London Travels

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO LONDON

Getting Around London

Figuring out the best way of getting around London is one of the first things visitors ask, and for good reason. The city is huge, busy, and full of options, from underground trains to riverboats and bicycles. Whether you’re here for a couple of days or a whole week, understanding the transport system can save you time, money, and a lot of confusion. The good news? London’s public transport is reliable, well-connected, and surprisingly easy to navigate once you know the basics.

The iconic London Underground is usually the fastest way to get from A to B, but there are times when a red double-decker bus offers a better view. If you’re staying in central London, you might not even need public transport for everything, many major sights are within walking distance of each other. And for those who prefer more flexibility, there are plenty of alternatives like e-scooters, black cabs, and even boat services on the Thames.

To make things smoother, it’s worth investing in an Oyster card or using contactless payment. Both give you the cheapest fares automatically. And don’t forget: the system caps your daily and weekly spending, so you’ll never pay more than the equivalent of a day travelcard. Below, you’ll find an overview of the most popular transport options in London, with prices, pros and cons, and a few insider tips to help you move around like a local.

Getting Around London: Earl's Court Underground Station

© David Dixon, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license

London Underground (The Tube)

London’s subway system is fast, reliable, and covers almost the entire city. With 11 lines and hundreds of stations, it’s usually the quickest way to travel longer distances. Trains run from around 5:00 AM to midnight, with Night Tube services on some lines Friday and Saturday.

  • Cost: £2.80–£3.70 per ride with contactless or Oyster (depending on zones)
  • Insider Tip: Avoid rush hour (7:30–9:30 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM) if you can. It’s packed. Always stand on the right on escalators.

London Buses

Buses run 24/7 in London and are a great way to see the city from above ground. They’re slower than the Tube but more scenic and useful for shorter trips.

  • Cost: Flat fare of £1.75 with contactless/Oyster, free transfers within 1 hour
  • Insider Tip: Sit upstairs in the front row for the best views, especially on routes 11 and 15, which pass many landmarks.

Walking

Central London is very walkable, with many attractions close to each other. You can stroll from Covent Garden to Soho or Buckingham Palace to Westminster in under 20 minutes.

  • Cost: Free
  • Insider Tip: Use apps like Citymapper or Google Maps on foot mode. They’ll even point out quiet routes and shortcuts.

Santander Cycles (Bike Hire)

London’s self-service bike hire scheme is perfect for short rides across the city. Docks are everywhere, and bikes can be rented and returned at any station.

  • Cost: £1.65 for unlimited rides up to 30 minutes in a 24-hour period
  • Insider Tip: Return the bike within 30 minutes to avoid extra charges, then take out another one if you need to continue.

Black Cabs & Ride-Sharing Apps

Black cabs are iconic, regulated, and driven by pros who know every street. Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow are also widely available and usually cheaper.

  • Cost: Black cabs start at £3.80 plus distance/time; apps vary
  • Insider Tip: Avoid taking cabs during peak traffic as fares can rise fast in gridlock.

Thames Clippers (River Bus)

The River Thames has a surprisingly useful boat network. It’s a relaxed, scenic way to commute or explore, with stops at popular spots like Greenwich, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye.

  • Cost: £5–£9 depending on route and ticket type
  • Insider Tip: Sit at the back deck for fresh air and views and avoid the touristy “river tours” unless you want a guided cruise.

DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

An automated train system that serves East and Southeast London, including Canary Wharf and Greenwich. Great for getting to less central areas.

  • Cost: Same as Tube fares using Oyster/contactless
  • Insider Tip: Sit in the front row. There’s no driver, so you get a fun front-seat view like you’re piloting the train.

National Rail & Overground

Useful for getting to zones outside central London or to destinations like Hampton Court, Richmond, and Windsor. Overground trains run through many neighbourhoods not covered by the Tube.

  • Cost: Varies by distance; Oyster/contactless accepted in most zones
  • Insider Tip: Double-check whether your destination is within the Transport for London (TfL) network. Outside zones may cost more.