5 London Tube Hacks to Save You Time and Money

1. Use Contactless, Don't Buy Paper Tickets

Paper tickets are significantly more expensive. Use your contactless bank card, phone (Apple Pay/Google Pay), or an Oyster card. The daily cap ensures you never pay more than a travelcard price.

2. Avoid the "Tube Map" Trap

The Tube map is schematic, not geographic. Sometimes it's faster to walk between stations (like Leicester Square to Covent Garden) than to take the train. RouteWhiz calculates walking vs. transit times to give you the true fastest option.

3. Know Where to Stand

Apps like RouteWhiz can tell you which carriage to board to be closest to the exit at your destination station. This can save you 5-10 minutes of walking through crowded tunnels.

4. Avoid Rush Hour (If Possible)

Between 07:30-09:30 and 17:00-19:00, the Tube is packed. If you travel off-peak, you'll have a more comfortable journey and pay less.

5. The "Stand on the Right" Rule

This is the golden rule of London. On escalators, always stand on the right so people in a hurry can walk on the left. Blocking the left side is a major faux pas!