Local trains in London

London’s rail services crisscross the city and extend beyond the Tube network. Local train lines, which include the London Overground, National Rail services and the Elizabeth line, connect with the Tube network, and most routes accept payment by Visitor Oyster card*, Oyster card, Travelcard and contactless payment card.

London Overground

London Overground is a network of routes in suburban London, with a few stations in Zone 1 as well as to Watford in Hertfordshire. A number of Overground stations have interchanges with the London Underground.

Similar to the Tube, the London Overground Night Service is in operation on one line for 24 hours on Friday and Saturday nights.

To plan your journey on the London Overground, use a free London travel map or check the Transport for London website.

National Rail services in London

National Rail operates local train lines in London, as well as rail services to most London airports.

Check the National Rail website for detailed information about train routes in London, timetables and fares. 

The main rail operators connecting the city centre to Greater London and beyond are:

The National Rail network also connects London to the rest of the UK by train. 

The Elizabeth line

The Elizabeth line links Heathrow airport and Reading through central London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood. Before the Elizabeth line opened, the service linking these areas was known as TfL Rail. 

The Elizabeth line connects with London Underground, DLR, National Rail and London Overground services, with some of the major interchanges including Paddington, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Stratford stations. 

From October 2022, the Elizabeth line is set to fully connect through central London. This means passengers from Heathrow airport can get to central London in 15 minutes, and to ExCeL London exhibition centre in under 45 minutes.

How to pay for train journeys in London

You can use a Visitor Oyster card, Oyster card or contactless payment cards on all London Overground trains and most National Rail services that operate in Zones 1 to 9. For contactless payment cards issued outside of the UK, check with your bank to see whether transaction fees or other charges apply. 

How much the train fare is depends on the time of day (peak or off-peak hours) and which zones you travel through.

Oyster cards and contactless payment cards can be used on some rail services to the airport, such as on Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express. Oyster cards and contactless payment does not work for the Stansted Express, and tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the station. 

Are London’s train services accessible?

The National Rail website has passenger assistance information, including specific details on accessibility at each train station and how to request assistance. 

Train companies can make arrangements for passengers with accessibility requirements, including people who use wheelchairs. Staff can meet you at the station, accompany you to the train and see you safely on board.

All of the Elizabeth line’s stations are set to be accessible with step-free access from street to platform.