LONDON TRANSPORT GUIDE
Read our London transport guide to find out about how to make the most of public transport on your stay.
Read our London transport guide to find out about how to make the most of public transport on your stay.
With one of the oldest, largest and most established transport networks in the world, London transport can be daunting. However, once you understand the basics it is fairly easy to understand.
London's well developed network of 'Tube', bus and overground rail makes getting around without a car the standard rather than the exception. One of the easiest ways to use the transport Network is to buy an Oyster card and add enough credit to last the duration of your visit. This promises to offer the cheapest fares available for any of London's main transport options. Don't forget that when you leave London you can return the card for a refund of the deposit and any remaining credit.
The iconic Tube network has been in operation since the 1800s in its earliest form and you can still travel the same route on its modern lines. The network covers 270 stations and usually offers the fastest and easiest way to visit most of London.
London also offers an extensive overground train network. Distinct from the Tube, but sharing some stations and allowing travellers to reach parts of London unavailable by Tube. If visiting outer parts of London, or you are looking for a quicker journey time across London, an overground rail journey often offers the best solution.
The London taxi, or 'Black cab' as it's fondly named, is nearly as iconic as the red London bus. Black Cab's are the only London taxis that can be hailed in the street and can legally seek trade. When the orange 'Taxi' light is switched on, the taxi is available for hire. London Taxis seat five or six people and offer wheelchair access. Black cab fares operate on a standard tariff system.
Launched in 2010 the Barclays cycle hire scheme offers over 6000 hire bikes across central London. Cycles, often referred to as Boris Bikes after the London Mayor, can be hired from a terminal with a debit or credit card. With terminals all over London they offer a cost effective and environmentally friendly solution to travel in central London. Free maps are available, which indicate the most suitable routes for cycles.
The red London double decker bus is an iconic symbol of London. These London buses offer a cost effective way to travel around the city and, although usually slower than the tube, they allow you to see the city from an ideal vantage point. A ride along many of London's bus routes will take you past an endless array of historical landmarks.
See London’s famous attractions from a double-decker bus. The hop on hop off bus gives you the freedom to see as much or as little as you like. Sit up top and admire the sights of London, whilst listening to the knowledgeable tour guide.
Madame Tussauds combines glitz and glamour with history. Walk down the red carpet and strike a pose with the Beckham’s, before challenging your favourite sporting star. Experience an audience with the Queen and plant a kiss on Prince William’s cheek.
Discover more and pay less with a London sightseeing pass. It gives you access to over 55 top attractions, including the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Windsor Castle and Westminster Abbey – the chosen wedding venue of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Within the ancient Fortress, the Tower of London, visitors can gaze up at the massive White Tower, tiptoe through a king’s medieval bedchamber and marvel at the priceless Crown Jewels.
Admire the breathtaking views from one of the 32 high-tech glass capsules of the EDF Energy London Eye. Each 30-minute flight allows you to see some of London’s most famous attractions. See Big Ben towering above the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.