London has always been one of the best cities for tourism. The city is proud of its superb public transportation with its well-connected trains, Tubes, buses, and even River Bus.
Thanks to its large network of public transportation, it is easy to explore Central London and places in Greater London.
If you are looking forward to traveling outside of Central London, the most ideal public transportation to use is London Overground.
It serves as an extension of the London Underground, covering areas of Greater London. More than 189 million trips are made every year.
Today, London Overground has 112 stations operating on six lines.
Planning on using the London Overground?
This guide to London Overground covers everything you need to know, including routes, stations, tickets, prices, and more.
Some other public transportation options you must know when travelling in London.
- London Underground
- London Bus
- London River Bus
- London Bike Rental
- London Trams
- London DLR
- London Cable Cars
- Driving in London
- Taxis in London
Here is what you will read about:
- What Is London Overground
- What Does London Overground Cover
- How Do You Pay for London Overground
- Overground Price
- London Overground Timetable
- London Overground Peak and Off Peak Times
- London Overground Night Service
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Contents
What Is London Overground
London Overground is often referred to as the Overground. It is a suburban commuter rail that opened to the public in 2007 to serve Greater London.
Arriva Rail London and Network Rail both manage the London Overground network. The station and train management are handled by Arriva Rail London, whereas the tracks and signals are maintained by Network Rail.
23 London boroughs are connected with the help of the London Overground. If you look at the tube and rail map, you will find that the London Overground is colored orange and illustrated by a double line.
For smooth travel, London Overground connects with other lines such as Victoria Line, Central Line, Jubilee Line, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), Elizabeth Line, and District Line, to name a few.
What Does London Overground Cover
There are 12 London Overground routes covered for Day service. For Night service, the Overground covers only one route.
The routes are categorized into six Overground Lines London: East London line, North London line, Watford DC line, Gospel Oak to Barking line, Lea Valley line, and Romford-Upminster line.
Check out the complete guide to London overground map and stations list.
How Do You Pay for London Overground
Ride and pay your London Overground fare with five effortless payment options: Paper ticket, Oyster Card, Travelcard, Visitor Oyster Card, and Contactless Card.
Most travelers use Oyster Card and Travelcard for commuting. If you would like to know the difference between each payment type, read the guide Visitor Oyster Card Vs Oyster Card Vs Travel Card Vs Contactless Card which has all the details to help you choose.
In summary, here is what you need to know about each card.
Oyster Card
Oyster Card is the most popular payment option to ride a bus, Tube, tram, London Overground, Elizabeth line, DLR, River Bus, and most National Rail services.
The card is equipped with pay as you go (PAYG) system, which means you only need to pay every time you use it. You need to recharge to add credit and you can also put a cap to put a daily limit.
With the help of the TfL Oyster and contactless app, you can keep track of your Oyster Card expenses, add more credit, or issue a refund.
To learn more about how to use an Oyster Card, read the Complete Guide To Oyster Card.
Visitor Oyster Card
Tourists can avail of a Visitor Oyster Card before arriving in London. It can only be purchased outside London such as on the Visitor Shop website and several UK locations outside London.
Moreover, you can also buy it in your country and have it delivered to your home.
It is a pay as you go card that is used on buses, trams, Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and most National Rail services in London.
The fare is the same as Oyster Cards. However, it is a bit pricier than an Oyster Card since there is a £5 non-refundable deposit on the card.
Travelcard
Instead of the pay as you go system, Travelcards allow you to commute from one place to another for as much as you like. Enjoy unlimited rides without the need to keep recharging.
Travelcards come in a variety of tickets, including Travelcard season tickets, Day Travelcard, or Group Day Travelcard.
There are three Travelcard season tickets: 7 Day Travelcards, Monthly Travelcards, and Annual Travelcards.
Day Travelcard is used for only one day, 7 Day Travelcard is for one week, Monthly is for one month, and Annual is for one year of use. For Day Travelcards, you can choose between Anytime Day and Off-peak.
To learn more about how to use a Travel Card, read the complete guide to Travel Card.
Contactless Card
Contactless Card is simply your own bank card. If your debit card or credit card has a Contactless symbol, it is considered a Contactless Card that can be used as payment. A Contactless symbol looks like a signal with four curved lines.
Since it is a Contactless Card, you only need to tap or hover your card over the yellow card reader.
