EN | USD

Deals

Support

Getting Around London, England

Globetrotter

29 May 2023 - 5 min read

London offers various world-class tourism themes for its tourists, from historical tourist sites to romantic tourist attractions and even UNESCO's world heritage sites. Though London was once nicknamed "The Smoke City" due to its smoky air, it now has one of the cleanest atmospheres of any major city.

This city also has the best transportation infrastructure in the world, making it easy to explore the city. Below are some transportation options in London that can take you around during a vacation.

Public Transportation Card in London

If you're visiting London, using the Oyster Card for public transportation can make getting around much easier. With this card, you won't have to worry about buying tickets every time you ride the bus or train.

The Oyster Card is cheaper than buying tickets at the station, and you can save up to 50% or more with this card. The fare is determined by the shortest distance you travel. For example, If you spend between £7 to £8 in a day on your Oyster Card, you can ride for free on the rest of your trips that day. If you spend £8 or more in a day, you can ride for free on the rest of that day's trips.

To get an Oyster Card, you can either go to a London tube station or order one online here. Card prices start at £5 and can be refilled at station ticket machines.

Transportation in London

Bus

Information: You may already be familiar with the iconic red double-decker buses in London. This transportation is very easy to find in London, with the operational hour from 05:00 AM until late at night. The bus system has the widest coverage in the world.

Route: There are 675 bus routes with thousands of bus stops both inside and outside the city of London.

Fares: Riding the bus costs £2 to £3 and is valid for up to 1 hour of travel.

Tips: Check the route and bus stops on the map. For payment, tap your card when boarding and exiting and press the red button to request a stop.

Docklands Light Railway (DLR)

Information: Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is a train without machinists in London. This train runs automatically according to its schedules and route. The route also includes other railway tracks. As it is automated, this train only stops at stations according to its schedule.

Route: The DLR has 12 main stations that connect central London.

Fares: Fares range from £2 to £3 depending on the zone.

Tips: Check the departure schedule and the station before riding the DLR.

Overground

Information: London also has another train system called Overground. The Overground rail system runs above ground and has a wider network, including routes outside the city. It operates 24/7 with frequent service every 10-15 minutes. There are 50 stations connecting throughout London.

Fares: Fares range from £2 to £5 depending on the zone.

Tips: Check the route and path before riding the Overground.

Tube

Information: The Tube is London's underground electric train system that has fewer routes than the Overground. Its 11 lines operate 24 hours, connecting across central London.

Fares: Fares cost around £3 to £5 depending on the zone.

Tips: Get on and off at the station nearest your destination. Check the route map and schedule in advance.

Train

Information: You can use the train to travel to tourist locations outside London. The route is longer because it serves trips outside the city across the UK and Europe.

Fares: Fares range from £10 to £15 depending on the destination.

Tips: Check the schedule for your destination city in advance.

Tram

Information: Similar to some cities in Europe, London has a tram service that provides a relaxed way to travel around the city. The tram route can take you to various important locations in the city center, and it's also simpler than the bus route.

Fares: One-way fares range from around £2 to £3.

Tips: To ride a tram, use an Oyster Card. If you don't have one, buy a ticket at the station.

Rent a Bike

Information: London’s bike share system allows you to rent bikes using an Oyster card and return them to any docking station.

Fares: The daily rental fee is around £10.

Tips: Remember to return the bicycle within 24 hours to avoid late fees up to £160.

Rickshaw

Information: Rickshaw is a traditional London transportation that you can use to tour the city. You find this type of transportation in Southeast Asia. This transportation allows you to explore and enjoy London views on your vacation.

Fares: Fares range from around £5 to 10£ depending on the distance or route.

Tips: To book a rickshaw and enjoy this mode of transportation, visit London Rickshaws.

Taxi

Information: One of the characteristics of a taxi in London is the black taxi. London’s black taxis can take you anywhere you need to go, and drivers can also provide information about attractions along your route.

Fares: Taxi fares in London range from £20 to £50 depending on the distance and time of the trip.

Tips: Flag down a taxi on the street to hire one.

Boat

Information: Take a riverboat for a unique view of London. Boat services run between Putney and Greenwich, stopping near Central London stations.

Fares: Fares range from around £10 to £20 for a one-way trip.

Tips: Negotiate with boat operators for the best fare.

In summary, London offers numerous transportation options for a comfortable vacation. To get a comfortable vacation, you can choose which transportation you like.

Don't forget to download the Traveloka app to book flight tickets, book hotels, in London all in one application.

Book a Flight to London Here