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Original poster

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

135 replies

Knbcdryhb · 09/08/2024 19:04

Sorry posting here for traffic

Never been to London before, going in a few weeks and a bit nervous about getting around on the tube.

can anyone explain how it works? How do I pay? How do I know where to go, will there be someone there to help? How will I know if I'm getting on the right line? Anything else I'm not thinking of / general advise?

OP posts:
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7
Tadpole10 · 09/08/2024 19:13

If you are doing it quite a bit, is there a cheaper way than just tap in tap out with contactless? What is the advantage of having an Oyster card?

hippieyogi · 09/08/2024 19:11

Cirtmapper is a brilliant app that will help you get around. Take a look and have fun on your trip to London!

SugarandSpiceandAllThingsNaice · 09/08/2024 19:11

This is now, from Bond Street to Epping

Please explain to me like I'm dumb - how do I use the tube?
smartiecake · 09/08/2024 19:11

Every landmark will tell you what tube stops are nearby. Often the exits say this way to such and such landmark.
They have maps when you get there. Every line is a different colour coded line and at every tube line there is a map showing you which direction that train is going and what the stops are on that line.
They announce the stops and you can see the name of the station out of the window written on the walls in big letters.
Its very easy to follow

Kdubs1981 · 09/08/2024 19:10

You can get an app that plans your journey for you, so you know which line to take and which station to get off at

SugarandSpiceandAllThingsNaice · 09/08/2024 19:09

Use this to plan your journey
https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/

https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey

ricestardust · 09/08/2024 19:08

Do you know how to pay contactless in the shops? It's like that. Pick one of your contactless debit/credit cards and tap in/out whenever you enter/exit the barriers at a tube station. Make sure to use the same card throughout the day. It will cap your tube fees and update at the end of the night. There are maps on the walls at every station. Check the tube line map before heading on to the platform to make sure you're going in the correct direction ie north/south, east/west.

Original poster
Knbcdryhb · 09/08/2024 19:08

Does it need to be an actual card or can I use Apple Pay? (Sorry if that's a dumb question!)

OP posts:
BIossomtoes · 09/08/2024 19:07

RedToothBrush · 09/08/2024 19:06

You go to the gate. You get your card - debit or credit. You tap it.

You tap it again on exit.

The end.

(More difficult if travelling with under 18s without a card but otherwise THAT hard).

This. And the lines are colour coded. It really couldn’t be simpler.

RedToothBrush · 09/08/2024 19:06

You go to the gate. You get your card - debit or credit. You tap it.

You tap it again on exit.

The end.

(More difficult if travelling with under 18s without a card but otherwise THAT hard).