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The full list of London travel disruption this weekend, from tube closures to suspended services

The Piccadilly, District and Elizabeth lines will all be struck by closures this weekend

We’ve had loads of good-news travel stories on Time Out London recently, from TfL’s announcement that three more tube stations are going step-free to the launch of yet another Superloop bus route . But now we have some less-good news: London ’s travel network this weekend is set to see some serious disruption. 

While there are no train strikes planned for this weekend ( find out about upcoming industrial action in the capital here ), loads of tube and train lines will be partially closed or have amended routes and timetables. 

Planning on getting about London smoothly this weekend? Here is everything you need to know about closures and suspended tube and train services. 

RECOMMENDED: Everything you need to know about London train strikes in February and March .   All you need to know about the train strikes across the UK .

District line

February 24-25, no service between Turnham Green and Ealing Broadway. Replacement buses available. 

Piccadilly line 

February 24-25, no service between Hammersmith and Heathrow (all terminals) / Uxbridge. Various replacement buses are available, plus the Metropolitan line between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge. 

February 24-25, no service between Canning Town and Beckton. Replacement buses available. 

Elizabeth line 

February 24-25, no service between Stratford and Shenfield. 

London Overground

From 1am on February 24 through to the end of February 25, no service between Highbury & Islington and New Cross / New Cross Gate / Clapham Junction. 

February 24-25, no service between Romford and Upminster. 

February 25, no service between Kilburn High Road and Euston from 12pm to 8:30pm.  For to-the-minute travel status updates, see the TfL website: tubes , trains and buses .

What we can expect from the new BT Tower hotel?

Listen to Time Out’s brilliant podcast ‘Love Thy Neighbourhood’:   the newest episode with Jon Pointing in Deptford is out now .

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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.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Heathrow Airport flights cancelled as London Bridge station hit with lunchtime delays

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The summer is officially over as wet weather arrives in the UK along with travel disruption at a major London station.

Travellers at London Bridge station faced delays after a problem on a train had a knock-on effect on services, including Southern and Thameslink trains.

While all lines have reopened, passengers should prepare for residual delays until lunchtime.

It comes after the Met Office warned that the upcoming yellow weather warnings could bring travel disruption on rails and roads as UK could see up to 100ml of rainfall over the next couple of days.

Meantime at Heathrow Airport , several flights have been cancelled or delayed, including by British Airways .

• 4h ago Disruption on trains at London Bridge
• 6h ago Flights cancelled and delayed at Heathrow

Crash on M4 causes long delays on motorway

Drivers have been warned of long delays on the M4 near Swindon after a crash.

It happened westbound between junctions J14 and J15 shortly before 2pm.

Congestion is stretching for 3.5 miles on approach, causing 45-minute delays.

It comes as heavy rain is sweeping across the south of England and Wales today and tomorrow. The Met Office has warned of possible delays and disruption on roads and rail.

The #M4 westbound between J14 ( #Hungerford ) and J15 ( #Swindon ), lanes 1 and 2 (of 3) are closed due to a collision. There is currently approx. 3.5 miles of congestion on approach, causing delays of 45 minutes above usual journey times. pic.twitter.com/4X6JXI21o6 — National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) September 5, 2024

Severe delays on Metropolitan, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines

The three Tube lines are severely delayed because there’s an obstruction on the track at Farringdon.

TfL are trying to remove the obstruction.

They say there’s good service on the rest of the line, and that London Buses are accepting tickets.

Disruption on trains at London Bridge

An issue at London Bridge is hampering train service to and from the busy station.

A train departing at the station ran into trouble, forcing other trains to run at a slower speed while an investigation was carried out.

Southern and Thameslink services are affected until 12 noon as service recovers after all lines reopened.

Trains could be delayed by up to 15 minutes, National Rail warned.

Delays on M4 near Heathrow after congestion

Drivers have been warned of half an hour delays on the M4 in Hounslow caused by heavy traffic.

The latest National Highways alert shows slow or stationary traffic eastbound between junctions J3 and J2 towards central London.

Normal traffic conditions are expected by 10.15am.

Flights cancelled and delayed at Heathrow

Several flights have been cancelled and delayed at Heathrow Airport today.

British Airways is among the carriers which has axed flights.

These flights have been cancelled this morning according to the airport departure board.

British Airways BA726 at 8am to Geneva

British Airways BA1476 at 10.15am to Glasgow

KLM KL1006 at 11.45am to Amsterdam

British Airways BA197 at 2.50pm to Houston

British Airways BA316 at 3pm to Paris

British Airways BA566 at 3.03pm to Milan

The following flights are displayed as delayed on the departure board.

British Airways BA484 at 8.55am to Barcelona

Lufthansa LH901 at 9.30am to Frankfurt

Virgin Atlantic VS047 at 9.55am to New York City

American Airlines AA087 at 10.05am to Chicago

British Airways BA1436 at 10.40am to Edinburgh

British Airways BA394 at 11.55am to Brussels

British Airways BA454 at 12.05pm to Malaga

British Airways BA714 at 12.20pm to Zurich

British Airways BA518 at 12.50pm to Lisbon

British Airways BA816 at 12.55pm to Copenhagen

British Airways BA632 at 1.15pm to Athens

Looking ahead: London Tube closures planned for this weekend

Here’s a full list of the TfL Tube closures planned for September 6-8.

This is in addition to the Waterloo & City line, which only runs on Monday to Friday.

Friday, September 6

• London Overground: Changes to Stratford to Richmond / Clapham Junction services on Friday 6 September: The 2159 train from Stratford to Richmond will terminate at Camden Road at 2219. The 2317 train from Richmond to Willesden Junction will not run.
• Changes to Barking Riverside to Gospel Oak services on Friday 6 September: The 2303 train from Barking Riverside to Gospel Oak will terminate at Upper Holloway at 2338.

