How to get around London?

Figuring out how to get around London may seem daunting at first.  London’s transportation infrastructure appears extensive and comprehensive. Luckily, it is also very organized.  And once you get the hang of it, it will not seem so intimidating.

During your visit, you’ll find no shortage of transport options. It all depends on where you want to go and how much time you have to get there. Your main transport will include the Tube and/or local city buses. Let’s take a look at what you have to work with:

The Tube

The Underground, also known as the Tube, is London’s extensive subway system.  To start, take a look at this color-coded route map to get your bearings. The map includes tube stations in, around and outside London as well National Rail lines (train). To find the nearest station in walking distance, there is also a map pdf that shows walking times between stations. Check out the Transport for London site for more details.

I found the Tube to be very useful if you want to go across large areas. However, remember that you are underground and the view is better above ground.  While I was in London during August/summer, some of the subway cars didn’t have a/c and during certain times of the day, it was very, very crowded. That said, if you want to get out to Windsor or Hampton Court, it’s much faster to use the Tube.

Tube pricing is variable meaning that you pay more for longer distances travelled (ie. Zone 1 through zone 9 travel). For Tube fares, check this link.  As of Jan 2, 2017, tube pricing for single one way (pay as you go) and single paper tickets are frozen until 2020.  Note: not all Tube pricing is frozen.

For more information on taking the tube, check out the other tab, Travel Card or Oyster Card?

City Bus

These are the iconic red double-decker buses that you’ll see all over London. The bus operator company is Transport for London. I loved travelling around on these buses and much prefer them to the Tube. At various points during my vacation, I would just get on the bus, head to the top deck, and see the different neighborhoods where the route travelled.  For various routes, click here.

You can’t use cash to pay for your bus fare. Therefore, you’ll have to get a paper single day ticket, a Travel Card or an Oyster Card (click on next tab for more info). A single one way fare is £1.50. For bus fares, check this link. As of Jan 2, 2017, bus pricing is frozen until 2020. There can be a £20 fine if you are without your ticket.

Rail

National Rail is a fast, efficient and easy option to travel out to other towns in England. There may be a connection depending on where you’re headed (or maybe not). Although rail is more expensive than taking the bus, it is faster. The bus will take longer but will be more scenic.

River

Travelling in London by the River Thames is one of the most relaxing and beautiful journeys – and I highly recommend it.  You can even take the River cruise from central London all the way to Hampton Court (summer only) which is probably how the Royal court did it back in the day.  Although it is a lengthy journey.  Click over for a route map and fares.

Taxi/Uber

Taxis are always an option but this is a very expensive option. If travelling with multiple people, then this could work out in a more economical way.

Car Rental

I would advise against renting a car for use while in London as there are so many options available within the city. As a tourist, there is really no need unless you are heading out to the countryside. And even with that, I would advise the rail option or bus (the former is faster but the latter more scenic). Also, there may even be some type of fee associated with car parking in London but I’m not 100% sure.

Overall

In conclusion, I think you’ll find that transportation in and around London is numerous, efficient and for all budgets. With a little pre-planning, you will get around London like a local.  My recommendation for tourists is bus, tube/metro, river cruise and rail to airport or outlying towns.  It’s easier, faster and lets you spend more time at the destination rather than in getting to the destination.

Featured Photo by Josh Wilburne.