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

I grew up in London - but if it was a new journey I wasn’t sure about I always asked someone on the platform if this was the train to wherever. People will be happy to help. Obviously if you see staff, ask them.

I’ve never been overcharged. Perhaps that was early on? They’ve done the tap in and tap out for years now.

Stand on the right on the escalators, and if you're wearing a rucksack/backpack, take it off on the train.

Easiest way to pay is with a bank card - just swipe on the barrier and it will work out your cheapest price. Ie if you just make one journey, that's all you'll get charged. But if you do more you'll get charged for a travelcard instead.

Download a tube map. Find out the nearest for where you are staying and plan to visit and then it's really simple. Each line is a different colour. You can change line at a station marked as a white circle with a black outline. It's really easy to see what lines are at each station.

Be aware that in the very centre of London, some stations aren't very far apart, so it's probably quicker to just walk one or two stops (eg leicester square to Covent garden is super close)

It’s also an advantage to use oyster if you have a disabled railcard, because by card you pay full price but by oyster you can get your disabled railcard discount added on

An advantage is you are less likely to be overcharged with oyster. Card clashes and weird huge charges were a misery until I changed to oyster.

If you are getting the tube everyday for a month it’s marginally cheaper to buy a monthly pass on an Oyster card. Otherwise it’s not worth bothering.

I live in London and haven’t used an Oyster card for years, I just use my phone.

Oh and use the map.

Google maps before you enter the station. Keep your phone screen open.

It will keep the route (including changes).

I use google maps, put in where you are going and it tells you which platform you need and where to change and end station.

If you need to have a moment when you get off before going through the pay gate just stand to one side whilst you get your purse out as at can be very busy.

If you do go the wrong way, it will become obvious very quickly & all you have to do is get off, follow the signs to the platform for trains going in the opposite direction & go back.

Etiquette - stand on the right on the escalators so people can go past on the left.

Don’t be afraid OP, the tube is easy to use. I love the tube despite it being hot and crowded and pretty grubby! Definitely plan your route in advance and then when you arrive at the first tube station, you will already know which colour line you need. Then you’ll need to know which direction you’re going in. At most stations, there is signage high up so then even if the station is crowded, you should be able to see the signs. Just look for the colour of your line!

Also, ask people in the platform they are actually friendly and will help you.

A line has 2 directions and 2 archways going to eg north or south, so as you go to a platform there will a map of the line and where it is going, no need to rush another will be along in a few mins.

This is a really helpful thread because I thought you had to have an Oyster card - I didn’t realise you could just pay! Is that on buses too? It’s been a while since I was in London and I kept having to try and top up my Oyster card all the time!

Yeah. Some London jobs have a transport benefit so it makes sense to just use oyster if having to file expenses.

Plan. I love a good tube map. I start at Waterloo, take the northern line (black) to xxx, change onto the jubilee line (north - you do need to know if you are going north or south, east or west) 5 stops to xxx.

I still use my Oyster because it makes budgeting easier but that’s the only reason.

Here is website for who it is an advantage to use oyster
https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel

V important to tap out with same method you tap in with. There have been clashes with extra taps it your Apple Pay and cards are near the sensor together, hold them separately

Use Google maps, it works on tubes as well. It was a godsend when I visited.

OK I'm an anxious person, and my general advice is to not worry about people who are quick and know what they're doing - there will be people rushing and dashing about but you are free to take your time, no need to run or rush, there are tubes every few minutes so if you miss one it's no problem, get the next one. Just take your time, what's the worst that can happen if you get on the 'wrong' tube you can hop off and get on a different one. You'll be fine.

Which station will you arrive at and where are you going?

I think Oyster is only good if you are child, student or over 60 so you can get the free or discounted travel,

You can order an Oyster card by post too costs £7 ish then you add credit which does not expire. It’s administered online via tfl account.

Apple Pay is fine. You just need to make sure that if you tap in with Apple Pay you tap out with it too.

I'd definitely second looking at the maps beforehand and planning your route. The different lines are clearly signed at the tube stations, just make sure you choose the right platform so you're traveling to your destination not away from it. If you post on here where you are going to and from you will probably get a sensible poster who will tell you which line you need.
Staff are very approachable and will help you out. As others have said, the payment system is really easy so don't worry, you'll be fine!