Saturday, September 7:

• District: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, no service between Turnham Green and Richmond. 
• DLR: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, no service between Bank / Tower Gateway and Canning Town / Lewisham, also between Stratford and Canary Wharf. 
• London Overground: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, no service between Surrey Quays and Clapham Junction. 
• Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, no service between Richmond / Shepherds Bush and Gospel Oak.
• Northern line:  Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, no service between Golders Green and Edgware (including Friday and Saturday Night Tube).
• Tram: Saturday 7, from 0000, and Sunday 8 September, no service between Mitcham Junction and Wimbledon.

Sunday, September 8

• DLR: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, no service between Bank / Tower Gateway and Canning Town / Lewisham, also between Stratford and Canary Wharf. 
• Elizabeth line: Sunday 8 September, until 1400, a reduced service operates between Paddington and Heathrow / Maidenhead. 
• Sunday 8 September, from 0040 until 0700, no service between Paddington and Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
• Sunday 8 September, no service between Hackney Downs and Chingford.
• Northern line: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, no service between Golders Green and Edgware (including Friday and Saturday Night Tube).
• Tram: Saturday 7, from 0000, and Sunday 8 September, no service between Mitcham Junction and Wimbledon. 

Maps show yellow weather warnings for rain in place today and tomorrow

Bear these in mind if you’re concerned about travel disruption caused by the upcoming heavy rain.

National Rail issues warning over heavy rain affecting trains until Friday

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for southern England and south Wales until Friday, 6 September.

The forecasted weather may cause trains to be disrupted:

• Heavy rainfall can cause flooding that results in tracks being underwater and embankments being damaged, causing potential landslips
• Flooding can affect points and signalling equipment, which allow trains to move from one line to another

For South Western Railway customers specifically, services between Axminster and Honiton will run at a reduced speed from 2-7pm today.

This measure is necessary for safety reasons following a landslip at Honiton Tunnel earlier this year.

Services between Axminster and Exeter St Davids will be subject to significant delay, and some services will be subject to alteration.

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

How to Get Around London: A Guide to Public Transport in London

Last updated: May 28, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 25 Comments

So you’ve decided to visit London! Fantastic idea, it’s an excellent city, with enough activities to keep you busy for however long you choose to stay. Today though, I’m not going to give you advice on what to see in London. Instead, I’m going to share with you my advice for how to get around London.

London is a city with an absolutely fantastic public transport network, but the plethora of choice can be a bit overwhelming for the first-time visitor.

This information on getting around London comes from my experience living in London for 2 years, our subsequent visits as a tourist, and some online research (there are so many options!).

In this guide, I’m going to share with you the various options you have for getting around London, from the tube, to taxis, to the bicycle! Let’s get started.

Table of Contents:

How To Get Around London

London is divided into nine fare zones, with zones 1 & 2 being central London, and then increasing in number the further outside the city you get. Heathrow Airport for example is in Zone 6. The below transport options will cover all the zones.

Transport in London is operated is by TfL , which stands for “Transport for London”. TfL are the government body responsible for all aspects of the transport system in London, from roads to rails and ticketing to maintenance.

There are a number of ways to pay for transport inside London, including buying an individual ticket, using a contactless card, using an Oyster card , using a visitor Oyster Card or purchasing a travelcard.

I have written a whole post on the best way to pay for transport in London , which you can read, as a summary though, currently in most cases if you have a contactless card that works in the UK then this is the best way to go, followed by the Oyster card.

1. Underground – “The Tube”

The London Underground, or “Tube” as its nicknamed, is the oldest underground metro network in the world, with parts operating since 1863. Today, the London Underground carries over a billion passengers a year, across 270 stations and 250 miles of track. Interestingly, less than 50% of the track is actually underground, despite the name.

In the majority of London, you will usually find that there is an underground stop within easy walking distance, and a train arriving within 10 minutes or less. Because the underground doesn’t have to worry about traffic and streets, it is one of the most efficient ways to get around, and usually the best choice.

For the most part, services operate from 5am through to midnight, and as of August 2016, there will be a 24 hour service offered on some lines as well. You can check times and plan your journey here .

Tube stations are easily recognizable with the distinctive London Underground logo, a red circle with the text “Underground” featured in a blue box.

The Underground operates in fare zones 1 – 6, which cover London in expanding concentric circles, with zone 1 in the centre and zone 6 at the outside. Generally, the more zones you cross on your journey, the more expensive it will be.

Most tube stations have a barrier for entry and exit, and you can purchase tickets from machines or ticket offices at the station.

As a tip, if you’re a visitor to London, try to avoid the Underground during rush hour on weekdays as it gets very crowded with commuters. Generally, this is between around 7:30am and 8:30am in the morning, and from 4:30pm to around 7:00pm in the evening from Monday through Friday.

Also, the tube is the most cost-effective way to get from Heathrow Airport to central London, with a direct link from all the Heathrow terminals to the centre of London. See more on getting to central London from London’s airports here .

2. Overground

The Overground is similar to the Underground, except its above ground. I know – a lot of the Underground is also above ground. That’s just how it is. The Overground is a lot newer than the Underground though, created in 2007, and helps to fill in a number of coverage gaps that the Underground has.

In terms of pricing, the Overground has the same fare pricing as Underground, and follows the same zone-based rules.

In most cases, you also don’t need to touch in and out if you’re using Oyster or contactless payment when switching from Overground to Underground services as they fall inside the same fare zone, although there are some stations where this is required.

The Overground logo is very similar to the Underground logo, except the circle is orange, and of course the title is different.

3. DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

Oh, London. So many transport options, and we’re only on number three! The Docklands Light Railway , or DLR as most people call it, is an automated rail system that specifically covers the docklands area of London, which is the area directly east and south east of central London. The main difference between this train system and the those above is that the DLR is fully automated, which means no drivers.

The DLR links London City Airport to the rest of the tube network, and you will likely find yourself using it if you are taking trips around east and south east London. For instance it is the best way to get to the ExCeL , which hosts a number of large trade shows and events.

In terms of fares, the DLR is the same as the Overground and Underground, part of the overall London fare zone, and in fact some tube stations also contain DLR stations.

