If this is your first visit to London, the Underground is usually the fastest way to move around the central area. The basic process is simple: plan the route, use the same contactless card or Oyster card to touch in and out, follow the line and destination signs, and check the status before you leave.
London Tube first trip: the five-minute version
- Use TfL Journey Planner to check the route, changes and disruptions.
- Choose one payment method and use the same card or device for the whole journey.
- Touch in at the yellow reader, follow the correct line and destination, and touch out at the end.
- Allow extra time for stairs, long corridors, luggage and busy interchanges.
- Check the return route before heading to a station, especially late at night.
Before you enter the station
Save the destination station, the line colour and the direction shown on the map. A line can split into branches, so the final destination on the platform display matters. If you are travelling from an airport or major railway station, compare the complete journey rather than just the Underground section.
Choose the right payment method
Most visitors compare Contactless, Oyster and Travelcard. Your best option depends on your stay, the zones you will use, whether you have a suitable bank card, and whether you qualify for a child or Railcard discount. Read the Oyster, Contactless and Travelcard comparison before your first journey.
How to read the Tube map
- Follow the line colour and the station name, not only the landmark you want to visit.
- White circles normally show interchange stations, but check the walking distance between platforms.
- Look for the branch destination before boarding on lines such as District, Northern, Metropolitan, Piccadilly and Elizabeth.
- Use the official TfL Tube map and line information for current route details.
Entering, changing and leaving
Touching in and out
Use the same physical card, phone or watch throughout the journey. Do not mix a contactless phone with the physical card linked to it. If a gate is open or a station is ungated, follow the signs and check whether you still need to touch a reader.
Changing lines
Follow signs for the line and destination rather than exiting the station. Some interchanges have long corridors or stairs. If the route planner suggests a change that is difficult with luggage, compare an alternative route with fewer changes.
Missed stops and wrong trains
If you board the wrong branch, do not panic. Leave at the next suitable station and follow the signs for the opposite direction or use TfL Journey Planner again. Avoid crossing barriers unless the route requires it, because touching out can end the journey.
Airports and major railway stations
Heathrow has Underground and Elizabeth Line options, while Gatwick and Stansted use rail or coach connections rather than a direct Tube station. Start with the relevant airport guide: Gatwick or Stansted. For Heathrow, compare the Piccadilly Line with the Elizabeth Line.
Accessibility, luggage and family travel
Check every station and interchange in advance using TfL accessibility guidance. A line may be accessible at one station but not at the next. With luggage, avoid peak periods when possible, stand clear of doors and allow extra time for lifts and corridors. Families should plan a simple route and keep children away from platform edges.
When services change
Planned engineering works, events and unplanned disruptions can change the fastest route. Check TfL status immediately before leaving and again before the return trip. Do not treat a static map or an old timetable as a live service guarantee.
Common first-time mistakes
- Using different cards or devices to touch in and out.
- Boarding a branch without checking the destination display.
- Assuming every interchange is step-free.
- Buying a paper ticket before comparing Contactless, Oyster and Travelcard.
- Planning only the outbound airport journey and ignoring the return connection.
Official sources and review date
Reviewed September 2026: Use TfL Journey Planner, TfL fare information, the TfL network map and TfL accessibility guidance before travelling.
Related London transport guides
Continue with the London Tube line guides, fare zones, Night Tube and Visitor Oyster guide.
