Getting Around London

So, you have your itinerary decided. The next question is, how do I get there? There are several ways to travel around London, each with its own pros and cons.

The TUBE

About 3 million people ride the London Underground, also called the Tube, everyday. Choosing the Tube can be your best option for travel, if you plan ahead. Give yourself plenty of time. Expect long lines and delays during peak hours; and don't forget, once you have reached your stop, you may still have to walk a few blocks to your destination. Click on the Tube icon and you will be taken directly to the London Tube Homepage. Here you will find invaluable safety information, a journey planner, a map of city zones you can download, as well as a table of the busiest stations and their peak hours. There is a section as well on ticket information. Most fares range from £1.30 to £4, depending on where in the city you want to go. Unfortunately, the Tube does not run on a 24 hour schedule. Some things to keep in mind:

1. Keep your belongings in your sight at all times. The cramped quarters of a subway car make it easy for pickpockets to snatch a wallet.
2. Stand clear of closing doors.
3. Mind the Gap! The gap is the space (about 1 foot) from the edge of the station platform to the subway car.
4. Let passengers off the train before boarding.
5. And perhaps most importantly - pay attention to the signs!! Trust me, it is not fun getting on the right train going in the wrong direction, or missing your stop because you were too busy watching the toddler pick her nose. Precious time can be saved by looking at the zone maps located at each stop and making sure the train you are about to board is going in the correct direction.

DOUBLE DECKER BUSES

Another cheap and reliable way to travel throughout the city is by taking the bus. Bus fare is generally around £1.20 and the bus usually follows the same route as the Tube. There are also night buses and 24 hour buses. Night Buses can be recognized by the prefix ‘N’ in front of the route number. Routes sometimes differ from day services so check the service timetable, which appears in blue at bus stops. Buses which run a 24-hour service are indicated at bus stops and on timetables by the symbol . Another pro of taking the bus? The double decker buses allow for an excellent sight-seeing experience.

CABS

Cabs are another option for traveling out and about. They are your best options at night when traveling alone or with a small group of friends, and your destination cannot be reached by bus. Biggest pro of the cab? All licensed taxi drivers in the Capital must have an in depth knowledge of the road network and places of interest in London - also called the 'Knowledge'. For all would-be London drivers, this means that they need to have a detailed knowledge of London within a six mile radius of Charring Cross. Suburban drivers need to have a similarly detailed knowledge of their chosen sector. What does this mean to the tourist? The cab driver basically knows where EVERYTHING in London is (roughly 320 routes), even if you don't. However, keep in mind London is one of the largest and busiest capital cities in the world. That means heavy traffic congestion. A short jaunt of 10 blocks could take an hour in a cab during rush hour. There is a £2.20 minimum fare at all times. Fares within Greater London depend on the time of day, distance traveled and taxi speed, and are displayed on the meter.

BY FOOT

Walking to your destination offers you a chance to really absorb the sights, sounds, and even smells of the London streets. If you don't have far to go or are not in a big hurry to get there, I would suggest walking. It gives you a chance to see some amazing architecture, gives you an opportunity to meet people, and there are hundreds of small little boutiques and out-of-the-way pubs that you might otherwise miss. If you get lost, use it as an opportunity to explore. You won't regret it. You'll never know what you might find...