If you’re using an Oyster or contactless payment you don’t need to touch in and out when switching from tube to DLR, but you should be aware that many DLR stations do not have barriers, so you mustn’t forget to touch in and out (or have a valid ticket) at the start and end of your journey in order to ensure you pay the correct fare.

4. Rail Services

Yes, I’ve already discussed three rail-like services, but, just in case that wasn’t enough, London also has actual railways too, both suburban rail that links central London to its suburbs, and fast trains that link London to the rest of the country (and the world).

There are also direct rail links to London’s three major airports, namely Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead. See more on getting to and from London’s airports here .

In the majority of cases, trains in and out of London are separate from the Transport for London system, so for example you can’t use your Oyster card on most national rail services, and would have to buy a separate fare.

There are some exceptions, with all suburban trains in zones 1-9 for example, and to select destinations, covered. Trains to Gatwick, including the Gatwick Express, as well as trains to Heathrow, including the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express, are also covered by the Oyster system – you can see more about what’s covered here .

If you asked someone what the most used form of public transport in London was, they might guess Underground. And, with over a billion users a year, that’s not a bad guess. It would be wrong though, because the number of journeys taken on London buses is over two billion a year.

This is likely because there are just so many bus routes in London, serving a huge area – you can basically get anywhere in London by bus. Bus fares are also cheaper, at a fixed price of £1.75 (as of March 2024) for a single journey for Oyster users, regardless of distance.

You can also take advantage of the “ hopper ” fare with Oyster and contactless cards, whereby every bus journey that you take within the first hour of touching in is included in the price. So you can change buses and not have to pay any more – although you must still touch in to the new bus in order to have a valid ticket.

To use the public buses in London, all you have to do is touch your Oyster or contactless card on the big yellow card reader when you board the bus – there’s no need to do it when you get off the bus as fares are fixed. There are also many bus services that operate round the clock, meaning you can still get home after a night out on public transport in many instances.

Buses are generally a little slower than rail services because they have to contend with traffic, which in London is pretty terrible most of the time. However, an advantage is that normally there are no steps involved and no lengthy walks around the Underground system.

As well as public buses, there is also the option to take a Hop on Hop off buses . Whilst these aren’t a form of public transport, for a visitor to London they can be a good way to travel as they visit the main visitor attractions and also include commentary. However, they are priced separately, and are of course more expensive than a standard bus.

You can buy Hop on Hop off bus tickets here . They are also included with city-sightseeing passes like the London Pass .

In south London, and specifically from Wimbledon, through to Croydon and Beckenham, there’s a tram service, known as London Tramlink . The tram has four lines and 17 miles of track, so this definitely isn’t a huge network, but it’s a well used one in the region.

The tram works the same as the bus in terms of payment – it’s a fixed fee per journey, and you just have to touch-in with your Oyster card or contactless card when you board to validate your ticket. You do not need to touch out when you disembark. Trams are also a part of the Hopper fare system.

7. IFS Cloud Cable Car

Now, for something a little bit different. Did you know that London has a cable car service ? It’s the only urban cable car in the UK, and it’s there to get you across the River Thames, from Greenwich to the Royal Victoria Dock.

As well as being a handy way to get to the ExCeL exhibition centre and the O2 Arena from the south side of the river, it also offers panoramic views of this part of the city as you cross.

The Cable Car is part of the TfL system, so you can pay with your Oyster card or contactless card. There are only two stations, one at each end, so it’s also one of the easiest modes of public transport to navigate in London!

8. River Boat

London has a big old river running through it, so it makes sense that this waterway is also used as a public transport system. And so it is, with Thames Clippers operating a service under license from TfL.

There are four “routes”, starting all the way to the west of the city in Putney, and going as far as Woolwich in the east. Essentially this gets you from one end of London to the other.

On board the Thames Clipper in London. 

It’s a fun, scenic way to travel and tends to be a little less busy that many of the other routes. It is used by commuters though, so rush hours can be a little busier. As with other TfL services, the easiest way to pay is by Contactless card or by Oyster card, touching in and out as you board and disembark.

Alternatively you can buy tickets online and print them out, or you can buy tickets in person at the pier. The last option is the most expensive – contactless, Oyster and online ticket purchases are the most cost-effective.

Note that Thames Clipper is a little more expensive than services like the tube or buses, but the point to point service and relatively fast speed, plus the views of London from the river, can make it worth it.

A 24 hour pass is also included on the London Pass (you can buy that here ), if you invest in that money saving attraction pass for your time in London.

London definitely has some iconic modes of transport, from the famous red bus through to the tube. But perhaps most famous of all is the black cab.

With a history dating back to 1662, London’s Hackney Carriages have been carrying people around the city for over 350 years, with drivers having to learn the infamous “Knowledge” – basically a detailed map of London meaning they can navigate the city efficiently, without relying on maps or technology.

Taking a black cab in London is definitely an experience. All you have to do is flag one down by waving at them (the taxi light will be illuminated if it is available), and the driver will stop to pick you up.

Black taxis are certainly more expensive than any of the other forms of transport regulated by TfL, but for the convenience of getting from one part of the city to another, they sometimes can’t be beaten, and if you’re travelling in a group they can work out to be fairly cost effective.

Note that taxis don’t accept Oyster cards, so fares need to be paid by cash or credit card. Fares are paid on completion of the journey, and are set based on distance and time using the meter in the cab.

10. Bicycles

In 2010 London rolled out a new public transport option – the bicycle! There are public cycle points all around the city, and with the increase in cycle lanes, these are becoming a popular way to take short trips.

Hiring a bicycle is relatively easy – it costs £1.65 for 24 hours access to the system, which includes 30 minutes of actual ride time. After your first 30 minutes, each additional 30-minute segment costs you £1.65.

If you think you will use the cycles a lot, then a £20 membership will give you a month of access with unlimited rides of up to 60 minutes each, after which each additional 60 minutes costs £1.65.

To use the cycle hire system you just need a credit or debit card. Because of the need to guard against theft, the system doesn’t accept Oyster cards. You pay your activation fee by card, and then you can access bicycles at points all across the city – there are literally hundreds of them to choose from.

