What is TfL?
Transport for London (TfL) is the body responsible for keeping London moving. It oversees:
• London Underground (Tube) – 11 lines, 270 stations.
• London Buses – 9,000 buses across 700 routes.
• Docklands Light Railway (DLR) – driverless trains in East London.
• London Overground – suburban rail network.
• Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) – new high-speed rail across London.
• Trams – South London services.
• River Bus – Thames Clippers.
• Cycle Hire (Santander Bikes) – “Boris bikes.”
• London roads, Congestion Charge, ULEZ.
TfL is overseen by the Mayor of London, currently Sadiq Khan.
TfL Fares 2025 – What You’ll Pay
Tube & Rail
• Zone 1 single (Oyster/contactless): £2.90 off-peak / £3.50 peak
• Zone 1–2 weekly Travelcard: £42.00
• Daily cap (Zones 1–2): £8.10
• Elizabeth Line premium fares: Similar to Tube in central London, higher for Heathrow.
Buses & Trams
• Flat fare: £1.75
• Hopper fare: Unlimited transfers within 1 hour for £1.75.
• Daily cap (buses only): £5.25
Money-saving tip: Use contactless or Oyster – paper tickets can cost up to double.
TfL Strikes & Disruptions in 2025
Strikes remain a thorn in London commuting. In 2025:
• Tube strikes continue over pay & pensions.
• Bus strikes have hit South London.
• Rail strikes often spill into Overground & Elizabeth Line.
Best resources for updates:
• TfL App (live disruptions)
• TfL Twitter/X feed (@TfL)
• BBC London Travel
Travel Tips for TfL Users
1. Avoid peak hours – 7–9am, 5–7pm are busiest (and most expensive).
2. Stand on the right of escalators – London etiquette!
3. Tap in and out correctly – avoid maximum fares.
4. Use Hopper fare for multiple bus trips.
5. Download Citymapper – often more accurate than TfL’s own app.
6. Carry a backup card – sometimes Oyster readers fail.
TfL & London Roads
• Congestion Charge: £15 daily, 7am–6pm weekdays.
• ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone): City-wide, £12.50/day for non-compliant vehicles.
• Electric Cars: Exemptions apply, but limited free charging.
• Cycle Superhighways: Safer routes expanding yearly.
History of TfL
• 2000: TfL created under Mayor Ken Livingstone.
• 2003: Congestion Charge launched.
• 2010: Cycle Hire Scheme launched (“Boris Bikes”).
• 2012: TfL showcased during London Olympics.
• 2022: Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) opened – London’s biggest transport upgrade in decades.
• 2025: ULEZ extended city-wide, sparking debates on fairness vs. environment.
Future of TfL
• Crossrail 2 (proposed): Would connect north–south London, but delayed due to funding.
• DLR Extension: Plans to Thamesmead.
• New Tube for London: Modern Piccadilly Line trains due in 2025/26.
• Contactless everywhere: Oyster may eventually be phased out.
TfL for Tourists
• Buy an Oyster card at Heathrow, Gatwick, or King’s Cross.
• Use contactless debit/credit cards if visiting short-term.
• Best passes:
• 7-day Travelcard (Zones 1–2) if staying a week.
• Visitor Oyster for flexible trips.
• Tourist-friendly routes:
• Bus 11 (passes St Paul’s, Westminster, Houses of Parliament).
• River Bus for sightseeing along the Thames.
Best TfL Apps & Tools
• TfL Go (official app): Live Tube maps, updates.
• Citymapper: More accurate for planning & disruptions.
• Google Maps: Decent for buses & walking.
• Trainline: For connecting National Rail journeys.
TfL FAQs
Q1. What does TfL stand for?
Transport for London.
Q2. How much is a Tube fare in 2025?
Zone 1 single: £2.90 off-peak, £3.50 peak.
Q3. Can I use contactless instead of Oyster?
Yes, they cost the same.
Q4. What is the Hopper fare?
Unlimited bus/tram transfers within 1 hour for £1.75.
Q5. Is ULEZ in place everywhere?
Yes – from 2025, all of Greater London is included.
Q6. What’s the daily cap for buses?
£5.25 – unlimited travel after that.
Q7. How do I check live Tube status?
TfL Go app or @TfL on X/Twitter.
Q8. Who runs TfL?
The Mayor of London & Greater London Authority.
Conclusion
TfL is the lifeblood of London – keeping millions moving daily by Tube, bus, train, tram, and bike. In 2025, despite strikes and rising fares, TfL remains the most efficient way to navigate the capital.
Whether you’re a commuter battling peak hours, a tourist exploring London landmarks, or a driver navigating ULEZ, this guide covers all you need to know.
Stay tuned – we’ll keep updating this TfL mega guide with the latest strikes, fare changes, and travel advice.