easiest way to travel in london

Getting around London: an easy guide for first time visitors (2024)

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From tubes to buses to boats to black cabs, figuring out the most efficient and cheapest ways to get around London can be daunting if you’re not familiar with the city.

I’ve lived and worked and studied and commuted into London after moving from the US to London for the past 7 years, so I’ve got all the answers you’re looking for!

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The Absolute Must-Knows (from a Londoner)

• 😍 Cheapest Way to See it All: Get the London Pass here (yes, it’s worth it)
• 🎭 Cheapest site for West End theatre tickets: London Theatre Direct
• 🚕 Cheapest and most reliable airport transfer service: Welcome Pickups
• 🚉 Cheapest Way to Book Train and Bus Tickets: Omio
• 🔌 Most Reliable Adapter for UK Plugs: This one

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

The Best Ways to Get Around London

First, before telling you where to buy tickets, let’s talk about the best ways to get around London for visitors.

Whether you’re going to check out these quirky things in London or bringing the kids to London’s best toddler-friendly attractions , this is how to get there!

This doesn’t include tours or hop-on, hop-off buses, but actual transportation that both tourists and Londoners use to get around.

🛎 Still looking for somewhere to stay in London?

My favorite hotel in London for all visitors is the Strand Palace ( click here to check prices ). ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Tube or the London Underground

The London Underground , or “The Tube” as it’s more commonly known, is the most popular way to get around London for visitors (and for locals).

The city is divided into different zones, which affects how much a single journey is, but the tube itself covers all of London that a visitor could possibly want to see, and it connects up directly to Heathrow Airport.

Visitors like the tube for its safety, ease of figuring out the map, and iconic London status.

To me, this is the top way to get around in London and the one I use most often, which is why it’s at the top of this list.

IMPORTANT: are you coming to the UK from abroad?

In case you’re reading this from outside the UK and will be a foreign visitor here, you need to know these 2 things to stay safe and save money.

• Travel insurance – you need it when going overseas! I use this site to get the best quotes and purchase my packages from. Do not skip this – having medical coverage abroad as well as other coverage in case of missed flights, lost luggage, etc is essential. As I said, I have never gone wrong using this site .
• International debit cards without fees – do not get stuck paying extortionate foreign fees when using your card abroad (and the UK is almost all card these days). I use the Wise debit and travel card which you can apply and learn more about here .

London Buses

One of the most surprising things to visitors is that double decker red buses aren’t just tourist buses.

They’re real, functioning London buses that Londoners use to go from place to place.

The bus system in London is extensive, and this can be a good way of traveling when you want to see the sites out your window instead of going underground.

The downside of buses are that you can get stuck in London traffic, which the Underground doesn’t have to deal with (though of course the Underground gets very busy so you’re dealing with the traffic of people to get through rather than cars!)

There are also 24 hour buses, which is convenient if you miss the last tube back towards your accommodation.

To use a bus, you can check the app Citymapper or Google Maps (clicking the Public Transportation Option) to see which bus stop you need to go to and which number bus you need to get.

Once waiting, you should make sure someone puts their hand out to let the bus know you want to get on.

Often in London there will be plenty of other people needing to get on so you won’t have to worry about being the one to do this, but in case you find yourself alone at a stop, it’s good to know.

When the bus arrives at your stop, you will enter via the front door usually while others depart from the back door to keep it one steady stream of people.

National Rail Trains

If you want to go somewhere like London to Watford to see the Harry Potter Studio Tour or maybe Great Missenden, which inspired many of Roald Dahl’s stories, you will need to get a train (an actual train, not a tube train).

The prices on these vary depending on when you’re going and at what time, but the best site to use to look up the routes and prices is called Trainline – click here to explore Trainline .

You can buy tickets ahead of time online and print them out, or sometimes you will order them online and then collect them at the station, or you can always buy on the day at the station.

I would recommend buying as soon as possible if you’re traveling outside of greater London, however, because prices may go up and can be expensive on the day.

For popular routes, ie from the airports, read more below.

Black cabs are an iconic part of London life and seeing them in the streets is something that every visitor wants to remember.

London without black cabs would be like New York without yellow taxis.

And if you want to take one a short distance just to say you’ve done it, go right ahead.

I would caution you against using them as a main route of transport or a way to travel long distances however, as black cabs are more expensive than other car transfer options, usually.

However, to hail one you can simply put your arm out and wave towards them if you see that the yellow light is “on” on top of the taxi.

If it’s off, that means someone else is using the taxi.

If you’ve used Uber elsewhere in the world, then you can just transfer your knowledge of this app over to London as Uber does operate in central London.

For many Londoners, this is the perfect way to get around within the city if they do not have the mobility to use the tube or buses or if they are carrying a lot of luggage that they don’t want to deal with on public transportation.

Keep in mind that you want to make sure you stay safe in London , so don’t get in any unmarked cars that don’t match the car you’ve booked.

Uber has also gotten more expensive in London in recent years, so it’s not always the most cost effective choice.

PreBooked Taxis

Another type of taxi service is a prebooked one that you cannot hail from a street corner and these are one of the best ways to get around London as a tourist.

Instead of needing to hail a taxi, you book using their app or online ahead of time, sort of a mix between the black cab model and Uber model.

I use them particularly for airport runs, as they offer the most competitive pricing from London airports to central London.

The one I use the most is called Welcome Pickups .

Unique London Transportation: River Boat

I include river boats because there are some people who “commute” on these, and sometimes they’re a great way to see London from a different angle while traveling from one London landmark to the next.

For instance, you can go from Westminster Pier (near Big Ben, Westminster Abbey) to the Tower of London by river boat.

River boat tickets are not too expensive about £6 a person and can be paid with Oyster card Pay-As-You-Go money.

You can also buy tickets at kiosks outside the piers if you don’t have an Oyster card.

Click here to see the timetables .

Best Way to Get Around in London: On Foot

When I first moved to London, I lost a lot of weight because I walked EVERYWHERE.

Not only because I was a poor college student, but because I found it more freeing to walk places than to get on a crowded underground or bus.

I walked miles and miles, all around town – to my classes, to the shop, to the bank.

Walking is a great way for visitors to see London, as well.

Use this handy walking map from Transport for London to see the walking distance between tube station to help you decide if you should just walk it, and make sure to use the standing maps on tons of corners to navigate your way around.

Getting around in London: Cycling

While it is possible to cycle in London and you can rent a bicycle called a “Boris bike” or “Santander bike” from various stands around the city, I wouldn’t recommend any cycling to visitors unless it’s simply through Hyde Park.

