The Complete Guide to Getting Around London

The Tube is London’s iconic underground rail network and is one of the quickest ways to navigate the city. With an extensive network covering the whole of Greater London, you’re never far from a station – there are over 270 of them! Stations are well-marked, and colourful maps are readily available at all stops, as well as online.

You can also use Transport for London’s (TfL) journey planner to find the easiest route, which is especially handy if you’re unsure about which line to take. Each line has its own distinct colour, making it easy to follow along as you zip through the city.

Services run regularly from around 5AM to 12.30AM (Sunday 7.30AM to 11.30PM) on most routes, with some lines also providing night tube services. But a word to the wise: try to avoid the Tube during peak rush hours, typically from 8.30–9.30AM and 5.30–6:30PM on weekdays, as trains can get packed tighter than a can of sardines.

Instead, consider traveling just before or after these busy times to enjoy a bit more breathing room. And if you’re in a particularly bustling area, like Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus, be prepared for the crowds! Keep an eye out for helpful signage directing you to exits and connecting lines, and don't forget to stand clear of the doors as they close. 

The most convenient way to pay for all public transport in London is with a contactless payment card or mobile payment method, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Just tap your card or phone on the entry and exit gates for the Tube or on a bus’s entry pad, and it will charge you the correct amount at the end of the day. Daily caps ensure you won’t be charged more than the cost of a one-day travel pass, so if you're making several journeys, don't worry; contactless is both convenient and cost-effective.

For those who would prefer not to use their bank card or phone, Oyster Cards are available at any Tube station. These work on the same fare system as contactless payments, including the daily cap, and can be topped up as needed either via the app, or on machines found in most stations. An Oyster card is refundable upon departure from the city, so don't worry, you won't be left with money on there you don't use!

The same as with a contactless card or mobile payment method, just make sure you tap in at the start of your journey and out at the end.

London’s modern double-decker buses offer a fun, scenic way to see the city while traveling from point A to B. Buses are a great choice if you want to take in the sights, but be aware they’re slower than the Tube, especially during peak times, and do fill up. On hot days, the windows offer little protection from the heat, so while you may have more pleasant views, it will be longer - and stuffier.

Buses accept contactless payment and Oyster cards, just like the Tube. Simply tap in when you board, but you won’t need to tap out when you leave. The buses run on a frequent schedule, and you can check real-time arrivals via TfL’s website or apps. A bus ride provides a leisurely, affordable tour of the city’s main attractions and neighborhoods.

London’s black cabs are famous, but they can be a bit pricey. You can hail one from the street, but apps make it easy to book a ride and are especially helpful during busy times. Taxi fares are based on distance, time, and tariff (which varies depending on the time of day or week). Tipping isn’t required, but rounding up to the nearest pound is common. It is always worth asking a taxi driver how much they think a fare will be before you get in, and ensure they turn the meter on, rather than 'winging it'. You don't want to be surprised with a fare on the other end, when it's too late to change your mind!

Rideshare services like Uber are also available, which tend to be cheaper. It is worth bearing in mind that rideshare prices tend to change depending on the busyness of the period or the number of cars being hired in a particular area. These are a good option for late nights, or if you’re looking to avoid the hassle of finding a black cab, or prefer to know the exact price before you ride.

By Bike

London is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, and cycling is a fun, active way to see the city. TfL operates the Santander Cycles bike-share program, with docking stations all around central London. For just a few pounds, you can rent a bike and ride between attractions, enjoying dedicated bike lanes and scenic routes for an entire day.

On foot

London is a very walkable city, and exploring on foot is a great way to get a feel for the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Many popular attractions are within close proximity, so you can easily walk between landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, and Trafalgar Square. Historic neighborhoods like Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, and Soho are also close enough to explore in a day.

Walking allows you to take in all the little details and gives you the freedom to stop and enjoy unexpected finds. London’s streets are generally safe during the day, but be mindful of traffic and use the crossings.

By Plane

Most international travellers arrive in London by air, typically via one of the city’s six major airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Stansted, Luton, and Southend. Heathrow and London City are closest to central London, while Gatwick is a major hub for international arrivals.

Getting a taxi to London from the airport might feel like an easy option, but it can be a lot more expensive. Plus, all airports have straightforward rail connections to Central London, and tickets for these can be purchased online in advance or on the day from manned booths or machines at airport train stations. 

By Train

If you're arriving from another part of the UK or Europe, trains are a convenient option. London’s major stations – Waterloo, King’s Cross, Victoria, Paddington and Euston – are well-connected via both the Tube and local buses.

The Eurostar from Paris and Brussels arrives at St. Pancras International, making it a popular choice for travellers coming from Europe.