Your Ultimate Guide To London Travel Zones 1-9

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Your Ultimate Guide To London Travel Zones 1-9

Get in the zone!

London is a vast city that spans 607 square miles (or 1,572 km). Irrespective of its size, the city maintains a reliable public transportation network that connects each of the 32 London boroughs. There are several ways to get about, including the tube overground, river buses, a tram system, and even a cable car. It is expected that first-time visitors to the city could feel a little overwhelmed, but don't worry; reading the blog till the end will help you. Going forward, we're going to explore the different London zones 1 to 9, which will give you an idea of how to navigate your way through! 

What are London Zones?

At present, the London zones 1 to 9 are the most well-known. London travel zones are separated for transportation, with Zone 1 being the city centre and Zone 9 being the city's outskirts. Transport for London (TfL) uses the technology to determine a customer's journey distance and charge appropriately. Since most of London's major attractions and the city centre are located in Zone 1, most visitors won't need to venture outside. For those travelling far, it's crucial to consider how many London zones you'll pass through because this will influence the ticket you need. If you plan to travel around London as a student and are wondering what to do, our blog on student life in London can help you with a lot of insights!

The 9 London Zones

Rail transportation in London is divided into London zones 1 to 9, which are being managed by London Transport. Six fare London zones are given to each station on the London Tube zones, London Overground, National Rail, TfL Rail, and Docklands Light Railway. The central core region is covered by Zone 1 , while fare zones 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are basically concentric circles around Zone 1. Zone 7,8, and 9 , which extend into Buckinghamshire, Essex and Hertfordshire, include all stations served by TfL services and some Southeastern and Greater Anglia services that are outside Greater London. However, these zones do not form complete rings around London. To purchase tickets faster, zones were created to lower pricing. In addition to navigating within the city, it's important to consider transportation options for journeys beyond the city limits, such as London airport transfers . Various platforms are providing reliable and convenient transfer services, ensuring a smooth transition to or from major airports like London’s Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and City Airport. Here’s a breakdown of the London zones 1 to 9 and their locations for better understanding:

Zone 1: London City Centre

The heartbeat of the city, London Zone 1 encompasses iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the Tower of London, offering a blend of historical richness and modern vibrancy.

Zone 2: Notting Hill, Camden Town, London Zoo

Zone 2 is a cultural hub with the trendy streets of Notting Hill, the alternative charm of Camden Town, and the zoological wonders of London Zoo, along with two prominent football stadiums for sports enthusiasts.

Zone 3: Kew Gardens, Wimbledon and London City Airport

Embracing natural beauty, Zone 3 features the lush landscapes of Kew Gardens, the renowned Wimbledon tennis championships, and the convenience of London City Airport for quick getaways.

Zone 4: Wembley, RAF museum, Richmond Park

Zone 4 boasts the iconic Wembley Stadium, the fascinating RAF museum, and the tranquil expanses of Richmond Park, making it a diverse blend of sports, history, and nature.

Zone 5: Twickenham, England Rugby Union

A haven for rugby enthusiasts, Zone 5 is home to Twickenham Stadium, the world's largest dedicated rugby union venue, and serves as the heart of England Rugby.

Zone 6: End of the line for Central, District, Thameslink, Heathrow Express, Elizabeth, Metropolitan, Overground and Piccadilly

As the gateway to various transport networks, Zone 6 marks the termination point for multiple train lines, providing essential connectivity and convenience.

Zone 7: Zones A - Croxley, Rickmansworth and Watford and B - Chorleywood

Zone 7 encompasses charming towns like Croxley, Rickmansworth, and Watford in Zone A, and the picturesque surroundings of Chorleywood in Zone B, offering a mix of suburban tranquillity and urban accessibility.

Zone 8: Zone C - Chalfont & Latimer

Zone 8 features the serene locales of Chalfont & Latimer, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.

Zone 9: Zone D - Amersham and Chesham

The outermost reaches of London, Zone 9's Amersham and Chesham, offer a more rural atmosphere, showcasing historic charm and scenic beauty.

What are London Travel Zones?

London Travel Zones help decide how much you pay for public transport in London. They cover the Tube, Overground, DLR, National Rail, and buses. The city is split into nine zones, starting with London Zone 1 in the center, which includes Central London and its famous sights. The zones then expand outward to Zone 9, reaching the outskirts and nearby areas. How much you pay depends on how many zones you travel through. Transport for London (TfL) provides maps to help you plan your trips and understand the fare system. Here are the main travel zones in London, from 1 to 6:

Zone 1: Central London – The city center with major landmarks and attractions.

Zone 2 : Inner Suburbs – Surrounds the center, with a mix of homes and businesses.

Zone 3: Outer Suburbs – Further out with residential areas and green spaces.

Zone 4 : Extended Suburbs – Mainly residential with some commercial areas and parks.

Zone 5: Outer Residential – Quiet suburban neighborhoods with parks and amenities.

Zone 6: Outermost London – Mostly residential areas on the city's edge, offering a quieter lifestyle.

How London Travel Zones Affect Travel Costs?

London Travel Zones significantly affect travel costs, as the fare structure for public transportation is based on the number of zones crossed. For example, during peak hours, a single adult fare on the Tube using an Oyster card or contactless payment costs £2.80 for a journey within Zone 1 London but increases to £3.70 if travelling from London Zone 1 - 3. A journey spanning Zones 1 to 6 costs £5.60. Similarly, daily caps and travel cards are priced according to the zones covered, with a daily cap of £8.50 for Zones 1-2 and £15.60 for Zones 1-6. By understanding the zone system, travellers can better plan their trips and manage transportation expenses.

Zones 1 – 6 Affect Rental Costs

London Travel Zones greatly influence rental prices. Properties in Zone 1 London are usually the most expensive because they are close to major attractions and business areas. As you move out to Zones 2 and 3, rent becomes cheaper, but you can still easily reach central London with public transport. For example, a one-bedroom flat in Zone 1 London can cost over £2,500 a month . In Zone 2, which includes areas like Camden and Hammersmith, rents drop to around £1,800 a month for a one-bedroom flat. In Zone 3, covering places like Stratford and Wimbledon, rents are about £1,500 a month. Zones 4 and beyond offer even cheaper options, but the commute to central London takes longer.

What are the types of London transport in London zones?

London is a massive city with various modes of transport, wherein everyone can travel on a budget and in comfort. The city provides London transport through buses, underground tubes, DLR, also known as Dockland Light Railways, Cable cars provided by Emirates, river buses, overground trains and the most efficient bicycles. With these many options, you can comfortably and conveniently travel within the zones in London, and also explore the city and visit the top restaurants in London . 

1. The Underground

First ride : 5 am Last ride : 12 am

The London Underground Zones or London Tube Zones 1 to 9 is the oldest underground rail network and one of the best London travel zones in the world. Locals call it the "Tube" because parts of the network's tunnels resemble round tubes running through the ground. Underground stations are marked with a red and blue roundel around the city. To know more, we have a detailed blog about how to use the London underground zones 1-6. London Tube zones are a hallmark of public transit in London. Take a look at our webstory on public transportation in London if you're a visual learner!

2. The Overground

First ride : 5:30 am Last ride : 12:30 am

The overground, which should not be confused with the " Tube ," runs above street level and connects the city centre to the larger metropolitan area using zones in London. To improve connectivity between the zones in London, it was introduced in 2007. North and West London railways had experienced serious degradation over the years. To build a complete orbital network to serve the Capital, London Overground sought to merge these older networks into new lines in east and south London, and now is one of the best London travel zones.

3. Docklands Light Railway

Unlike the rest of London's transport system, the DLR is one of the completely driverless London zones. The DLR connects with London's cable car, the Emirates Air Line, and serves the docklands neighbourhood of London zones, located directly east and southeast of Central London. Use the Light Rail to scout out the best living areas. Talking about scouring, our blog on the 10 best neighbourhoods in London does just that.

4. London Buses

First ride: 5 am Last ride: 12 am

In addition to being a great way to view the city, buses in London travel zones have one key advantage over all other forms of London transport: they are not constrained by the "zone" system. Why does this matter? There is a set rate of £1.65 for each trip, regardless of how far or where you are going. Additionally, they benefit from the hopper fare, which allows unlimited bus rides within an hour for a fixed fee of £1.75 .

5. Emirates Air Line (Cable Car)

First ride: 8 am Last ride: 8 pm

Don't be deceived by its misleading name; the UK's only urban cable car system will only take you 90 metres above London (295 feet). Enjoy stunning panoramic vistas of London zones 1-6 as it moves from Greenwich to Royal Victoria Dock—more magnificent than helpful. You can also use a Student Oyster travel card contactless card to make payments through the TfL system, just like you would if you were travelling by bus or train.

6. Boris Bikes

First ride: all-day Last ride: all-day

London 1-6 zones Santander Cycles, often known as 'Boris Bikes' locally, operates a public bicycle rental programme in zones in London 1-6 with more than 12,000 bicycles and 800 docking stations. Cycling around the city is a terrific (and environmentally responsible) way to explore. In the last ten years, the number of cyclists on London's roads has more than doubled.

7. River Bus

First ride: 5:30 am Last ride: 11:30 pm

The imprecisely called 'River Bus' runs 6 routes along the River Thames between Putney in the west and Woolwich in the east, departing from 22 piers. Since departures only occur every 20 minutes, we advise scheduling your trip in advance to prevent delays in travelling in London zones 1-8. The river bus is an excellent way to go around the city and enjoy fantastic views of London's riverfront and witness the scenic beauty.

Types of London Transport

What are the London zone fares?

While travelling in London, the fare you will pay depends on the zone you are travelling in. The fare is calculated according to the London zones you pass by while reaching your destination, considers your mode of transport, and covers underground buses and trains. There are also several ways to pay for your travel between London Zones 1 to 9. Keep reading to know all about the different ways you can pay!

Looking for a scholarship? We’ve got you covered!

How to pay for london transport in london zones.

Even though London's transport system is among the best in the world, a newcomer to the city could find it a little challenging to navigate. Oyster card , debit or credit card, and Apple or Contactless Pay. It is extremely important to keep in mind that every person requires their own means of payment; otherwise, you can be charged more than you are in general.

1. Apple Pay

Apple Pay is one of the most preferred options to pay for public London transport in London zones 1 to 9. Except for using your phone, this payment option is much the same as the contactless. You can tap the yellow card reader with your phone just like you would for a physical card if you have your credit or debit card set up in your Apple Pay or Google Pay wallet.

2. Oyster Cards

These convenient tiny cards make navigating the city easy when it comes to figuring out how to pay for public transport in London zones 1 to 6 or London zones 1 to 9. You can purchase them at the airport, several train stations, and many convenience stores in the city. You can top up your oyster card as many times as necessary, and they cost five pounds each. The London oyster card price is around £7, which is the price of purchasing the card. 

If you use a Pay as You Go Oyster card, top it up with enough cash to either pay for a single ride across the zones you travel through. Or you can add enough cash to cover the cost of the "daily cap" if you want unrestricted travel for the day. The cost of a Zone 1–5 weekly Travelcard is £65.70 if you stay in Zone 5. A weekly Travelcard for Zones 2–5 costs £38.20 , saving you £27.50 each week. To find out more information about oyster cards, head to our blog on the ultimate guide to oyster cards .

3. Contactless Payment

Contactless payment is available for those with a credit or debit card that accepts contactless payments. Check for the "contactless" icon on the card's front or inquire with your bank or card provider if you're unclear if your card has it. If you do have it, this is undoubtedly the simplest and most practical method for paying for London transport zones. The fare is automatically generated based on the distance you have travelled if you tap your debit/credit card on the yellow card reader at the ticket booth. To make sure that you are paying the correct fare and you are not overcharged, you should always tap it at the beginning and end of your tube ride. You simply need to tap in once on buses to begin your trip, making travelling in London zones easy for you.

4. Foreign contactless card

You may pay for transport in London with a contactless debit or credit card if you have one. If you don't have or don't want an Oyster card, it's perfect. Or if the pay-as-you-go credit on your Oyster card runs out. You tap in and out at the ticket barriers at the tube or railway station or press the yellow card reader when you board a bus to use your card like an Oyster card. The primary distinction is that the fare is deducted from your debit card or credit card the next day; you no longer need to load money onto your Oyster card.

You are all set to venture around London through the London zones 1-9! We hope our London zones guide will help you navigate the city easily and comfortably as a new traveller in the country. Remember to follow all the laws of the country, and don't forget to tap in and tap out to avoid any penalties on your travel cards. If you're a student planning to study in the UK, finding suitable accommodation might be a concern. Explore the amazing student accommodation options in the UK and start your journey today!

Your Next Abode in London Awaits

Now that you’ve navigated London’s zones, find a student accommodation that fits perfectly within your chosen area. Explore top student accommodation options with us for a seamless London experience.

1. Your Tribe Peckham, London 2. AXO New Cross, London 3. AXO Islington, London 4. London Nest Don Gratton House, London

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best attractions in zone 1 london, how do london transport zones affect travel costs, what residential areas are located in zone 2 london, what are the key differences between zones 1 and 3 in london, what are the main business districts in london zones.

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Weekly and Monthly Travelcards excluding Zone 1

Weekly and Monthly Travelcards are available for zones excluding zone 1 (central London). So if you’re working, studying or visiting relatives in the suburbs of London, you don’t need a Travelcard including zone 1 unless you travel through zone 1 to reach your destination or enter or exit a station in zone 1.

