London is a sprawling city of over nine million people. With its combination of Roman walls, Victorian development, post-WWII rebuilding, and pockets of ongoing regeneration, it’s a jumble of roads, Tube and train lines. Navigating London isn’t always the most straightforward task. However, with apps, good mapping, signage, and a bit of patience, it’s possible to visit almost all of the city via public transport. From train companies to Transport for London, here’s everything you need to know about each mode of transport and the crucial ticketing system.
The Tube (the London Underground) is the Quickest and Easiest
The London Underground, or “the Tube,” is the city’s subway running across 11 different color-coded lines. Surprisingly, only about 45% of the Underground network operates underground. Despite ongoing upgrades and engineering works requiring occasional weekend closures, the Tube remains the quickest and easiest way to traverse the city. It is often the warmest place to wait for your transport during winter, except at the rare above-ground Tube stations.
However, some stations, especially Leicester Square and Covent Garden, are much closer in reality than they appear on the Tube map. Traveling underground between them will take much longer than simply walking.
Tip for using the Tube for sightseeing: The Piccadilly Line stops at key sights and neighborhoods like Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Hyde Park Corner, and Knightsbridge, making it an ideal line to base yourself near.
Catch the Night Tube on Friday and Saturday Nights
The Tube operates roughly from 5 am to 1 am, although the last train’s departure varies by line and day. Several lines (Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria) run all night on Friday and Saturday, providing a reliable service for revelers every ten minutes or so with off-peak fares.
London’s Red Buses and the Best Sightseeing Bus Route
London’s iconic red double-decker buses offer great views of the city; however, they can be slow due to traffic jams and multiple commuters getting on and off at each stop. Useful bus maps are available at every stop, detailing all routes and destinations within a short walk.
Bus services generally operate from 5 am to 11:30 pm. Many stops feature LED displays showing bus arrival times, but downloading an app like Citymapper is the most effective way to track your next bus.
Top tip for taking the bus: Bus Route 15 connects key tourist attractions, including the Tower of London, St Paul’s, the Strand, and Trafalgar Square.
The Elizabeth Line
London’s new “purple” line connects towns as far west as Reading and as far east as Shenfield to central London. Key hubs include Paddington, Liverpool Street Station, and Tottenham Court Road. This line offers a quicker (though more expensive) route between Heathrow airport and central London.
Getting Around London by Foot
While London is too large to cover entirely on foot, walking allows for an authentic neighborhood exploration when you’re in an area of interest. A good map or GPS is advisable since London’s winding streets can be disorienting. Numerous bridges cross the Thames, and pedestrian tunnels exist beneath the river in Greenwich and Woolwich.
If visiting in winter, dress warmly with a hat, gloves, and scarf. In central London, using an umbrella can be tricky on narrow footpaths, so a waterproof coat with a hood is advisable. Ice and snow are common in winter, necessitating caution for slippery streets in the mornings.
Another consideration for walkers is cyclists. Pay attention while crossing streets, especially since certain lanes allow cyclists to ride against one-way traffic. Consequently, always look both ways before crossing, as cyclists can be quiet.
Better on a Boat on the Thames
Multiple companies operate along the River Thames, with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offering reliable commuter services. Additionally, it’s fast and pleasant, almost always guaranteeing a seat with a view. Thames Clippers boats serve regular routes between notable areas including Embankment, Waterloo (London Eye), Blackfriars, and many more. Tickets can be purchased at the piers or via pay-as-you-go with your Oyster or Contactless card.
Cycling is a Surprisingly Quick Way to Cross London
Cycling often proves to be an excellent method of navigating the city, despite the intimidating traffic for less-confident cyclists. London has significantly improved its cycling infrastructure, with new “cycle superhighways” for commuters and “quietways” for leisurely rides. The public bike-hire scheme, Santander Cycles, is especially useful for visitors, offering numerous bike-hire docks. It costs £2 for unlimited journeys of up to 30 minutes with an added charge for longer rides.
