Tickets on the Tube will be cheaper on Fridays starting this week as part of a Transport for London (TfL) trial.

Off-peak rides will be cheaper over the three-month-long trial in a bid to encourage more back into central London.

The news was announced by Mayor London Sadiq Khan earlier this year, sharing: "I’ve asked @TfL to run a groundbreaking three-month trial making all London Tube and Rail off-peak on Fridays.

"Off-peak Fridays could benefit all Londoners, especially those concerned about the national rail increases from March."

News Shopper:

The TfL trial, set to cost £24 million, was set up following figures showing Friday Tube usage at 73% of pre-Covid levels.

How will the TfL off-peak Friday trials work?

At the moment, peak fares on TfL and national rail services only apply to weekdays from 6.30am until 9.30am and between 4pm and 7pm. 

While journeys on the Tube from Zone 6 to Zone 1 at peak cost £5.60 per trip the off-peak trial will see the same routes cost passengers £3.60.

Now on Fridays, TfL journeys will cost the following:

  • £2.70 for Zone 1 (10p cheaper)
  • £2.80 for Zones 1-2 (60p cheaper)
  • £3 for Zones 1-3 (70p cheaper)
  • £3.20 for Zones 1-4 (£1.20 cheaper)
  • £3.50 for Zones 1-5 (£1.60 cheaper)
  • £3.60 for Zones 1-6 (£2 cheaper)

RECOMMENDED READING 

The cost for the new trial comes from £24m set aside by Khan as part of his 2024/25 annual budget and comes following his recent freeze of fares until March 2025, costing £123m.

Discussing the off-peak Friday charges, Khan said: "London has really bounced back since the pandemic, but the lack of commuters returning on Fridays is a clear exception – with a major knock-on effect on our shops, cafes and cultural venues. That’s why I’ve asked TfL to trial off-peak fares on Fridays, and I encourage Londoners to get involved.

"A trial will help us to see if it’s an effective way of increasing ridership and giving a welcome boost to businesses as we continue to build a better, fairer, more prosperous London for everyone."