Travelcards excluding zone 1 are cheaper and for occasional visits to the centre, you can top up your Oyster card with Pay as you go money to pay the difference between the zones your Travelcard covers and zone 1.

Top Tip: A Travelcard for any zone entitles you to travel by bus all over London, including central London (zone 1).

  • See where to buy a Travelcard
  • See London transport zones to find the zones you need
  • See Travelcard fares including zone 1

Zone 2–3,4,5 or 6 Travelcards 2024

Zone 3–4,5 or 6 travelcards 2024, zone 4–5 or 6 travelcards 2024, zone 5–6 travelcards 2024, related pages.

  • One day and weekly Travelcards including zone 1
  • Guide to London’s transport tickets
  • London transport zones

Last  checked: 3 June 2024

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  • Guide to London's transport tickets
  • One day & weekly Travelcards
  • Zone 2–6 weekly Travelcards
  • Bus tickets & passes
  • Oyster card
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  • Contactless cards
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PlanTripLondon – Things to do in London

London Travelcard

LONDON TRAVEL CARD

The London Travelcard is a transport pass which entitles you to unlimited travel on London’s public transport. You can use a travelcard to travel on the London Underground, overground, public buses, DLR (docklands light rail), TFL rail and other trains, as long as you travel within London’s travel zones.

It is designed for people who are planning on using London’s public transport a lot when visiting London or for people who commute into London on a daily basis. Still, a London Travelcard may sometimes not be the cheapest option even if does entitle you to unlimited travel.

London Travelcard: What do I need to know before I buy one?

When buying a London Travelcard there are three things that you need to know:

1. The duration of the card:

You can buy a travelcard for one day, 7 days, one month or annual.

2. The travel zones of London that will be using:

When you buy a travelcard you need to choose what travel zones you want use. If you are going to travel between zones 1 and 2, you will need a travelcard that is valid for these two zones, but if you are going to travel between zones 1 and 5 every day, you will need a travelcard that covers zones 1 to 5. This does not apply to travelling by bus, as any travelcard will allow you to travel on buses to and from any zone within London’s travel zones. So for example, if you have a travelcar for zones 1 and 2, you can still use a bus to get to zone 3 or zone 5 with that travelcard at no extra cost.

Most of London’s tourist attractions are located in zone 1, and only a few of the most popular attractions can be found outside zone 1, such as Camden Town Market which is in zone 2. Make sure you know what zone your hotel is in before you buy a travelcard.

3. Off-peak or Anytime

If you are buying a 1 day travelcard  (which we don’t normally recommend as an oyster card has a daily cap that is cheaper than a one day travelcard – see below) you will have to choose if you want it to travel anytime of the day, or just during off-peak times (Monday – Friday from 9.30 am; all day Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays).

This does not affect 1 day travelcards for zones 1 to 4, so if you are visiting London you probably don’t need to worry about this at all as you are unlikely to be travelling to zone 5, 6 or beyond.

Which Travelcard to buy if you are planning a trip to London

1 day travelcard.

The price of the 1 day London travelcard for zones 1, 1-2, 1-3 and 1-4 costs £15.20. We don’t normally recommend using the 1 day travelcard, as it is actually cheaper to use an oyster card, a visitor oyster card, or a contactless card as these payment methods have a daily cap. The daily cap applied to these zones are: £8.10 for travel within zones 1-2; £9.60 for zones 1-3 and £11.70 for zones 1-4. Once you have reached this daily cap you will be able to travel within the same travel zones for free. It is still necessary to tap in and tap out on the yellow reader with your oyster card, visitor oyster card or contactless card when using public transport.

Find out more about choosing between an oyster card, a travelcard or using contactless on London Transport here: Oyster card, Travelcard or Contactless .

7 day Travelcard

The 7 day travelcard for London travel zones 1-2 costs £40.70. When comparing oyster card/visitor oyster card/contactless fares to a 7 day travelcard, I would probably say that it is convenient to get a 7 day travelcard if you are going to be travelling around London for more than 6 days. If you are going to be in London less than 6 days then I would recommend using an oyster card (vistor oyster card or contactless if you are a UK resident).

Where to buy a London travelcard

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Buying a London Travelcard at an underground station

It is possible to buy a London travelcard at any underground station in London, by either using a ticket machine at the ticket office or a manned desk in a the ticket office (if available). When you buy a 7 day, monthly or annual London travelcard at an underground station you will normally get an oyster card with the travelcard incorporated in it. So your oyster card will be pre-loaded with the travelcard you have chosen. This way you can also use this oyster card with pay as you go for any trips that are not included in the travelcard.

So, as an example, if you have a 7 day travelcard for zones 1 – 4 in your oyster card, you will be entitles to unlimited journeys within these  travel zones for 7 days, and you can use your oyster as you normally would, by touching in and touching out. But, if one day you need to go to zone 6, you will be able to use the same oyster with pay as you go balance. One example when this might happen, is if you arrive at Heathrow airport (zone 6) but you want to buy a 7 day travelcard for zones 1 – 4. It will be much cheaper to use they oyster card with pay as you go for the journey from Heathrow to central London and the journey from central London to Heathrow Airport on your last day and adding a 7 travelcard for zones 1 – 4, than using a 7 day travelcard for zones 1 – 6.

Buying a London Travelcard at a train station

It is possible to buy a London travelcard at any train station located inside London’s Travel Zones . When you buy a travelcard at a train station, you will normally get a paper travelcard and not an oyster card.

Stansted, Luton or Gatwick airports are all outside London’s Travel Zones so these stations won’t normally sell London travelcards.

Buy a London Travelcard online

One of the easiest ways to buy a London travelcard is by buying it online. The price is exactly the same as what it would cost you to buy it in London but you will pay a little extra for delivery.

Buy a London travelcard at Heathrow airport

London travelcard fares from 5th march 2023, travelcard for children.

Children under the age of 11 travel free within London travel zones. Children over 11 can also benefit from reduced fares; you can learn more about this in our article: Travelling in London with kids .

Find out more

For more information, visit London’s official transport website: Transport For London

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What are the different zones in London and how do you know which one you're in?

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The London transport system can sometimes feel like a maze to newcomers. But once you get familiar with it, you realise it's really a piece of cake. 

London’s zones are a system of geographical zones used by Transport for London (TfL) to determine the distance of a customer’s journey and charge a fee accordingly.

London is divided into 9 zones, but most of it fits into zones 1–6. Central London is Zone 1, Zone 2 is the ring around Zone 1, Zone 3 is the ring around 2 and so on. 

Understanding the zone system is crucial for getting around the capital and knowing how much you’ll pay.

How do I know what zone I am in London?

London's tube map will help you to find out what zone you're in.

travel zone 2

What are zones 1 to 6 in London?

Here is a rundown of what to expect in each zone. 

London Zone 1 covers central London.

In Zone 1, you'll find major attractions such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, the British Museum, the Science Museum, and more.

London Zone 2 is the inner city that wraps around Zone 1. It is not in the city centre but closer to the centre than zone 3. 

You can expect Notting Hill, Camden Town, and London Zoo. 

London Zone 3 is the inner zone of Transport for London’s zonal fare system. 

Zone 3 features the beautiful landscapes of Kew Gardens, the famous Wimbledon tennis championships, and the convenience of London City Airport for quick getaways.

London Zone 4 is the outer zone of Transport for London’s zonal fare system. Zone 4 rings around zone 3. London Zone 4 is only 33 minutes from Central London (Zone 1).

In Zone 4, you'll find Wembley Stadium, the fascinating RAF museum, the tranquillity of Richmond Park and more.

London zone 5 is an outer zone and rings around zone 4. 

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Zone 5 offers great value as it only takes on average 15 minutes longer to get into central London than in Zone 2.

A haven for rugby enthusiasts, you'll find Twickenham Stadium here.

London Zone 6 is the outer zone of Transport for London’s zonal fare system. It is the end of the line for Central, District, Thameslink, Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth , Metropolitan, and Piccadilly lines, and the Overground.

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How to Use the London Underground

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As a tour guide in London, I am always getting asked for tips and tricks for getting around the city - especially when it comes to the Underground.

Similar to the New York Subway or the Paris Metro, the London Underground is London's series of (largely) underground trains that run a regular service throughout the city.

Since the trains underground run through a series of tunnels, most of us locals refer to it as "the tube."

Although, I've had some success at pub quizzes by knowing that the majority of the London Underground is actually above ground, particularly outside of central London, so keep that in mind!

Map of the London Underground

A lot of my guests tell me they're surprised by how expansive the network is.

The London Underground is HUGE - there are 11 lines that serve Greater London, intersecting with each other in the centre of town.

The tube map is divided into nine zones, with Zone 1 being the centre of London, and Zone 9 being the suburbs.

I find that most attractions my guests want to visit are all located within Zones 1-2.

I have lived primarily in Zone 2, but many friends of mine live further out.

The cost it takes to travel depends on which zone(s) you travel in, and how far your journey will take you.

The Underground also connects to the London Overground (a suburban train line that doesn't run through the centre of town), the new Elizabeth Line (a high-frequency rail service that covers both central London, Heathrow Airport, and the suburbs), and National Rail Services (standard train lines that run throughout the country).

The Underground also connects to other rail services that serve the capital such as the Docklands Light Railway (an aboveground small train line that serves the docklands area).

I know that reading all of this can seem overwhelming, but don't panic! I will have you using the tube like a local in no time.

WHEN DOES THE UNDERGROUND RUN?

In general, the Underground trains run from around 5:00 - 5:30 am until the last train leaves around Midnight, (exact times will vary and are listed on the Transport for London website ).

I will oftentimes double check the last train before I go out in the evening so I know when I need to get myself to the station.

The last trains are prompt - I have seen the doors of the last tube for the night close in the face of a girl who didn't get there in time!

When I first moved to London 20 years ago, I had to take a night bus if I wanted to travel outside of the Underground operating hours.

But, to the rejoicing of all of us locals, these days there are Night Tube services that run on some of the lines on Fridays and Saturdays for convenient travel on the weekends.

Note that the Night Tube runs on parts of the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines only.

I live on the Northern Line so I consider myself lucky!

  • Tickets, Fares, and Oyster Cards
  • The Tube Map
  • Operating Hours
  • Tips from Locals
  • to/from Heathrow Airport
  • Tourist Buses vs. the Tube

LONDON UNDERGROUND TICKETS AND OYSTER CARDS

Buying a ticket for the London Underground is pretty straightforward, but for most visitors (and locals), using a contactless payment card is the best payment method.

I don't know a single person that buys paper tickets for the Underground any more.

I also don't know anyone who is still using an Oyster Card - we all just use our contactless credit and debit cards now!

For a more in-depth explanation, including the cheapest ways to travel, check out my previous post about ticket prices and options here in London.

Below is my summary.

There are 4 ways to pay for your rides on the Tube:

  • Paper tickets 
  • Oyster Cards
  • Contactless Credit/Debit Cards

I strongly recommend just using your contactless card while you're here.

Although, I have noticed that some visitors commenting on our Facebook page say that they prefer to use Oyster Cards because if they're not comfortable taking their credit cards out all the time.

So using an Oyster Card means if it's lost or stolen, they've not lost much.

Personally, I don't think theft on the Underground is common enough for it to be a concern.

But, I also appreciate that for some people, having the Oyster Card gives them a better sense of security.

Rides with an Oyster Card or contactless card are much cheaper than paper tickets - this is why nobody I know uses them!

For Oyster Cards, you can add as much money to these as you wish and there is a daily limit that you will spend, (£8.10 for Zones 1-2) so the rides get cheaper the more you use them.

The daily limit also applies on contactless cards, which is why I prefer to use my debit card when I'm travelling.

Regular Oyster Card

Read my post on which London Oyster Card or Travelcard to buy . 

TIP: The Oyster Card is actually included with the London Turbo Pass at no extra cost.

As an aside, I also get asked a lot about if this pass is worth the money and I always tell people that it depends on your itinerary.

Take a look on their site to see what's included because if you are planning to visit several notable attractions in the city, this could be a great way to save some money.

London Underground Fares

While there are 6 travel zones for the London Underground, I would say you'll likely not travel beyond Zone 2 while you're visiting!

I only tend to travel outside Zone 2 if I am going somewhere like Hampton Court of Windsor Castle, so the same will likely apply to you.

How much you pay depends on when you travel, whether during peak hours (06:30 - 09:30 and 16:00 - 19:00 Mon-Fri) vs. off-peak (all other times).

I try to avoid peak hours as much as possible - not only because of the price - but because the Underground gets REALLY busy.

I have spent entire journeys through town smashed like a sardine in a tube carriage so keep that in mind when you're planning your travel.

The cost will also depend on where you travel to and from, and whether you are using a paper ticket vs. an Oyster, Travelcard, or contactless credit/debit card.

If you have one of the latter, then you will pay somewhere between £2.70 and £3.00 per ride within Zones 1 & 2.

The most expensive ride (Central London to Heathrow) will cost either £3.30 (off-peak) or £5.60 (peak).

When I am travelling to or from Heathrow, I always take the tube as it is hands down the cheapest way to go.

The chart makes it clear why I don't bother with tickets anymore and why I don't think that you should, either!

