Getting around London: Your Essential Guide

London is one of Europe’s largest and most populous cities, encompassing over 600 square miles (1,500 square km) and home to more than 9 million people. Getting around London might seem daunting—especially for first-time visitors. But its well-developed transport system makes navigating London surprisingly manageable. 

Whether you're a first-timer or a frequent visitor, this guide will help you get around London like a local, giving you more time to explore and less time spent staring at Google Maps. 

Taking London’s Public Transport

Transport for London (TfL), the responsible government body, runs an efficient and affordable public transport network. Google Maps remains the best application for journey planning, but the TfL Go App is the most up-to-date resource for checking line closures and service alterations. 

The London Underground (aka The Tube)

The London Tube is the main artery of London’s transit system, accommodating more than 5 million passengers daily. But because it operates very regular services, and is spread out across 11 lines and 272 stations, the Tube never feels overwhelmingly overcrowded. 

Generally, London Underground trains run from 5 am until midnight from Monday to Saturday. Some lines operate a “Night Tube” during weekends, accommodating revellers exploring London’s nightlife, and hours are reduced on Sundays. The best way to see if your tube is running is to consult the TFL website. The easiest way to pay for the London Underground is by tapping your contactless bank card at the turnstiles of your first station and tapping out at your last. (Failure to tap out means you’ll be charged the maximum fare).

Fares vary according to the time of travel and the zone(s) you are travelling through. Here’s a handy table setting out fares for the London Underground until March 2025.  

Table of London Underground Fares until March 2025. Image credit: London Toolkit

At some stations you have to go deep underground, so remember that London’s escalators have strict etiquette: stand on the right and walk on the left. otherwise, you’ll be subjected to passive-aggressive “tutting” and copious rolled eyes. 🙄

Oh, and “Mind the Gap.” 

Download the London Underground Map

London’s Buses

London’s red double-decker buses are among the city’s most recognisable icons, rivalled only by its red post boxes and phone booths. Unlike the latter, however, the city’s buses are still very much in service and offer an attractive and affordable way of getting around London. 

Most of the fleet has admittedly been modernised, but this makes for a more comfortable—and eco-friendly—travel experience. Bus fares are reasonable, but vary according to which zones you travel through. You can pay contactless by tapping your card or mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay among others) on the bus’s yellow card reader. Make sure you tap out with the same payment device when getting off the bus or you might be charged the maximum fare. 

Some bus routes are great for sightseeing. Starting at Victoria, Route 24 passes many attractions in the centre, including Westminster Cathedral and Abbey, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square and Camden Town before finishing at Hampstead Heath. Route 9 takes you through some of London’s richest areas, including the Strand, Trafalgar and Knightsbridge (home to Harrods). London also has an extensive Night Bus network that runs throughout the night. 

See Central London’s Key Bus Routes

London Rail (Overground, DLR, and National Rail Services)

London’s rail network encompasses more than just the Underground. The London Overground train network connects many suburban areas, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) provides easy access to Canary Wharf and East London, and National Rail trains connect greater London with the rest of the UK through stations like London Euston, King’s Cross, Paddington and Waterloo. 

Visitors staying outside the city (or wanting to do some sightseeing) might want to arm themselves with a National Rail Day Travelcard, which combines rail and Tube access. Be aware that there are several types of travel cards, from Anytime passes and Off-Peak passes to Group Off-Peak passes for groups of 10 or more. 

Thames River Services

Travelling by boat along the River Thames offers a scenic way to see London from below. Uber Bolt’s Thames Clippers boat runs the length of the river, stopping at 24 piers from Putney Pier in the West and Barking Riverside Pier in the East. 

Thames Clipper Route map. Getting around London by boat can be a truly unique experience!

As with other public transport in London, you must make sure that your ticket is valid for the zone(s) you’re travelling through. For example, if you’re boarding at Chelsea Harbour (West Zone) and disembarking at Millbank (Central Zone), you’ll need a West and Central ticket. The easiest way to do this is to tap off with your payment card when disembarking at the pier. 

Bike and Scooter Sharing in London

Cycle around London with Bike and e-Bike Shares

If you’re ready for a more active approach, the Santander Cycles scheme is a fantastic option. You’ll find more than 120,000 city and electric bikes at 800 docking stations throughout inner and central London. Cycling is also a cost-effective way of getting around London, with 24 hours of unlimited 30-minute rides starting from just £3 per day. 

Download the Santander Cycles app

Private Transport in London

Taxis and Uber

London’s black cabs are famous for a reason—their drivers know the streets like the back of their hands, having had to complete a rigorous exam called “The Knowledge of London” to receive their licence. This test of London’s topography usually takes around 3 years and tests their knowledge of every street, route, and landmark in the city. 

London’s taxis can be a bit pricey, and rideshares like Uber and Bolt are becoming increasingly popular as budget-friendly alternatives. But if you want an authentic experience of getting around London with a local cabbie who has earned their stars, consider hailing one of London’s black cabs. 

Fares for London's taxis and minicabs. Image from Transport for London (TfL)

Top Tips for Getting around London 

Walk when you can, especially in the centre

London’s charm truly shines when explored on foot. Walking between neighbourhoods like Soho, Covent Garden, South Bank and Whitechapel reveals hidden gems and side-street delights. For visitors eager to walk and explore, the free Citymapper app is a game-changer for planning walking routes through London’s winding streets.

Pay contactless if staying for a short time

To make the most of your journeys, use a contactless credit/debit card or mobile payment app for all transport modes. If you’re planning on staying in London for a longer period of time, consider investing in an Oyster Card.

Avoid travelling during peak times

Try to avoid the morning rush hour (7:30 am - 9:30 am) and the afternoon rush hour (5 pm - 7 pm). Not only will this make getting around London a more pleasant experience but it will also save you money on fares.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do tickets work for London Zones?

Your travel ticket must be valid for all the zones you travel through.

What is the best way to get around in London as a tourist?

The London Underground (Tube) is generally the fastest way to traverse London’s bustling city centre. For leisurely sightseeing, hop on a red bus, or, if you want a unique view of the skyline, consider a Thames Clipper service. 

What’s the cheapest way to get around London?

Public buses are one of the cheapest options, with a daily cap using an Oyster or contactless card, which also applies across buses and the Tube. For short distances, walking is free and offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities! If using public transportation to travel between any two stations on the London Underground, Elizabeth Line, DLR, or National Rail, you can calculate your fare in advance with TfL’s fare finder.

Is London’s public transport safe?

Yes, London’s transport system is widely regarded as safe, with visible security and CCTV throughout. Travelling at off-peak times and sticking to main routes, especially at night, is recommended for a smooth experience.

Explore London with Carpe Diem Tours

Our London Tours offer the most authentic way to explore the UK capital. Our licensed guides are tested and trusted on TripAdvisor, and we’ve selected them because of their passion for their city.

🍲 Feeling peckish? Get a real taste of London on our Borough Market Food tour.

🍻 Looking to meet other travellers on a fun night out? Check out our London Tipsy Tour.

🪄 Heed the summons of the Ministry of Magic by joining our Harry Potter Walking Tour.

🗡️ Want to immerse yourself in Whitechapel's dark history? Join our investigative Jack the Ripper Tour.