However, keep in mind that not all non-UK banks are accepted. Thus, it is best to have an Oyster Card to serve as a backup.
To learn more about how to use an Contactless Card, read the Complete Guide To Contactless Card.
Overground Price
The total cost of your fare depends on how far you travel and which mode of transportation you use. Generally, the fare is determined based on the fare zones you traveled to.
Each station is assigned to a Fare Zone, from Zone 1 to Zone 9.
If you would like to know the cost of your journey, use Transport for London’s (TfL) Single fare finder. Choose your From and To stations, as well as the passenger age.
Alternatively, you can check the Caps and Travelcard prices to know about the maximum pay as you go cap and the different prices of Travelcards.
Here is an example of Pay as you go Caps and Travelcard Adult prices.
The price is valid for London Bus, Tram, Tube, DLR, most Elizabeth line services, London Overground, Emirates Air Line, Thames Clippers River Bus services, and most National Rail services.
To know more about the fare for children and teenagers, check the Tube and rail fares.
Pay as you go Caps and Travelcard Adult Rates
| Zone | Pay as you go caps
(Adult Rate) |
Travelcard (Adult Rate) | ||||||
| Daily Peak | Daily Off-peak | Monday to Sunday | Day Anytime | Day Off-peak | 7 Day | Monthly | Annual | |
| Zones 1 only | £7.70 | £7.70 | £38.40 | £14.40 | £14.40 | £38.40 | £147.50 | £1,536 |
| Zones 1-2 | £7.70 | £7.70 | £38.40 | £14.40 | £14.40 | £38.40 | £147.50 | £1,536 |
| Zones 1-3 | £9.00 | £9.00 | £45.20 | £14.40 | £14.40 | £45.20 | £173.60 | £1,808 |
| Zones 1-4 | £11.00 | £11.00 | £55.20 | £14.40 | £14.40 | £55.20 | £212.00 | £2,208 |
| Zones 1-5 | £13.10 | £13.10 | £65.70 | £20.30 | £14.40 | £65.70 | £252.30 | £2,628 |
| Zones 1-6 | £14.10 | £14.10 | £70.30 | £20.30 | £14.40 | £70.30 | £270.00 | £2,812 |
| Zones 1-7 | £15.30 | £14.10 | £76.50 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £76.50 | £293.80 | £3,060 |
| Zones 1-8 | £18.10 | £14.10 | £90.30 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £90.30 | £346.80 | £3,612 |
| Zones 1-9 | £20.00 | £14.10 | £100.20 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £100.20 | £384.80 | £4,008 |
| Zone 2 only | £7.70 | £7.70 | £28.80 | £14.40 | £14.40 | £28.80 | £110.60 | £1,152 |
| Zones 2-3 | £9.00 | £9.00 | £28.80 | £14.40 | £14.40 | £28.80 | £110.60 | £1,152 |
| Zones 2-4 | £11.00 | £11.00 | £31.90 | £14.40 | £14.40 | £31.90 | £122.50 | £1,276 |
| Zones 2-5 | £13.10 | £13.10 | £38.20 | £20.30 | £14.40 | £38.20 | £146.70 | £1,528 |
| Zones 2-6 | £14.10 | £14.10 | £48.10 | £20.30 | £14.40 | £48.10 | £184.80 | £1,924 |
| Zones 2-7 | £15.30 | £14.10 | £49.90 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £49.90 | £191.70 | £1,996 |
| Zones 2-8 | £18.10 | £14.10 | £67.90 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £67.90 | £260.80 | £2,716 |
| Zones 2-9 | £20.00 | £14.10 | £67.90 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £67.90 | £260.80 | £2,716 |
| Zone 3 only | £9.00 | £9.00 | £28.80 | £14.40 | £14.40 | £28.80 | £110.60 | £1,152 |
| Zones 3-4 | £11.00 | £11.00 | £28.80 | £14.40 | £14.40 | £28.80 | £110.60 | £1,152 |
| Zones 3-5 | £13.10 | £13.10 | £31.90 | £20.30 | £14.40 | £31.90 | £122.50 | £1,276 |
| Zones 3-6 | £14.10 | £14.10 | £38.20 | £20.30 | £14.40 | £38.20 | £146.70 | £1,528 |
| Zones 3-7 | £15.30 | £14.10 | £49.90 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £49.90 | £191.70 | £1,996 |
| Zones 3-8 | £18.10 | £14.10 | £67.90 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £67.90 | £260.80 | £2,716 |
| Zones 3-9 | £20.00 | £14.10 | £67.90 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £67.90 | £260.80 | £2,716 |
| Zone 4 only | £11.00 | £11.00 | £28.80 | £14.40 | £14.40 | £28.80 | £110.60 | £1,152 |