Note that the above pricing is for standard bicycles only. E-Bikes are also available, but for a higher price and for registered users only.

Find out more about the London cycle system here .

11. Walking

Not exactly a public transport option, but don’t discount walking as a way to get around London! Many visitors don’t realise that many parts of London are very pedestrian friendly, and in fact in central London you can get to most of the attractions just by walking.

As a rule of thumb, if somewhere is less than two tube stops away, it’s likely going to be quicker to walk (although worth checking on a map to be sure there’s not an inconvenient river in the way!). Walking is by far the cheapest way to travel around London, and a personal favourite of ours.

Accessibility on Public Transport in London

Given the range of public transport options in London, the accessibility situation is definitely varied. Buses for example are pretty good, with every route serviced by low-floor vehicles and offering a wheelchair space.

The tube on the other hand isn’t so great for step-free access, with only around a quarter of stations offering step free access. An aging network, built well before accessibility was something to consider, has not helped efforts to improve the situation, although certainly efforts are being made. Some stations do have platform to street step free access, but you will need to plan your tube journey carefully.

For a full map and information to help you plan your trip around your needs, take a look at the official accessibility section  of the TfL website.

Which is the best way to get around London?

There’s no really easy way to answer this question. If you’re getting around the majority of central London, the Underground will likely be the most convenient. It’s fast, regular, and doesn’t have to contend with traffic.

Before riding the tube though, it’s worth checking the actual walking distance because the tube map isn’t geographically accurate. So sometimes walking can actually be quicker. This map shows the walking time between stations as a reference point.

For parts of London that aren’t served by the Underground, DLR or Overground services, then the bus is the next most convenient option. There are services all over the city, often running through the night.

If you don’t mind a bit of exercising, then either cycling or walking are both great ways to get around.

If you want to try something a bit different, then the Emirates Air Line or the Thames Clippers will provide that.

The former is certainly excellent for one specific route, and the latter can be a good way to get across London, with water views to boot – although in my mind it’s more of a one-off experience than something to regularly use as a visitor.

Further Reading for Visiting London

We have plenty of further reading to help you plan your trip to London, both content we’ve created based on our experiences, and third-party content we think you’ll find useful.

• The official TfL website , which will give you information on tickets, routes and any updates to services in the forms of delays or cancellations
• If you’re coming into London by air, check out our detailed guide to getting into central London from the airport , which covers all six of London’s airports.
• We have a complete guide to where to stay in London , with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend.
• Jess’s detailed guide to the London pass , which will help you decide if this is a good way for you to save money on your London sight-seeing. The London currently includes Hop-on, Hop-off bus passes, which can be a great transport option.
• We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• Our detailed itineraries for one day in London as well as two days in London , three days in London and six days in London
• Harry Potter fans will want to check out our guide to the key Harry Potter filming locations in London
• We have a complete guide to the best food tours in London , which also details all the food and drink you might consider trying when in the capital
• Jess’s guide to 1-day walking tour of the highlights of London .
• How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris to help you plan
• The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it for out guide to public transport options in London! What’s your favourite way to get around in London? Any tips to share? Pop them in our comments below!

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There are 25 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Mr. Christopher Twining says

17th February 2023 at 7:13 pm

This is the first, and most likely last and only article I will need to read. Thank you so much for the thorough information. I was last in London in 1972 and I am looking forward to seeing it all again.

Laurence Norah says

18th February 2023 at 7:50 am

My pleasure Christopher, have a lovely time in London. I imagine it will have changed a bit but many sights will surely be familiar 🙂 Safe travels!

6th June 2022 at 5:46 pm

Hi, Thanks for this extremely useful information for a newbie like myself! We are arriving late Saturday evening and plan to take a sightseeing bus on Sunday to get the lay of the land. I see that most attractions are closed on Sundays. Is there anything you can recommend? I’m thinking the market might be a good option? I’ve also heard of Covent Gardens? We will be closest to Paddington Station and will research what areas we should visit first. We are also off to Paris for only 1.5 days. I’ll read your guide on Paris as well! Any feedback is appreciated. Warmly, Pam

6th June 2022 at 5:55 pm

It’s my pleasure, thanks for stopping by! So I would say that a lot of attractions in London are definitely open on a Sunday, such as the Tower of London, however it will depend somewhat on what you are interested in seeing and doing. If you give me some direction in terms of your interests, I’d be happy to advise!

samanta says

17th May 2022 at 4:28 pm

Hi there! Very interessting, thanks for sharing Did I correct understand you have to buy a new ticket if you change the tube line? Even when you are going in one direction (I mean from A to B with no intermadiate stops) and have no other option but to change the line? Many thanks

17th May 2022 at 4:37 pm

Hi Samanta,

My pleasure! No, you don’t have to buy a new ticket when you change tube lines, as long as you stay in the same station. So for example, Oxford Circus tube station has the Central Line, Victoria Line and Bakerloo line. If you get off a Central Line tube and get on a Victoria Line tube, there’s no charge. Tube lines are well signposted inside the stations.

The only time a fee would apply is if you left the station, or went through the ticket gates. You have to scan in and out of the gates when entering or exiting a tube station, so this would not be something you would do by mistake.

Hopefully this answers your question, if you have any more questions do let me know!

Ginge Robinson says

31st March 2022 at 8:19 pm

I have been reading a lot of blogs like this in anticipation of my July 2022 trip to London. Your articles are well written for the unfamiliar traveler and your sight is easy to navigate. Thank you for the time you put in.

1st April 2022 at 10:19 am

Hey Ginge, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this comment. It means a lot to get such nice feedback! Have a wonderful time in London and do let us know if you have any questions!

11th September 2019 at 5:02 pm

Thank you so much for the articles! Exact, relevant, full, helps really!

11th September 2019 at 5:47 pm

Thanks Irina, my pleasure!

