Please explain to me like I'm dumb - how do I use the tube?

Oh actually is it the Lyric theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue or the one in Hammersmith?

Here is the journey from Citymapper. Very straightforward. When you have Citymapper you click in the option you want to travel on and it gives you the exact details eg this is how you would get there using the Elizabeth Line from Paddington

Yes buses too. You only need to tap on when you get on the bus (there will be a yellow reader at the driver’s cab and another one near the middle doors because wheelchair users get on there). No need to tap out when you get off a bus.

second this- Google maps is really helpful and even shows which platform at the station to use.

All these posts but nobody's said

DON'T STOP DEAD ANYWHERE.

If you're not sure, find a gap, a small alcove, behind a pillar, anywhere but dead in front of everybody who knows where they're going.

The tube is very easy to navigate. Arm yourself with a tube map, and work out a) which line you want, and whether you’re going (according to the map) north- or southbound, east- or westbound.

My Dm explained it to me when I was 16 and coming from 100 miles away to attend a course in central London. Honestly, it’s pretty much a doddle. But do remember to stand on the right on the escalators!

I just tap on and off with my Apple Watch - very easy.

I have the tube app - it tells me what lines to use. It’s really easy.

I go to London every year for a long weekend and navigate my way around the tube very easily

Some places are MUCH quicker to walk to rather than getting a tube there so make sure you look at the street map as well as the tube map so that you know exactly where you are and where you're going. For example, you wouldn't want to get a tube between Embankment and Charing Cross. The same applies to umpteen places. It would be a shame to get off a tube train and spend ages transferring from one tube line to another and getting another tube to somewhere, when you could have come out of the tube at the first place and walked five minutes along the street.

@PlumPeony that's good to know, I didn't realize that and my am sure I tapped in with phone and the same physical card last time I was down there. I'll keep that in mind next time.

Make sure it's not only same card, but actually the same method (ie not physical card to tap in, and same card in mobile pay to tap out)

I use app "tfl oyster" for expenses, as you can link your cards to it. And keep track I've been charged correctly.

Op, first few times, study the map where you need to go (name of the line, last stop to make sure you're going right way, and name of the stop you need to get off). Once you do it few times, you'll be fine. Good luck!

If you get on the wrong tube or a line is closed you can just get off at the next stop and try again, you don't go through the ticket barrier again just find the right platform and give it another go.

Sometimes it is faster to walk then get the tube and you benefit from some sight seeing too.

If you go to covent garden do not attempt the stairs in the heat (or ever) unless you are very fit. You will regret it.

Look at a map, or Google maps. Take a note of what is the nearest tube station to your starting point. Then note which is the nearest tube station to where you want to go.

Then either (a) look at a Tube Map, online, in a book, on a tube station wall, and look and see which line(s) join the two stations you want, look at the end station on that line to make sure you are going in the right direction. If you have to change you will have to note the line and end station for each.

Or (b) download the TfL app, click on 'Where to?', put in where you are starting and where you want to go and when, and it will give you instructions on how to do it, possibly with a couple of options for speed, or step-free, or fewest changes.

On your journey, as PP said, tap your payment method on the yellow circle at the gate and it will magically open and let you in. To get out at your destination, do the same, making sure you use the same payment method.

On the train there are maps of the line you are on, and, on some lines, lines which run on the same tracks, so you can check your progress. Should you find you are actually going in the wrong direction, get off at the next stop, cross to the other platform (slog up the stairs and down again in many stations) and go back the opposite way.

Have your payment method ready before you approach the barrier. If you do not, don't stop in front of the barrier while you dig it out, or you will cause havoc. Instead, step to one side while you search. Other protocol, on escalators, stand to the right and keep in. People tear up and down on the left and will not hide their annoyance if you, or your luggage, obstruct them.

However, if you are stuck, Londoners are surprisingly helpful, so just ask. Even if the first person is in a hurry, doesn't know or doesn't speak English, you will soon find someone who will go out of his/her way to help.

Tube station supervisor here. All the PPs pretty much have explained it all, but I'd like to add some points.

