Without prior knowledge of transportation options in London, you may find it difficult to get your bearings for the first month or so. To get around in London, there are three main modes of transport you can choose from and these include catching the Tube (or London underground), the bus or paying for a taxi.
Another essential item that every Londoner has (soon to be you!) is a London A to Z street directory. Practically every Londoner has one and it's the most important thing you'll cherish and depend upon in London during your stay. |
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When in London do as Londoners do, catch the Tube!
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A lot of Londoners complain about the reliability, cleanliness and timeliness of the tube trains (and you will too if you've been in London long enough!), but I'm still amazed that the trains come every 1 to 2 minutes one after the other taking thousands of people around London every day. In short, the tube is usually the quickest and easiest way to get from A to B in London.
The cost of your ticket depends on the number of travel zones (there are six) you're going to cross. A Travelcard allows you to travel on all modes of transport - tube, bus, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and overland trains - within the zones selected. Daily, weekly, monthly or annual Travelcards are available.
The majority of Londoners have an Oyster Card, a pre-pay system which saves you time and money. You can obtain an Oyster card by visiting the following website and registering your details:
https://sales.oystercard.com/oyster/lul/entry.do
For a copy of the London Underground tube map, log onto the following website: www.tfl.gov.uk and navigate to the section tube map.
London Underground (Tube) map:
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO ENLARGE THE MAP
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BUSES |
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Another option to choose from is catching the bus. The red bus network is cheaper, but often slower, than the tube or train. Routes reach every corner of the capital. Because London never sleeps, there is an option for you to catch Night buses. Night buses are signified with the letter 'N' before the route number and they run all night. Very handy after a big night out in London.
Refer to the website www.tfl.gov.uk for more information on bus routes and night bus routes.
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Taxis: |
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Black cabs: They are as famous as London's red buses. You can hail them on the street - if the light is on, they are available. Black cabs are pricey, but can seat up to five people. To book, call 020-7286 0286 or see www.londonblackcabs.co.uk. Call the Public Carriage Office on 0845 602 7000 for queries.
Minicabs: These are ordinary, unmetered cars which operate as taxis. London Transport has numbers for licensed minicab firms. Book by phone or in person from the company's offices which are located all over the city. Fares should be agreed in advance and are usually cheaper than black cabs. There are many unlicensed - and illegal - taxis operating in London so use them at your own risk. It's illegal for minicab drivers to pick up passengers on the street.
Our recommendation is to use Addison Lee. I've used them numerous amounts of time and they are always reliable, safe and can come pick you up at all hours during the day, night and morning. Addison Lee can be reached on +44 (0) 207 387 8888. You can pay for Addison Lee by using cash or credit card (credit card carries a booking fee though). |
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