23rd May 2019 at 9:28 am

Really good and comprehensive article. I have been living in London for almost a year now but still used to find myself confused with different types of train services. But not anymore! 🙂

23rd May 2019 at 10:52 am

Thanks very much Sonia 🙂

Pedro Zamuner says

2nd April 2019 at 9:17 am

Thanks for the article. Funny, well written and complete! Just got in London last night and now I feel ready to discover the city.

Cheers guys!! 🙂

2nd April 2019 at 10:06 am

Our pleasure Pedro – have a great time in London!

11th November 2018 at 8:12 pm

A minor edit is needed, you list that bicycles cost “30 minutes” for each “30 minutes” past the first 30 minutes.

11th November 2018 at 8:15 pm

Thank you for the feedback – I’ve fixed that now 😀

19th October 2018 at 8:27 am

This is cool. Super helpful and detail! Thank you 🙂

19th October 2018 at 2:44 pm

Our pleasure Mike 🙂

Vikram Badshah says

25th September 2018 at 1:05 pm

Wonderful insight on how to get around in London.

26th September 2018 at 4:17 am

Thanks Vikram!

Anil Palan says

19th September 2018 at 5:26 pm

Thanks for sharing such a nice article on London transport system. It will be very useful to me as I am visiting London for the first time very shortly.

19th September 2018 at 9:11 pm

My pleasure Anil! We have lots more content on the site about London – hopefully you found it. Have a great trip to London!

3rd September 2018 at 1:18 am

This whole post is incredibly useful!! Thank you

3rd September 2018 at 1:20 am

Our pleasure Joana 😀

wassah saw says

23rd June 2018 at 6:52 am

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London Tube Fares 2024

Transport fares vary depending on when and where you travel, and on the payment method you choose.

Time of the day:

If you travel during peak hours, costs will be more expensive than during off-peak hours. Peak hours are Monday to Friday, between 6:30 am to 9:30 am, and between 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, except on public holidays.

Ticket type:

• Paper ticket or cash ticket: Single tickets cost between £6.70 and £9.80 . 
• Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) or contactless payment methods:  By using an Oyster card, which is a prepaid or contactless option, you can save significant money on each journey. For example, if you use it in Zone 1, your ticket will cost less than half the price of a paper ticket. It is worth learning more about this money-saving payment option; see below for more information.

Distance between stations:  

When you are in front of the ticket machine, first you must choose the zones you will be travelling through in the next few days.  If you are a tourist, you will usually travel within zones 1 and 2. Our suggestion is to select this option because it is where you will find the most famous attractions in London.

Another tip is to add enough credit for 3 days' travel, for example for a family of two adults and two kids: £20 per adult and £10 per child under 15.

Children under 15 are eligible for discounts and free travel. Children aged 5 to 15 pay half the adult fare, while those under 5 travel for free. To access these discounts, ask for assistance at the station; TfL staff will help you.

You must scan your card or ticket at the ticket barrier's reader upon both entering and exiting the Tube platforms.

Oyster Card and Travelcard

When travelling in London, using a prepaid card such as an Oyster Card or Travelcard is the savvy way to go. Not only do these cards offer cheaper fares compared to paying with cash, but they also come with daily spending limits to help you save even more.

The Oyster Card, costing just £5, can be ordered online and sent directly to your home before you arrive in London. Once you have it, you can top it up with as much credit as you need. This credit doesn't expire – it's yours to use whenever you're in London. Travel on the Tube, buses, and other TfL services becomes more cost-effective, thanks to the daily caps on spending. For example, if you hit the daily cap of £8.50 with an Oyster Card, you won't pay a penny more for any additional trips that day.

Remember, if you don't use all your credit, you can easily get a refund for up to £10 at any ticket machine – although the initial £5 cost for the card itself isn't refundable. The card is reusable for your next visit, though!

And if you prefer to travel light, you can tap in with a contactless bank card. Just keep an eye on any potential bank charges. Similar to the Oyster or Travelcard, contactless bank cards also benefit from a daily cap on charges, ensuring you don’t spend more than a set amount each day, regardless of how many trips you make.

Here are the tables that outline the fare caps and Travelcard prices:

Pay as you go (PAYG) caps: For trips on the Tube, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail, and National Rail, there are daily and weekly spending caps that apply.

Travelcards: These cards give you unlimited travel within the chosen zones and are available for different lengths of time.

We highly recommend using a card when travelling around London – it's cheaper than cash and caps your daily spend. Grab an Oyster Card or a Travelcard for just £5. They're both prepaid, which means you can add money to them and only pay for the travel you use.

Before you come to London, you can buy an Oyster Card online and have it sent to your home. It's a durable card that never expires, ready for your next London adventure.

In addition to the Oyster Card, the Travelcard is an excellent option for those planning to make extensive use of public transport. You can purchase a Travelcard for periods of 7 days, a month, or even a year, making it ideal for regular visitors or residents of London. Unlike the Oyster Card, which charges per trip up to a daily cap, the Travelcard allows you unlimited travel within the zones you have selected, without concern for the number of trips you make.

For added convenience, both the Oyster Card and Travelcard can be topped up online, at ticket vending machines, or at any London train or Tube station. With these cards, you can fully enjoy all that London has to offer, moving around the city efficiently and cost-effectively.

Where to buy tourist tickets online?

Questions and answers.

Where can I buy tickets to travel on public transport in London?

• Tickets and prepaid card top-ups can be purchased at the ticket machines that can be found at the Tube stations. You can pay by credit/debit card or in cash (coins or notes). Ticket vending machines are available in different languages.

How much do young children pay on London transport?

• Children under 5 travel free with a fare paying adult.
• Children aged 5 to 10 travel free on buses and trams with an Oyster card, no ticket needed.
• Children aged 11 to 15 can receive the following benefit through an Oyster card: 50% off adult-rate pay-as-you-go fares and daily caps on a bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, National Rail services, and London Cable Car.

For more information on discounts, visit the official transport website . Tourists should note that the Oyster Card can be bought online before travelling to London and be delivered to their home address. The card costs £5. Then you decide how much credit you want to top it up with. This prepaid card has no expiry date.

Where can I find precise information for the rest of the fares and tickets?

