1. Forget paper tickets — tap to ride
Just tap a contactless bank card or phone on the yellow reader at the gate when you enter, and again when you exit. Fares are calculated automatically and capped daily and weekly. Visitors don't need an Oyster card unless they prefer one.
2. Read the map by colour, not by geography
The famous Tube map is a diagram, not a map. Distances are deliberately distorted to make connections clear. Each line has a unique colour — learn the colour of your line, not the route.
3. Always tap in AND tap out
If you forget to tap out, you'll be charged a maximum fare (~£8.50). On lines like the Elizabeth line you also need to tap pink interchange validators when changing lines mid-journey to get the right fare.
4. Stand on the right
On escalators, stand on the right, walk on the left. Blocking the left is the single fastest way to identify yourself as a tourist.
5. Let people off before you board
Stand aside at the doors, let the carriage empty, then board. Move down the carriage — don't crowd by the doors.
6. Mind the gap
There's a real gap between train and platform at older curved stations. The "mind the gap" announcement isn't decorative.
7. Avoid peak hours if you can
Peak is 07:00–09:30 and 16:00–19:00 Monday–Friday. Off-peak fares are cheaper and trains are far more pleasant.
8. Use the TfL Go app
The official TfL Go app gives you live disruptions, station accessibility, and step-free route planning. It's free and works offline for the map.