Oyster and Travelcards can be used on all of London's public transportation options, including buses, DLR, the Overground, suburban trains (within London), a water taxi, and even a gondola. 

Daily Limits

If you use an Oyster Card or a Contactless Card, then there are daily limits to what you will spend.

These caps are dependent on where you are traveling within.

So, for example, if you stay within Zones 1 and 2, the cap for an adult is just £8.10 for the Underground and £5.25 for buses.

I know this is a post about using the London Underground and I do think it is the fastest, easiest and most convenient way to travel through the city.

BUT, don't underestimate our buses!

I love my city and like to see as much of it as possible so I occasionally prefer taking the bus rather than the tube just to see the sights.

Also, bus journeys count toward the daily cap so they become free, too, once I've spent that £8.10,

So, the more you ride, the cheaper each ride is. You can see what the cap is for each zone or between zones here.

Child Offers

Children under 11 travel for free on the Underground.

When I travel with my niece - who is 4 - I simply take her to the large tube barriers located at any Underground station and when I tap my contactless card, she walks through the gates with me.

Obviously, we do the same on the way out. It's really that simple!

Children between the ages of 11 - 15 get 50% off their travel with specialty Oyster Cards.

I help you determine which type of card or ticket you need in our in-depth post on Oyster Cards .

Travelcards

Travelcards are prepaid cards that give you unlimited access to specific zones within London. 

You can choose to either order these in advance (in which case you will be given a paper Travelcard) or you can buy them upon arrival (in which case you will be using a plastic Oyster Card with the Travel Card loaded onto it).

In my experience, there is no benefit to ordering your Travelcard in advance.

My father insists on doing it when he visits as he likes everything sorted in advance.

But, if I am picking up guests on their way into town, I just buy one at the machine when I arrive.

Travelcards particularly have benefits for travellers here for an entire week.

If I have friends or family visiting I will sometimes get a Travelcard for myself, too, as a 7-Day Travelcard for Zones 1-2 is £40.70 which works out less per day than the £8.10 daily cap.

Find out more on my post comparing Oyster Cards, Visitor Oyster Cards and Travelcards .

UNDERSTANDING THE TUBE MAP

Picking up a Tube map is easy! They are available for free at most stations on the Underground network.

Although, aside from occasional tourists, I never see anybody carrying a paper map these days.

For most people, and I do mean locals and visitors alike, a downloadable PDF version is the way to go.

Below is a map of the London Underground.

Map of the London Underground

Don’t be embarrassed to consult your map as you travel through London, even Londoners themselves occasionally need to check where it is they are heading to!

Honestly, any time I am travelling somewhere new for the first time, I always check the tube map.

Personally, I use the TFL Go App because the map is clear and also they give me live updates if tube lines are down or delayed.

I have encountered very few things on earth more stressful than arriving at a tube station, with a suitcase, trying to catch a train from the other side of town only to find that the line is delayed or suspended!

I only let that happen to me twice before I started double checking before starting my journey.

If you look closely at the map, you will notice that the center part is shaded white (zone 1) with a ring of gray shade (zone 2) which is also surrounded by white again (zone 3).

Again, most visitors to London will spend much, if not all, of their time in Zones 1-2. 

Also, note that if a tube line is shown right in the middle of two Zones, it will be counted as the one closest to the centre.

So, for a while I lived in Earl's Court, which straddles Zones 1/2, but it was always counted as Zone 1 when I travelled.

Same for my friends in Leytonstone who live on the cusp of Zones 3/4 - their journey is counted as finishing in Zone 3 when they go home.

Focus on Colours

Every line on the London Underground has a different name and colour (and I am firmly convinced that all Londoners have their favourite lines, for varying reasons!).

The names and colours will appear on your Tube Map, and also all over the various stations on the network.

When I first moved to London, the colours of the lines on the map also somewhat matched the decor of the tube carriages, so it was easy to immediately tell if I was getting onto the right line or not.

As time has gone on, however, this has changed so don't let the upholstery fool you!

travel zone 2

For some, memorising the names is easier, but in general, colours can be the simplest way to learn your way around, and also to use when asking for/receiving directions.

I, and every other Londoner, know the name and colours of each of the line without consulting a map so don't be afraid to use the colours rather than the names.

TOURS BY FOOT TIP:

Start your holiday in London with our All-in-One London Tour, which takes in most of London's legendary tourist sites without having to take the Underground at all!

OPERATING HOURS AND THE NIGHT TUBE

As I mentioned above, it's important to remember that the London Underground system doesn’t run 24 hours a day every day and that timings may be different on weekdays vs. weekends.

How to Use the London Underground

General Hours

Although each station has different timings, in general, the first tube trains start running around 5:00 am - 5:15 am and finish around 12:00 am - 12:30 am from Mondays through Fridays.

On Sundays, the Tube begins a bit later, around 6:00 am - 6:15 am and the final trains depart around 11:30 pm - 12:30 am.

Sundays also carry a reduced service which means there are not as many trains running as on Mondays to Saturdays.

Although, I've never had to wait longer than 10 minutes for a tube train on a Sunday so in the grand scheme of things, that's not so long.

But for somebody who is used to the frequency or 2-3 minute trains, I can sometimes be put out!

And remember, in 2016 we were blessed with The Night Tube which means some lines run 24 hours on the weekends.

Weekdays: 7:00 am - 9:30 am and 16:00 (4 pm) - 19:00 (7 pm).

Like any major city, London has a very busy rush hour in the mornings and in the evenings when the majority of people are travelling to and from work.

Again, as I said above, I try to avoid travelling during peak hours as much as possible - ESPECIALLY if I have any bags or luggage with me.

Space is an absolute premium during peak-hours, and I have literally been stuck standing on a platform while tube train after tube train passed me by with no available space for me to board with my suitcase.

If you need a place to store luggage, read my advice here.

The Night Tube

The Night Tube is a 24-hour Underground service that operates on Fridays and Saturdays much to the delight of late night revellers, like myself.

I think this service should actually be called the "Overnight Tube" as the regular operating hours reach midnight every day of the week.

Click here for a downloadable pdf .

London Night Tube Map

There are 5 lines making up the Night Tube and there are fewer trains operating, which means wait times are more than the standard 2 - 5 minutes.

But any additional time waiting is well worthwhile for the convenience of taking the tube home after a long night out!

If I go on about how much I love the Night Tube, it is for a very good reason.

Visitors to London today will never know the experience I routinely used to have, of waiting 30 minutes for a night bus to take me home only for the bus, completely full, to bypass my stop because there were too many people on board!)

The lines and approximate timings are:

  • Victoria Line - Trains every 10 minutes
  • Jubilee Line - Trains every 10 minutes
  • Piccadilly Line (Cockfosters to Heathrow Terminal 5 ONLY) - Trains every 10 minutes
  • Northern Line (Camden Town to Morden) - Trains every 8 minutes
  • Northern Line (Camden Town to High Barnet) - Trains every 15 minutes (No Night Tube on the Bank and Mill Hill East Branches)
  • Central Line (White City to Leytonstone) - Trains every 10 minutes
  • Central Line (Leytonstone to Loughton/Hainault) - Trains every 20 minutes
  • Central Line (Ealing Broadway to White City) - Trains every 20 minutes (No Night Tube on other branches of the line)

NOTE: The Night Tube operates with standard off-peak fare prices. Your daily travel card will be valid until 4:29 am the morning after you have purchased it.

TIPS ON NAVIGATING THE UNDERGROUND

Now I will provide you with my top 7 tips for navigating your way through the London Underground Network.

I'll tell you how to start your journey, how to board the correct train, how to change lines, and when to walk instead of taking the Tube (I will sometimes surprise people by letting them know that for some journeys, I'll get there faster by foot!).

Underground Tutorial Tours

Let me, or one of my colleagues at  Tours by Foot , show you how to utilise the London Underground to get around the city - like on our  Harry Potter Tour .

Free London Tours

While this tour is not specifically an Underground tour, your tour guide will assist you in learning how to master the system and offer you some tips and tricks for riding the Tube.

1. Entering and Exiting Stations

All Underground stations have ticket barriers – large grey machines where travellers either insert their paper travel cards or tap their Oyster cards on top of them.

At first glance, most barriers all seem the same but they are actually divided into three different purposes; Enter, Do Not Enter, Bags/Buggies.

London Underground Turnstiles

When I walk into a Tube station, the first thing I do is look for green and red.

Some of the barriers will have a green arrow displayed – this means this is a barrier that you can travel through.

Insert your paper ticket, or tap your Oyster Card (or contactless card) on the yellow pad right next to the sign displaying the green arrow.

The barriers in front of you (just left from the arrow) will open and allow you to walk through.

Other barriers will have a red X displayed – this means this barrier will not open for you and is either closed or being used for visitors traveling in the opposite direction.

I can't tell you the amount of times I have passed somebody attempting to get through the gates with the red X.

They usually struggle until a kind local or member of staff sets them to rights.

Lastly, some barriers are quite large, with signs displaying buggies, luggage, and wheelchairs.

These are the barriers I use when I am travelling with my niece, or when I am travelling with luggage.

My favourite thing about them is that not only is there more space to get my belongings (or children) through, but I've noticed that the gates don't close as quickly as the other ones.

This ensures I can get everything - and everybody - safely through.

Read my post on taking the Tube from Heathrow Airport to Central London .

WillsdenGreenSign

2. Find Your Correct Direction

In general, the Underground lines operate going north-south or east-west and vice versa.

Checking on your map, or your app, will help you determine which direction you are travelling in, which will help you find the correct platform and train for your journey.

I always say that the London Underground is one of the most easily navigable public transport system and part of that is because of maps like these.

They showing the two directions that the trains will be travelling in, and under each direction will be a list of all the stations the train will stop at – in order!

I always see these at the bottom of the steps or escalators near the train platforms at tube stations.

This way, I can quickly glance and double check that I am walking to the correct platform.

I also love these signs because they let me see how many stops I'll be travelling, which can help give a rough estimate of my travel time.

My tip is to budget 3 minutes per stop when calculating how long my journey might be.

3. Don't Board the Wrong Train

Sometimes, multiple Underground lines share the same track at a station. 

If you aren't paying attention, you could board the wrong train. I have done this before - all Londoners have done this at least once!

Don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

However, to make sure you don't make the same mistake, keep an eye on the front carriage as the train pulls into the platform.

A sign above the driver's cab will tell you the name of the final destination of that particular train.

London Underground Signs

Also, on every platform there will be an electronic sign displaying the time until the next train arrives, and which station will be its’ final stop.

If I get to the platform while the train has already arrived, and I can't see the sign above the driver, the electronic boards will have the info I need.

I think the most confusing lines when it comes to this particular trick are the Circle, Hammersmith and City, and District Lines.

They all come along the same track and the trains themselves all look very similar and it's here where I've been caught out before, so take care in particular there.

4. Lines that Split

Another potential mixup is lines that split. Some lines can have 2 or 3 different ending tracks, so you need to be aware of this.

I live on the Northern Line which does split, so I always have to make sure the train I am boarding is going where I actually intend to travel.

Take the image below as an example.

Split Lines London Underground

For example, suppose you plan on boarding a District Line (green) train at South Kensington Station (the black square) with a final destination Wimbledon (the bottom-most black arrow).

You would be taking a westbound train. 

However, you can see from the map that there are two additional tracks with different ending points (Richmond and Ealing Broadway), all a part of the District Line heading westbound.

As you probably can tell, if you're not careful, you could end up missing the first tennis match.

Again, I recommend keeping an eye on the electronic boards above the platform to let you know where the train is actually going.

There are usually also announcements as the trains pull into the station but I find that sometimes the breaks are so loud, or the platforms are so busy with people talking, that it's easy to miss the announcements.

5. Changing Lines

The Tube map can often be misleading in that many tube lines crisscross over each other on the map, but do not actually connect to one another in reality.

Changing Trains London Underground

If you want to know where you can change from one Tube line to the other, you need to look for the white circle on the line on your map.

Any time you see one of these, it means you can change from one line to another or to British Rail (National Rail stations feature the red arrow lines).

Be aware, though, that just because you can change from one tube line to another, doesn't mean it's going to be an easy or a short walk!

I (and a lot of locals) will specifically go out of my way to avoid transferring from the Central Line to the Circle line at Bank/Monument - or from the Jubilee Line to the Piccadilly Line at Green Park - just because it is a LONG walk and can be difficult if I've got luggage.

Check out my tips on using the Underground with luggage and kids . 

6. Sometimes You Should Just Walk

The London Underground Map is definitely NOT geographically accurate.

Oftentimes it is easier to walk instead of getting on the tube to travel just a stop or two.

I absolutely love this little map that gives the walking times between stations ( pdf )! I use it all the time.

Map of Walking Distances between London Underground Stations

A good example of this is Leicester Square and Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line.

On the map, they appear a fair distance apart, but in reality, it takes me just 4 minutes to walk from one to the other.

Another good example is Charing Cross and Embankment - it’s literally a 1 minute walk down Villiers Street.

It also takes me past Gordon's Wine Bar which is always a plus..!

7. Step-Free (Handicap) Access

For those with limited mobility, there are clues on the Underground map that will let you know if there is step-free access.

I travel a lot so this is also useful for when I'm going to be navigating the Underground with luggage.