• You can find detailed information on all fares and tickets in the official announcement regarding the March 2024 prices, available at this link: www.london.gov.uk/media/104143/download .

If you notice any errors on this website or have any suggestions, please use our contact form , and we will try to solve the problem as soon as possible.

Thank you for visiting our London Tube fares page, we hope you found it useful.

London tube map | Timetable | Fares | All tube lines

How to Use the Tube in London | London Transport Guides

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: July 28, 2024

Whether you need to know how to use the tube in London for the first time or this is a repeat visit and you require a refresher, this guide is for you! Here, we cover everything you should know about how to use the Underground in London. 

Ride the tube in London and it can mean more than getting from A to B. It is used by local residents daily to get around, so you’ll get a glimpse into city life, too. Getting around London on the tube is also often the quickest and most convenient way to travel.

This complete London Underground guide is packed with info on how to use the London tube, including a step-by-step guide to how it works, accessibility, insider London Underground tips, etiquette, how to pay fares on the London tube, useful apps, hours of operation, and much more. 

Read on to find out how to travel by tube in London!

Where from and where to

Which line/s and zone\s , how to travel, tube etiquette, accessibility, quicker to walk, beyond london, where will you use the tube in london.

Fancy a tour of the London Underground? Discover the history of the Tube on these fascinating tours. Use promo code UKTRAVELPLANNING10 for an exclusive 10% discount on the following tours

• London Underground Walking Tour  –  This walking tour of the world’s first underground railway lasts approximately two hours, and travels through 150 years of London’s Underground history.
• Aldwych Station Tour   is   an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the London Underground Station, which regularly appears on screen and stands in for a working tube station.
• Charing Cross Station Tour – Explore the disused spaces of Charing Cross Underground Station and get exclusive access to areas not accessible to the public

How does the Tube work in London?

The tube operates daily in London, and is used by commuters, locals, and tourists. It’s operated by Transport for London (TfL). 

The London Underground hours of operation vary according to the day, and which line you’re using. You can find live timetables on the TfL website here . 

In general, the first tube is at around 5 am on weekdays and Saturdays. The last service is at about midnight. On Sundays, the hours are shorter – between about 7 am and 11 pm. 

The tube map is really helpful when you’re planning your route. Do note, though, that it’s not to scale! There are tube maps in all stations, and these show which line you’ll need and where to change trains. You can find them in the main hall, along the routes, and on the platforms. 

The London Underground service is divided in two ways – into lines, and into zones. Lines are all about where you’re going, while zones will determine your fare. 

There are 11 tube lines in total. Each is represented by a colour, as follows.

• Bakerloo – Brown 
• Central – Red
• Circle – Yellow
• District – Green
• Hammersmith & City – Pink
• Jubilee – Grey
• Metropolitan – Dark red
• Northern – Black
• Piccadilly – Dark blue
• Victoria – Blue
• Waterloo & City – Light green

The price of the London Underground is determined by how far you travel. Your London tube fare is calculated according to zones. There are 9 altogether. 

As a visitor, you’ll use Zone 1 the most, followed by Zone 2. The price you pay depends on which and how many zones you enter. 

You might occasionally venture into zones 3 and beyond. Particularly if you choose to stay outside the central area – though we don’t recommend doing so! Zones 7 to 9 lie outside the city, and you’re quite unlikely to use those at all. 

When paying your fare, make sure you’re covered for the zones you’ll depart from, cross and arrive at. 

How to use the Tube, step-by-step

The first step is working out which station you’ll depart from, and want to arrive at. Your hotel will be able to tell you the closest underground station.

If you’re visiting an attraction, the website should say how to get there, including the nearest tube station. 

Which tube line – or lines if you need to change – will you need? The tube map can help you work this out. Once you know where you’re headed, you’ll be able to see which zone, or zones, you need a ticket for. 

So how do you pay for the tube in London?

There are two main options when it comes to London Underground travel cards for tourists. You can pay by contactless card, or you can buy an Oyster Card. 

Read this London Underground Oyster Card vs contactless guide to decide which will work best for you. If, for example, you want a London day pass for the tube as you’ll be making lots of stops, fare capping can help to cut the cost in both cases.  

Whether you’re paying for the London Underground by contactless or Oyster card, tap on the yellow card reader, both at the start and end of your journey. Make sure you use the same card or device for each, or you could be charged the wrong fare. 

How much is the tube in London? Both Oyster and contactless cards use the same Pay As You Go system, and thus costs are comparable. Oyster cards have to be topped up before you travel, and there is a small upfront fee to pay per Oyster card.

• Arrive at the station and follow the signs to the tube line you want, if more than one runs through it. Knowing the colour of the line you’re looking for is helpful here!
• Trains will be northbound or southbound, or eastbound or westbound. So it’s also important to know which direction you’re headed in.
• At the barrier, insert or tap your London tube card or payment card as shown. Once it opens, walk through quickly, as you’ll see others do. 
• On the escalators, stand on the right if you’re staying still. People use the left-hand side to walk up or down.
• Once you arrive on the platform, digital boards will show how many minutes you’ll need to wait until the next tube. The final destination will be displayed. If you’re not sure, you can check the tube maps on the platform for guidance on whether the train calls at the stop you want. 

• Let people off first

Always let passengers get off before boarding your train. Next, move along the carriage towards or onto the seats. This makes way for other people, rather than blocking the doorways so no one can get on or off.  

• No eye contact

On the tube, making no eye contact with other passengers is the norm. People travelling alone tend to look at their device, or read a book or newspaper. If you’re with others, then you can talk quietly amongst yourselves. When using headphones, keep the volume low. 

• Offer your seat if someone needs it

If someone looks like they may need your seat more than you do, always offer it to them if there aren’t any other empty seats. Examples include pregnant, mobility-impaired, or elderly people. 

• No smelly food

Never eat smelly food on the tube. Unless you want to make enemies of both locals and other tourists! Non-pungent snacks are fine, but try not to leave a mess behind. 

