London is a well-connected city, with plenty of public transport options for visitors who want to explore. While renting a private car can be expensive, there are plenty of ways to save money while getting around the city. This article provides an overview of London's public transport network, including the Tube, buses, trains, trams and cable cars. It also covers the different zones, prices, trip planners and other useful information. The best way to get around London is by public transport.
The Tube () London Underground System is the most popular option. In addition to the subway, London's public transport also includes an extensive bus network, a subway, a TFL train, a tram and even a cable car. It's best to avoid driving and parking a car in and around central London due to traffic and congestion rates. London is divided into nine transport zones. The zones start in central London, in zone 1, and extend to some areas of Essex and Hertfordshire.
Prices increase as you move from one area to another. The Transport for London (TFL) trip planner makes planning a route a lot easier. All you need is your starting station and your destination station. The trip planner gives you the price, estimated time and route of your trip. It includes walking times, transfers and will notify you of any delays or closures.
It even says which mode of public transport is best. Alternatively, use the underground transportation map to find out which subway lines and stations you need. There are 12 subway lines, in addition to 5 other transport lines indicated on the underground transport map. Each line is represented with a different color and pattern. The colors make it very easy to decipher your trip on the map.
It's also worth noting that the subway is an attraction in its own right. Most of the stations outside the center are actually above ground. However, in the city, many of the lines are so underground that they were used as bomb shelters during World War II. It's impressive to be at the end or end of the steep escalators of the Piccadilly line at Leicester Square station, for example. Although the subway can be intimidating, especially during rush hours, take a moment during your trip to take a look around you. You might be surprised at how beautiful the subway is. Without an Oyster or contactless card, individual fares within metro zone 1 cost £5.50 at any time.
It's much cheaper to use a contactless card or Oyster. See the How to pay for public transport in London section of this post for more details. Many lines offer reduced service on Sundays. Trains continue to run fairly regularly on the main lines of central London. If you are going to travel beyond zone 1, it is advisable to check the schedules or the trip planner. If you need to transfer lines, know the name or color of the line you need to change it to.
When the train arrives, look on the walls and above the exits for signs that indicate the way to the transfer line. If there are no signs above the exit corridor, this normally means that the passage only leads to the exit of the station. Once you leave the station gates, you'll have to pay another fee to return to the station. If you can't find your transfer line, ask for help before leaving the doors. Most metro stations with multiple exits to the street have well-marked attractions. If you're leaving a station and you're not sure where you are, look for a street map. They are usually located near station exits and main street corners.
Londoners use the left side of escalators to walk and sometimes run up and down to their trains. Those who prefer to stand, stay to the right. It's good etiquette to let go of those who are going faster than you. You'll hear and see this announcement (over and over again) as you travel on the London train system. Some stations have significant space between the train and the platform. It's easy to hurt yourself if you don't pay attention. The London Underground has Wi-Fi at 260 stations.
This service is only free for certain UK mobile phone networks. Others must purchase a Wi-Fi pass to use the network. If you need to avoid steps while moving around London, it's important to plan ahead. Transport for London is working hard to make more transport accessible and step-free, but they still have a long way to go. On the standard subway map, stations are marked for easy wheelchair access. However, the TFL website has a detailed page that explains different options including a “no-step” tube guide.
An alternative option to subway are buses which are equipped with ramps...