London Underground Step-free Handicap Accessibility

Simply look at the map, and on some stations, you will see a blue circle with a white figure in a wheelchair.

This means it is possible to get from the street into the train without any stairs or escalators. 

Handicap Symbols London Underground

The white circle and a blue figure in a wheelchair denote stations with step-free access from the street to the platform.

At these stations, you will need assistance to get into and out of the train, either with a ramp or the help of fellow passengers. 

Note that in larger stations, such as Waterloo, the blue circle appears on one line only, which means the other two lines do not have step-free access.

Transport for London has this helpful video .

The Underground staff are fantastic at helping visitors with different mobility requirements.

I have even witnessed them escorting somebody on an entire journey through central London just to make sure they got where they needed to go.

Also, I think London has a stereotype of being filled with busy or unfriendly people.

But, I am always impressed by how many people are willing to help strangers with their cases, prams, canes, dogs or anything else as they are using the Tube.

I've lost count of the amount of suitcases I've helped carry up staircases at this point!

A final note – Although London is generally a safe and welcoming city for visitors, pickpockets, and thieves operate throughout the entire London Underground network.

Please be aware of your surroundings!

I always keep ahold of all of my possessions, never tuck my debit card/keys/mobile into a pocket, and I always make sure my handbag or backpack remains zipped.

I've had my phone stolen once in the 20 years I've lived here and it was because I had it in my jacket pocket on a crowded bus. And it's never happened again!

Also, never leave your belongings unattended on a train or in an Underground Station.

Both because you don't want your stuff getting nicked, but also as a consideration to other people.

I have had my travel plans completely derailed (no pun intended) by unattended items being left on tube platforms which then causes the whole station to lock down until the police can deal with it!

PICADILLY LINE TO AND FROM HEATHROW

By far the easiest and most affordable way to get to and from Heathrow Airport is the Piccadilly line!

The Piccadilly Line runs through all 5 terminals of Heathrow Airport as well as straight through the centre of London, offering connections with every other tube line on the London Underground network.  

Whenever anybody asks me the easiest way to get to or from Heathrow Airport, I always ask them firstly where they are staying.

If their answer is not Paddington (terminus for the Heathrow Express) then the Piccadilly Line is MY answer. No further questions!

Use my Google Map and input the address of your final destination for directions and travel time from Heathrow .  

Throwing myself onto a tube train after an overnight international flight is never the highlight of my journey but it's just 45 minutes into central London on the Piccadilly Line, the trains are frequent, and there's extra space for baggage so it's always my top choice.

Piccadilly line trains run out of Heathrow from 5:00 to 23:00.

Ticket prices from Zone 1 to Heathrow are £6.70 for a cash-bought paper ticket, £5.60 on an Oyster card or contactless card at any time.

Read my full post on taking the Picadilly Line to and from Heathrow Airport .

TUBE ETIQUETTE

To avoid faux pas and keep from being marked out as a typical tourist, here are a few tips for Tube etiquette when travelling along the Tube.

London Underground Tube Etiquette

1.  Have Your Ticket Ready

Do not approach the ticket barriers until you have your Oystercard – or paper ticket – ready.

I think this has got to be the number one transgression a person can make when taking the tube!

The amount of time I have seen somebody walk to the barrier, and only THEN fumble through their pockets/bags for your ticket would surprise you.

This delays other travellers and oftentimes can mess with the barrier censors, potentially causing the barriers to lock.

I see more Londoners annoyed by this than anything else I've ever witnessed on the Underground.

[Remember you need to use your ticket/card both to BEGIN/ENTER and also to FINISH/LEAVE your journey!]  Be sure to read my blog post on the Oystercard and Travel Card .

2.  Stand on the Right

When riding escalators up and down in Underground Stations, please remember to stand on the RIGHT.

Travellers who wish to move up/down whilst on the escalators will be doing so on the left-hand side.

Provided I don't have a heavy bag with me, I always walk down the left side of the escalator rather than standing on the right - most Londoners do.

And you don't want to be in our way!

If you do stand on the left you may find yourself politely asked to move to the right...or simply shoved past by a multitude of commuters.

This also includes belongings/suitcases – I always make sure my case is either on the step right in front of me or the step right behind me so people on the left can still get through.

It is poor form and bad manners to take up the left side of the escalator with your belongings.

Please Stand Behind the Yellow Line

3.  Stand Behind the Yellow Line

On every Tube platform, you will find a yellow line painted along the edge.

This line marks the boundary between where it is safe to stand, and where it is dangerous.

Stand BEHIND the line (not on top of!) in order to limit any risk of death or injury.

You may occasionally see passengers swiftly walking down the platform directly on top of the yellow line – I confess I have been guilty of this - but do not follow their lead!

I notice that this is the transgression that is most likely to get you yelled at by Underground staff, and for good reason.

People have been seriously injured, and even killed, by not following this advice.

4. Move Down the Platform

As soon as I get onto the platform, I immediately walk along either to the left or to the right - and you should, too.

You will find many people gathered at bottom of the stairs or right next to the entrance to the platform, meaning people cannot get past them and move onto the platform to get their train.

TIP : I do this because I want to make sure I am not in anybody's way but the added benefit is that the tube carriages tend to be quieter at either the very front or the very back so this is also a way for me to ensure I get a seat!

Move Down Carriage

5.  Let Other Passengers Off First

As soon as the Tube doors open, step to either side of the opening doors and let customers off the train before you attempt to board.

Woe betide you, if you don't.

I have, multiple times, witnessed people being shoved back by departing passengers when trying to board without letting people off first.

6.  Move Down Inside the Carriage

Just like when I get to the platforms, once I get on the train I move to either the left or the right!

This ensures I'm not hindering anybody else from boarding but is particularly important during peak times in order to ensure the maximum amount of people can fit onto the train.

I've often heard the call of 'Move down!' from passengers on the platform who can see there is room inside the carriage, but are unable to board as people are blocking their way.

You will see Londoners standing in between the benches on busy Tube carriages, and you should follow their lead.

7.  Keep Feet and Bags Off the Seats

Do I really have to explain this one? It's rude and dirty to have your feet/shoes on the seats!

As for bags, the general etiquette is you can have your bag in a seat next to you if the train is empty.

But, if I am doing this, I am extra careful to be aware of my surroundings as once the carriage starts to get busy, I need to make sure I move my bag so it is not taking up a seat.

8. Do Not Lean on the Poles

The poles that are placed throughout the Underground train carriages are meant for people to hold on to.

Leaning against one of the poles means blocking the pole for those that may need it to hold balance whilst the train is moving.

When I have travelled with my mother, who is unsteady on her feet, the poles have been a valuable tool for our travel!

I can also sometimes spot a visitor straight away as they will stand in the tube carriage without holding onto anything...and then promptly tumble over as soon as it leaves the station.

The poles are vital even for those without mobility issues.

9.  Mind Your Earphones and Your Meals

I find it difficult to listen to music/podcasts on most tube lines as the trains themselves create a lot of ambient background noise.

To combat this, I have noticed that some people will play their music extra loud to compensate.

However, the music you are listening to should not be loud enough for anybody else on the Tube to hear.

It's considered poor etiquette. (Although I think this may be one of those things that changes with different generations. I've noticed an uptick in last few years.)

Also, it is best to avoid eating hot/smelly food on the Underground.

10.  Get Out of the Way of Those Getting Off the Train

When you are on the Tube and at a stop that is not yours, make sure you are not in the way of those who are trying to exit the train.

Occasionally, you may need to step outside of the train to let passengers off if the carriage is very crowded.

I see that this sometimes panics people who think they won't be able to get back onto the train but seasoned London commuters will always keep an eye out.

If I've seen somebody step off of the train to make room, I always make sure they are the first ones to get back on!

BabyOnBoard

11.  Stand Up for the Elderly and Pregnant

This is one even some Underground regulars need reminding of!

It’s just good manners in the UK to offer up your seat to the elderly, pregnant, or those who are less able to stand.

I like to read on the Underground so sometimes I can get a bit engrossed but I always try to be aware of who is boarding the carriage at each station.

Occasionally you may see women with a small ‘Baby on Board’ badge with the London Underground logo pinned onto their coats.

My friends love these badges as it means they often don't have to ask for a seat - people will see the badge and offer them a seat instead.

Also I've noticed that men even take it upon themselves to stand up for any woman who comes onto the train so chivalry is not completely dead in London!

12.  Take Your Rubbish Home With You

Rubbish left behind on the Tube is unsightly and can be quite disgusting.

There are no bins on Underground trains or at most Underground Stations which means it is expected that you will take any rubbish of yours off the train and home/back to your hotel with you when you leave.

I know that this can sometimes be inconvenient and annoying, but I do it anyway and encourage you to, also.

And if you do decide to leave your rubbish behind - don't expect it to go unnoticed!

I have actually witnessed somebody throwing a persons rubbish directly at their head as they've exited the carriage without taking it with them!

In general, commuting and travelling in the city can be quite stressful so I try to remain courteous to others as they go about their business, and largely, they do the same as I go about mine.

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London Travelcard prices for public transport pass in 2024

Transport pass for 1 day, 7 days, 1 month or much longer for buses, trains & underground.

London Travelcard

The London Travelcard is the original pass for public transport in London. It is very simple to understand. You pay up front for a ticket which gives you unlimited rides for a stated number of calendar days. These days are consecutive, the pass ends 7 days after the first journey.

You can currently buy Travelcards for periods of 1 day, 7 days, 1 month or 1 year.

Unless you are going to make just one single journey on public transport in London then you should really be looking to either purchase an Oyster card , contactless payment card or a London Travelcard transport pass, and not pay for single tickets.

For example, paying cash for a single Underground journey in central London is more than double the price of the same journey with an Oyster Card.

Where can you use Travelcards   Fare zones   Peak & off-peak   Where to buy   Prices 2024   Benefits   Concessions   Child fares   Groups

tootbus promo priced tickets sale London

Where you can use a Travelcard

The Travelcard pass covers:

- The London Underground network

- The London red local bus network

- The railway network in Greater London

- Docklands Light Railway, TFL Railway and Overground Railway

- 33% discount on many scheduled river services .

You cannot use your Travelcard on the Heathrow Express train as the group are not part of the Transport for London network.

You can use your Travelcard on the London Underground, TFL Rail Heathrow and London red bus services from Heathrow.

Other airports

Gatwick, Southend, Stansted and Luton airports are outside London beyond the scope of London public transport so the buses and trains from these airports are not covered by Travelcard (though you can use Oyster cards from Gatwick & on Heathrow Express. City Airport is serviced by the Docklands Light railway (DLR) and is covered.

Ask Bob about Oyster Cards London

The London public transport system is divided up into zones that radiate from the centre. Nearly all the hotels and the main sights are in Zone 1.

Heathrow Airport is in Zone 6 and the furthest zone out is Zone 9.

For the vast majority of visitors you will only travel in the two most central zones 1 and 2. The Underground map (link below) has the stations and their zones marked.

Some stations like Turnham Green are in two zones. You use whichever zone for these stations is most beneficial in working out your fare.

Although with a Travelcard you have unlimited journeys for a flat fee, the price you pay for your Travelcard is determined by the fare zones you want to travel in. The more fare zones you want covered, the more expensive the Travelcard.

London's red buses do not have zones. In fact with a Travelcard if you have a Travelcard for zones 1 and 2 you can travel in all the other zones as well using London's red buses.

London Underground Map & Rail Network Map with price zones (PDF)

travel zone 2

Use our links below to see the London price zone maps for both the Underground and Rail network. You will be able to clearly see the zones marked across the map and then look where your station of interest sits within which zone. This is an easy way to work out the potential price of travel in London, by looking at the places you want to visit and seeing which London zone they sit within.

Most major attractions sit within zone 1-2 but there are other attractions further out from central London you may want to visit, as an example Hampton Court (zone 6) or Wimbledon (zone 3).

Peak & off peak travel for 1-day Travelcards

A 1 day Travelcard comes in a choice of peak and off peak variants, the price differential is substantial.

The peak travel period is if you travel between 4.30am and 9.29am Monday to Friday.

For a 1 day Travelcard only, if you want to travel during this time you need to purchase the 'Peak' period 1 day Travelcard product, otherwise the much cheaper off peak Travelcard will do.

Note: For 1 day, an Oyster card is often much cheaper than a 1 day Travelcard, never more expensive.

Travelcards for 7 days or longer are valid at all times.

Travelcards are valid for calendar days, not 24 hours from when you first use. However you can use your Travelcard the day after the last day if your journey departs before 4.30am.

Where you buy, photo ID & varying formats of Travelcards

If you buy Travelcards from a railway ticket office (not Underground) they come on card and will have a rail logo on (just like the image at the top of the page). If you buy a 7 Day Travelcard (child or adult) or a longer duration Travelcard you will need a rail photocard. This is made up on the spot and is free of charge, but you have to bring your own passport size photo. You cannot use the rail photocard as ID at non-rail ticket outlets.

If you buy Travelcards in advance online from TfL (see banner link below) the Travelcards also come as card tickets but you do not need photo ID both for children and adults.

If you buy Travelcards from anywhere else, including Underground and DLR stations, 1 day Travelcards come on a card, but all other Travelcards come loaded on an Oyster card. Children between 11 and 17 years require an Oyster ID Photocard to buy Travelcards at concession fare rates for 7 day durations or longer. Adults do not need photo ID.

