Tube passenger information
There are 275 stations dotted across the city (63 in central London), so you're never far from a station. Most underground stations have maps on the walls and assistants to help if you need it.
Train directions
Trains and platforms are described as eastbound, westbound, northbound or southbound depending on the direction of the line. Trains travelling from left to right on the tube map are eastbound, from right to left are westbound, from top to bottom are southbound and from bottom to top are northbound. The front of the train and the platform indicator show the train's final stop - often the last station on the line.
Zones & tube map
London's tube system is split into 6 'zones' which appear in concentric circles. On the tube maps, central London is zone 1 (the middle circle), and the further away you travel from central London, the higher the zones get.
Travel is cheaper in zones 3, 4, 5 and 6 than in zones 1 and 2. However, you need to pay for all zones you travel through during your journey.
To see all stations and zones, download a London Underground map (www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/Standard-Tube-map.pdf) (326KB).
First/last trains
The tube doesn't run 24 hours a day. The first trains leave between 05:15 and 06:00 Monday to Saturday and the last trains from central London leave at around midnight. On Sunday, the first trains start just after 07:00, and last trains leave central London between 23:00-23:30.
First and last train times vary depending on the station, direction, and final destination. For timetables for each tube line, visit London Underground - first and last trains (www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/1129.aspx).
Rush hours
If you can, you should avoid using public transport during rush hours. At these times people are going to and from work and the tube becomes extremely crowded. The morning rush hour is from about 08:00 to 09:30, and the evening one from about 17:00 to 18:30.
Frequency
Train frequency depends on the time of day, direction, and destination. Some lines are more frequent than others - usually those running through central London. Most platforms have an indicator telling you when the next train is expected. You shouldn't have to wait more than 5 minutes for a train. Trains usually run on time, and delays are uncommon outside rush hours.
To download any of these maps you will need Adobe Reader. You can download this or obtain further information from www.adobe.com (www.adobe.com).