You can use any bank card, phone, or wearable device to use contactless on TfL services. Just keep using the same card on the same format all day and the total caps to an amount appropriate for the zones used.

Kids aged 10 and under are free with a fare paying adult. Kids 11-16? Please ask the staff to help you.

And if you get confused ask a member of staff to assist you or press the information button on the help point.

The TfL website is much too waffly and it's confusing. Lots of guff without explaining properly. It's far better to ask the staff or a passing Londoner if your stumped.

The lines are colour coded and you just need to know if you're going North, South East or West. Lately ppl have been asking for platform numbers, which is good but you need to follow the colour of the line first.

Always pay attention, never put your phone in your back pocket and keep your handbag zipped up and close to you. Make sure you have everything before getting off.

Always stand on the left on the escalators, whether you are going up or down. When you do this, Londoners will be very appreciative and quickly let you know you have got it right. 😉

And if you find your heading the wrong direction( unlikely) don’t panic and just get off at the next stop and head to the other direction platform.

Don’t rush ( even though it’s busy at times) Take your time looking at the maps-they really are very straighforward.

If it’s a particularly busy tube and you lose your travelling companions or somebody doesn’t manage to squeeze on, have a rule that anybody who does get on the train just gets off at the next stop and waits.

Stand on the right hand side going up and down the escalators -this allows people who want to walk/run up and down to do so.

Don’t panic and run for a tube-there will be another along in a few minutes.

Central London ( the touristy bits) is actually fairly compact so don’t feel that you have to get the tube between every sight.

And most of all enjoy 😀

Yes you can. Make sure you use the same format (eg Apple Pay or card) at both end of your journey. Even though you card payments and Apple Pay may come out the same account, they are still acknowledged as separate payment methods which can lead to you being over charged

Basically if you tap with Apple Pay in way in, make sure you tap with the same Apple Pay on way out

You also can’t share cards so if there are two or more of you travelling you each need your own payment method

Download tube map app to start, so you can pre-plan your route. You can also check your route planner and line status on transport for London website. Always check before travelling :)
You can pay by Apple Pay, or by bank card (tapping card reader at barriers), so there is no need to buy travel cards or get an oyster card.
Each line will have platforms for travelling in both directions, but there will be a big sign for each direction showing the stations it's stopping at so you will know what platform to go to.
If going on an escalator, left side of stairs is for walking or if you want to stand always stand to the right side of stairs.
You must tap in and out with card readers, even if barriers are open otherwise you'll be charged more than you should be.
If platforms are busy, people move very quickly so don't stand in the middle of the platform in the way, stand to the wall or towards the yellow line to wait for next train. If it's too busy, another will be along soon after :)
There are usually staff around if you need help, especially in the central London stations.
The tube is a quick and easy way to travel, but very busy. So planning a journey ahead is always helpful. Most stations that are underground, you won't have phone reception so take screenshots of your route planner beforehand so you don't forget your route too :)

Don't worry, OP. It really is VERY obvious. There are lots of maps around the place. Just try and work out beforehand whether you need East/West/North/South bound, it will make things a lot quicker following the signage.

If you need help there are always staff on the gateline. Usually to one side near the wider accessible gates. They are usually very friendly and helpful.

I know London has a reputation for being unfriendly, but I think it is undeserved. Fellow passengers have always been happy to help me when I've asked.

You follow the signs to get to the platform for the line you need. Depending on the line and where you are going you might need to check the train itself is the correct line and going to the correct place as some of them split.

What journeys are you doing?

Either - but stick to whichever you choose. I've had it where I've used my actual card to tap in and apple pay to tap out and it didn't recognise it as the same card when it came to the charge

Yes, I missed that in my post. The website also lists others I missed like discount for apprentices, veterans, free for unemployed looking for work…well worth a look.

Apple Maps is your friend. Simply type in your destination and it will give you the nearest station along with the line, any necessary changeovers and your final stop.

You can tap in either by contactless card/Apple Pay/Google Pay or by getting a preloaded Oyster card. I prefer this as it’s a useful way to budget

Also yes you can use Apple Pay