Best place to buy Travelcards

The most convenient place to buy Travelcards for visitors are Underground stations, including Heathrow Airport. You can pay cash or credit card.

However there are no longer manned ticket offices at Underground and DLR stations. You have to buy from a ticket machine.

If you prefer a person to serve you there are also many Oyster Ticket Stops all over London in neighbourhood stores, newsagents etc that display a sign in their window or stations run by the railways (not the London Overground, Underground or TFL Rail Stations).

If you feel nervous purchasing a public transport pass from a ticket machine after entering a strange country, you can buy Travelcards online from TfL (see link below) and have them delivered to your home address internationally.

Transport for London

BUY VISITOR OYSTER CARD & TRAVELCARD FOR LONDON

London Travelcard & Oyster Card

Visiting London? Save time and money on London public transport

• Visitor Oyster Card • Travelcard for 1 day anytime / off-peak or 7 days anytime • Group day travelcards available

London Travelcard Prices from 3 March 2024 - March 2025

London travelcard vs oystercard - what is the difference.

Travelcards are a flat rate travel pass where you have unlimited rides in the selected zones for the time period purchased. You can use your travelcard across the London Network (with a few exceptions), so the travelcard covers your complete travel for a set time period and for a set fee paid up front.

Oyster / Contactless payment cards are charged on a per journey basis but there is a daily maximum you can be charged. This is called the price cap. Once you hit this 'price cap' through all the individual fares adding up, you are no longer charged for any subsequent journeys made that day.

A good example is the daily Oyster/Contactless payment cards price cap is less than the cost of a 1 day Travelcard, so travel over one day is cheaper. Over longer periods Travelcards can work out cheaper depending on your travel. For instance a 7 Day Travelcard is less expensive than an Oyster or Contactless payment card if you travel 3 or more times each day for 6 days or more in a 7 day calendar period.

This is a detailed area and can be confusing, so we created a dedicated page Comparing Travelcards and Oystercards , this page looks in detail at the difference between a travelcard, Oystercard and contactless payment cards to help you find the best fit for your visit.

Benefits of using Travelcards with Oyster card

Most visitors will just travel in the central zones 1 and 2. If you are staying more than 5 days in Central London then a 7 day Travelcard zone 1-2 is probably going to be cheaper than just an Oyster card. However a Travelcard on its own with fixed travel zones is not very flexible for the occasional trip outside these zones.

7 day Travelcards can be loaded onto your Oyster card and be used in combination with Oyster on a Pay As You Go basis for a single journey.

Note this flexibility is not available on Visitors Oyster cards or contactless payment cards and is not available for Travelcards purchased from railway stations and online.

A typical example is someone arriving and departing at Heathrow Airport in zone 6 and spending say 6 days in the centre of London (zones 1-2) before flying out.

By purchasing an Oyster card at Heathrow Airport Underground Station and buying a 7 day Travelcard zone 1-2 (electronically loaded onto the Oyster by the ticket machine) plus a minimal amount of Oyster cash both Oyster card and Travelcard will will work seamlessly together.

The 7 day Travelcard zone 1-2 will cover all travel in the central zones 1 and 2. Then on the Underground airport transfer journeys the Travelcard still covers the section of the journey in zones 1 and 2 but the Oyster will kick in automatically to cover the section of the journey in zones 3 to 6 at the lowest cost using the cash on the Oyster. You do not physically have to do anything it is all automatic.

Similarly, if you are staying in London for 9 days you might buy an Oyster card and use it on a PAYG basis for 2 days and have a 7 day Travelcard loaded and use that for the remaining 7 days.

Seniors concessions

There are no seniors fares for visitors. If you reside in London and are of pensionable age you can get a Freedom pass giving free travel. If you are 60+ and live in London the Seniors Oyster ID Card that makes free bus travel available. You can apply online or get a form from your local Post Office.

Anybody with an English National Concessionary bus pass can use that on London's red buses too and travel free of charge.

If you have a railways Seniors Railcard you can get your 1/3 discount on off-peak Oyster fares. You have to ask a member of staff to load the concession onto a standard Oyster card (note, not a Visitors Oysters card) at an Underground station after showing your Seniors Card.

If you have a railways Seniors Railcard you can also buy 1 day off-peak zone 1-6 Travelcards at with the discount applied.

Child concessions

This is a very complex subject and is covered in detail in the table below.

In crude terms a child is defined as under 16 years old, but in the last couple of years it has been possible to get child fares after jumping through a few hoops up to the age of 17.

Children under 11 can travel free on the London Underground, DLR and buses without a ticket. If a child is between 11 and 15 years old you require an Oyster 11-15 Photocard (which has a fee see below). This allows 11 to 15 year olds to travel at child fares on the Underground, DLR, Overground and some trains, free on the buses.

A child is defined as under 16 years old, but in the last couple of years it has been possible to get child fares after jumping through a few hoops up to the age of 17.

You can only buy child Travelcards on-demand universally for 1 day Travelcards. You cannot load child Travelcards onto an Oyster without an Oyster ID card. You can buy 7 day child Travelcards at the Visit Britain online shop, TFL's online shop , and at railway stations (who require a passport photo).

If you are a short term visitor (in London for up to 14 days) with kids between 11-15 you can take advantage of the Young Visitor Discount. This means you can get half price fares on an Oyster card on a temporary basis for your child without going through the hoops and expense of getting an Oyster ID card. You do need to read carefully the rules of this scheme though.

Children's Fare Concessions

Group tickets - 1-day group travelcard for groups of 10 or more.

This in scope is the same as a 1-day off-peak Travelcard for zones 1-6 and 1-9 providing unlimited travel on all services after 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.

The pricing is particularly attractive if you have kids in the group and those staying in one of the outer zones, however if you are staying in the centre of London zones 1 to 3 it will be cheaper to purchase individual Oyster cards.

If you are a group of 10 or more then do check out this product. Click through on the blog link right for more details.

Group travelcard full details and prices in London for groups of 10+ people

Qualifying for the Railways 2 for 1 promotion by using Travelcards

The railways sponsor a hugely popular and long running promotion that allows those people using the train to visit leading attractions to get two people admitted for the price of one.

When visiting London you can you can get 2 for 1 admission to many of London's major sights including the Tower of London. The full list is very long and covers all of Great Britain. If you have train tickets to London and you are doing some sightseeing its a very worthwhile promotion to look into.

If, like many visitors, you are not using the national train services to get to London but are using a Travelcard to ride the London Underground to get around then there is a loophole in the scheme whereby if you buy your Travelcard from a railway station ticket office you qualify for the 2 for 1 promotion. There are a few further hoops to jump through, but the rewards can be significant, so its worth checking out.

Railways 2 for 1 promotion more details

Using your travelcard to gain access to trains

To gain access to the trains of all types, and again to exit a station you have to pass through automatic barriers (pictured right). There is always one wide ticket barrier for wheelchairs, pushchairs and people with large suitcases.

If you have a card Travelcard you insert the Travelcard into the ticket slot, the barrier will check that your Travelcard is valid for both date and zones travelled and then return it to you and open the barrier.

If you have a Travelcard loaded onto an Oyster card you swipe the Oyster card over a bright yellow pad, the barrier will check validity and then open the barrier. This process is repeated at the destination station.

On buses there are no ticket barriers. Inspectors may check the validity of your Travelcard at any time.

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What’s a London Travelcard?

A London Travelcard is a ticket type that allows unlimited travel for a certain amount of time on:

  • The London Underground within zones 1-4 or 1-6
  • Docklands Light Railway
  • Most National Rail Services in London

It also offers discounts on Emirates flights and a third off River Boat fares on selected services.

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Which London Travelcard is right for me?

One day london travelcards.

There are two types of One Day London Travel cards:

Anytime Day Travelcards: you can use these anytime on the date shown on your ticket, until 04:30 the following day.

Off-Peak Day Travelcards: you can use these from 09:30 Monday – Friday and at any time on weekends and bank holidays on the date on your ticket, until 04:30 the following day.

London Weekly Travelcard

The London Weekly Travelcard offers 7 days of travel for the price of 5.

Monthly London Travelcard

Monthly Travelcards are typically more cost-effective than buying consecutive 7-day ones. You’ll save 11% on your journeys if you go for the monthly option.

Group One Day London Travelcard

Travelling as a group of 10 or more? Get a Group One Day London Travelcard. It’s valid for the day from 9:30 am (Monday to Friday), anytime on weekends or public holidays right up until 04:30 the next day.

London Travelcard season tickets

We have various London Travelcard Season Ticket options, including:

Your Travelcard season ticket can start on any day of the week, and you can travel right up until 04:30 on the day after your travelcard expires.

How do I get a London Travelcard?

You can get a travelcard when you buy an Anytime train tickets , Off-Peak train tickets , Super Off Peak , Advance train tickets or Season train ticket (except Flexi Season ) to London on our website, SWR app or at your local station.

You can add London Travelcards to your SWR touch smartcard , making it easier for you to tap in and out across the capital.

Travelling outside the area covered by your Travelcard

If you have a Travelcard, then you are permitted to use any services within its Zones (subject to the time restrictions of the Travelcard). If you wish to travel beyond the Zones permitted by your Travelcard, then you can purchase a Boundary Zone ticket to or from the station outside of those Zones.

For example, if you have a 7-Day Zones 1 to 3 Travelcard and wanted to travel to Shepperton, you can buy a Boundary Zone 3 to Shepperton Day Return ticket from any staffed ticket office or from our self-service ticket machines. The train you are on does not need to call at a station within Zone 3 to be valid. Boundary Zone tickets can also be sold in the opposite direction (e.g. Shepperton to Boundary Zone 3).

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Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Updates for Week of September 15, 2024

Travel advisory.

Colorado Springs —­­­­ The Colorado Department of Transportation will detour northbound I-25 using on- and off-ramps at South Academy Boulevard and temporarily close east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard lanes under I-25 as part of a traffic switch to the final lane alignment on the MAMSIP project. Work leading up to the traffic switch on Friday, Sept. 20 will also require lane closures over several nights. Crews will finish application of poly overlay, complete patching, and shift barriers during the week of Sept. 15.

Re-route traffic on northbound I-25 using South Academy Boulevard ramps for traffic switch

  • Friday, Sept. 20, 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard at I-25

  • Monday, Sept. 16 through Wednesday Sept. 18, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Full closure of westbound South Academy Boulevard at I-25

  • Monday, Sept. 16 through Wednesday Sept. 18, 6 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
  • Friday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Detours will be in place:

  • Eastbound South Academy Boulevard traffic will be diverted south on I-25 to Colorado Highway 16 (exit 132A), where they will turn around and re-enter I-25 north to South Academy Boulevard
  • Westbound South Academy Boulevard traffic will be diverted north on I-25 to Lake Avenue/South Circle Drive (exit 138), where they will turn around and re-enter I-25 south to South Academy Boulevard
  • Northbound I-25 traffic will take the exit 135 off-ramp and re-enter the on-ramp to continue.

Detour map for closure of east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard lanes under I-25

Other work on I-25 includes:

  • Northbound I-25 right lane closures at South Academy Boulevard on Monday, Sept. 16 and Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. to complete the polyester overlay on the bridge deck.
  • Northbound I-25 left lane closures at South Academy Boulevard on Wednesday, Sept. 18 and Thursday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for resetting and removing temporary safety barriers.

The speed limit in this area has been reduced to 60 MPH. Traffic delays of 10-15 minutes are expected, and motorists are urged to use extra caution while traveling in the area. Fines will be doubled through the construction zone.

El Paso County – MAMSIP – South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

Colorado Springs — A temporary closure of the South Academy Boulevard off-ramp to southbound Hartford Street is ongoing  and will tentatively end in late September. This closure is necessary to allow crews to install drainage pipes across the road and reconstruct the Hartford on and off ramps. Full closures decrease the duration of traffic impacts and increase safety for the traveling public and crews. A detour will be in place:

  • Eastbound South Academy Boulevard exiting to Hartford Street will continue east to US 85/87, turn around and travel west to Coventry Drive, travel north to Welton Drive, turn west and travel to southbound Hartford Street.

Detour map for closure of the South Academy Boulevard off-ramp to southbound Hartford Street

Overnight northbound I-25 off-ramp closures to northbound South Academy Boulevard are planned for Sunday, Sept. 15 through Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. to allow crews to install drainage pipes across the roadway. A contingency night on Wednesday, Sept. 18 is scheduled, if needed. A detour will be in place:

  • Northbound I-25 traffic exiting to northbound South Academy Boulevard will travel west to Venetucci Boulevard, continue north to B Street, travel east and turn onto the CanAm Highway (US 85/87), travel southeast and enter South Academy Boulevard.

Detour map for overnight northbound I-25 off-ramp closures to northbound South Academy Boulevard

Overnight alternating lane closures on northbound South Academy Boulevard between Fountain Creek and Bradley Road are planned for Monday, Sept. 16 through Thursday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. to allow crews to perform bridge deck repairs.

Northbound South Academy Boulevard between US 85/87 and Bradley Road will be temporarily closed overnight  on Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. to allow crews to perform bridge deck repairs. A detour will be in place:

  • Northbound traffic will exit to US 85/87, travel south to Fontaine Boulevard, travel east to Grinnell Boulevard, travel north to Bradley Road, and travel west to re-enter northbound South Academy Boulevard.

