After Transport for London (TfL) announced a fare increase from 2 March, research conducted by The Telegraph has concluded London now has the most expensive public transport system in the world.
TfL announced that Tube and rail fares will rise by 4.6% in line with national rail fare increases from March 2025, raising the daily cap for Zone 1 travel rose by 40p from £8.50 to £8.90.
The travel cap travelling across zones 1, 2 and 3 will also be increased to £10.50.
To crown London the most expensive in the world, the Telegraph analysed other Metropolitan transport systems, contrasting prices over similar zones/distances.
The transport systems/cities were ranked as follows:
- London: £2.80-£2.90 and £8.90-£16.30
- Berlin: £2.15-£3.14 and £8.19-£10.17
- New York: £2.29, one day ticket N/A
- Barcelona: £2.19 and £9.55
- Washington DC: £1.78 and £10.65
- Milan: £1.82 and £6.28
- Paris: £1.65-£2.07 and £9.93
- Madrid: £1.24 and £8.24
- Tokyo: 95p and £4.23
- Seoul: 77p, one day ticket N/A
In response to The Telegraph’s findings, a TfL spokesperson said: “Other international cities have a much larger proportion of their costs covered by government subsidies or dedicated taxes, with subsidies and taxes in many major European and North American metros accounting for around 40% to 60% of their revenues.
“If these weren’t in place, fares in those countries would likely either be more in line with, or more expensive than, TfL’s fares.
“We are committed to keeping fares as affordable as possible while ensuring public transport is as safe, reliable and accessible as possible.”
TfL stated that in addition to the price increase, London mayor Sadiq Khan has frozen bus and tram fares in London until 2026.
All concessions, including Zip photocards, the 18+ student photocard, the 18-25 Carer leavers pass and the 60+ London photocard will also remain unchanged, providing free or discounted transport for millions of Londoners.
Chief customer and strategy officer at TfL, Alex Williams, said: “This fares package aims to keep fares as affordable as possible while supporting London’s continued economic growth.
“Through daily and weekly capping, as well as the Hopper fare and our wide range of concessions, people using our services can continue to get the best value fare by using pay as you go with contactless and Oyster.”
Achievements and innovations in public transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
