This is how much Tube travel will cost in all Zones after fare rise is confirmed

Londoners face a hefty Tube fee increase in the new year, including peak journeys in Zone 1, which are hit by some of the highest rises.

The cost of travelling on the London Underground is set to go up by up to 7.1% for some ticket types when the new fares kick in from March.

It is part of the annual fee review, which has seen ticket prices rise above inflation in recent years.

The London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has said the rise is a condition for TfL to get government funding for big capital projects following the spending review.

Meanwhile, National Rail train ticket prices have been frozen to help people with the cost-of-living crisis, but Tube fares will not be capped in a similar way, it was confirmed.

Here is a roundup of what is happening with Tube ticket prices in the new year.

How much will Tube fares rise?

Travel in Zone 1 will go up by 20p – the current £2.90 peak journey will cost £3.10, while off-peak will go up from £2.80 to £3.00 under the proposal, which still needs to be signed off by the mayor in the coming days.

Those travelling between London and Heathrow on the Elizabeth line will have to shell out £15.50 from next March as fares on the route go up by 11.5% from £13.90.

The good news for regular passengers is that Travelcards prices and daily caps will remain unchanged until March 2027.

Discounts like Zip photocards, 18+ Student photocards, 18-25 Care leavers pass and the 60+ Oyster card will also remain the same.

Why are Tube fares going up?

Underground and Overground ticket prices are rising because TfL funding from the government for big capital projects is tied to the condition that it increases prices above the Retail Price Index, the City Hall said.

The spending review in the spring said TfL will get investment for major projects if it shows financial ‘prudence’ and fares rise by the value of RPI+1.

They said the government has said TfL will get over £2 billion of capital funding as long as they increase the fares in line with the agreed rate.

Unless frozen, Tube fares typically tend to go up every March.

What fares are being frozen in 2026?

In London, TfL bus and tram fares will be frozen as part of an ’emergency cost of living measure’ funded by the City Hall. The ticket prices will be frozen until July 2026, Mr Khan confirmed.

The bus Hopper Fare remains unchanged, meaning passengers can take unlimited bus journeys within one hour for £1.75.

Regulated rail fares between cities will be protected by the freeze promised as part of the autumn budget – the first time in decades.

The rail ticket freeze applies to season tickets, peak returns on commuter routes and off-peak returns between major cities.

It is good news for passengers struggling with the rising cost of travel, with the freeze expected to last until March 2027.

What has Sadiq Khan said?

The mayor said: ‘When the Government awarded TfL £2.2 billion in vital investment – the biggest ever multi-year funding deal for London in more than a decade – it made clear its expectation that TfL fares must rise by inflation plus one percent. 

‘However, I remain committed to doing everything in my power to keep TfL fares as affordable as possible because I know how the cost-of-living crisis is still hitting many Londoners hard.’

He said the increases to pay as you go fares on the Tube will be capped at 20p, while many fares ‘only rising by just 10p.’

The new fare announcement has sparked criticism from campaigners like Fare Free London calling for free public transport for all.

Simon Pirani from the group told Metro: ‘These fare rises will hit London households, especially low-income households, hard.

‘Government policy is damaging public transport and serving corporate interests, by committing billions to unneeded road projects like the Lower Thames Crossing, and to the climate-trashing Gatwick airport expansion.

‘It’s time that the Mayor took a leaf out of the New York Mayor’s book, and re-thought the funding model to support and expand public transport, whatever national government does.’

Are you affected by the Tube fare rise? Please email noora.mykkanen@metro.co.uk.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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