Anglophiles will find much to appreciate here — from iconic monuments and pub culture, to English slang and an upbeat, dynamic atmosphere.
London lies along the River Thames in southeastern England and is a major economic center. Residents take public transit, taxis and trains to get around. Keep in mind that Londoners drive on the left side of the road.
1. The Underground
The London Underground (commonly referred to as “the Tube”) is one of the oldest and largest metro systems worldwide, operating 11 lines connecting 270 stations over 11 boroughs of Camden and Westminster with over one billion passengers per year. Run by Transport for London (TfL), which also manages bus networks and Docklands Light Railway lines across London; TfL also oversees this massive transportation system spanning 11 lines that connect over 270,000 stations annually.
The Metropolitan Underground began service in 1863, making history by becoming the world’s first underground train service operating around London streets. While its early steam locomotives generated lots of smoke that made tunnels and stations smell unpleasant, electric traction allowed trains to traverse them without emitting smoke or steam emissions – eventually eliminating this problem entirely by the 1900s.
TfL currently operates the Tube, making it safe to travel at any time day or night. Weekday rush hour trains may become very crowded but generally run on schedule; to use the Tube safely make sure your Oyster card is charged before entering a station; also be kind and offer your seat to elderly, pregnant or disabled passengers as a form of good manners.
The London Underground (known as “the Tube”) is divided into nine zones and its fare increases as you move farther from Central London. Students on our programs typically travel within zones 1 and 2, so any extra charges are minimal. Nearly every station on the Tube features electronic signs displaying which lines to board as well as where their trains are headed; additionally, maps of the entire system are often posted inside every station.
2. Buses
Buses provide an ideal way to explore the sights of a city, especially if you prefer an intimate experience. While not as fast as underground travel, buses provide the opportunity for casual conversations among passengers as well as breathtaking panoramic views from their top deck. If you plan on traveling by bus, we suggest purchasing a travelcard or Oyster card before your journey. With one, you can tap-on and off as you wish without needing exact change every time or purchasing tickets; plus it provides discounts off journeys! TfL provides more information through their website or popular apps such as Citymapper or Google Maps, while when travelling by bus be sure to secure your valuables and offer your seat to elderly or pregnant passengers – eating is not allowed on public transportation!
Many major bus lines, unlike London Underground services, operate 24/7. These 24-hour services can usually be identified by adding “N” in front of their regular route number; for example bus 15 becomes N15 after dark. Local bus routes outside of London have their own color schemes and may or may not accept London fares even within it.
Taxis can be an affordable and convenient means of travel, though they can be pricey. There are apps such as Uber and Bolt which allow users to calculate how much their trip will cost; additionally you can book private taxi services such as Sixt or Blacklane; taxi fares are charged using meters so it is wise to ask your driver for an upfront quote of your fare cost.
3. Trams
London’s trams may not be as widely-spread, but they still offer scenic rides through parts of the city. Along with London’s underground and bus lines, a network of trains also covers most points within its boundaries. Furthermore, both Emirates Air Line and Thames Clippers provide breath-taking water views to passengers during their travels.
Visiting or living in the UK? A car may not be your best bet for getting around; British drivers drive on the left side of the road and traffic can often become congested; parking space may also be difficult to come by. London has an impressive public transport system which is often much better for getting around.
Metro and bus systems in London are designed for easy navigation. A comprehensive map can assist with finding your way through various fare zones, while Oyster cards offer time and cost savings when using public transit services. A travel pass may also provide discounts across all forms of transport for an upfront payment fee.
Trams have been operating in London since 1860. At first, horse-drawn trams were utilized, but over time these were gradually replaced with electric vehicles and eventually retired during World War I. Today only South London still features tram services.
Docklands Light Railway will operate along routes north and south of the River Thames. However, due to peak hours when metro and bus services become crowded and costly for passengers, it would be wiser to avoid travelling during these periods altogether. Children 5 years or under travel free but all must present their Oyster card or ticket upon boarding.
4. Taxis
London taxis (or hackney carriages) are famously recognised all around the world for their timeless black hue and traditional, old-fashioned chassis design. Historically, these vehicles operated as part of a regulated service – you can hail one down simply by waving your arm in front of one with its illuminated taxi light illuminated; metered fares were set and managed by TfL, London’s official public transport body.
If you prefer, Uber and Bolt apps offer another convenient option to reserve taxis ahead of time, showing exactly how much each ride will cost before entering. They’re especially useful for tourists!
Additionally to traditional black cabs, there are other specialized vehicles such as those capable of accommodating wheelchairs and disabled passengers – these vehicles bear the TX4 designation.
Drivers of these vehicles are provided with intensive training on the most accessible routes within the city and must pass an intensive certification course known as “the Knowledge” to drive these vehicles legally.
Taxis in London must comply with a maximum turning circle requirement of 25ft, making for an incredibly tight turn compared to typical American sedans. According to legend, this tight turn was created so they could navigate their way around the roundabout at Savoy Hotel’s entrance.
Drivers of all taxi types in London must obtain a Transport for London passenger licence – similar to what bus operators require – prior to operating a cab for hire in the capital city. While taxis in the US are privately owned, London taxis must obtain permission from TfL before carrying passengers for hire, with passenger fares used to cover licensing, maintenance and operating costs; TfL previously received direct funding from central government but this has gradually decreased as TfL works towards becoming self-sustainable.
5. Trains
London serves as the focal point of Britain’s extensive rail network, offering easy journeys from here to other grand cities. Not only is taking a train a much greener and often faster mode of transportation than driving or flying; scenic rail trips make getting from A to B an enjoyable experience while providing views of England’s spectacular landscapes and historic sites that make this country so alluring to explore.
London boasts several local train networks beyond its ubiquitous Tube system, such as London Overground and National Rail services. These smaller trains often serve neighborhoods around London without forcing passengers to switch trains; unlike buses however, these trains can be paid for using either Oyster cards or contactless payment cards.
Docklands Light Railway, commonly referred to as DLR, is a fast automated rail system servicing London Docklands in eastern and southern London. Like other rail systems, this one utilizes similar payment options and features a color coded map similar to those seen on Tube stations.
TfL operates two specialized train services along the Thames: London River Cruise and Thames Clippers, which can both be accessed using Oyster or contactless cards and are often more frequent and more affordable than Tube service.
No matter which form of public transit you decide on in London, remember the rules of etiquette and respect other passengers. While it might be tempting to shout your destination across to other commuters on a crowded Tube car, this is considered poor manners and should be avoided at all costs. Also make sure that an empty seat remains available for families or elderly passengers who may require it more than you.