| Zones 4-5 | £13.10 | £13.10 | £28.80 | £20.30 | £14.40 | £28.80 | £110.60 | £1,152 |
| Zones 4-6 | £14.10 | £14.10 | £31.90 | £20.30 | £14.40 | £31.90 | £122.50 | £1,276 |
| Zones 4-7 | £15.30 | £14.10 | £36.10 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £36.10 | £138.70 | £1,444 |
| Zones 4-8 | £18.10 | £14.10 | £60.80 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £60.80 | £233.50 | £2,432 |
| Zones 4-9 | £20.00 | £14.10 | £60.80 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £60.80 | £233.50 | £2,432 |
| Zone 5 only | £13.10 | £13.10 | £28.80 | £20.30 | £14.40 | £28.80 | £110.60 | £1,152 |
| Zones 5-6 | £14.10 | £14.10 | £28.80 | £20.30 | £14.40 | £28.80 | £110.60 | £1,152 |
| Zones 5-7 | £15.30 | £14.10 | £36.10 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £36.10 | £138.70 | £1,444 |
| Zones 5-8 | £18.10 | £14.10 | £60.80 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £60.80 | £233.50 | £2,432 |
| Zones 5-9 | £20.00 | £14.10 | £60.80 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £60.80 | £233.50 | £2,432 |
| Zone 6 only | £14.10 | £14.10 | £28.80 | £20.30 | £14.40 | £28.80 | £110.60 | £1,152 |
| Zones 6-7 | £15.30 | £14.10 | £36.10 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £36.10 | £138.70 | £1,444 |
| Zones 6-8 | £18.10 | £14.10 | £60.80 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £60.80 | £233.50 | £2,432 |
| Zones 6-9 | £20.00 | £14.10 | £60.80 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £60.80 | £233.50 | £2,432 |
| Zone 7 only | £15.30 | £14.10 | £36.10 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £36.10 | £138.70 | £1,444 |
| Zones 7-8 | £18.10 | £14.10 | £60.80 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £60.80 | £233.50 | £2,432 |
| Zones 7-9 | £20.00 | £14.10 | £60.80 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £60.80 | £233.50 | £2,432 |
| Zone 8 only | £18.10 | £14.10 | £60.80 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £60.80 | £233.50 | £2,432 |
| Zones 8-9 | £20.00 | £14.10 | £60.80 | £25.70 | £15.30 | £60.80 | £233.50 | £2,432 |
London Overground Timetable
London Overground timetables may change from time to time. Thus, it is always a good idea to check with TfL’s updated timetable before planning your trip. You can also get Live status updates for the latest news.
Each link below includes interchange stations, step-free access, and SO and SX indications.
SO means the schedule is for Saturdays only, whereas SX is from Mondays to Fridays only. If there is no SX or SO indicated, it means the schedule is for Mondays to Saturdays.
Here is a complete list of timetables per route.
- Gospel Oak to Barking
- Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside
- Highbury & Islington to New Cross, Clapham Junction, Crystal Palace, and West Croydon
- Liverpool Street to Enfield Town, Cheshunt, and Chingford
- Richmond and Clapham Junction to Stratford
- Romford to Upminster
- Watford Junction to Euston
London Overground Peak and Off Peak Times
Keep in mind that there are Peak and Off-peak times. The fare is higher if you travel during Peak times.
If you want to travel at more affordable rates, it is best to use the London Overground during Off-peak times.
Pay as you go cards and Day Travelcards have different Peak and Off-peak times for London Overground. Refer to the table below to know when to travel using your Oyster Card, Contactless Card, Visitor Oyster Card, or Day Travelcard.
The times listed below are also the same for Tube, DLR, Elizabeth line, and National Rail services in London.
Peak Time and Off-Peak Time Table
| Pay as you go | Day Travelcard | ||
| Peak Time | Monday to Friday (except on public holidays)
06:30 am to 09:30 am 16:00 pm to 19:00 pm |
All travels starting, stopping, or passing through Zone 1 that are either going to or coming from Heathrow Airport using Tube and Elizabeth line.
