London Transport: Guide to Tube, Buses, Refunds, and Accessibility

When you’re in London, London transport, the integrated network of buses, Tube, DLR, Overground, and Elizabeth line that moves millions daily. Also known as TfL, it’s the backbone of the city—whether you’re a student on a budget, a tourist with a London Pass, or someone with mobility needs. You don’t need to be a pro to use it, but knowing how it actually works saves time, money, and stress.

Most people start with the Oyster card, a reusable contactless card that automatically charges the cheapest fare across all transport modes. Also known as contactless payment, you can just tap your bank card or phone instead. But here’s the catch: overcharges happen. Maybe you took a longer route, or a station was closed. That’s where TfL refund, the official process to get money back for accidental overpayments or service delays. Also known as delay compensation, it’s simple if you know the steps—no form-filling marathons, no customer service hold times. And if you’re using the Tube, you’ll want to know which stations have working lifts. Not all do. That’s where step-free stations, locations with ramps, elevators, and no stairs between street and platform. Also known as accessible stations, they’re critical for parents with strollers, travelers with heavy bags, or anyone with limited mobility. TfL publishes a full list—you don’t have to guess.

People think London transport is chaotic, but it’s not. It’s just complex. The system works best when you understand its rules: off-peak fares, daily caps, what counts as a single journey, and how to claim compensation when things go wrong. You’ll find posts here that show you exactly how to get a refund after a delayed train, which stations to avoid if you can’t use stairs, and how to save £10 a week just by switching your payment method. You’ll also see real stories from students who budgeted for transport, tourists who missed the Tube because they didn’t know about the Night Tube, and locals who’ve learned to navigate the system without stress.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or moving in next month, this collection gives you the practical, no-nonsense facts you won’t find on tourist brochures. No theory. No fluff. Just what to do, when to do it, and how to fix it when it breaks.