A TfL survival guide

When I first got here, I was genuinely so overwhelmed. Now I’m a pro at zipping around the city and I’ve picked up some tips and tricks I wish someone had told me sooner.

1. Railcard and Oyster is the combo you didn’t know you needed

Real talk, I ignored this one for months and fully regret it. If you’re eligible for a 16–25 Railcard, link it to your Oyster card and enjoy a third off off-peak travel on the Tube, Overground and more. You can’t do it at a machine, so find a station with an actual person at the desk. It’s super quick and the savings really add up.

Bonus: once you have a Railcard, you’ll be tempted to go on little day trips just because. I went to Bournemouth on a random day off and it was everything 🏖️

2. Bus drivers are actually really nice, just ask 🚌❤️

If you’re lost, confused or not sure if you’re getting on the right bus, just ask the driver. They’re so used to people being new to London and most of them are honestly really sweet. I’ve had drivers help me out more times than I can count, especially when I had no idea what I was doing in the pouring rain.

3. Same bus number, completely different direction 👀

This caught me out so many times. You’ll see the same number on both sides of the road, but one’s heading into central and the other’s going the opposite way. Always double check on Google Maps and read the sign on the front of the bus to see where it’s actually going.

📍Quick tip, bus stops on opposite sides of the road usually serve opposite directions.

4. Trains are easier than buses if you’re easily confused 🙃

Hot take, but trains are just less stressful. Google Maps is elite for planning train journeys, they’re faster and way easier to figure out if you’re new to the city. Just keep an eye on line closures, especially on weekends. The TfL app or site is your best friend for that.

5. Station maps will save you 🗺️

Inside most stations you’ll see big, colour-coded maps for each line. They show all the stops ahead and help you see where to change. Don’t stress about the giant master map unless you’re in the mood to be overwhelmed. Just focus on the one for your line and you’ll be fine. 

📍 Search up: "X line (line you're taking e.g. met line) tube map" to see what to expect 

6. Always leave extra time ⏳

Delays, signal failures, random disruptions, it's just part of life here. If you need to be somewhere important, give yourself some breathing room. That said, there’s always another route, another train, another bus. Trust the chaos, it usually works out in the end.

7. Headphones, books and vibes, but keep one ear open 🎧📖

TfL is perfect for zoning out with a good playlist or book, but make sure you can still hear announcements. Sometimes trains randomly skip stops or change platforms last minute. Also, some Overground trains don’t open the doors automatically, you have to press the button. I’ve been that person standing awkwardly in front of a closed door, trust me.

8. Oyster caps are a game changer 💳

If you’re worried about racking up costs, don’t stress. TfL has daily and weekly fare caps, which means after a certain point you stop getting charged. So if you’re running around all day, it’ll max out and then it’s basically unlimited travel for the rest of the day.

9. Stand on the right. Seriously ❗

This is a non-negotiable. On escalators, always stand on the right and let people walk on the left. If you block the left side, someone will passive-aggressively huff behind you. Just don’t do it. It’s the rule.

10. Night buses are actually kind of a vibe 🌃

Missed the last Tube? No problem. Night buses run all across the city, and they’re more chill than you’d expect. Google Maps will still show you the route. Just bring your headphones, stay awake and you’ll be home in one piece.

TfL might feel like a maze at first, but you’ll get the hang of it way faster than you think. Ask for help, take detours, and yeah, maybe get a little lost now and then. It builds character.

Can't wait to hear all about your adventures!

See you in the next blog,

Shiv :)