Journeys from Watford Junction to Euston (Southbound) Monday to Friday (except on public holidays) 06:30 am to 09:30 am Journeys from Euston to Watford Junction (Northbound) Monday to Friday (except on public holidays) 16:00 pm to 19:00 pm |
Anytime Day Travelcard
Starting from the date of use of the ticket until 04:29 am the next morning |
|
Off-peak TIme |
Monday to Friday
09:31 am to 15:59 pm 19:01 pm to 06:29 am |
Journeys coming from other Zones entering Zone 1
Monday to Friday 16:00 pm to 19:00 pm Journeys from Watford Junction to Euston (Southbound) Monday to Friday 09:30 am to 06:29 am Journeys from Euston to Watford Junction (Northbound) Monday to Friday 19:01 pm to 15:59 pm (next day) Night Service Journeys |
Off-peak Day Travelcard
Monday to Friday 09:30 am onwards (for the whole day) Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays Starting from the date of use of the ticket until 04:29 am the next morning Night Service Journeys Starting from the date of use of the ticket until 04:29 am the next morning
|
London Overground Night Service
Late-night travels on the weekend are not a problem with the London Overground Night Service. Night services are available from Highbury & Islington to New Cross Gate London Overground, and vice versa.
It runs on the evening of Friday until early morning Saturday, and from Saturday evening to early morning Sunday.
Trips on the Night services are charged Off-peak fares. If you need to transfer to other lines, it is possible with the Night Tube at Canada Water of Jubilee line or Highbury & Islington of Victoria line.
You can also transfer to Night Buses available on all London Overground Night Service stations, except in Shadwell and Wapping stations.
To learn more about Night services on the London bus and Tube, check the Night bus maps and Night Tube information.
You can also view the London Overground Night Service and Night Tube map provided by TfL to know more about interchanges. Here are some helpful maps for your trip on the Night service routes.
(London Underground, Overground, DLR Crossrail Night Map by Sameboat via Wikimedia Commons)
(London Overground Night Service Map via Transport for London)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Time Is Off Peak on London Overground?
Generally, Off-peak times are from Mondays to Fridays, from 09:31 am to 03:59 pm and from 07:01 pm to 06:29 am.
The Off-peak times are also for Night service journeys. Refer to the Peak Time and Off-Peak Time Table mentioned above for more information.
Who Owns London Overground?
London Overground is owned by Transport for London (TfL), the government transport authority of London’s public transportation.
TfL has Concession Agreements with Arriva Rail London and Network Rail to manage and operate the London Overground.
How Often Do London Overground Trains Run?
On average, London Overground runs four services per hour or 4 tph on peak hours. For routes from London Liverpool Street and Romford, it is typically 2 tph.
Get the full updated details from London Overground timetables as services may change from time to time.
Are Cycles Allowed in London Overground?
Folded or non-folded cycles are allowed inside the London Overground from Monday to Friday, only before 07:30 am, from 09:30 am to 04:00 pm, and after 07:00 pm.
If you are traveling on the weekends and public holidays, you can bring the cycle with you at any time.
However, electric scooters either folded or non-folded are not allowed on the London Overground.
To learn more information on cycles in public transportation, read TfL’s guide on cycles on public transport.
How Can I Plan My Journey with TfL?
TfL has a variety of travel tools that help plan your journey with ease. You can download the TfL Go app available on iOS and Android devices or use the Journey Planner online.
The tools help you check for status updates, arrival and departure times, planned closures, and many more.
Why Is London Overground So Bad for Some People?
According to TfL’s Overground Report, some people were not satisfied with the service and found that it is unreliable and just too congested.
Moreover, some passengers do not find the need to use it since there are other public transportation options available.
However, most people found the Overground highly accessible and convenient to travel to other places in Greater London.
Final Thoughts
London Overground is the most ideal London public transportation if you need to travel to other areas of Greater London.
It is safe to say it is a convenient mode of transportation since it has an abundance of interchanges available at several stations at the Overground.
Moreover, it is easy to pay for your fare since it uses the same mode of payment as other public transport such as pay as you go cards or Travelcards.
Was this London Overground guide helpful to you? Let us know what you think in the comments section below. Share this guide with other travelers who may need to know about the Overground.
