The tube is probably the most convenient way of covering long distances within the capital although it can become very overcrowded during peak rush hours, quiet in the early morning and at night in the outer reaches, unpleasantly hot during warm weather and is prone to breakdown and delay. The underground operates from approximately 5:30am until around midnight and consists of 12 interconnected named lines which generally radiate out from the central zone to the suburbs. At peak times you should not have to wait for more than a few minutes for a tube train.

The network itself is divided into a number of mainly concentric zones with zone 1 in the centre. The cash fare for a single journey on the tube is dependant on the zones travelled in or through.

Any single journey within or through zone 1 will cost £4.00. Single journeys avoiding zone 1 will typically be less expensive.

You are free to change between underground lines as necessary while making your journey. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket office within the underground station or from one of the ticket machines which accept coins and occasionally notes and credit/debit cards. You need to have purchased a ticket or be in possession of a valid pass before proceeding to the underground platforms. At most stations you will need to pass through automated barriers. To do this insert your ticket into the slot in the front of the barriers - do not forget to retrieve and retain the ticket during your journey. Your ticket may not be returned to you by the ticket barrier when you complete your journey.

There are a multitude of passes and discounts available that you may wish to consider if you plan to travel extensively on public transport. If you are planning to be in London for an extended period you may wish to consider the Oyster Card and if you plan to use public transport extensively on specific days you may wish to consider a Travelcard.

For a copy of the London Underground map, available in several languages including Turkish, visit the Tube Map pages of the Transport for London web site. The tube map, which is also available for free at any underground station, clearly indicates which zone a tube station is located in, allowing you to calculate the price of your ticket and plan your route.

For further information on tube travel visit the Tube Travel pages of the Transport for London web site.