Is it cheaper to use Oyster or contactless?

Same price. Contactless is easier because you don't need to top up, but Oyster works if your bank charges foreign transaction fees.

What if the Tube breaks down?

It happens. Check Citymapper for alternative routes. TfL usually puts on replacement buses. Weekend engineering works are announced in advance - always check before traveling on weekends.

Can I use the same card for all transport?

Yes. Oyster and contactless work on Tube, buses, trams, DLR, London Overground, and most National Rail services in London. One payment method for everything.

How do I get from Heathrow to central London?

Piccadilly line is cheapest (£5.50, 45 minutes). Heathrow Express is fastest (£25, 15 minutes). Elizabeth line is the middle ground (£12.80, 30 minutes).

How to use London public transport like a local

Get an Oyster card or use contactless payment, avoid rush hours (7:30-9:30am and 5-7pm), and always stand right on escalators. The Tube, buses, and trains all work on the same payment system, making it dead simple once you know the basics.

Get your payment sorted first. Buy an Oyster card at any Tube station (£5 deposit) or just use your contactless bank card or phone. Both cap your daily spending automatically. Tourist Oyster cards are a ripoff - skip them.
Download Citymapper. This app is what Londoners actually use. It shows live times, delays, and the fastest route between any two points. Way better than Google Maps for London transport.
Learn the rush hour reality. 7:30-9:30am and 5-7pm are brutal. If you must travel then, board at the back of the train where it's less crowded. Central London stations like Oxford Circus are hell during these times.
Master Tube etiquette. Stand right on escalators. Let people off before you board. Move down inside the carriage. Don't eat hot food. These aren't suggestions - break them and you'll get dirty looks.
Use buses strategically. Night buses run when the Tube stops (roughly midnight-5am). The 24-hour buses (like the 24, 390) run all night. Buses are slower but cheaper for short trips and you see the city.
Know when trains stop running. Tube runs until about midnight Sunday-Thursday, 1am Friday-Saturday. Night Tube runs Friday and Saturday nights on Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines only.

Is it cheaper to use Oyster or contactless?: Same price. Contactless is easier because you don't need to top up, but Oyster works if your bank charges foreign transaction fees.
What if the Tube breaks down?: It happens. Check Citymapper for alternative routes. TfL usually puts on replacement buses. Weekend engineering works are announced in advance - always check before traveling on weekends.
Can I use the same card for all transport?: Yes. Oyster and contactless work on Tube, buses, trams, DLR, London Overground, and most National Rail services in London. One payment method for everything.
How do I get from Heathrow to central London?: Piccadilly line is cheapest (£5.50, 45 minutes). Heathrow Express is fastest (£25, 15 minutes). Elizabeth line is the middle ground (£12.80, 30 minutes).