London traffic is just too insane, and especially if you’re coming from a country where you drive on the right and not the left like in England, it’s a recipe for disaster.

If you’re just visiting London, please for the love of all that is good in the world, do not rent a car.

Tons of people in London never ever learn how to drive because it’s not needed.

Save yourself.

Do not drive in London.

Want more London travel guides? Check these out!

• The Definitive London Packing List for Visitors
• Weather in London: a Visitor’s Guide
• The Best Time to Visit London: a Local’s Guide
• London on a Budget: How to Save Money in London
• Money in the UK: How to Pay for Things in London
• Exactly How Many Days to Spend in London: an Expert Guide
• How to Use the Tube in London: a Guide for Newbies
• What to Wear in London (How to Dress Like a Londoner)
• British Pub Etiquette: the must-read guide
• 49+ Expert London Travel Tips
• Visiting London with Anxiety: the ultimate guide

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

1 thought on “Getting around London: an easy guide for first time visitors (2024)”

What do you think of the citymapper pass? From what i read i can use it from inside the app and it seems more comfortable than using a card, also it’s a bit cheaper than a 7 days travelcard… We’ll stay at London for 8 days but will have only one ride on the first day, do you think the pass would be good or that purchasing 7 days travelcard is the best option?

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50 Best Travel Tips For First Time Visitors To London (2024 Review)

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole

London is one of the most iconic destinations in the world. If you enjoy travelling, you will inevitably find yourselves in London. If you are new to travel, you will quickly list London on your “must see” destination list. The draw of London is understandable. We all grew up hearing stories about the Queen and the antics of the royal family, or the architectural symbols of London, like Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Big Ben, or Westminister Abbey (to only name a few). Yet planning a trip to London can be an overwhelming task. London is a massive city that is expensive. However, there are ways to make it less complicated and less expensive. I’ve asked industry experts and frequent visitors to supply their best travel tips for first time visitors to London. Here are fifty of them.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you buy something through my site. This helps me run my website and produce the articles that I hope you find helpful.

Best Travel Tips For First Time Visitors To London

The best travel  tips  to London for first time visitors fall into several categories. Those include:

• How best to get around;
• Ways to save money;
• Where to stay;
• Where to eat;
• How to stay safe; and
• Best things to do.

There were a couple of areas that I received the same advice over and over again from different travel experts and locals. Those were:

• Stay in Central London;
• Take public transportation; and
• Walk, walk, and then walk more.

Those tips and others are laid out below and explained.

The Experts

The travel tips to London are from multiple sources.

First, I was born in England. Since leaving, I have returned as a tourist more than 20 times over the last 30 years. I’ve gone alone, with my husband, girlfriends, and even with my children. Each trip has been different and given me lots of exposure to different hotels and restaurants. In addition, it has taught me how to make the most out of my time and money.

Second, I have asked some of the best travel bloggers, industry experts and locals about their top tips for first time visitors to London. From my own personal experiences, I can tell you these are fantastic.

There are other destinations in the world that are just as expensive and overwhelming as London. 

New York City  is one of them. If you are travelling to New York soon and want to arrive prepared, take a look at  50 Best New York City Tips For First Time Visitors .

Las Vegas is another. Here are 50 Best Las Vegas Tips For First Time Visitors .

New Orleans is one of the most fascinating places to visit in the USA. It offers culture, cuisine and history that is a blend of French, African, Spanish and Creole. For a five day itinerary, take a look at this link . For travel tips for first time visitors, please see 40 Best Travel Tips For First Time Visitors To New Orleans .

Finally, just organizing and booking a trip can be overwhelming, especially a trip to London. I have written a comprehensive step by step process about how I go about planning a trip, in particular how I save money along the way. For more information about that, please see Planning A Holiday: A Foolproof Guide To Easy Vacation Planning.

Other Destinations In United Kingdom

If you hope to explore more of the UK, please see 23 Best Places to Visit In The UK In July and  22 Best Places To Visit In The UK in August.

Best Tips For First Time Visitors For Travel Within London

London is a fast paced, densely populated and exciting city. There are taxis, cars, buses, subways, trains, and lots of people almost everywhere. Knowing how best to get from one end of the city to the next as quickly and as cheaply as possible is an absolute must. Here are some of the best London tips for getting around.

London Airports

There is more than one airport servicing London. There are six. Those are Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, London City, Southend and Luton and they are located in vastly different locations. If you have a choice of flights landing in different airports, select one that offers the best (cheapest and fastest) public transportation to your accommodation.

Research Best Transportation From Airport Before Arriving

Ben from Tiny Little Changes recommends arriving at the airport prepared for the best, cheapest and fastest way to reach your accommodation.

“London’s public transport system is comprehensive, but mind-boggling complicated for the uninitiated. You can waste a bunch of money the moment you arrive in the country by choosing the wrong method of transport. For example, the Heathrow Express is fast, but very expensive. There’s an underground option (via the Piccadilly Line) that takes longer but costs far less, and may actually be more convenient, depending on where in London you’re staying. 

It’s well worth taking the time to research this before you leave. Standing jet-lagged and overwhelmed at a ticket machine, while dozens of Londoners sigh and curse behind you, is not the way to begin your London experience.”

Avoid Travel With Luggage During Rush Hour

Jessie from Pocket Wanderings recommends avoiding travelling with luggage on public transportation from 7:30 -9:30 am, and 17:00 – 19:00 (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm). You will be dodging exasperated locals and will be exhausted by the time you reach your lodging or the airport.

Take The Underground (aka Tube or Subway)

The Underground is the best way to get around the city. The underground system is safe, extensive and efficient and you avoid traffic. It is normally faster than Uber or taxi.

However, the Underground doesn’t run 24 hours or may have reduced hours on holidays. Accordingly, check the schedule before you organize your day.

Download Underground App

Nick from My UK Sim Card splits his time between the USA and London. He recommends downloading the Citymapper app to your phone and use it to navigate the public transportation system (the app gives detailed real-time step-by-step instructions).

Buy An Oyster Card

Payment for public transportation is contactless. Accordingly, make sure you buy an Oyster card for travel on trains and buses. It is easy to add credits to it and it is cheaper than buying single or return fares with other methods.

Steph from A Nomad Passport says, “With the card you just have to hold it against the reader as you enter stations and the system will automatically calculate your fare once you hold the card to another reader as you leave the station at your destination. There is a daily cap so you don’t have to worry about spending more money on your fare.”

