What Are Zones 1 to 6 in London?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a trip to London, you may have come across the term ‘Zones 1 to 6’ while researching your travel options. In this article, we’ll delve into what these zones mean and how they can affect your travel plans.

What are Zones 1 to 6?

London is divided into six zones, with Zone 1 being the center of the city and Zone 6 being the outermost zone. Each zone covers an increasingly larger area as you move further out from central London.

How do Zones affect public transport?

The zones are primarily used by Transport for London (TfL), the organization responsible for public transportation in the city. TfL uses a zonal fare system for its services – including buses, trams, and trains – where fares are calculated based on the number of zones traveled through.

For example, if you’re traveling from a station in Zone 1 to a station in Zone 2, your fare will be cheaper than if you were traveling from a station in Zone 1 to a station in Zone 5.

Which attractions are located in each zone?

Many of London’s top tourist attractions are located within Zones 1 and 2. These include world-renowned landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Tower of London.

However, there are also plenty of hidden gems outside of central London that are worth exploring. For example, Kew Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is located in Zone 3. Greenwich Park (Zone 2) offers stunning views of both the city skyline and the River Thames.

What about accommodation?

Accommodation options can vary greatly depending on which zone you choose to stay in. Generally speaking, hotels and hostels located within Zones 1 and 2 tend to be more expensive due to their proximity to tourist hotspots.

However, if you’re willing to venture further out, you can find some great budget options in Zones 3 to 6. Plus, many of these areas offer a more authentic London experience – away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Summary

In conclusion, Zones 1 to 6 are an important part of navigating London’s public transportation system. They also offer a useful way to plan your trip based on which attractions you want to visit and where you want to stay. With this knowledge in hand, you’re now ready to explore everything this incredible city has to offer!

  • Tip: Use TfL’s journey planner tool to help calculate fares and plan your route.
  • Tip: Consider purchasing an Oyster card for discounted fares across all TfL services.