London Getting Around

Getting around London
London is a big city. While a lot of the central sights can be reached pleasantly on foot via London’s splendid parks, you will need public transport for longer trips across the city, for visiting neighbourhoods like Camden, and markets like Portobello and Brick Lane. London’s iconic red buses and tube trains are all part of the London experience. By far the cheapest and most convenient option is a Travelcard, valid for buses, underground, Docklands light rail and even overland train. Single fares are so expensive you will soon start saving money. Travelcards come in 1-day, 3-day and 1-week versions. Buy a 1-6 zone version only if you are considering visiting very distant sights. Travelcards are available from underground stations and newsagents.

Walking
With a little planning you can walk a great deal of London. London’s streets are constantly entertaining, and London’s beautiful parks offer respite from the traffic. An essential walk is along the Thames, particularly from the Houses of Parliament to the London Eye, the South Bank, Tate Britain and across the river to St Paul’s cathedral. Other fascinating areas for walking include Convent Garden, Soho, Bloomsbury, Camden Lock, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square…

The Underground
London’s legendary tube is the fastest way around the centre of the city. The network is vast, and not as complicated as it first seems. It can be very busy during the rush hour, but Travelcards are not valid until 9.30. Single tickets are available from machines. Buy a Travelcard.

The Thames
Riverboats are one of the nicest ways to see the sights. Public commuter services operate from the central London Embankment area. Commuter riverboats also operate to Docklands and Greenwich. There are dozens of sightseeing riverboat trips, particularly along the central Embankment/South Bank stretch. Plenty of longer trips to Greenwich, and even as far as Richmond and Hampton Court.

Bus
London’s famous red buses have become significantly more efficient in recent years. Slower than the tube for longer journeys but very convenient for short hops. Top deck on double deckers offer excellent views! Key central routes pass so many landmarks they can feel like sightseeing buses. Two excellent sightseeing routes still operate the classic Routemaster buses: routes 9 and 15. An extensive network of reliable night buses radiates out from the Trafalgar Square area to the suburbs.

Docklands light railway
A modern addition to the ageing underground system, with long stretches over ground. Useful for visiting the eastern stretches of the Thames towards Greenwich. Worth a trip just to travel through the astonishing futuristic cityscapes of docklands, an area of London that has undergone a massive, startling transformation.

Taxi
London’s famous black cabs are extremely professional, but expensive. Cabs are metered and will take up to 5 people and lots of luggage. Relatively easily hailed on the street except late at night. If you are out clubbing they can seem to disappear. Legal (and illegal) mini cabs will offer lifts. Phone a reputable company rather than accept a car on the spot. Establish fare before setting off. Use your common sense.

Train
London’s commuter trains are of less use to visitors. Trains are included in Travelcards and are a fast way to reach neighbourhoods like Brixton and Greenwich, or to travel further afield.

Cycling
A surprising amount of London residents cycle. The central area is mostly flat. Statistically the quickest way to travel overland in London.

Sightseeing tours
Given the city’s size, London sightseeing tours are a sensible, convenient and enjoyably educative way to see the major sights and get a sense of the city’s layout.

Getting from London airports
Gatwick: Gatwick Express train to Victoria. Journey time 30 minutes. Also express buses.
Stansted: Stansted Express train to London Liverpool Street. Express buses to Victoria.
Heathrow: Heathrow Express train to Paddington. Journey time 15 minutes. Underground 40 minutes. Also express buses.
Luton: Free shuttle bus to Luton Parkway train station. Then train to Kings Cross, and on to Farringdon, City Thameslink, Blackfriars and London Bridge. Also express buses.

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