You pay a deposit for the actual Oyster card (different from adding money for actual travel) so make sure you return it at a kiosk at an Underground station at the end of your trip to get your deposit returned.

Peak Vs. Off Peak Tickets

Jamie from Fat Tire Tours warns that you should make sure you pay attention to whether you have purchased Peak or Off Peak travel tickets. Travelling during peak hours with an off-peak ticket can be a costly affair if you are caught.

Buses Are Cheaper Than The Underground

A single London bus journey costs around £1.55 no matter the distance (unlike the Tube zone fare system). You can even take multiple buses within one hour at no extra charge. Plus, no matter how many buses or trams you take, it will never cost you more than approximately £4.65 a day. Just make sure you use the same payment option (Oyster Card, Travelcard, etc.) across every journey. Night buses run all night between the close of the Tube and the start of daytime bus services.

It is also a great way to see the city.

Avoid Underground If Have Strollers

Keri from Bon Voyage With Kids used to live in London with her three kids. She says, “If you are traveling with young kids or kids in strollers, take the bus, not the tube. Many of the tube stations have lots of stairs and not all of them have elevators. The busses have space for strollers (usually two at a time) and they don’t have to be broken down.”

Avoid Driving

London traffic is horrible and parking is expensive. In addition, they drive on the left side of the road – in other words opposite to the way that people drive in North America. This makes any kind of driving stressful and even dangerous.

Nick from My UK Sim Card says, “There are so many things to see and do. Around one corner could be a 400 year old pub. And around another could be the remains of some Roman empire building. Feel free to simply “get lost” in London, and you’ll be happy that you did.”

In addition, check walking distances between sites. One stop on the Underground might only be a few minutes walk. In other words, walking would be faster and cheaper than hopping back on the Tube.

Hannah from All About The Apres says, “Despite its size, the tourist centre of London is walkable and reasonably cycle-friendly. I lived in London for 7 years but it wasn’t until I switched to cycling for getting around the city that I realised how close together some of the underground stations are and how I could have saved thousands of pounds on public transport. If you are a confident cyclist you can rent the Santander Cycles to explore the parks and make use of the designated cycle lanes that weave through much of the city.”

Best Tips For Saving Money in London For First Time Visitors

London is expensive. Unfortunately, this is a reality that is largely hard to avoid. However, there are some very useful cost saving tips. Here are some of the best tips to save money in London.

Buy A London Pass

Samantha from S&A Getaway recommends purchasing a London Pass . You pay a one time fee (price per day decreases the more days that you purchase) and you get access to most major attractions in London with a skip the line ticket at no additional cost. Here is a London attractions map to see the benefits.

Samantha says, “The first time I came to London I was unaware of the pass and wasted so much money.  The second time I was in London I invested in the London Pass and went to so many more attractions than the first time because they started to become free after the first few attractions I went to.”

Visit Free Museums

Kimberley from Ready Aim Travel recommends going to the famous London museums and art galleries that offer free admission. This includes the British Museum, National Gallery or Natural History Museum, but there are far more.

There are other attractions that may charge admission but may have free days every month. Make sure you research that when you plan your time in London.

Carry Appropriate Identification

You may be eligible for student or seniors’ discounts so make sure you carry your student card or other photo identification with your date of birth. Don’t be afraid to ask if there are discounts.

Most cafe chains, such as Pret-a-Manager or Costa, offer free wifi. Alternatively, you can purchase a UK SIM Card with high speed 4G LTE and 5G data before you head off.

Use Kellogg’s Vouchers For 50% Off Tickets To Attractions

Eddie lived in London for 13 years and discovered a way for his visiting friends to pay only 50% for tickets to several major attractions. “Kellogg’s and several attractions have partnered up in an offer called “Grown-ups go free” so that anyone who buys a box of Kellogg’s cereal or other items gets a code inside the box that gives you a 2nd ticket for free whenever you buy an adult or child ticket. Visit Kellogg’s website for the details. Current attractions include Madame Tussaud , The Dungeons , London Eye , and more.

Travel By Train And Get 2 FOR 1 Entry

Sinead from Map Made Memories recommends taking the train to save money. “The National Rail (train) offers 2 for 1 entry into certain attractions when you travel by rail, even if it is only for one stop. Check out the details on it’s website and make sure to comply with date and time restrictions. Pre-bookable only but can be a real money saver on high price items such as the Tower of London.” 

Purchase Return Tickets

Jamie from Fat Tire Tours recommends purchasing a return ticket instead of two single tickets when leaving London as you will always save money. “Most destinations allow you to purchase an open-ended return, where the return leg must be carried out within a month of the purchase date. Perfect for when you aren’t entirely sure how long you’ll be exploring for.”

Avoid Instagram Famous Restaurants

Nicolas recommends avoiding Instagram famous restaurants that cost a lot of money. Instead, try out small family owned restaurants that can be more capable of serving a much authentic flavor of the city .

Do Take Out

Candice from The Tuscan Mom says that you can save a lot of money on food if you opt for take away versus eating at an in-person restaurant. There is an automatic 12.5% service charge at restaurants. Marks & Spencer and Pret-A-Manager have fantastic healthy take away options.

Eat At Supermarket Chains

Sinead from Map Made Memories recommends eating breakfasts and lunches at Supermarket chains like Tesco or Sainsburys. They often offer meal deals with drink, crisps (potato chips) and sandwich starting at $4 USD.

Afternoon or High Tea At Marks & Spencers

You should try to do a proper English High tea when you are in London. Not only does it include tea, but usually a traditional selection of sandwiches like cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, smoked salmon, or shrimp (all with the crusts removed, of course), and scones with clotted cream and fresh strawberry jam. Most hotels offer High tea. However, to save money, go to a Marks & Spencer’s self serve restaurant. You lose the atmosphere, but gain exceptional food and excellent prices. In addition, you can also purchase an inexpensive high tea outfit to make it extra special.

Purchase Discount Tickets For West End Shows

Watching a West End theatre production should be on your “must do” list on a trip to London. Some of the best actors and singers in the world make London their home. Sean from Living Out Lau recommends saving money on tickets by watching a matinee show (in the afternoon). In addition, if you aren’t fussy about what show you see, you can also go to same day ticket kiosks for discounted seats.

Lottery And Rush Tickets For West End Shows

Two other ways to get access to popular West End shows is by way of lottery or rush tickets. If you wish to get tickets to sold out shows for deeply discounted rates, try to win access to tickets by way of lottery. You can download Todaytix app and apply for seats during a certain time period. Alternatively, go directly to the theatre/show website for their own lotteries.