Other useful information

If you need to find accessible transport in London, then the tube isn’t a bad place to start. Over a third of stations – 92 in total – currently offer step-free access via lifts and/or ramps. There are more on the way, too. 

You can see which Underground stations are step-free on the Tube map. Look out for the blue wheelchair symbol, which indicates step-free access.

When planning an accessible trip, it might also be worth looking at alternatives to the tube. All the stations of the Elizabeth line (which confusingly isn’t a tube line), and Docklands Light Railways (DLR) are step-free. Tram stops are also free from steps. 

London buses comprise one of the most accessible networks on the planet. Low-floor vehicles operate on all bus routes, and these have access ramps and wheelchair spaces. Many boats also have ramps, and all black cabs have a wheelchair ramp. 

The AccessAble app can help you to plan your London journeys. 

Both Oyster cards and contactless payments can also be used with the free TfL Oyster & Contactless app. 

Other apps can also be useful when travelling by tube. These include the Citymapper, Google Maps, and TfL Go apps, plus the AccessAble app where applicable. 

Find all the top apps for London in this guide .

For security reasons, wear your bag, or keep it firmly wedged between your legs while travelling on the tube.

In and outside of stations, be careful of pickpockets. Keep your phone and other valuables out of sight, and where you can see or feel them. This particularly applies in crowded areas. 

Sometimes, it’s quicker to walk between stations than to take the tube. Covent Garden and Leicester Square are very close together, with the journey taking mere seconds. Yet many tourists pay a full zone 1 fare to travel between them!

If in doubt, ask station staff for guidance on timings, distance, and walking routes. 

The London Underground can only take you so far. Specifically, to places like Amersham in Buckinghamshire, Upminster in East London (formerly Essex), Morden in South London (previously Surrey), and Heathrow Airport to the west. 

If you’re travelling beyond the reaches of the tube lines by rail, check out our guides to UK train travel , which include an ebook. 

When you’ll be driving – and we don’t recommend doing so within London itself – take a look at our UK road trip itineraries for inspiration. Using Tripiamo is also invaluable, as it can familiarise you with UK roads and rules before you go. This can ensure your trip is both safe and stress-free. 

With a network covering everywhere you’re likely to want to go in London, the tube – aka the Underground – is probably the most popular way to get around the city. 

The Victorian subway is also a London icon. As such, not taking at least one tube trip would mean missing out. 

Read this guide before you go, following the steps to plan your journey, and we guarantee you’ll be all set!

Read more London transport guides

• How to use black cabs in London
• How to use Uber boats in London
• How to use buses in London
• Oyster versus Contactless – how to pay for London transport
• London Airport Transfers and beyond

London’s Economy Today editorial – August 2024

Uk cuts interest rates for first time since 2020.

The Bank of England cut interest rates for the first time since 2020 this month. The Bank Base Rate was lowered from 5.25% to 5% on 1 August after the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by five members to four to reduce the rate by a quarter of a percentage point. This puts an end, for the time being, to the period of rising interest rates which started in 2021.

In deciding to vote for a cut in rates the MPC minutes note that the impact of previous shocks had abated, that inflation expectations had normalised and that there “had been some progress in moderating risks of persistence in inflation”. Although the members voting against noted that some economic news “suggested that second-round effects were having a greater impact on wage and price-setting behaviour in the economy”.

On the same day as the MPC made its interest rate decision the Bank also published its latest Monetary Policy Report which set out its thinking on the state of the UK economy ahead of that decision. In this it observed that although inflation had dropped to target it expects it to pick up later in the year “to around 2¾%”. However, this rise should be temporary with inflation expected to drop back next year. Looking at the prospects for UK GDP the Bank remains relatively downbeat with only modest growth forecast for the next few years. So, although the forecast for GDP growth in 2024 has been upgraded from 0.5% in their May forecast to 1.25% now, its forecast for 2025 and 2026 remains unchanged at 1% and 1.25% respectively.

UK inflation rises slightly in July

Despite the Bank cutting interest rates this month UK inflation numbers have picked up a notch, but as noted above this increase was generally in line with the Bank’s expectations. Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation hit 2.2% in the 12 months to July 2024, up from 2.0% in June (Figure 1). This rate remains within the Bank’s central symmetrical target for CPI inflation of 2% ±1% and was below what most commentators had been expecting. Looking at the drivers of inflation the ONS noted that the largest upward contribution to the monthly change “came from housing and household services where prices of gas and electricity fell by less than they did last year; the largest downward contribution came from restaurants and hotels, where prices of hotels fell this year having risen last year”. Still beyond the headline rate other measures of inflation are continuing to slow. Core CPI (excluding volatile energy, food, alcohol and tobacco prices) inflation was 3.3% over the year to July 2024, down from 3.5% in June. The CPI goods annual rate remained negative but rose from negative 1.4% to negative 0.6%. The CPI services annual rate, fell from 5.7% in June to 5.2% in July; this was a greater drop in that measure of inflation than expected by most analysts.

Despite inflation moderating from its recent highs, household finances continue to face challenging times. This was highlighted this month by the announcement of Ofgem that the household energy price cap will rise by 10% in October. This means that an average annual household energy bill would rise from £1,568 to £1,717. Analysts also expect a further rise in the cap in January.

UK GDP grew respectably in Q2 2024

The ONS has recently published data looking at the speed at which the economy grew in the second quarter of 2024. This data showed that UK GDP increased by 0.6% in the three months to June 2024, following growth of 0.7% in the three months to March 2024 (Figure 2). This follows on from two quarters of falling output at the end of 2023 which saw the UK enter a technical recession. Looking at a longer time frame UK GDP is 0.9% higher than it was in Q2 2023.

However, despite GDP seeing growth in the second quarter of the year of the major sectors of the economy only the services sector saw output increase. Thus, the ONS observes that “in output terms, services grew by 0.8% on the quarter with widespread growth across the sector; this offset falls of 0.1% in both the production and construction sectors”. In terms of real GDP per head the ONS estimates it “to have increased by 0.3% in Quarter 2 2024 and is 0.1% lower compared with the same quarter a year ago”.

