Related Video

High Street Kensington is currently open to commuters, despite having to close yesterday evening.

Elsewhere on the Tube network, there are minor delays on the Metropolitan line between Moor Park and Chesham due to train cancellations.

Get your need-to-know latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more by signing up to Metro's News Updates newsletter

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Four London Underground lines and Overground hit by delays and closures

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Four London Underground lines and the Overground are currently delayed or partly closed.

After being suspended altogether earlier today due to a signal failure, there are now severe delays on the Jubilee line.

There are also minor delays on the Central and Hammersmith & City lines, according to TfL .

Earlier today we reported on the planned closures on the Piccadilly Line and London Overground. There is no service on the Piccadilly line between Wood Green and Cockfosters from today until Sunday September 1.

Earlier today there was disruption on the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line due to a faulty train.

Tube lines still dealing with delays

We’re sorry to report that there are still several issues riddling the TfL network.

While only five lines are experiencing delays or closures compared to six earlier, this isn’t the news you may have been hoping to read.

At the time of writing, there are severe delays on the Jubilee line due to a signal failure. Delays have also been reported on the Central and Hammersmith & City lines.

Two chunks of the Piccadilly line also remain closed. Replacement buses are running between Wood Green and Cockfosters, while riders are recommended to use the Metropolitan line to travel between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge.

Replacement buses are also running for the Overground, with no service between Hackney Downs and Chingford this weekend.

Traffic stopped on M3 in Surrey after overturned vehicle

Traffic is stopped on the M3 eastbound in Surrey between junction 3 and 2 following a collision involving an overturned vehicle.

National Highways said on X: ‘National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene. Delays are building on approach, please allow extra time for your journey.’

Severe delays on the Hammersmith & City line

There are severe delays on the London Underground’s Hammersmith & City line right now due to train cancellations, according to TFL.

The Jubilee line between London Bridge and North Greenwich is still suspended while a signal failure at Canary Wharf is fixed. Severe delays continue on the rest of the line.

There are minor delays on the Bakerloo and Central lines.

Traffic on the A23 from Redhill to Gatwick back to normal

There are no longer delays on the southbound A23 from Redhill to Gatwick Airport.

All four lanes were temporarily blocked this morning after a collision.

The lanes were gradually opened one by one but long delays continued for some time and drivers were told to allow more time for their journeys.

No Jubilee line service between London Bridge and North Greenwich

There is currently no service on the Jubilee line between London Bridge and North Greenwich while a signal failure at Canary Wharf is being fixed, according to TFL’s website.

There are severe delays on the rest of the line.

But the delays on the Bakerloo line we mentioned earlier have gone from severe to minor.

Southbound lane closed on A242 in Kent after crash

One lane is closed on the southbound A242 in Kent between Dartford and Sevenoaks following a collision.

There are delays of more than 60 minutes.

Severe delays on the Bakerloo Line

There are currently severe delays on the Bakerloo Line on the London Underground due to an earlier signal failure at Queen’s Park.

Tickets are valid on local London Buses and London Overground.

More than half of journeys from London City Airport take under six hours by train, data show

More than half of journeys taken from London City Airport last year could have been completed by train instead of plane in under six hours, according to new data.

Most of the airport’s destinations are mainland Europe and the analysis – conducted by the New Economics Foundation thinktank (NEF) and the environmental charity Possible – found many were easy to access by rail.

As the Guardian reports, the research showed 43.7% of the destinations could be reached in under five hours, 54.1% in under six and 66.2% in under eight.

The data was shared as the government decides whether or not to allow the airport to expand capacity from 6.5 million to 9 million passengers.

NEF and Possible say expansion would have negative environmental and social impacts, and only benefit frequent flyers who are more likely to be wealthy.

Train disruption between Barrow-in-Furness and Carlisle in Cumbria

Trains between Barrow-in-Furness and Carlisle in Cumbria may be cancelled or delayed by up to 45 minutes up until 8pm this evening.

The disruption is due to a member of crew being unavailable, says train operator Northern.

You can use your ticket on TransPennine Express Services between Carlisle and Lancaster until 8pm.

Some cancelled trains will be replaced by ‘road transport’, according to National Rail.

