The London Underground (or "the tube" as it's commonly known), isn't the scary thing many visitors to London make it out to be. In fact, it's quite simple to navigate.

The first thing to do when you arrive in London is to visit a tube station and purchase an Oyster card - traveling on an Oyster card is much cheaper than buying a ticket every time. Oyster cards are available at ticket & information desks - just look for the signs.

Next, try and pick up a Tube Map. They're available to be downloaded and printed from the  TFL Website and can often be found in London Guidebooks. Alternatively if you're an iPhone user, there are some great Apps you can download from the App Store - this is a great option as they can deliver you up to date information on line closures.

Some Tube Tips:

• If you can, avoid traveling at peak times when you first arrive in London. Peak times are generally 8:30-9:30 and 5:30-6:30. The stations are chaos and unless you're at the start of a line, your chances of getting a seat are low.
• Stand to the right on escalator. The left hand side is for people that want to walk up the escalator for if they're in a hurry.
• Always be polite and let people off the trains before you try to get on.

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Tube Map:

Print tube map (PDF)

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Oyster Cards

An Oyster card works as a debit card for your public transport. Add on credit and the appropriate fee is deducted each time you use  the tube, trains or a bus.

When you first purchase your card, you'll need to pay a £3 deposit. You can then top it up with credit (max £90). Oyster cards can be purchased and topped up at:

• Tube station ticket booths
• Some convenience stores (look for the Oyster logo)
• Through the TFL website

You can also register your Oyster card to be topped up automatically when you balance is getting low.

There are advantages over using an Oyster card rather than buying individual tickets at the station. These include:

• Cheaper fares for Oyster users
• Daily caps. This is great if you're using the Tube to explore London - your Oyster card will only be charged up to a certain amount each day (fare depends on which zones you are travelling between).

More information about Oyster cards can be found on the Transport London website:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/oyster