London’s Black Cabs and Other Taxi Options
Licensed black cab drivers are known for “The Knowledge”, a rigorous training program requiring them to memorize 25,000 streets within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross/Trafalgar Square, along with the 100 most-visited spots in the city.
Black cabs are available for hire when the yellow sign above the windshield is lit. Fares are metered and can be paid using credit, debit cards, or cash. Alternatively, minicabs (private hire cars) offer a cheaper option, provided they are booked in advance.
Ride-share apps are also available in London, engaging a lively debate regarding their impact on traditional black cabs and overall city congestion.
Top tip for taking a black cab: Despite the name, not all London black cabs are black—they all share similar shapes and will have a yellow “Taxi” sign above the windshield.
Driving a Car in London
As a visitor, it’s unlikely that driving in London will be necessary. The city has implemented disincentives to encourage residents and visitors to utilize public transport, including additional fees like the Congestion Charge (CC) and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), combined with high fuel prices and extensive parking charges. Therefore, it may be best to avoid road travel altogether.
Riding Above the Thames on a Cable Car
The Emirates Air Line is a cable car that links the Royal Docks in East London with North Greenwich, offering stunning views of the Thames from 90 meters above. While the ride is brief and relatively pricey, it is step-free and can accommodate most motorized wheelchairs.
The DLR (Docklands Light Railway)
The DLR is a driverless train network operating in eastern London. Travelers will likely use it when heading to the Emirates Air Line cable car or arriving/departing from London City Airport. It is particularly popular with families, as children enjoy pretending to drive the train from the front carriage.
London Overground and the Suburban Train Network
The Overground train network, part of Transport for London, operates mainly beyond the city center. As of February 2024, it has been rebranded into six distinct lines, highlighting the capital’s modern history and diversity.
Additionally, various private companies operate trains in London to accommodate travelers venturing into the suburbs. The train network is particularly advantageous for exploration beyond the city’s borders, but it’s essential to verify which operator you’ve booked tickets with, as multiple companies may depart from the same station.
Accessible Transportation in London
Access needs vary across London’s transportation network. Tram stops, the Emirates Air Line, and DLR stations offer step-free access, as do all Thames Clippers and most piers. However, only approximately a quarter of Tube stations and half of Overground stations are fully accessible. Therefore, careful planning and staff notification are necessary for a smoother experience.
Buses are a much more accessible option, as they can be lowered to street level and are free for wheelchair users. All black cabs are intended to be wheelchair-accessible, but power wheelchair users should be mindful of space constraints.
Guide dogs are universally accepted on public transport, ensuring broader inclusiveness. Sidewalks generally maintain good condition and offer frequent pedestrian crossings, while curb cuts are often sufficient across London.
Transport Passes, Tickets, and Fares
Transport for London oversees the city’s integrated transport network, providing up-to-date travel information, including timetables and fares. Children under five travel free with a fare-paying adult, and larger automatic gates facilitate passage for those with strollers, wheelchairs, or luggage.
How to Pay
Tickets for single journeys can be purchased at ticket offices and self-service machines at most stations. However, using Contactless, an Oyster card, or mobile payments is both cheaper and more convenient.
Contactless: This payment method allows for any credit or debit card that enables contactless payment. Simply hold it near the yellow card readers at ticket barriers.
Oyster cards: Pre-paid reusable Oyster cards are available at most Tube/train stations and numerous newsagents. They utilize the same “touch in, touch out” system.
Bus Journeys: All buses are cash-free, requiring either a pre-purchased ticket or payment via Contactless or Oyster card when boarding. A flat fee applies for bus fares regardless of trip duration.
Travel Zones for Tube and Rail
The Tube and rail systems are divided into zones radiating from Zone 1 in central London outwards to Zone 9 in Greater London. Fares are capped, so utilizing the same card throughout your day helps in achieving reduced Travelcard rates.
If traveling outside the London zones, such as for a day trip, separate train tickets need to be purchased.