A47 in Norfolk reopens 12 hours later

The A47 has now fully reopened after being closed for around 12 hours due to police investigating a crash.

It was shut between the A1064 for Acle and the A149 for Great Yarmouth at around 1am but is now open again.

All lanes now open on M23 towards Gatwick Airport but still delays

All lanes are now open on the M23 in Surrey southbound between junction 8 for Redhill and junction 9 for Gatwick.

It follows an earlier blockage due to a collision.

Long delays remain in the area but this should start to ease now, says National Highways.

No trains between Hackney Downs and Chingford all weekend

Just a reminder that there is no service on the London Overground between Hackney Downs and Chingford all weekend due to rail works.

Replacement bus service L3 is operating between Hackney Downs and Chingford via Clapton, St James Street, Walthamstow Central, Wood Street and Highams Park.

Trespasser causes train delays between Tonbridge and Hastings

Train delays between Tonbridge in Kent and Hastings in East Sussex are expected until 2.30pm following a trespassing incident on the railway.

All lines are now open but services may be delayed by up to 20 minutes.

The trespassing incident happened in the village of Frant in East Sussex, says National Rail.

Long delays on M4 in Berkshire after lorry breaks down

There are long delays on the M4 in Berkshire after one lane was closed westbound between junction 13 in Newbury and Junction 14 in Hungerford due to a broken down HGV.

All lanes are open but National Highways says there are still delays of around an hour, although congestion should soon ease.

Two lanes now open on M23 but there are still long delays

A second lane has now opened on the southbound M23 between Redhill and junction 9 in Gatwick but National Highways said there are still long delays.

It advises drivers to allow extra time for their journey.

Traffic released on M23 between Redhill and Gatwick Airport but expect delays

Traffic has been released on the M23 in Surrey southbound between junction 8 in Redhill and Junction 9 in Gatwick following a collision.

Three lanes of four remain closed with traffic now passing. Drivers are being urged to allow extra time for their journey, says the Highway Agency,

M23 in Surrey blocked between Redhill and Gatwick Airport after crash

The M23 in Surrey is currently blocked southbound between junction 8 in Redhill and junction 9 in Gatwick due to a collision, says National Highways.

Traffic officers are at the scene attempting to get the vehicles moved.

Aslef says rail strikes called amid ‘toxic situation’ in dispute with LNER

Aslef’s lead negotiator has said the union is putting ‘members first’ in a ‘toxic situation’ after announcing a fresh series of strikes.

Train drivers working for LNER – which runs the passenger service on the East Coast main line between London and Edinburgh – will walk out on weekends from the end of August in a dispute about working agreements.

The dispute is separate from the long-running row over pay, which looks likely to be resolved after a new offer this week from the government.

Lead negotiator Nigel Roebuck told Times Radio: ‘We work within agreements, we jointly sign up to agreements. We make agreements, we don’t break them.

‘When you get to the strike action decision, it’s because all else has failed. You can only try for so long.’

He praised Transport Secretary Louise Haigh for being ‘the adult in the room’ during pay negotiations, but said LNER had ‘consistently blocked’ attempts to settle the latest dispute.

‘We put our members first and our members’ mandate is on a separate issue which has been ongoing for two years,’ he said.

‘This dispute is not connected to the pay, it’s about upgrading of our agreements.

‘We’ve now got a toxic situation, we’ve got morale in the gutter among our members.

‘Our members are saying they want to work to their agreements, they want respect and dignity and we need to move forward.’

The planned strikes will cover a total of 22 days covering every Saturday and Sunday from September 1 to November 10.

An LNER spokesperson said: ‘Our priority focus will be on minimising disruption to customers during the forthcoming Aslef strikes, which sadly will continue to cause disruption and delays.

‘We are surprised and disappointed to hear this news following recent constructive conversations.

‘We will continue to work with Aslef to find a way to end this long running dispute which only damages the rail industry.’

No train service between Bedford and Bletchley

A shortage of train crew between Bedford and Bletchley in Bedfordshire means trains are currently unable to run between these stations, according to National Rail.

Disruption is expected until the end of the day and replacement buses will operate instead.

Cancellations on London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness line

A fault on a train at Leigh-on-Sea in Essex means some C2C trains running to and from London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised.

Disruption is expected until at least 11am.

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