Detour map for closure at northbound South Academy Boulevard between US 85/87 and Bradley Road

A northbound South Academy Boulevard lane shift between Milton Proby Parkway and Fountain Creek to the outside is ongoing to allow crews to perform drainage and median work. The new alignment will be in place for until late September.

A diversion of Coventry Drive traffic intending to travel west on South Academy is scheduled to end on Wednesday, Sept. 18 . In preparation, there will be an overnight southbound South Academy Boulevard right lane closure west of Fountain Creek on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. for paving and moving of barriers.

A shift of east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Fountain Creek towards the center is ongoing to allow crews to work on the outside lanes, install drainage pipes, and prepare to construct a noise barrier. This alignment will be in place approximately until spring 2025.

Motorists are also advised that the shift of the northbound I-25 off-ramp to northbound South Academy Boulevard to a new alignment is ongoing and will have a short acceleration lane.

Motorists are advised to use caution at all entrance ramps as merge lengths have been shortened. In particular, motorists should be prepared to stop on the US 85/87 on-ramp to eastbound South Academy and the Bradley Road on-ramp to eastbound South Academy since merge area is greatly reduced.

All lanes of Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard are shifted to the center of the roadway ongoing to allow crews to perform work on new bridge piers.

These closures are weather dependent and subject to change.

Traffic Impacts

I-25 between US 85/Fountain (MP 127) and South Academy Boulevard (MP 135) 

  • Northbound I-25 right lane closures at South Academy Boulevard, Monday, Sept. 16 and Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Northbound I-25 left lane closures at South Academy Boulevard, Wednesday, Sept. 18 and Thursday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

  • Ongoing temporary full closure of South Academy Boulevard off-ramp to southbound Hartford Street in place until late September. Use detour route
  • Overnight northbound I-25 off-ramp closures to northbound South Academy Boulevard on Sunday, Sept. 15 through Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Use detour route. Contingency night Wednesday, Sept. 18 if needed
  • Overnight alternating lane closures on northbound of South Academy Boulevard between Fountain Creek and Bradley Road on Monday, Sept. 16 through Thursday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
  • Full closure of northbound South Academy Boulevard between US 85/87 and Bradley Road on Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Use detour route
  • Ongoing shift of northbound South Academy Boulevard between Milton Proby Parkway and Fountain Creek in place until late September
  • Ongoing shift of east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Fountain Creek to middle until spring 2025
  • Southbound South Academy Boulevard right lane closure west of Fountain Creek on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
  • Ongoing Southbound Coventry Drive detour to westbound South Academy in place for until Sept. 18.
  • Ongoing full closure of existing north- and southbound South Academy Boulevard on-ramps from US 85/87 and shift to temporary on-ramp, in place until fall 2024
  • Ongoing shift of all lanes on Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard bridge

Project Overview

Interstate-25 – Safety and Efficiency Improvements

The improvements to I-25 addressed in this project are located along an approximately 7.5-mile segment of south I-25 beginning at South Academy Boulevard and extending to the Santa Fe Avenue (US 85/87) exit at Fountain (MP 128), which exits to Gate 19 of Fort Carson. The project includes:

  • Replacement of two bridges crossing over South Academy Boulevard
  • Widening of both inside and outside shoulders and installing safety improvements
  • Concrete surface treatment overlay to provide an improved riding surface
  • Installation of median barrier
  • Rehab and widening work on four bridges
  • Installation of an I-25 southbound deceleration lane at the interchange with CO 16

The improvements to South Academy Boulevard in this project are located on South Academy Boulevard at the southern mile and a half of this arterial road from the I-25 interchange, crossing US Highway 85/87, and continuing to the road’s approach to Milton Proby Parkway (which connects to Powers Boulevard/CO 21). Construction focuses on widening an approximately 1.5-mile section of South Academy Boulevard from two lanes to three in each direction to alleviate recurring congestion. The project includes improved drainage facilities, lighting, striping, and expanded shoulders, modified merge lanes, sound walls and bridgework. The project is expected to be complete by early 2026. This project is managed by El Paso County.

Safety Benefits

CDOT conducted a safety assessment for the corridor to evaluate the magnitude and nature of safety problems and analyze the causes of crashes. These transportation improvements are mitigation measures to reduce crashes, improve infrastructure, and address physical deficiencies that contribute to crashes in the corridor. Over the next 20 years, the project is estimated to result in fewer deaths, injuries and crashes on the four MAMSIP corridors.

Project Contact Information

  • Website: codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Hotline: 719-800-2162
  • Register for Alerts: Text MAMSIP to 888-970-9665

About the Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Build Grant

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has initiated a program to deliver more efficient and safer mobility along I-25, Colorado Highway 94, South Academy Boulevard, and Charter Oak Ranch Road, enabling economic stability and development. The Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program is partially funded through an $18 million BUILD grant award from the US Department of Transportation. The delivery of these improvements will strengthen and enhance the redundancy of strategic movement between the nationally significant El Paso County military installations of Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, and Schriever Space Force Base.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

  • Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
  • Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
  • Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
  • See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
  • Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter , Facebook , Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Russia travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: August 7, 2024 14:28 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, russia - avoid all travel.

The armed conflict in Ukraine has led to armed incursions and shelling in areas close to the Russian-Ukrainian border. Drone strikes, explosions, and fires have occurred further into Russia’s interior. The impacts of the armed conflict with Ukraine could also include:

  • partial military mobilization
  • restrictions on financial transactions
  • increasingly limited flight options

If you are in Russia, you should leave while commercial means are still available. If you remain in Russia, maintain a low profile. Canadians holding Russian citizenship may be subject to call-up for mandatory military service.

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Terrorist attack in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Oblast

On March 22, 2024, a terrorist attack occurred at the Crocus City Hall, a concert venue in Krasnogorsk, just outside central Moscow. There are reports of gunfire and explosions. The incident resulted in multiple casualties and fires continue to burn around the site of the attack.

Local authorities have cordoned off the affected area and have cancelled upcoming mass gatherings in Moscow. Further attacks could occur at any time.

If you are in Moscow Oblast:

  • avoid the affected area
  • follow the instructions of local authorities
  • exercise extreme caution in public and avoid large gatherings
  • contact the Embassy of Canada to Russia, in Moscow, if you require consular emergency assistance

Armed conflict with Ukraine

On June 24, 2023, there were reports of military tensions in the Rostov region.

Flight availability, already reduced following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, continues to be subject to unpredictable and significant limitations. If you are in Russia, you should leave while commercial means are still available.

Some financial transactions, including those with Canadian major credit and ATM cards, are not possible. As a result, you may not be able to use your credit card for purchases within Russia or to withdraw cash at an ATM. Availability of essential services may also be affected.

Communications related to the current situation are scrutinized by local authorities. You may face heavy consequences if you discuss, share or publish information related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Foreign journalists and other media workers in Russia may also face considerable risks.

Security conditions are unpredictable and could deteriorate without notice. The ability of our Embassy to provide consular services in Russia may become severely limited.

There have been armed incursions and shelling in areas close to the Russian-Ukrainian border, notably in Bryansk and Belgorod Oblasts. Drone strikes, explosions and fires have also occurred at key infrastructure sites and military installations further into Russia's interior and in cities, including in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

You may encounter an increased security presence with potential disruptions to transport and movement, especially in areas near Russian military installations.

Avoid all travel to Russia. If you decide to remain despite this advisory, be aware that:

  • you may have to stay in Russia longer than expected
  • you may be affected by shortages of essential products and services
  • you may not be able to use your banking cards for payment or to withdraw funds
  • you should not depend on the Government of Canada to help you leave the country

Additionally, while you remain in Russia, you should:

  • review your personal security plans on a daily basis
  • keep a low profile
  • refrain from discussing political developments in public or online
  • avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • make sure you have an adequate supply of cash, essential items and medications
  • avoid any area where there are military installations or activity
  • monitor trustworthy news sources to stay informed on the evolving situation
  • make sure your travel documents are up-to-date, including those of your family
  • contact your air company to check on flight availability
  • communicate your travel plans to family and friends
  • register and update your contact information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and encourage other Canadian citizens in Russia to do so

Rostov Oblast

The Russian government has declared a state of emergency and maintains a significant military presence in Rostov Oblast. The situation along the Ukrainian border is unpredictable and could change quickly. Exercise extreme vigilance if you must travel to this region, as armed clashes and violence pose serious threats to your safety. If you are currently in this area, you should strongly consider leaving. The ability of the Embassy of Canada to Russia in Moscow to provide consular assistance in this district is extremely limited.

Republics of Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia, and Stavropol Krai

Terrorist attacks are frequent in the Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia republics and Stavropol region. The security situation is unstable and dangerous. Suicide bombings occur on a regular basis and targeted assassinations have also taken place. Unexploded mines and munitions are widespread. Kidnapping for ransom is also common.

You must obtain special permission from the Ministry of the Interior to enter certain areas and regions.

Republics of Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus region), Karachai-Cherkessia and North Ossetia

Tensions are high in Russia’s border regions with Georgia and may affect the security situation in Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachai-Cherkessia and North Ossetia republics. Military operations are carried out with little or no notice, and are accompanied by travel restrictions. The border crossings to Azerbaijan and Georgia are subject to frequent, sometimes lengthy closures.

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups have called for attacks on Russian soil. Incidents resulting in death and injury have occurred most frequently in the North Caucasus region, Moscow and St. Petersburg, but may happen throughout the country. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

  • government buildings, including schools
  • cultural venues, including concert halls, nightclubs, and event centres
  • places of worship
  • Russian airlines, airports and other transportation hubs and networks
  • public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Russian authorities have increased general security measures in Moscow and other large cities.

Violent crime

Crime against foreigners is a serious problem. Harassment and assaults are prevalent, particularly against foreigners of Asian and African descent. Some victims have died as a result of assaults. Foreigners in the areas to which we advise against all travel are particularly vulnerable. Several journalists and foreign aid personnel working in Russia have been killed or kidnapped. Criminals have targeted and destroyed well-marked aid convoys. Exercise extreme caution in crowds and open markets.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently and is often committed by groups of children and teenagers. Criminals use various techniques to distract the victims, including requests for help. In such situations, walk away quickly. Preferred areas for criminals include:

  • underground walkways
  • public transportation and transportation hubs
  • tourist sites
  • restaurants and markets
  • hotel rooms and residences (even when occupied and locked)

Reduce your risk of being targeted by travelling in groups with reputable tour agencies.

Avoid showing signs of affluence and ensure personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Replacing travel documents and visas is difficult, and could considerably delay your return to Canada.

Criminal strategies

Criminals may also pose as police officers, particularly in St. Petersburg. Real police officers wear a visible personal identification number on their uniforms. Bogus checkpoints may be set up in rural areas to commit robbery.

Demonstrations and elections

Demonstrations take place. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Monitor local media for the latest information

Due to heightened political tensions, be vigilant and don’t discuss political developments in public.

Useful links

  • More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
  • Laws regarding minors involved in demonstrations

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

Tensions on the neighbouring Korean Peninsula could escalate with little notice and the security situation could deteriorate suddenly. Tensions may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, military exercises or as the result of incidents or military activities at or near the inter-Korean border. Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

There have been cases of foreigners developing friendships or romantic relationships over the Internet and becoming entangled in financial issues in Russia. Remain vigilant and be aware that we can’t help you recover lost funds or property in such cases.

Only exchange money at major banks. Foreigners have been scammed in the past when exchanging money on the street.

Traffic police may stop motorists to collect fraudulent cash fines on the spot.

Credit card and automated banking machine (ABM) fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

  • pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
  • use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
  • avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
  • cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
  • check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Organized crime

Organized criminal groups are active throughout Russia, particularly in large cities. Extortion and corruption are common business practices, including among foreign businesses. Criminals demand protection money from their victims under threat of serious violence. Report extortion attempts to Russian authorities.

Surveillance

Authorities may place foreigners under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, fax machines and e-mail messages may be monitored. Personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.

Power outages

Power outages and shortages occur often throughout Russia.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ individuals is common.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers, as well as their friends and families, have been targets of harassment and violence, particularly outside of Moscow.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Road safety

Road conditions vary and are often poor outside major cities.

Drivers don’t respect traffic laws and often drive and park on pedestrian areas. Accidents are common. Pedestrians should be particularly careful. In the event of an accident, don’t move the vehicle until the police arrive, even if the car is obstructing traffic.

Drive only during the day.

In winter, road travel can be hazardous due to ice and snow.

Public transportation

When travelling by train, store valuables in a safe place and don’t leave the compartment unattended. Lock the door from the inside.

Most major cities have reliable public transportation including buses, subways or streetcars.

Use only registered taxis and don’t share a taxi with strangers. Foreigners have been victims of assault and robbery when using unregistered taxis.

Book taxis in advance either by phone or through taxi company apps. Avoid flagging down taxis on the street, but if you do, negotiate the price before getting into the taxi.

Marine transportation

Boat accidents are common due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels. Safety standards differ from those in Canada. Exercise caution and common sense when using marine transportation. Don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Russian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

border_crossings_with_finland

Border crossings with Finland

Finnish authorities have closed border crossings along the land border with Russia. As of December 15, 2023, all land border crossings are closed.