Rush tickets are day seats that you can purchase right from your phone on the day of the performance. Rush tickets are available on the TodayTix app at 10am each performance date. Alternatively, go directly to the theatre/show website for their own rush tickets.

For more information about both types of tickets, please see this website .

For other simple travel tips to save you money, please take a look at 10 Best Money Saving Travel Tips .

Best Travel Tips For What To Do In London For First Time Visitors

London offers a mind boggling amount of activities to do. Unless you are moving to the city, you will need multiple trips back to see everything worth seeing. So how do you figure out what you should see or how best to organize your time? Here are some of the best tips for what to do in London for first time visitors.

Research before you arrive what you want to see and do. Then, try to map out where everything is and how best to organize each day based upon where they are located and how long each activity may take. Remember London is a huge city and you do not want to be wasting time on the underground going from one end of the city to the other if there is a better way to do this.

You Can’t Do Everything

London is absolutely packed with amazing attractions, restaurants, shows and history. Be realistic about what you can see and do in one day. It is far better to plan only one or two things to do each day, and enjoy your time there. In addition, it leaves open the possibility of unexpectedly stumbling on something that you want to explore more.

Visit Less Touristy Areas

Benjamin from French Together is a Frenchman living in London. He recommends visiting less touristy areas. “Go deer-watching in Richmond park, walk along the Thames river in Chiswick, explore the charming Blackheath Village… Doing so will give you a much more authentic experience of the city, help you discover hidden gems and get a feel for what living in London is really like.”

Try Traditional English Food

Benjamin from French Together recommends going for a Sunday roast, a traditional meal enjoyed by many British families every Sunday. “You will not only enjoy an authentic British experience but also enjoy roast potatoes, meat, Yorkshire pudding and yummy British sauces such as mint sauce, apple sauce and horseradish.”

Fish and chips is another very traditional English meal that you should try while in England. As mentioned earlier, you should also try afternoon tea.

Take Hop On Hop Off Bus

Kerri Bon Voyage With Kids recommends taking the Hop On Hop Off bus on your first day to get an overview of the city, especially if you arrive on an overnight flight. In addition, you will likely be jet lagged, so this is an easy, first day activity that will also get you engaged in the city.

Take Boat Bus Versus Tourist Boat Along Thames

Sinead from Map Made Memories is from London. She recommends taking a boat bus along the Thames rather than the tourist boats. They can be very scenic and you get a different view of London. She suggests doing the leg from Westminister to Cutty Sark. In addition, they are very cheap compared to a tourist boat.

Avoid Public Holidays and School Vacations

London has over 9 million residents. In addition, it is a very popular destination for people all over England as well as the world. Museums and other attractions are already naturally busy but become packed on public and school holidays. Try to be aware of those dates and avoid them if possible.

Attend Ceremony Of The Keys At Tower Of London

Tabitha from Travel Compositions recommends attending the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. She says, “Tickets are cheap but hard to get. Every night the tower Yeoman Warders perform a gate-closing ritual where they lock up the Tower of London, a tradition that has been carried out for over 700 years.”

Only a few bystanders are invited to watch, so you feel as though you get a private insight into this unique tradition.

Avoid Westminister Abbey

Tabitha from Travel Compositions also recommends avoiding Westminster Abbey. “It is a bit overrated and overpriced. I understand the significance and beauty of it. However, at £24 ($32 USD) a pop you get herded through the cathedral like cattle and feel rushed to look at everything. Any other cathedral in England will be cheaper and way less crowded, allowing space to admire all the intricate details at your own pace.” 

If you would like to Travel Cheaper, Smarter and Easier, then join the thousands of subscribers who receive my weekly newsletter filled with the most up to date and best travel tips around. Sign up with this link !

Best Tips For What Families Should Do In London

Parks and playgrounds.

There are many green parks and playgrounds for stretching legs, including the Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens that is themed after Peter Pan.

Tower Of London

Kerri from Bon Voyage With Kids recommends the Tower Of London. She says, “I highly recommend the Context Travel Family Tour . This group is skilled at telling wonderful stories to kids to engage them on this fascinating place and my kids still talk about what they learned many years later.”

Hampton Court Palace

Kerri also recommends taking a day trip to Hampton Court Palace as it is another very family friendly location that will step you right into history. It offers interactive activities, actors in period costumes, a fun hedge maze, playground for kids, and even audio guides for adults and kids! 

Attractions For Older Children/Teens

Taking teenagers to London is a whole other level of stress. How do you engage them? Most would be interested in seeing the iconic sites of Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, and the likes. However, not all day, every day.

I found a couple of fantastic options that my kids loved. Consider a scavenger hunt in the British Museum, Natural History Museum, or Victoria & Albert organized by ThatMuse . By the end of the scavenger hunt, you will have visited almost every room of the museum, seen exhibits you would never have seen if you left it up to yourselves to discover, and had a blast.

Visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour of Harry Potter . This is a fantastic option for older kids who loved the Harry Potter books and movies. I would keep younger kids from the attraction as it focuses on the tricks on how the movies were made and thus, removes the magic behind the movies and the books.

For tips related to the scavenger hunt and visiting the Harry Potter Studios, please take a look at my blog London Attractions With Teens: Scavenger Hunt Anyone?

Best Travel Tips To London For First Time Visitors Concerned About Safety

London is actually a very safe place to visit. Like any large city, use common sense and you should be fine. In other words, don’t go walking down a dark alley alone in the middle of the night with earbuds in your ears blasting music. However, there are a couple of unique scenarios of which you should be aware.

Avoid Being Pick Pocketed

Jamie from Fat Tire Tours warns against pick pockets. She says, “3 Card Monte (aka Find the Queen, Ball and Cups etc) has become a popular scam in London. You’ll often see tables set up on Westminster Bridge where you’ll see what appear to be tourists winning and losing money by guessing which cup the ball is under or picking which position the queen has moved to. Now the trick itself is usually sleight of hand but the real scam is that there will be several plants in the audience acting as pickpockets. You are just as likely to lose money watching one of these games as you are playing one. Just keep walking.”

Refuse Flowers

Anyone offering you flowers, or ‘Lucky heather’ will 100% ask for a ‘small donation’ for their gift. Just politely refuse to take whatever they are offering and move on.

Avoid Walking With Phone Out

Jessie from Pocket Wanderings says, “Avoid having your phone out when walking along the pavement, as phone thefts by thieves on motorbikes is common.”

