Transport for London trains, routes and tickets
Transport for London, usually shortened to TfL, coordinates much of the capital’s transport. Its responsibilities include the Underground, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, buses and trams. For visitors arriving by National Rail, TfL services often provide the final connection to a hotel, workplace, attraction or another London terminal.
Reviewed 6 November 2026.
About the operator
TfL was established on 3 July 2000, bringing several transport functions into a London-wide organisation. London Underground joined in 2003, the year Oyster was introduced. The authority’s role extends beyond operating trains to planning services, setting requirements and managing infrastructure across different modes.
Today, some services are operated directly and others through contracted operators. For a practical journey enquiry, use the specific line or network name shown in the timetable: the broad TfL name does not identify every train serving a London station.
Routes and principal stations
London railway gateways
Major mainline terminals connect with the Tube and, in some cases, other TfL rail services. Plan the transfer from the exact arrival station, including walking between platforms and any separate street-level entrances.
Cross-city rail connections
The Elizabeth line, London Overground and Underground offer different routes across and around London. Compare interchange arrangements as well as the apparent distance on the map; the most direct-looking route may involve a less convenient change.
Local onward travel
Buses, trams, DLR and walking links can complete a trip beyond the main railway. Choose the stop nearest the actual destination and check the separate arrangements for river or cable-car journeys.
Planning your journey
Use TfL’s live information and journey planner to check the complete local journey, including planned work and the last connection home. Leave extra time when moving between London terminals with luggage.
RailSaver can help you find National Rail journeys to and from London. Local TfL fares and products have their own coverage; check that the selected rail ticket actually includes any onward London travel.
Tickets and journey choices
Contactless and Oyster pay as you go are accepted on many London services. Use the same card or device for the whole journey: touch in and out for rail, Tube and DLR, but only touch in on buses and trams.
Coverage and charging differ by mode and destination. Oyster is not valid on the Elizabeth line between Iver and Reading. A National Rail ticket to London does not automatically include unlimited local journeys.
Accessibility and assistance
Check TfL’s accessible route information for the whole trip, including each interchange. Step-free access to a platform and level access onto a train are different things; verify current lift availability and any boarding assistance needed.
Sources and further information
Use the current operator's information to check the latest timetable, disruption and assistance arrangements for your travel date.