Contact information and hours of operation – Finnish Border Guard

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Russia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

  • Foreign Representatives in Canada
  • Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required for stays in commercial accommodations (exceptions apply) Guest visa: required for stays in private accommodations Business visa: required Student visa: required Transit visa: required (exceptions apply) Exit visa: required

You must be submitted your visa request online to the Embassy of the Russian Federation.

Foreign visitors must leave Russia once the visa validity period has ended. To extend a visa, a foreign national must arrange with the territorial units of the migration service authorities prior to the validity end date to start the extension process.

Embassy of the Russian Federation

Tourist visa

You need a tourist visa if you are staying at a hotel or other commercial establishment. Ensure that the hotel registers your visa when you check in.

It is best if you book your travel through a travel agency, which will submit a tourist visa application on your behalf. Canadian travel agents work with Russian travel agencies or companies, which act as sponsors for tourist visas.

In cases of expired tourist visas or lost or stolen Canadian passports, only the visa-sponsoring travel agency is authorized to apply for a new tourist visa on your behalf. Extensions are not issued. Holders of expired visas face heavy fines or detention upon departure.

Guest visas

You need a guest visa if you intend to stay in private accommodations. The host must obtain an official invitation (priglashenie) from the nearest Russian visa and passport office (UFMS) and send it to you in Canada. You must then take the invitation, the visa application and your passport to a Russian embassy or consulate to apply for the visa.

Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Business visa

To get a business visa, you need to be sponsored by a Russian individual or organization (the host). It may take up to 3 months for the host to obtain approval for sponsorship from the Ministry of the Interior. Any subsequent change (replacement or extension) to the original visa must be made by the sponsor. A business visa is not a work permit.

You must have a valid visa to be allowed to leave Russia. If your visa expires, your sponsor must apply for an exit visa on your behalf. To avoid problems, including deportation, make sure your visa is valid beyond your intended departure date.

Visa exceptions

Contact your cruise company to find out if you need to apply for a Russian visa before your cruise starts. International cruise passengers may enter Russia at specific port cities without a visa for up to 72 hours. Your cruise ship tour guide must have all the authorizations required for your entry by the Russian authorities. While in Russia, make sure that you’re able to contact your cruise ship tour guide at any time, in case of emergency or any issue with local authorities.

Some Russian international airports have transit areas that allow for visa-free travel through Russia. If you plan to transit through Russia, check with your transportation carrier to see if transit visa exceptions apply to you.

Migration card

You must complete a migration card upon your arrival in Russia. These cards are usually distributed on flights and trains entering Russia or at points of entry, but sometimes they are not available, even at major international airports. Even if that’s the case, you are responsible to find a migration card and fill it out. You must keep and carry part B of the migration card throughout your stay. The card is required for hotel registration.

If the police request to see your migration card, you must comply. You must present it, your passport and your registered visa. You must also present the card to border officials upon departure.

If you hold a multiple-entry visa, you must fill out a new migration card every time you enter Russia.

Loss of this card can result in fines, serious delays or imprisonment at the time of departure.

Registration

All foreign visitors must register their arrival within 72 hours of entering the country (excluding weekends and national holidays). If you have made accommodation arrangements with a hotel for your entire trip, the hotel will take care of registering your stay with the authorities.

Visitors staying in private accommodations must register with the territorial office of the Federal Migration Service. Any Russian citizen with a resident registration (propiska) can register a foreigner staying at their home at a local police station or any post office. A small registration fee may apply. The visitor’s host must be present during the process.

Violation of the rules of migration registration may result in a fine. In some cases, visitors may face expulsion from Russia and a ban from re-entering of up to 5 years. 

Customs declaration form

Upon arrival in Russia, you must fill out a customs declaration form, then go through the red customs line and have the form stamped by a customs official. Without the stamp, any undeclared currency and valuables—including items that could be considered antique—may be confiscated upon departure.

You must declare amounts of currency exceeding US$10,000 at border crossings. You may also have to provide information on the origin of the money and its intended use. Currency exceeding the amount stated on the declaration form will be confiscated if you have not obtained an official bank receipt authorizing the clearance of these sums. The declaration form must be kept until departure.

Upon departure, you must fill out a second customs declaration form and present the two forms to a customs official. You must declare any amount greater than RUB3,000. If you fail to declare, in writing, the amount of currency in your possession, the undeclared currency and valuables may be confiscated and you may be detained and face criminal charges leading to imprisonment.

Special permits and restricted areas

Travel to and residency in several Russian cities and regions is restricted. You must obtain permission from local authorities prior to entering a restricted city or region. Failure to do so may result in arrest, fines and/or deportation. Attach an itinerary to your visa application to avoid delays. Some areas must be specifically indicated in the visa, and you may have to pay an extra fee to include them.

Passport requirements for individuals holding both Canadian and Russian citizenships

If you have dual citizenship, you must enter and leave Russia on a Russian passport.

If your Russian passport expires prior travelling to Russia, Russian authorities in Canada can extend it for entry into Russia only. If the passport expires during your stay in Russia, you must obtain a new one before leaving. Renewing a Russian passport may take several months.

If you enter Russia with a repatriation certificate issued by Russian authorities abroad, you may not be allowed to leave on a Canadian passport. This certificate is only valid for one-way travel into Russia.

Entry ban on vehicles with Russian license plates

In September 2023, the Baltic States (Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania) and Finland announced a ban on vehicles with Russian license plates entering their respective territories. The ban is enforced at the border as a result of existing European Union sanctions on the Russian Federation. Lithuania will allow an exception for travellers able to prove transit to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

Other countries from the EU or the Schengen area have introduced similar bans. You should confirm with local authorities before travelling to the EU or Schengen area.  

Land border with Belarus

Only local residents are allowed to travel by land from Russia to Belarus. This restriction applies to cars, tour buses and trains.

Health entry requirements

If you are planning to remain in Russia for more than 3 months, you must provide a medical certificate of a negative test for HIV infection. The certificate must be valid for 3 months from the date of testing and include:

  • passport details (full name, date of birth, passport number and country of residence)
  • HIV test information (date of test, test results and signatures of the doctor who performed the test and the person examined)
  • the length of your intended stay in Russia

Other tests (such as for tuberculosis and leprosy) may be required for individuals staying in Russia for more than 3 months.

  • Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

  • Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
  • COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

  • There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

  • travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
  • making multiple trips to endemic areas
  • staying for extended periods in rural areas
  • visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
  • engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

  •  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
  •  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
  •  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers. Celebrations which include the slaughtering of animals and contact with their blood and/ or tissues may increase the risk of exposure to the virus.  

Protect yourself from tick bites and wear gloves or other protective clothing if you are in contact with the blood and tissues of  animals, particularly livestock. There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

  • visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
  • working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
  • hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
  • working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
  • working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •   washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is only available in major cities. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. A few quality facilities exist in larger cities and usually require cash payment upon admission. Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Identification

Authorities frequently perform random identity checks in public places.

You must carry the following identification documents at all times:

  • a valid passport with 2 blank pages for stamps
  • a valid Russian visa
  • an migration card
  • a stamped registration notification

You may be fined or detained for failing to provide proper documentation to Russian authorities.

Only the special police of the Federal Migration Bureau have the authority to arrest, detain and impose fines on improperly documented foreigners. If you are stopped in the street and requested to pay a fine, ask to see the officer’s name and identification and to contact the Embassy of Canada to Russia in Moscow.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Minors participating in demonstrations

It is illegal for minors (those under 18) to participate in unauthorized protests. Adults who involve minors in such protests could face up to 15 days in jail and fines of up to RUB1 million.

Although the laws of Russia do not prohibit homosexual activity, Russian federal law prohibits public actions that are described as promoting homosexuality and “non-traditional sexual relations.”

Public actions that contravene or appear to contravene this law may lead to arrest, a fine and deportation. Examples of such actions include dissemination of information (for example, through public statements) and public displays of affection. Same sex marriage is not recognized in Russia. Homosexuality isn’t socially accepted.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Russia.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Russia, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

If you are also a Russian citizen and reside in Russia or hold permanent residency status in another country, you must declare this citizenship or residency status to your local migration office.

You may also be subject to certain legal obligations, including military service. You may be detained, imprisoned, or fined larges sums if you try to avoid military service. Seek advice from the nearest Russian embassy or consulate before travelling to Russia, or consult official sources from the Government of the Russian Federation.

  • Official information - Government of the Russian Federation  ( may not be currently available depending on your location)
  • Military mobilization - Government of the Russian Federation (may not be currently available depending on your location)
  • Requirement and consequences of non-compliance with the declaration of foreign citizenship - Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (in Russian, may not be currently available depending on your location)
  • Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Russia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Russia by an abducting parent:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Russia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

  • International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
  • Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
  • Request emergency assistance

Religious activity

Religious activity is heavily regulated in Russia. If you plan to engage in religious activity, such as missionary work, make sure you are not inadvertently violating local laws.

You should carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

You may drive with a Canadian driver’s licence if you carry it and a Russian translation. You must obtain a local permit if staying longer than 6 months.

The legal blood alcohol content limit is significantly lower than in Canada. Those found guilty of drinking and driving can expect heavy fines, suspension of their driving permit and immediate detention. Repeat offenders may face prison sentences.

The traffic police can impose fines on drivers for traffic violations. They can conduct identity checks on pedestrians, but they are not authorized to impose fines. The same is true of police in the underground metro systems.

Russia has very strict rules on the importation of medication. Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs that are common in Canada may be prohibited, and large quantities of any medicine will be scrutinized.

If you are travelling with medication, even over-the-counter medication, you must have a doctor’s note translated to Russian confirming that you need the medication. Contact the Embassy of the Russian Federation for up-to-date information.

Imports and exports

The importation and use of electronic equipment are strictly controlled. Foreigners have faced charges of espionage for possessing improperly certified GPS devices, such as those used for geological mapping.

You must obtain a certificate from the Ministry of Culture to export items that appear old (prior to 1945) or may have cultural value. Customs officials may conduct thorough baggage searches and can arrest you if you don’t have the necessary certificate.

Contact the nearest Russian embassy or consulate, or consult the Federal Customs Service prior to departure for up-to-date information on customs requirements.

The currency of Russia is the Russian ruble (RUB).

It is illegal to pay for goods and services in foreign currency. You can exchange U.S. dollars at any exchange counter. Carry new, crisp bills; well-worn or used U.S. banknotes may not be accepted. ATMs are common in main cities. ATMs will accept cards with 4-digit pin numbers, but you may experience problems with cards with 5- or 6-digit pin codes. In major cities, you can usually exchange Euros and U.S. dollars at various banks.

Forest fires

Forest fires are common between July and September, particularly in Siberia. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

  • stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
  • follow the instructions of local emergency services
  • monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Seismic activity

Parts of Russia, such as Chechnya, the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Kuril Islands, are prone to seismic or volcanic activity.

Spring flooding throughout Siberia and parts of western Russia.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial 112 or:

  • police: 102
  • medical assistance: 103
  • firefighters: 101

Consular assistance

Armenia (Consular and Trade Commissioner services)

For calls originating inside Russia the “7” should be replaced by an “8”.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Moscow and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Vacancy Details

We encourage you to review the Eight (8) Qualities of Overseas Employees before you apply.  

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO):  The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

The U.S. Mission in Jordan is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the Travel Assistant  in the Regional Support Unit .

The Travel Assistant is responsible for providing a full-range of travel services, which include approval of eCountry Clearance, reservations on Embassy Air (exclusive to Iraq), commercial flight reservations, visa submission for other countries, ground transportation, and hotel reservations to all Department of State employees, contractors, and agencies in Iraq who have signed up for travel services.  The Travel Assistant also coordinates the inter-Iraq travels for the Ambassador and mission personnel to two-constituency post.  In the absence of the Travel Supervisor, share in the duties and day-to-day operation of the section.

The position calls for a thoughtful understanding of the travel industry, complexed travel regulations, Mission Policies, and the Iraq Service Recognition Package, which is updated every year by the U.S. Congress and the detailed interpretations of all of them. 

Qualifications and Evaluations

All selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a:

  • Public Trust - Background Investigation - Security Clearance

All selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation.

Selected candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time 4 weeks upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.

Completion of two years of university or general college studies is required.

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Education.

You will be evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in this vacancy announcement.  You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test. You must complete the application form and provide the required documents.  Your application must address all the position qualifications and requirements including education, experience, language, and any knowledge/skills/abilities listed.  If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position.

Experience :

At least three years working in an office management or administrative assistant capacity is required.

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Major Duties and Responsibilities.

Language: 

English: Good working knowledge; speaking, reading & writing - This maybe tested

Arabic: Fluent;  speaking, reading & writing - This maybe tested

Please address this language requirement in your ERA application. 

Job Knowledge:

Knowledge of third or host government procedures and travel industry. Knowledge on third and host country hotel, transportation systems, visa procedures and guidelines; familiarity with airline routing and fare calculation procedures. Must be knowledgeable of the airline reservations system.

Benefits and Other Info

The U.S. Mission offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for local employees. 

