London Trams

A contemporary and dependable enhancement to London’s transportation network, linking the suburbs to central Croydon and providing connections to the Underground and rail systems.
London tram passing through station

Overview

The London tramway system, commonly referred to as Tramlink, primarily serves the southern part of the city. This light rail/tram system is owned by Transport for London (TfL) and operated by FirstGroup.

When Croydon Tramlink, as it used to be referred to, commenced operations in May 2000, it signified the introduction of the first contemporary tram system in London since the original network ceased operations in 1952.

The latest and improved Tramlink route extends approximately 17 miles (28 km) and includes 39 stops along 3 main lines with a loop around Croydon town centre.

From Croydon there is a rail link to Gatwick Airport using Southern/First Capital Connect services.

The system uses two types of tram, the original Bombardier CR4000 Type and the Stadler Varia barn which started operation in 2012.

Where do London Trams operate?

The tramway operates overlapping routes from Croydon to Wimbledon, Beckenham Junction, Elmers End and New Addington.

The system consists of 3 main lines:

1: Wimbledon to Elmers End

2: Wimbledon to Beckenham Junction

3: New Addington to Wimbledon via Croydon

Official Tfl London Tram Service Map

Major interchange stations

Wimbledon – District line, National Rail

Wimbledon is a bustling interchange station located in travel zone 3, roughly 7 miles from the central London. It acts as a hub for both the London Underground and National Rail services. From here, you can board trains to London Waterloo, Weymouth, Southampton, and transport links to other destinations such as Hampton Court Palace.

Croydon – Southern Rail, Overground

East Croydon station is a major transport hub serving key destinations in London including London Bridge and London Victoria, furthermore, it has transport links to the south of England including Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth Harbour and Brighton.

Beckenham Junction & Elmers End – National Rail

Primarily serving Southeastern trains to London Victoria, London Bridge and Brixton.

Tramlink operating times

Trams run about every 5-8 minutes during peak times, although services are a bit less frequent in the early mornings and late evenings.

Operating hours

Weekdays: 05:30am to 12:00pm

Saturday: 06:00 to 12:00pm

Sunday: 07:00 – 12:00 pm

Fares and Access

All Tramlink fares are cashless. You can make payments using a contactless payment card or device, an Oyster Card, or by purchasing a zone 1-6 travelcard.

Before you get on the tram, make sure to touch in on the yellow card reader usually located on the platform at the tram stop. Unlike other Tfl services, you don’t need to tap out when your journey is over.

Note: It is always best to use the same card or device for all journeys to ensure you are charged correctly.

How much does it cost

When it comes to fares trams offer an affordable means of transport and are treated the same as the London bus network.

Hopper Fare

A flat rate of £1.75 gives you unlimited journeys, made within 1 hour of touching in if you pay using an Oyster card or contactless payment card.

Bus passes can be used for the entire bus and tram network, and furthermore, fares are not split into zones like those of the underground system.

Children under 10 along with 11 to 17 year olds with Zip Oyster photocards travel free on London trams.

Tram travel is free for wheelchair users.

For more information on tram fares visit Tfl Bus and tram fares.

Visit our Practical guide to London buses with fares & maps page for more information on using the iconic London red buses.

Accessibility

All London trams and tram stops offer step-free access.

Carriages are equipped with specific spaces for wheelchair users, including a conveniently located stop request button.

When disembarking from the tram, you’ll find that the doors have an opening button placed at a height that’s easy to reach.

Furthermore, trams offer priority seating for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and passengers travelling with young children.

Places of interest along the London Tramlink

The London Tramlink offers access to a variety of notable places of interest including parks and museums.

Route: Wimbledon to Croydon

Wimbledon

 

Morden Road / Phipps Bridge / Merton Park

  • Morden Hall Park – National Trust riverside park with wetlands, rose gardens, and historic buildings.

 

Route: Croydon Loop

East Croydon

  • Boxpark Croydon – Trendy pop-up food and events space, great for evening entertainment.
  • Whitgift Centre & Croydon Centrale – Shopping hubs.
  • Fairfield Halls – Major arts, theatre, and concert venue.

 

George Street / Church Street

  • Museum of Croydon – Local history museum in Croydon Clocktower.
  • Surrey Street Market – A daily market in Croydon and one of Britain’s oldest continuous markets.
  • Croydon Minster – Historic church with music and medieval features.

 

Route: Croydon – New Addington

Lloyd Park

  • Lloyd Park – Large, landscaped park with woods and sports facilities including the William Morris Gallery.
  • Addington Hills – Park with great walks, playgrounds and panoramic views over London.

 

Coombe Lane

  • Heathfield House & Gardens – Horticultural estate with rare plant species. The house does not open to the public.

 

Route: Croydon – Beckenham Junction / Elmers End

Harrington Road

  • Access to South Norwood Country Park – 125-acre nature reserve with wetland, lake and children’s playground, great for birdwatching.

 

Beckenham Road / Beckenham Junction

 

Elmers End

  • South Norwood Lake & Grounds – Relaxing park with tennis and sailing.

Plan your trip

  • Visitor Oyster Card
  • Travelcard for 1 day anytime / off-peak or 7 days anytime
  • Group day travelcards available