London Underground - Buses - Taxis - Walking in London
London by Water - Airports

London Underground

The London underground is probably the most useful transportation method for the visitors to London. There are 6 Zones on the underground - Zone 1 being central London and increasing the further out from the centre you travel. Fares increase according to the number of Zones travelled.

You can buy tickets either from automated machines or at a ticket window. You will need to keep your ticket until you have passed through the gates at your destination station.

It is advise that you avoid the weekday rush hours if at all possible. Underground traffic is heaviest between 0800 and 0930, and between 1600 and 1830.

For more information visit http://www.tube.tfl.gov.uk/, telephone 020 7222 1234.

Buses

Buses provided a quick and easy way to get around London, whilst giving you the opportunity to do a little site seeing as well. If you plan on travelling around London, it is recommended you purchase a Travelcard. This will allow you unlimited use on both the buses and underground. Travelcards can be purchased for 7 days or more at a time, but they require a passport sized photo.

London Transport introduced night buses (marked with an 'N' on bus signs), which cover the late night time period when there is no underground service. Please note that the route of the Night Bus service is different to what routes are available during the day. The night service runs from 11:30pm until about 6AM.

For more information visit http://www.transportforlondon.gov.uk/ or telephone 020 7222 1234.

London Taxis

London's famous black taxis seem to of been around forever. The licensed taxis can be hailed in the street or found at designated ranks. London taxis are a good option for groups of people sharing the fare, which can be steep.

An alternative to the traditional black London taxis are minicabs, which offer space for more passengers than a black taxi. Minicabs do not have metres, they charge by the mile. It is advised to ask for the fare when calling for a minicab, and verify the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Dial-A-Cab are suppliers of licensed taxis to the public. Either book your taxi online or phone 020 7251 0581.

For more information visit www.tfl.gov.uk/pco/ or telephone 020 7222 1234.

Walking In London

Walking is probably the best way to discover London, if you have both time and energy. Although London is a very large city, you will be surprised to know how close many of the famous landmarks are with each other.

Arranged walking tours are an ideal way to get to know London. Here are just a couple of the companies offering walking tours throughout London, Captital Curiosities History Walks and City of London Walks.

London By Water

There are two main companies offering boating services which operate on the Thames. The services commence in the morning around 630am and end times vary. Tickets can be purchased from ticket offices located on the major piers, but it is also possible to purchase tickets once on board on some services.

For more information visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/river/ or telephone 020 7222 1234

London Airports

Heathrow airport is London's major airport. Be sure you know which terminal your flight will land at or depart from, as there are four terminals. Gatwick airport is smaller and better organised than Heathrow. There are two terminals, connected by a monorail service.

Travelling from a London airport ? National Express operate coaches to & from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton airports. Phone 0870 580 8080.

Heathrow Express
Heathrow Express is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Heathrow Airport and London Paddington. The service is non-stop with a timetabled journey time of only 15 minutes. Journey time to and from Terminal 4 is 23 minutes. Phone 0845 600 1515

Gatwick Express
Gatwick Express offers dedicated, high-speed travel between Central London and Gatwick Airport. With a journey time of just 30 minutes from London Victoria to Gatwick (35 minutes on Sundays), there is no faster way between the heart of the city and the airport. Phone 0845 850 1530

If you are travelling from Stansted airport to London, then the Stansted Express is the fastest and most convenient way to and from Stansted Airport, with trains departing every 15 or 30 minutes. And with an average journey time of approximately 45 minutes, Stansted Express is the quickest way to your destination. Phone 0845 850 0150