Best Travel Tips To London For First Time Visitors

There is some advice that fall into lots of different categories. Accordingly, here are the rest of the best travel tips to London for first time visitors.

Social Niceties

Jamie from Fat Tire Tours says, “We are not a city renowned for its willingness to talk to strangers. Don’t be surprised if your attempts to natter on the underground are met with bemused silence. It’s nothing personal.

By the way, none of us know the Queen.”

Stay In Central London

Consider paying a little more for accommodation in central London. If you are keen, there are even London hotels with outdoor pools . In exchange, you will pay less for travel on the underground and you may be able to walk to all of the tourist attractions that interest you. In addition, you will save valuable time exploring London versus being on the Tube or a bus.

Pay Attention To Plugs And Voltage

Martin from Light Up My Photos recommends arriving with a type-G plug or universal adapter. If you are from North America, none of your electronic devices will be able to be plugged into the wall without one.

Also, make sure the voltage of your device can work with the voltage in London. In essence, US voltage is 120V whereas UK voltage is 240V. You need to make sure that the device can work with a higher voltage before plugging it into an electrical socket in London. If it can, then no problem. If it is a different voltage, you need to purchase an adapter or you will blow your device.

Do Not Stand Left On Escalators

Erin advises not to stand on the lefthand side of the escalator since this is designated for only walking purposes.

Avoid London In Summer

London is packed with tourists during the summer months. For savings and less crowds, consider visiting during other times of the years.

Dress Properly

You will be walking a lot even if you choose to take the Underground or the bus. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, bring an extra layer (jacket) and umbrella. The weather can change very quickly regardless of the season.

Dinner Is Early

Dinner is usually over by 10:00 pm. Most restaurants will be closing by then. If you are from a country where dinner is served late, this might be a bit of an adjustment.

The best travel tips for London for first time travellers are meant to lower your stress, save you money, and help you organize your time in the amazing city. If you discover any new ones along the way, make sure you let me know!

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The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Your First Trip to London

Are you planning your first trip to London?  

This global city is endlessly popular with travelers from all over the world. With its famous landmarks and iconic sights, the number of things to see and do in London can easily excite and overwhelm first-time visitors.

In this post, you’ll find a cheat sheet compiled over 3 separate visits to London packed with information about how to get to London from the airport, where to stay in London, how to get around once you arrive, and best of all,  mapped-out London itinerary planning tips .

Are you ready to make your first trip to London a success? 

How to Plan a Trip to London

It can seem daunting to get started on your London trip plan. It’s a huge city with lots of iconic sights and experiences. In fact, I think it’s often underestimated by travelers who often write to tell me what a great time they had in London and that the city was such a surprise…in a good way!

So, as any good teacher will tell you, start with an outline. In this case, you want to break down each step you’ll need to do to plan a trip to London and then work on filling in all the details.

Start with deciding when you want to visit London and how many days you’ll stay. (I recommend at least 3-4 days.)

Once you know this, you can work on booking your London accommodations. (I recommend staying in a central-ish area within walking distance of a Tube station. Keep reading for more below) The further out you book your London hotel, the more available options you’ll have with competitive pricing.

ProTip: If you have flexibility, you might even look at London flights and hotels first to find the cheapest combination of dates and rates. In this way, you’re letting the deals decide when you travel versus looking for a deal on the dates you need/want to travel.

Once you’ve got the major logistics set, it’s time to work on your London itinerary. (I’ve got specific itinerary ideas below so keep reading!)

At this point in your planning a trip to London, you’ll want to make a list of the London sights and attractions that are your must sees and dos. Then, using the maps below (or Google Maps), start grouping them by area.

One really important thing to know as you plan your London trip is that the city is huge. The distances between places can be far, and with limited days, you don’t want to backtrack or plan activities on opposite ends of the city on the same day.

From here, figure out what can be booked ahead…and actually book it ahead! London is a popular destination. It’s normal for there to be lines at top sights and restaurants that are completely booked.

You can use sightseeing passes like The London Pass (my complete review) to pre-plan and save money. Or you can book individual tickets through a platform like Get Your Guide .

Once you know where you’re staying and what you’ll be doing each day, you can round out your London trip planning by looking at the Tube Map to orient yourself and decide how you’ll get from the airport to the city center. (More tips on this below!)

What to See and Do on Your First Trip to London

This London trip planner is set up in different sections to help you plan a trip to London from start to finish. The first part helps you get ideas about how to plan your days in London with landmarks, attractions, museums, markets, and activities in a logistically sensible way.

You want to maximize your time in London without backtracking or zigzagging around the city. These ideas can also help you piece together a complete day because not all of them require a full day.

You also note that I’ve included the Tube stops for individual attractions. This is to help you in case you visit these places outside of the order I’ve suggested in the Google Map for each itinerary idea.

After these itinerary ideas for planning your trip to London, you’ll find tips and helpful information so you can navigate the city confidently.

Are you ready to plan your trip to London?

London Itinerary Planning Idea #1 – History Buffs and Foodies

Tower of London – Tower Hill Tube Stop – Circle and District Lines

The  Tower of London  with its crown jewels is an absolute must with its thick, ominous walls, dark past, resident black ravens, and informative Beefeaters. The Tower and the nearby Tower Bridge sit stalwartly as a link to the past when Kings and Queens sent prisoners to “think” about their choices and to wait for the inevitable… execution.

The Tower of London was the inhospitable home to infamous gangsters, spies, Dukes, Bishops, Princes, and even Queens!

Undoubtedly the most famous Queen of them all was the ill-fated Anne Boleyn. The Tower of London is where Henry the VIII’s executioner beheaded her on charges of adultery and conspiracy, however, Henry actually blamed her for not producing a male heir.

Today, visiting the Tower of London is like stepping back in time. The daily traditions involving this historic castle have continued for hundreds of years. The resident Beefeaters live at the Tower of London and maintain the rituals and routines of the past. But they also offer free tours (once inside) and comically share their vast Tower of London knowledge.

These tours begin every 30 minutes starting at 10:00 a.m. and finishing with the last tour at 2:30 p.m.

Pro Tip:  Arrive in the morning when the Tower first opens. It becomes quite crowded later in the day. Use your  London Pass  to get Fast Track Entry and bundled savings when compared to buying attraction tickets individually.

Tower Bridge & Borough Market – London Bridge Tube Stop – Northern and Jubilee Lines

After a morning at the Tower of London, time your escape for lunch at  Borough Market . It’ll be easiest to walk from the Tower of London. Walk across Tower Bridge instead of London Bridge as shown on the map above. The walk is a bit longer than crossing London Bridge, but historic Tower Bridge is a sight in its own right.

