Getting Around London

Travel Within London

Buses and underground (tube) services operate all week from about 6 am - 12.30 am depending on the individual route. For more information call London Travel Information 020 7222 1234 If you plan to make several trips on any one day or use the underground frequently, it's more convenient and cheaper to buy a travelcard. these cards are available for one three or seven days from stations, some newsagents and from some countries they can be purchased online in advance from www.tfl.gov.uk

There are 6 travel zones on the underground and the cards are bought according to where you need to travel to. They entitle you to travel on tubes, buses, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and trams. Travelcards purchased for use before 09.30 are more expensive. You can also buy bus passes allowing unlimited travel within London.

Another alternative is the Oyster Card. This is a travel smart card for use on tubes, buses, DLR, and trams, where you credit an ammount of money to it and each time you travel you swipe the card and the cheapest fare is deducted from the balance. Once the total number of journeys reaches the daily cap allowed, any further travel is free. This is an ideal solution for frequent nd returning visitors as there is time limit on the card and you just top it up when needed. It can also be purchased from some countries via the internet, otherwise it is available from stations and newsagents.

On Foot

Many attractions are close enough together to be visited on foot, so if you have the time why not stroll through the streets and soak up the atmosphere. Although many Londoners choose to ignore them, it's probably best to use designated crossings, whether zebra or pelican, because pedestrians have priority.

Some areas beyond the city centre are unsafe after dark, so if you find yourself in such an area at the wrong time, try to stick to the main streets wherever possible.

Taxi

At most mainline rail terminals there is usually a taxi rank, or you can hail a black cab in the street. An orange light is lit up when the taxi is free; remember that demand exceeds supply when there is a sudden downpour, strike, or in the rush hour. There is a charge when booking by phone and costs are according to fixed metered rates, with surcharges for distances over six miles, two or more passengers, evening journeys and extra baggage .

There are also licensed mini cabs/chauffeur cars which are identified by a yellow diamond sticker in the front and back windows. On no account should you get into any car without a sticker or a car that approaches you or touts for business. If in doubt call Transport for London24 hr information line on 020 7222 1234

To use Transport for London's text service Cabwise just text HOME to 60835 to get one taxi number and two local, licensed minicab numbers sent directly to your phone. Texts are charged at 35p per enquiry plus standard network charges.