Here’s how to get around London … like a local!
While it can seem complicated at first to get around London, once you understand how public transport works it gets easier! I’m not providing advice on driving in London because I don’t really advise it!
For starters, there’s a £15 daily congestion charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone 7:00-18:00 Monday-Friday and 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun and bank holidays. The congestion or ULEZ zone covers all of the city of London and all London boroughs.
And let’s not even get started on parking in the city. My advice is to use public transportation or taxis in a pinch!
Getting INTO London
From either Heathrow or Gatwick airports, it’s easy to get into London.
Heathrow is about an hour west of London and Gatwick a little over an hour south of the city.
Gatwick has a train station which gives speedy access into the city, however Heathrow is mainly served by tube/underground trains. I personally prefer landing in Gatwick because of the train access but most transatlantic flights will land at Heathrow.
The best options to travel from Heathrow or Gatwick airports into central London here.
London bus crossing the Westminster bridge
How to Get Around London
Using the TFL system (Transport for London) gives you multiple options to travel around the city including Tube, DLR, tram, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers river bus service, London Overground, TfL Rail and most National Rail services in London.
All public transport can be researched on the TFL site which has a handy travel planner and maps plus updates on closures, strikes or line suspensions.
Tube
How to Pay
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Get an Oyster card (like a travel debit card) at any station. You can buy tickets and Oyster cards using your debit or credit card. The Oyster card is valid on public transport throughout London. Oyster cards used to be free but now there’s a £7 fee to buy one.
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I prefer an Oyster card because I don’t like the idea of carrying my credit card in my hand where it can be swiped!
- If you’re buying an Oyster, I suggest starting with £20. Use the same machines to check your balance. Just swipe your card against the magnetic disc.
- OR use any contactless credit card to tap and go at the turnstile. I’d use a credit card that doesn’t charge Foreign Transaction fees.
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Before going through a turnstile, swipe your card (or Oyster) against the card reader disc to open the gate.
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Be sure to swipe again as you leave the station to close out your journey otherwise you’ll be charged for a full day.
Tube tips
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Carry a small street map which shows the Tube stations as well as streets so you can plan your route.
- Or use the Citymapper app which is focused on public transportation
- Always look for the end destination to be sure you’re traveling in the right direction
- Main lines are color coded, so become familiar with “Yellow” means Circle line or “Black” means Northern
- Avoid the tube during summer months if you can as they can get uncomfortably hot!
The Millenium Wheel from Southbank
Buses
How to pay:
Use an Oyster or credit card. Unlike the tube, you only need to Tap In on a bus or tram (don’t tap out)
Bus Tips
- Buses offer a more scenic ride than the tube, especially if it’s a summer day
- Can be quicker than tube since you can get on and off easily without extra steps down to the tube
- Take a scenic tour with London’s iconic red buses and skip the high prices. Here’s the best “leisure routes”
- Here’s more top sightseeing routes on London buses
Soho and Carnaby Street
Taxi
London’s famous black cabs (taxis) can be booked in advance, hailed on the street (if the yellow light is showing) or found at designated taxi ranks throughout the city.
Minicabs (private hire cars) can only be booked in advance. Find out more about pricing and booking here on the official TFL site.
Other private car services are available as well such as Uber or Bolt. Addison Lee is the private hire car service I’ve used to get from Paddington to St Pancras station for a Eurostar train.
Trains
All main UK train networks terminate and originate in London. There are 18 “London” train terminals. If you are traveling in London you’ll be using Overland or DLR trains (which are different than mainline trains – I know it’s confusing!)
If you’re traveling into or out of London, here’s how mainline trains work.
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Trainline. Get the app. Book all mainline trains (not Tube fares) anywhere in the UK and some European routes. A small fee is charged but I think it’s worth it for the convenience and live updates.
- OR you can use a site like National Rail
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If you buy online, download a digital ticket on your phone.
- Your downloaded ticket will have a QR code you scan at turnstiles to enter or leave a station
- If you prefer, you can purchase a paper ticket at any station vending machine
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In the UK, tickets are released 12 weeks in advance, so don’t be surprised if you can’t book a ticket further ahead.
- Buy train tickets into London.
Covent Garden
Get around London TRAVEL TIPS
- Before you book your hotel or Airbnb, check there’s a convenient tube or train station nearby. A mainline station nearby will make your life easier. After a heavy day of sight seeing, you’ll be glad you don’t have to go through extra steps to get “home”!
- Use the Citymapper app to search and plan your next days travel or get a TFL map to get familiar with London’s tube system
- London’s city center is divided into Zones: central London is Zone 1, Zone 2 is a “ring” around Zone 1 and Zone 3 is a ring around Zone 2. Most tourist attractions are in Zone 1. Some Travelcards may be for Zone 1-3 only. For pricing, check out the TFLs fare page.
- Avoid rush hour travel on the Tube if you can, it can get uncomfortably crowded and very busy!
- Don’t forget you can also travel up the Thames on a boat via Thames Clippers run by Uber. Pay with an Oyster, credit card or Uber app. Here’s how to plan and pay for your journey ahead of time
Find the perfect place to stay in central London.
Don’t forget to plan some wonderful experiences!