The Chancellor announces the existence of a large Government overspend

At the end of July the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, unveiled the findings of an audit of public finances that she had commissioned post the general election. The audit “identified a substantial forecast overspend of £21.9 billion above the resource departmental expenditure limit (RDEL) totals set by the Treasury at the Spring 2024 Budget”. The sources of this overspend included “unfunded policy announcements”, the impact of inflation being higher than expected at the time of the 2021 Spending Review which set departmental budgets, events such as the war in Ukraine and public sector pay awards. The cost of the public sector pay awards, which have been accepted by the new government, amount to around £9.4 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25. While, there existed a £6.4 billion short fall in the asylum system and a £1.6 billion short fall in rail finances.

In response to this overspend the Chancellor announced a number of proposed savings and spending cuts. This includes asking government departments to find £3.2 billion in savings including stopping “all non-essential government consultancy spend in 2024-25 and halving government spending on consultancy in future years”. Further savings include not proceeding with adult social care charging reforms which were due to commence in October 2025, cancelling the Investment Opportunity Fund, cancelling the Advanced British Standard and reviewing previous commitments to some transport schemes and new hospitals.

A further major spending cut in the statement was the decision to target the Winter Fuel Allowance only to households in England and Wales with someone aged over the State Pension age receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and income-related Employment and Support Allowance. City Intelligence Unit analysis of London data suggests that in 2022-23 970,000 pensioners received a Winter Fuel payment in London. While, in the quarter ending February 2024 there were 190,000 active Pension Credit claims in the capital.

UK economy has seen slow income growth, rising poverty, and growing inequality according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies

The UK economy is facing significant challenges, as highlighted by a recent report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). The report covers the period from 2019-20 to 2022-23, indicating that the past few years have been characterized by very slow income growth, increasing poverty among low-income groups, and rising inequality. These challenges have been largely accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent cost-of-living crisis, making this one of the slowest periods of income growth in recent UK history.

The IFS analysis shows that during this period, poorer households initially experienced income rises due to government interventions during the pandemic. However, when these temporary measures were withdrawn, these households faced a more severe fall in income. Specifically, income for the poorest third of households remained flat between 2019-20 and 2022-23, while the middle-income group saw a real-term decline of 2%. Among higher-income households, there were small declines, contributing to the stagnation of income growth since 2007-08. The inequality gap has not narrowed significantly and living standards of poorer households have only modestly improved.

Poverty rates exhibited mixed trends during the period from 2019-20 to 2022-23. Absolute poverty increased marginally to 18%, remaining close to the levels seen before the pandemic, while relative poverty fell slightly to 21%. However, the report highlights an exceptionally high increase in material deprivation. For example, the proportion of working-age adults unable to afford adequate heating rose dramatically from 4% to 11%. This sharp rise in material deprivation reflects the significant economic pressures on lower-income groups, pressures that are not fully captured by traditional poverty indicators.

The report goes on to describe other limitations related to measuring price rises, such as the impact of floating mortgage interest rates. Thus, ignoring interest rate rises lead to an underestimation of the cost pressures for holders of mortgages. This mismeasurement issue is a growing concern as interest rates have increased markedly since December 2021, with an increased likelihood of financial stress for households with mortgages.

The report does however show that average incomes have increased in real terms among pensioners from 2011-12 to 2019-20, but that this has not translated to material poverty reduction among poorer pensioners. This is because intra-pensioner inequality is increasing, and hence, pensioners without private pensions or savings experienced slower growth in incomes.

The global economy is at a crossroads

In the United States, there has been a rise in economic uncertainty. Following a year of robust growth some signs of an economic slowdown have appeared underpinned by rising unemployment and slowing job growth. Recent data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that job growth was weaker than initially estimated, with revisions showing that 818,000 fewer jobs were added between April 2023 and March 2024 than previously reported. Additionally, the unemployment rate has shown signs of edging higher, further compounding concerns about the health of the labour market. Minutes from the July Federal Reserve meeting indicate that future interest rate cuts may occur, driven by labour market weakening and the cooling of inflation. This would show that officials at the Fed are more concerned that waiting too long will give the slowdown room to worsen.

Elsewhere although inflationary pressures have started to come off the boil, uncertainty remains about the future pathway of inflation. For example, the European Central Bank (ECB) also hinted that it may cut interest rates as early as September, despite persistent core high inflation but that this will depend on the evolution of the economy’s performance. In stark contrast, Brazil and India are two economies still battling persistent inflation, with Brazil’s inflation rate hovering around 4% and India’s at approximately 6.4%. This persistence makes the decision for their central banks on balancing growth versus price stability more cumbersome, as Brazil’s Selic rate remains at 13.75% and India’s repo rate at 6.50% despite global trends towards easing.

Fanning global economic concerns are the major labour disputes unfolding across North America and in India, heightening the prospect of supply chain disruptions worldwide. Those would ripple out widely, with particular concerns for the US as the holiday season drives up the cost of goods delivery and delays. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s (ILWU) strike involves over 22,000 workers, potentially impacting ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach, which handle about 40% of US imports. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently warned that “any significant disruption could have ripple effects across the US economy, particularly during peak consumer demand periods”. Similarly, World Bank President Ajay Banga emphasized that “supply chain disruptions in major economies have global implications, potentially slowing recovery efforts in developing nations and increasing inflationary pressures worldwide”.

The indicators for London’s economy remain positive

Despite the challenges that the UK and international economies continue to experience the economic picture in the capital shows signs of strength. This can be seen from the various indicators summarised in the economic indicators section of this publication. Thus, the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for new business and employment has shown an expansion for all of 2024 so far, while new business activity has been expanding since 2022. Consumer confidence has also been marginally positive for the past few months. However, other indicators do add a note of caution. For example, the ONS estimates that unemployment in London has recently picked up although it still remains relativity low by historic standards.

GLA Economics will continue to monitor all these issues over the coming months in our analysis and publications, which can be found on our publications page and on the London Datastore .

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