London is a very large city that offers excellent transportation options. Because of this, the sprawling city is pretty simple to navigate. If visiting for a short time or longer, using public transportation is critical to spend less time walking, and more time seeing the amazing sights. Our tips allow anyone to use these transportation options in London with confidence!
Read more: How to spend three days in London
London transportation overview
London transportation can be daunting for a first time traveler to this city. There are many Tube (Underground) lines, seemingly endless bus routes, and constant traffic. All of this may lead you to believe that walking is the only choice. While the numbers do confirm the sheer size of the transportation system, it’s possible for anyone to become a pro.
London Underground
The Underground is a series of subway routes running beneath the streets of London. The ‘Tube’ as it is commonly called, contains 11 lines and 272 stations twisting through London. Each line runs either north to south or east to west and some stops share multiple of these. Because of this, many stops will get you to different places!
Due to the plethora of stops, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. We highly recommend planning out stops on your favorite maps application before departing your accommodation. Select the public transportation option and the map application will break down what stops to get on and off at. Additionally, it will also state what line to take and the departure times.
Oyster Cards
The first step in riding the Tube is getting an ‘Oyster Card‘. The Oyster Card is an electronic pass that is designed to badge in and out of the stations. It is a prepaid card that can be topped off as you go. To top it off, head to one of the many Oyster Card machines located in the station and follow its instructions. Be prepared to pay a one-time fee of $6 to activate the card, but never fear – save the card and bring it on future trips to avoid paying the fee again! After the funds are loaded on the card, you are ready to swipe and enter the Underground. Expect to pay around $4 for each one way trip on the Tube. Prices increase further away from the city center.
All of the lines display the end destination rather than what stations it will be stopping at along the way. As an example, if taking the Jubilee line to the London Bridge stop, it will display the final stop instead of London Bridge. Make sure to prepare so you don’t miss the right stop and end up further down the line!
After two or three times of taking the Tube, it will start to become less of a challenge. Remember to rely on your phone in the beginning and it will become easier as each trip progresses. If you don’t plan on having data turned on, make sure to take screenshots of the route beforehand so you can easily pull up the pictures. We have visited London countless times, and still open up our maps application or take a screenshot to display where we are going and what lines to follow.
London buses
Some of the most iconic photos of London feature this significant piece of public transportation – the red double-decker bus. The bus system operates nearly 700 routes servicing approximately 19,000 stops! These staggering numbers might make you immediately disinterested in the bus system but just like the Tube, after using the bus a few times, it’ll become pretty straightforward.
The bus system operates with passengers using the Oyster Card, just as the Tube does. The price for a one way ride on the bus is about $2 – half the cost of the Tube, but can take substantially longer depending on traffic and where your destination is. Simply walk on to the bus and tap the card in the appropriate spot. Try and grab a seat on the second deck to get better views of London!
We continue to recommend your favorite map application for bus rides. Similar to the Tube routes, the public transportation option on your app lists the bus number that needs to be taken. The stops are also highlighted, which is significantly more important for the bus. While the Underground has famous stops (Westminster, Canary Wharf, etc.), the stops for the buses are less known and not as well advertised. Continue to follow maps and you’ll be on your way!
Taxi and Rideshare
The last piece of transportation (aside from walking of course!) involves taxis and rideshare apps. Hail a taxi on the street or order one from your phone to get to your destination. While we do not always recommend it, sometimes the convenience and ease a taxi offers is the best option. There is basically always traffic in London, so plan on this mode potentially taking the longest and being the priciest.
If ordering a taxi in a rideshare app, download FREENOW. In the United Kingdom and across much of Europe, FREENOW has the most drivers and fastest pick up times. This app is comparable to Uber or Lyft.
Conclusion
With so many routes and stops, London transportation can appear to be extremely overwhelming for the first time visitor. Utilizing your mobile maps application and always carrying your Oyster Card will make traveling much simpler and significantly reduces any issues that can be encountered navigating London. After a few trips on the bus and Tube, you will feel like a local in this wonderful city!
This was super helpful! Public transit in a different country sounds daunting, but you guys made it seem so simple. I’m excited to get my Oyster card and travel all around London!