You can tour the Victorian-era engine rooms, as well as climb to the bridge’s upper walkways for gorgeous views over London and the River Thames. Get your Tower Bridge ticket in advance or use The London Pass to visit the bridge.

You can also cross the River Thames with a river bus using your Tube Oyster Card (more on these below) from Tower Pier to London Bridge City Pier.

Once at Borough Market, the market lanes are lined with food and grocers selling every imaginable food item. It’s a great place to sample a variety of foods from all types of global cuisines. Not to mention, no London trip is complete without taking advantage of the city’s amazing international food scene!

From famous falafel to perfectly spiced Indian food, huge skillets of paella, and savory British pies from Pieminster, you’ll be thankful to visit with an empty stomach on your first trip to London and every time you return like I do!

Restaurants and cafes fill the upstairs level and the surrounding streets (in case you’d prefer to sit rather than sample and roam) making this Southwark neighborhood a foodie’s delight.

ProTip: From Borough Market, you’re just a 5-minute walk to The Shard , London’s tallest glass skyscraper to see the highest views over the city. If you have it, you can use your London Pass for access. Be sure to follow the pass instructions to pre-reserve a time.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #2 – Royalty and High Tea

Westminster Abbey – Westminster Tube Stop – Jubilee Line

Coming out of Westminster Station, you’ll immediately be in the shadow of Big Ben and London’s iconic Parliament Building. You can walk back onto the Westminster Bridge to capture fuller photos of these London landmarks. If you’re lucky, you just might get a classic shot with a red doubledecker bus!

Continue on to  Westminster Abbey , just a couple of minutes walking from Big Ben. Westminster Abbey is open to visitors Monday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m until 3:30 p.m. The Abbey is closed on Sundays so keep this in mind when planning your London trip.

Use your  London Pass  to gain access to Westminster. Once inside, admire the architecture and the Abbey’s gorgeous choir room. Westminster is also the final resting place of numerous kings, queens, and dignitaries. You can see the monuments in their honor, as well as learn about their place in history.

If you’re a fan of the Royals, you’ll be visiting the spot where Kate and William were married.

Pro Tip:  If you want to take a ride on the London Eye , it can be included with the stops you make in and around Big Ben because it’s just a short walk over the bridge you see in the photo below. Avoid the lines by choosing the fast-track ticket option. It’s also quite popular to depart from the Westminster Pier for a cruise along the River Thames to take in the sights of London from the water.

History buffs won’t want to miss the Churchill War Rooms. They’re not far from Westminster Abbey, along the edge of St. James’s Park. These rooms served as the secret headquarters for Churchill during WW2. The rooms have been preserved just as they were during the war and give a fascinating look at how Churchill operated and made decisions during this dark time in history.

If your trip to London is 3 days or less and it’s your first visit, this WW2 museum may not be a top priority. But if you or a travel companion is interested in visiting WW2 sights and museums in Europe, The Churchill War Rooms are a great way to divert from the typical first time in London sights.

Buckingham Palace-Green Park Tube Stop-Jubilee, Victoria, & Piccadilly Lines

Next, make your way to  Buckingham Palace  where the  Changing of the Guards  happens.

The ceremony is all pomp and fanfare. The King’s Guard outside the castle has been on watch for hours and the new guard comes to take over in grand style! A marching brigade of guards along with a mounted cavalry and a marching band head up The Mall and through the palace gates.

This ceremony draws a crowd so it’s best to arrive ahead of time so that you can get yourself in a position to see the fanfare. I’ve watched from both the gates of Buckingham Palace and the Queen Victoria Monument directly opposite the palace gates.

You’ll have to choose the location you want because it’s typically too crowded to move from place to place. To get a spot along the fence at Buckingham Palace, be prepared to arrive up to an hour early and wait.

If this is the case, you also may need to reverse the order and visit Westminster Abbey after so that you can stake out your Changing of the Guard spot in the morning.

Pro Tip:  Check the  Changing of the Guard schedule  before you go to make sure the ceremony is planned for the day you intend to visit.

Hyde Park – Hyde Park Corner Tube Stop – Piccadilly Line

When the ceremony is finished, keep those royal juices flowing for a stroll around  Hyde Park . It’s one of the largest parks in London, as well as one of the Royal Parks. Enjoy its monuments, bridges, fountains, gardens, and lake, including the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

Finish up with a classic afternoon tea experience at  The Dorchester Hotel .

No doubt, it’s a luxurious splurge, but after having experienced life as a royal, it’s the perfect way to properly finish the experience. From finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, sweets, and of course, tea, you’ll have had a quintessential London outing.

Alternatively, if you plan afternoon tea for another day, you might want to visit London’s Natural History Museum or Kensington Palace on the other end of Hyde Park.

The latter has been a royal residence for hundreds of years and was where Princess Diana lived with Princes William and Harry. Today, you can tour the apartments and staterooms and see the sunken gardens where there is a statue of Princess Diana commemorating the 20th anniversary of her death.

While the Natural History Museum displays animal specimens, dinosaurs, and exhibitions about the history of the natural world and the people who evolved in it.

If you intend to walk into Hyde Park and casually make your way towards Kensington Palace or the Natural History Museum, the walk will be broken up by the time spent in the park.

Otherwise, if your aim is to get to either of these sights without a long walk, use the London underground. The Queensway stop along the Central line is the closest to Kensington Palace and the South Kensington stop along the Circle and District lines is near to the Natural History Museum.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #3 – Architecture, Theatre, & Art

St. Paul’s Cathedral – St. Paul’s Tube Stop – Central Line

Start off at  St. Paul’s Cathedral  to admire this Anglican Church’s architecture. You can explore the crypt or head in the opposite direction and climb the dome’s 528 steps for spectacular panoramic London views.

If you have it, entry is included with your London Pass .

Take your time crossing the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge on your way to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This is a great spot to watch boat traffic along the River Thames.

Tate Modern & The Globe Theatre-Blackfriars Tube Stop-Circle & District Lines

These 2 London attractions are just next to one another.

The  Tate Modern  has a vast permanent collection of modern art by the likes of Henri Matisse and Jackson Pollock, as well as temporary exhibitions. There are beautiful views looking back on St. Paul’s Cathedral and the River Thames, as well.

It’s free to enter the museum and there’s no need to book ahead, unless there is a specific exhibit you’d like to see that requires a reserved space.

