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

[Knbcdryhb]

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

This is now, from Bond Street to Epping

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

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?

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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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!