Travel and Transport in London: Bus, Train, Taxi or Underground

In this section you'll find practical information to cover every aspect of a holiday or business trip to London.

As well as background on British culture, post, telecommunications, banking, currency and public transport. You'll also find the contact details of London embassy and high commission offices for further information on UK immigration laws, UK working permits and UK entry visas.

Travel and Transport in London

The best way to get to know London is by foot. An A-Z map can be purchased in most newsagents and bookshops on the high street.

For faster travel take a bus or the underground (the tube). A "travel card" can be bought weekly, monthly, quarterly etc at newsagents displaying a red "Pass Agent" sign and at underground ticket booths. A one-day travel card is available after 9.30 weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday (not valid on night buses). The underground, buses and trains do not operate on Christmas Day.

The London Underground

The tube operates from 05.30 until approximately 00.30 on weekdays, with reduced schedules on Sundays and holidays. Peak times (the "Rush Hour") are from 08.00 to 09.30 and 16.30 to 18.30 weekdays.
www.thetube.com

London Buses

Buses are less expensive than the underground but can be slower in heavy traffic. Most areas are serviced by night buses. Some bus stops are request stops, indicating that you need to signal the driver when you want him/her to stop the bus (by pressing the button, therefore sounding the bell).

London Trains

The major cities in Britain are linked by modern, high speed trains. There are also commuter lines between towns and outlying areas. The mainline stations in London provide rail links to the rest of the country, and to Europe via the channel ports and Eurostar.

London Taxis

The familiar black London cab, now often in many other colours, is the most expensive but often the most convenient form of transportation. Taxis are controlled strictly by law and all areas within London are regulated by meters. It is customary to tip up to 10%.

London also has "mini-cabs" these are unlicensed and cannot be hailed in the street. You must confirm a price before as they often do not have meters and their drivers are not required to know London streets and directions.