From paying, and being sensible on the escalators, to not smoking anywhere in the stations, there is a lot to know and rules to follow.
Including one rule that for many is unknown but is something Tube users follow every day.
However, if you were to break this rule, you could be left with a very large fine from Transport for London (TfL).
The best trips start like this✨
Take the Elizabeth line to @HeathrowAirport this festive period for smooth, comfortable journeys. pic.twitter.com/5whThiibQK
— TfL (@TfL) December 2, 2025
The unknown London Underground rule you need to follow
The ‘Keep within maximum journey times’ is a simple rule to follow and often unbroken, but you should still be aware of it.
Explaining the rule, TfL states: “If the time between touching in at the start and touching out at the end of your journey is more than the maximum journey time limit, you’ll be charged two maximum pay-as-you-go fares.”
That means you could be paying upwards of £26 for a journey that was only three minutes long.
TfL shares that the rule is in place “so you don’t pay more for your journey.”
What’s your favourite piece of design across the Tube network – maps, signs, tiles, or station architecture? ✨📐
— TfL (@TfL) December 2, 2025
The maximum journey time on TfL services, including the Tube, DLR, London Overground, National Rail and the Elizabeth Line depends on three elements, these are:
- The number of zones you cross
- The day of the week you travel
- The time of day you travel
The amount you can be charged for surpassing the maximum travel times are:
- up to £9.40 for Zones 1 – 9
- up to £26 beyond Zone 9, such as the Heathrow Express
Your travel time ends when you have tapped out at the end of your journey.
The maximum travel time depends on the journey made and the full list of times can be found via the TfL website here.
For example, from Monday to Friday between 4.30am and 7pm, in Zone 1, the maximum time is 1 hour 30 minutes.
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However, on Sundays and public holidays, the maximum time in Zone 1 is 1 hour 50 minutes.
If you think you have been incorrectly charged for surpassing the maximum travel time, you can contact TfL or check your journey and payment history with your online account.
In most cases, TfL will send you an atomic refund, however, they share that if this does not happen, you should contact them via 0343 222 1234.