The nearby  Globe Theatre  is a replica of Shakespeare’s original which burned in a fire many years ago after the thatched roof was ignited during a production of Henry VIII.

For your first trip to London, you’ll want to use your  London Pass  to tour the theater during the day and hear about its historic past. The Globe also has evening performances during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The ambiance of the open-air theater makes for a fantastic night out!

Pro Tip:  Check times to coordinate visits to both the Tate Modern and The Globe in a way that lets you see one after the other. The Globe performance tickets sell out so purchase them in advance, especially if you want to see a play on a specific date.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #4 – Artifacts, Landmarks, and Shopping

The British Museum – Tottenham Court Tube Stop – Central & Northern Lines

No trip to London is complete without a stop at The   British Museum . The art and artifacts on display are open free to the public beginning at 10:00 a.m. each day. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon, and a vast Egyptian collection including mummies.

It’s worth checking for any special, limited-time exhibits during your stay. If there’s one you’d like to see, it’s worth buying tickets online or at the museum when you first arrive.

After the museum, spend the afternoon strolling through  Covent Garden  or head over to  Soho  and  Oxford Street  for a shopper’s paradise. Covent Garden is in London’s West End, home to theaters, restaurants, and shops. You’re sure to find anything you’d want to buy from the numerous chain stores, boutiques, and markets.

Pro Tip:  There are many classic London pubs in these neighborhoods. If you haven’t had a plate of fish and chips yet, now’s the time. You can also join a historical pub walking tour to visit some of London’s most iconic pubs.

Leicester Square – Leicester Square Tube Stop – Piccadilly & Northern Lines

Make your way to  Leicester Square  and the heart of London’s Theatre District. It’s super touristy here. Think Times Square-esque…a place where you take a few photos before moving on.

But if you plan to see a musical or a play later (and you certainly should!),  get your discounted tickets at the TKTS booth right in the square for performances that day or night.

There’s crossover between shows in London and New York’s Broadway district. Sometimes, you can even catch a performance in London before it heads to New York City.

Trafalgar Square – Charing Cross Tube Stop – Bakerloo & Northern Lines

Finish your walk at  Trafalgar Square . This iconic London crossroads has monuments, historic buildings, museums, and street performers. It’s an absolute beehive of activity and perfect for taking more classic London photos complete with red double-decker buses passing by on the streets in and around the square.

With any luck, you’ll have time to check out the  National Gallery  right in Trafalgar Square which houses famous paintings by the likes of Vermeer, Monet, Rembrandt, Cezanne, and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Best of all, it’s free to visit, and you can use your  London Pass  Hop On Hop Off double-decker bus ticket to reposition yourself closer to your hotel when you’re done.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #5 – Harry Potter Fans

Harry Potter Studio Tour Meeting Point – Victoria Station – Circle, District & Victoria Lines

Are you traveling with a wannabe wizard dying for a Hogwarts adventure?

Plan a visit to the  Harry Potter and Warner Brothers Studio . Buses leave from Central London and travel to the magical sets of the famed movie and book series. The closest tube stop to the meeting point is Victoria Station. From there, it’s just a few minutes on foot.

You’ll have 4 hours to see places like the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s Office, Diagon Alley, and more! Plus, get to see some of the most famous props and the costumes worn by Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

If you’ve wanted to visit Platform 9 ¾, ride the Hogwarts Express, and attempt to ride a broomstick, then you definitely don’t want to miss escaping the world of Muggles for just a bit on your visit to London!

ProTip: If you want to sprinkle some Harry Potter into your London trip but don’t want to commit a full day to the experience, this Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour is a popular alternative.

Out-of-Town Must-Sees on your First Trip to London

From London, many parts of Britain and the U.K. are easily reachable by train. This makes it possible to visit a couple of popular sites with even just a half day’s worth of time.

Trains run from London to both  Windsor Castle  and  Hampton Court Palace . From their respective train stations, it’s just a few minutes on foot to reach the entry points.

The exquisite staterooms at Windsor Castle are open to the public when the King is not in residence. These rooms are some of the most spectacular castle rooms you’ll see anywhere in the world.

St. George’s Chapel, within the grounds of Windsor Castle, is the final resting spot of Henry VIII and several other Kings and Queens. It’s also where Meghan and Harry were married and the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II.

Hampton Court Palace is full of Tudor history, as it was a regular stop for Henry VIII and his royal court. The palace creates a historical experience by revealing the inner workings of how the palace operated in its heyday. It’s undoubtedly one of the most interesting and well-preserved looks at Tudor history, as well as what life was like during this period.

Look out for King Henry VIII himself, as visitors can watch the King interact with Anne Boleyn or flirt with his soon-to-be next wife, Jane Seymour. Leave some time for the palace’s gardens and maze.

Pro Tip:  Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace are both included with the  London Pass . Get Fast Track Entry at Hampton Court to maximize your time and avoid any entry line.

If you have extra days in your itinerary, consider a London day trip to:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath
• The Cotswolds
• Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) & the Filming Locations

If you’re planning a trip to England, rent a car and drive into the English countryside when your time in London is done. I’ve done this to spend time exploring places like Stratford-Upon-Avon , the Cotswolds villages , and Warwick Castle .

It’s a perfect way to add on to an England itinerary and explore more of what the country has to offer beyond London.

Best Area to Stay in London

Where to stay in London is one of the most frequently asked questions for anyone planning a trip. It’s understandable. You want to be somewhere conveniently located, safe, and within your travel budget.

London’s neighborhoods and districts each have their own unique charm and flavor. And while some might say you should absolutely stay in the heart of the most touristy areas of the city, I think the most important thing when choosing where to stay in London is to  stay somewhere with convenient access to the Tube. 

You shouldn’t be hesitant to book a hotel or rental accommodation that’s a few Tube stops away from popular attractions. You can truly get nearly anywhere in London very quickly by using the underground train system.

That being said, you don’t want to stay too far from the heart of London, either. The city is big and the Tube rides from London’s outer neighborhoods can take upwards of an hour back to the center.

Ideally, you want to find a London hotel that matches your travel budget, close to a Tube station, in a relatively center-ish location. Example neighborhoods include Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Westminster, Soho, and near Southwark along the south bank.

Below, I’ve shared a couple of hotels where I’ve stayed. They’re in different budget categories and neighborhoods, and they have convenient Tube access.

I’ve had excellent hotel points and paid stays at several London hotels including the ones listed below.

Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel  – The hotel is located in the Seven Dials neighborhood near Covent Garden, the West End’s Theatre district, pubs, and my favorite Indian restaurant, Dishoom. Rooms are a classic modern boutique style for which Radisson Blu hotels are known.

