The London Underground network comprises 11 lines and 272 stations across 402km of the capital, with each station assigned to a fare zone from 1 to 9. However, certain stations straddle two zones, which can lower travel costs depending on the direction of travel, according to TfL fare rules.
How dual-zone stations affect fares
Stations such as Earl's Court (Zone 1/2) and Leytonstone (Zone 3/4) belong to one zone or the other based on the passenger's direction of travel. TfL calculates the fare using the cheaper zone, based on where a passenger touches in. For example, North Acton on the Central line sits in Zone 2/3. A passenger travelling from Zone 6 to North Acton is charged a Zone 3-6 fare, not Zone 2-6. Similarly, travel from Zone 1 to North Acton costs a Zone 1-2 fare, rather than Zone 1-3.
Stratford, West Ham, and Canning Town were rezoned from Zone 3 to Zone 2/3 in 2016, reducing costs for commuters in east London.
Full list of dual-zone stations
Zone 1/2: Earl's Court, Vauxhall, Notting Hill Gate, Elephant and Castle, Kennington.
Zone 2/3: Turnham Green, Manor House, North Acton, Bromley-by-Bow, East Putney, North Greenwich, Willesden Green, Willesden Junction, Hampstead, Archway, Clapham South, Stratford, West Ham, Canning Town.
Zone 3/4: Bounds Green, Leytonstone, East Ham, Kew Gardens, Hendon Central, South Wimbledon.
Zone 5/6: Hatton Cross. Zone 6/7: Moor Park. There are no stations in Zone 4/5.
Impact on commuters
These dual-zone stations offer cheaper travel for regular commuters, as fares are based on the lower zone. The system benefits passengers who enter or exit at these stations, particularly those travelling from outer zones. For more travel updates, TfL advises checking its official fare calculator.