Locally Employed Staff, including Members of Household (MOHs), and Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), working at the U.S. Mission in Amman, Jordan will receive in addition to their basic salary the following:

  • Local Social Security if Jordanian citizen
  • U.S. Social Security if U.S. citizen
  • Provident fund
  • Severance pay
  • Medical and life insurance
  • Transportation Allowances
  • Miscellaneous Allowances
  • Annual Leave
  • Special Immigrant Visa to the U.S. (Not an entitlement)
  • Training opportunities.
  • Premium pay to include overtime, night differential, Friday differential.
  • Performance-Related Salary Increases

For EFMs, benefits should be discussed with the Human Resources Office.

The pay plan is assigned at the time of the conditional offer letter by the HR Office. 

For Eligible Family Member (EFM) applicants, benefits should be discussed with the HR Office. The pay plan is assigned by the HR Office and confirmed by Washington, D.C.

HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS:   

A hiring preference is extended to eligible and qualified applicants in the order listed below.  It is essential you accurately describe your status in your application, failure to do so may result in a determination that you are not eligible for a hiring preference. 

HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER  

  • Appointment Eligible Family Member (AEFM) / U.S. citizen Eligible Family Member (USEFM) who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran* 
  • AEFM / USEFM 
  • Foreign Service (FS) on Leave without Pay (LWOP) and Civil Service (CS) with reemployment rights ** 

* IMPORTANT:  US citizen Eligible Family Member (USEFM) applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of their most recent DD-214 (“Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”) preferably Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs which indicates the present existence of a service-connected disability, equivalent documentation, or certification.  A “certification” is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service.  Acceptable documentation must be submitted in order for the preference to be given.  

** This level of preference applies to all FS employees on LWOP and CS with re-employment rights back to their agency or bureau. 

For complete definitions of AEFM, USEFM, EFM, Member of Household, etc., please visit the  3 FAM 7210 Definitions.      ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS The following apply to EFMs, USEFMs, and AEFMs only:    

  • Current employees who used a hiring preference to gain employment who are within their first 90 calendar days of employment are not eligible. This does not apply when the hiring mechanism is TEMP or the work schedule is intermittent or irregular.    
  • Candidates with a hiring preference who have already accepted a conditional offer of employment may NOT be extended a second conditional offer of employment unless and until they withdraw their candidacy for the first position in writing. 

The following apply to Locally Employed (LE) staff only:   

  • Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible. 
  • Current employees with an MBC score of less than 100 points on their most recent Employee Performance Report are not eligible.

How to Apply

Click the “Apply to This Vacancy” button at the top of the page to begin your application.  For an instructional video on how to apply click here . 

Please address all relevant experience, education, language skills (including English), and job related skills or requirements in your application.

You may edit your application any time before the vacancy closing date. If you fail to submit a complete application by the vacancy closing date of this vacancy, then your application may be disqualified for this position.

For a copy of the complete position description, please contact the HR Office.

To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the HR Office.

We foster a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace where employees can be themselves.  We invite qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  

Please upload all applicable documents to your application. If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position. All Applicants:

  • Diploma / University Degree 
  • Resume/CV (if applicable)
  • Passport Copy 

In addition, Eligible Family Member (EFM) Applicants must submit:

  • Copy of Sponsor's Travel Orders/Assignment Notification (or equivalent)
  • Passport copy
  • DD-214 - Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)
  • SF-50 (if applicable)

The HR Office will contact successful applicants.  For more information on applying for jobs or employment with us, please visit the U.S. Mission website.

Thank you for your application and your interest in working with us.

Authenticate

Having Trouble?

We can reset your 2-Step verification using the email address we have on file.

  • The information that I provide while filling out this online employment application form and completing the application process, including possibly sensitive data, will be transferred online, stored, and processed on a server in the United States of America. This information may or may not be provided the same level of data protection as provided in my home country.
  • The information that I provide will be retained and destroyed in accordance with U.S. Department of State record retention policies and procedures.
  • The information that I provide will be reviewed and used for official purposes by the government of the United States of America.
  • All data transfers via the internet are not 100% secure and there might be some security vulnerabilities.
  • I may decide not to consent to these terms, but, if I do not consent to all of these terms, then I agree not to proceed with creating an account or moving forward with filling out the application, and I understand that I will not be considered for hiring.

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Is Moscow Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Moscow, Russia

On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded its neighbor country Ukraine, starting a war between these two countries.

This act of invasion caused many Ukrainians to flee their country and seek shelter in places like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, etc…

At this time, we recommend no travel to Russia or Ukraine, or any neighboring countries for your own safety.

Russia : Safety by City

  • Nizhny Novgorod
  • Novosibirsk
  • Saint Petersburg
  • Yekaterinburg

Moscow, the capital of Russia, is a political, scientific, historical, architectural and business center of this huge country.

It’s one of the most visited places in Russia, and for good reason.

The best-known parts of Russia are concentrated precisely in the urban areas and cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Moscow’s history attracts the most tourists, as they are fascinated by it is a surreal and sometimes brutal but nevertheless thrilling and jaw-dropping national story.

In this city, visited by 17 million tourists annually, the history, told in its numerous museums, some of which are the world’s greatest, interacts with modernity.

For example, in the Garden of Fallen Monuments (Fallen Monument Park), you can see entire clusters of modern art contrasting with the very non-conceptual Communist monuments.

  • Warnings & Dangers in Moscow

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Generally speaking, Moscow today is safe as much as other cities in Europe, despite its problematic history with criminal activity in the 90s. However, if you’re planning on traveling to Moscow, keep in mind that you should always keep your guard up and remain aware of your surroundings, just in case.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Generally speaking, transportation in Moscow is safe, but you should bear in mind that kidnappings have been known to happen, mostly in unlicensed taxis, so be careful when hailing one on the streets. Keep in mind that the most dangerous areas where small crime tends to occur are the underground walkways, called “perekhods”. Only use official services like Yandex Taxi, Uber or Gett taxi.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpocketing is very common in Moscow, and surprisingly it is mostly performed by groups of children. Pay attention to your belongings, don’t leave them in plain sight and be especially careful in crowded places like stations or near tourist attractions.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Moscow isn’t particularly susceptible to natural disasters. Some blizzards and snowstorms are possible during winter which can affect the traffic and delay your flights. During winter, be prepared to face the below-freezing temperatures.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

The situation improved drastically when it comes to kidnappings and muggings. Generally, never accept free drinks or food when you’re in a club or a bar. Drink spiking and then attacking and robbing the victim have been reported on numerous occasions.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

After the recent terrorist attack in the subway in St. Petersburg the probability of this situation happening again in Moscow is very high.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

There are many scams in Moscow, usually performed by children trying to distract you and then steal some money from you. Never talk to strange kids on the street. Also, you should avoid playing street gambling games.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women are generally safe in Moscow, though you should avoid finding yourself alone in clubs or bars, and of course, apply all normal precaution measures like avoiding remote and poorly lit streets and areas.

  • So... How Safe Is Moscow Really?

Moscow experienced a rise when it came to crime rates during the 1990s.

Violent crime, as well as petty crime and scams,  had increased, but the biggest part of the violence was within the criminal groups themselves, and it didn’t affect foreigners that much.

However, it decreased since the 90s, so right now, for tourists, Moscow isn’t more dangerous than any other European city, it’s even less so.

The crime rate in Moscow is fairly lower than one in New York, London or Paris, so you should feel safe here.

Also, you can count on the officials to be uncorrupted – don’t ever try to bribe them: you will be charged with bribery.

Bear in mind that if you are a member of the LGBT community, there is no reason to avoid Moscow altogether but you should refrain from any public displays of affection.

As of June 2013, “homosexual propaganda to minors” is prohibited, which means that any discussion of gay rights or homosexuality issues in the presence of minors is punishable by law.

While you walk around Moscow, you might encounter police officials that may demand to see your papers to check if you have been registered within 7 business days of your arrival into Moscow.

You shouldn’t have any problems with this, because if you stay in a hotel then you are automatically registered and will be handed a confirmation paper.

  • How Does Moscow Compare?
  • Useful Information

Most countries do need a visa to enter Russia, and if you’re a U.S. citizen you must possess both a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. None of the nationals that do need a visa can acquire one upon arrival, so make sure you apply for your visa in advance. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

The Russian ruble is the official currency in Moscow. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards are accepted everywhere.

Moscow has a highly continental influenced climate characterized by warm to hot and dry summers and extremely cold, freezing winters with temperatures as low as -30°C – sometimes even lower, with heavy snowfall.

Sheremetyevo International Airport is the Russian busiest international airport. It is located in Molzhaninovsky District, Northern Administrative Okrug, in Moscow, about 29 km northwest of central Moscow.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Moscow, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Moscow Weather Averages (Temperatures)

  • Average High/Low Temperature

Russia - Safety by City

  • Where to Next?

Russia

9 Reviews on Moscow

That's just not true.

The person who wrote the text obviously have never been in Moscow and in Russia at all. This is ridiculous. Even about pickpocketing, the risk at most is medium, mugging is zero in historical places but is pretty high in sleeping quarters

Your rating is only two stars for safety though? So I am confused. Are you rating the article to be in poor taste?

I went to Moscow in 2021. I enjoyed the trip. I felt there were “unsafe areas” so I avoided them. So long as you know where you are going and don’t insult the locals, you should be fine.

51% safe?! Is this out of date?

Moscow and Russia in general are MUCH SAFER than Paris or London, yet those latter are more than 15 points ahead?!

Hell, it’s even admitted in the above text: “Moscow isn’t more dangerous than any other European city, IT’S EVEN LESS SO.” Yeah, you bet! And then: “the crime rate in Moscow is fairly lower than one in New York, London or Paris, so you should feel safe here.” So why the low rating? I don’t get it.

Also, the latest terrorist attack in Moscow happened in 2010… so how can you honestly say that the risk is still “high”? Especially for the fact Russia is very much on the edge when it comes to fighting terrorism domestically and over the world.

Sure, it might not be ideal everywhere in Moscow, but it’s WAY SAFER than in Paris, especially at night. You just can’t go out in Paris after the evening anymore, in most areas (I got assaulted for no reason at Châtelet-les-Halles and taking the RER train at dark is becoming more and more risky)… while in Moscow, chances are that you’ll see girls in miniskirts walking home while quietly singing. Or maybe you’ll stumble upon some gorgeous lady asking you for a lighter and then giving you her number for a coffee the next day. So very dangerous!

I sense a serious bias, here. Is it because of that LGBT thing? Could you pick a more extreme case? Yeah, you can totally be gay in Russia, just be so in private. There even are transsexuals, but this is a traditional and respectable country, so you should respect their choice of not publicizing various sexual lifestyles.

Moscow and Saint Petersburg are safe

Moscow and Saint Petersburg are very safe in my opinion! I’ve been to both cities visiting family! There are so many people out on the streets and on public transportation- I felt very safe! You need to change your ratings!!

Any update on Covid-19 to visit Moscow

I visited 118 country and Moscow one of the safest city I have been, st Petersburg as well, I read this article hoping to find any update on covid-19 restrictions upon arrival, so if anyone can update I’m planning to visit Moscow again but I need to know if quarentain is required or mandatory, anyone can share, cheers.

In Russia nobody cares, masks off. I dont know if fiew thousands of infected per day are high for you though. I was never arrested for not wearing mask, but you have to have it on you. Sometimes cops ask to put mask, you just do that and everything ok, some shops can refuse to do service if you dont have mask. I assume they pressured by boss, so just put on mask, they can give you gloves and dont cause any problems.

Written by someone who never visited Russia

A veer biased review. Moscow or St. Petersburg for being such brilliant truly cosmopolitan cities are extremely safe. Pickpocketing in Russia?! By children?! Who wrote this? Clearly by someone who has never been to the great country of Russia.

Have never been there. But wish me well

Bias review, Moscow is much safer than that!

This review is so bias and just wrong! First of all apart from being a political, scientific and etc center, it is an absolutely beautiful city and a very culturally rich city. For tourists there’s a huge range of delicious food, amazing shopping, a lot of cultural activities, and all sorts of entertainment. I’ve travelled there in December 2019, and most of the time I spent walking around and exploring by myself, be it during day time or night, nothing happened to me once. I mostly used subways and sometimes taxi, both safe. Just have a common sense when it comes to safety and you’ll be fine. You need to travel there at least once in a lifetime, it’s a completely different experience and it’s a beautiful one, NOT a communistic terrorist epicenter as some describe it to be.

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Article Contents

  • Moscow : Safety by City
  • Overall Risk
  • Transport & Taxis Risk
  • Pickpockets Risk
  • Natural Disasters Risk
  • Mugging Risk
  • Terrorism Risk
  • Women Travelers Risk
  • Weather Averages (Temperatures)
  • User Reviews
  • Share Your Experience

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    Benefits. Make unlimited journeys in the zones covered by your Travelcard. Travel on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and National Rail services in London. 7 Day, Monthly and Annual Travelcards, or one with any start and end date you choose (any length between 1½ and 10½ months) Day Travelcards are available for Zones 1 ...

  27. 1565 Driftwood Ln, Moscow Mills, MO 63362

    1565 Driftwood Ln, Moscow Mills, MO 63362 is pending. Zillow has 1 photo of this 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,234 Square Feet single family home with a list price of $290,005.

  28. 516 Birchwood Dr, Moscow Mills, MO 63362

    516 Birchwood Dr, Moscow Mills, MO 63362 is pending. Zillow has 1 photo of this 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,234 Square Feet single family home with a list price of $299,985.