Holiday Inn Express London-Southwark  – Just a 10-minute walk to Borough Market, the Tate Modern, or the Globe Theatre, with a Tube station nearby. This hotel is on the south bank of the city not far from the Southwark Tube station.

London Rental Accommodations

During my travels, I’ve also opted for apartment and home rentals. You feel more like a local and oftentimes can save money because you’re able to prepare your own breakfast or share the overall cost with family members or friends. Not to mention, you can find truly unique places to stay with awesome views or even discover a new neighborhood!

London is the perfect destination to consider a rental accommodation over a hotel because hotels aren’t cheap(!) and London is well-connected with its underground trains.

My go-to place to search for rental accommodations is Plum Guide . They vet the properties on their site using “Home Critics” and only select the best properties in a variety of price brackets. Plum Guide even offers phone support 24/7 should you need any help or have questions.

How Many Days to Spend in London

As with most places, you can spend an extended period of time and still not see and do everything a fantastic city like London has to offer.

If it’s your first time in London, you likely will focus on the most popular attractions and experiences that interest you. For this, you’ll need 3-4 days to explore and make use of the London itinerary ideas in this guide.

With 4+ days in London, you can also use a day to visit a popular sight just outside of London or even  get off the beaten path .

London is a great city to explore. It’s also the perfect jumping-off point for future trips to Europe. It’s not complicated to add a couple of days in London as a stopover before continuing on to another destination in Europe.

Arrival into London

The  Heathrow Express  is a quick and efficient way to get into the city from London Heathrow Airport. The train leaves every 15 minutes and arrives in just about the same time to Paddington Station.

You can book your tickets online or using the Heathrow Express App. Not only will this save you any hassle at the airport, but you’ll also save money. Heathrow Express prices are lower the further you book in advance.

Gatwick Airport also has an  express train  which arrives at Victoria Station. Trains run every 15 minutes and take a half-hour to reach London.

Similarly, the express train from Gatwick offers considerable discounts for booking online and ahead of time.

The airports also have commuter trains, buses, and taxis to get you into London. Except for the taxis, these options are less expensive than the express trains mentioned above but do take more time.

You can check prices and schedules for  Southern Railways  from Gatwick to compare.

In addition, from London Heathrow, you can take the Tube. Trains along the Picadilly and Elizabeth lines connect terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. The ride takes between 45-50 minutes to reach central London but is less expensive than the Heathrow Express.

From Paddington and Victoria Stations in London, you’ll have access to the  London Tube  with lines spreading across the city, as well as a taxi queue at ground level. Most taxis take credit cards but be aware of the occasional cash-only sign in a taxi’s window.

Pro Tip:  My recommendation is to use an express train or the Tube (from/to Heathrow), for a quick and easy trip to London’s city center or even directly to your hotel. Avoid London traffic and expensive taxi rides.

If you’d prefer to arrange transportation and/or avoid taking the trains, consider booking a car with Welcome Pickups  to transfer to the city. Although I’ve only used the trains to get from Heathrow to London, I’ve used Welcome Pickups in several other European cities and always had a great experience.

This will be a much more affordable option compared to a London taxi. The price will be a flat rate, as opposed to paying based on the taxi’s metered fare which can get quite high with even the smallest amount of traffic

How to get around London

London is very pedestrian-friendly and you’re bound to do a good amount of walking during your London trip. Remember, cars are on the opposite side of the road compared to the U.S., so you need to LOOK RIGHT when crossing the road. When in doubt, just look both ways before crossing.

Along the Thames, the riverwalk is a clear path connected with several bridges to help you cross to the other side as frequently as you need.

In addition, London’s Tube (subway) is reliable, easy to navigate, and stretches across the city. The announcements are clear and the lines are identified with colors and names, like Central, District, and Piccadilly. Given how big London is, you’ll need to rely on public transportation to maximize the time you have rather than always walking long distances.

As with getting to London from the airport, taxis are expensive in London and get even pricier when traffic is heavy. It’s best to go underground to save time, money, and patience.

Visitors staying for a few days can get an Oyster Card for easy use and refills in the Tube. Your Oyster Card is good for your first trip to London and every return trip thereafter!

London Pass  purchases come with the option to add a visitor’s Oyster Card. I would skip this option because the card takes several weeks to be physically mailed to you. You can also save more money by simply using a regular Oyster Card or the Tube’s contactless payment system because it will cap how much you’ll pay each day automatically.

Use a contactless credit card to pay to enter the Tube, as well as a mobile device like a smartphone with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Just be sure you’re using a card with no foreign transaction fees.

A few things to keep in mind when paying to access the Tube.

• Use the same card or device when you touch in and out at the yellow card readers. The London Tube caps how much you’ll pay. So, you can ride as much as you want in a day or a week and you’ll never pay more than the capped price.
• If you don’t use the same card or device, the Tube card readers won’t be able to accurately cap the amount you pay.
• If you’re using a device like a smartphone, be sure you have enough battery power. You need to touch in and out of the Tube. You also need to use your phone all day otherwise the system can’t cap the amount you pay.
• You can pay for another person if you are traveling together. (They will need to touch out of the Tube and can’t do it without your card or device.) You’ll need to pay for yourself with a separate card or device.

London Tips for Your First Trip

As you plan things to do in London and where to stay in London, also take into consideration the tips below. They’ve come from 3 separate trips to London and a lot of travel experience overall.

The best time to visit London is during spring and fall.

Visiting London in the shoulder/winter season months, April-June and September-November, are the perfect combination of moderate to cool temperatures and fewer visitors. January to March can also be a good time to visit if you’re not bothered by colder temperatures and prefer to visit during the least busy time of year.

Summer can be very busy, making the next London travel tip even that much more important.

Book as many things as possible in advance.

Not only will things like the London Pass or advance fast-track tickets help you save time and money, but it’ll eliminate indecisiveness about what to do while you’re in London and who to trust when you eventually buy the tickets, tours, and passes you want.

Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

London isn’t a budget destination. The last thing you want to add to the currency exchange are fees from your credit card once you get your bill back home.

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout London and also remove the necessity to convert and carry large amounts of dollars to British pounds.

ProTip: When paying by credit card or using your debit card to withdraw money at an ATM, always pay in the local currency (Pounds) and/or decline the currency conversion. This is a sneaky way to convert your money at a less-than-desirable rate.

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

I know this seems obvious but it truly can’t be understated. As someone who lives in New York City, I can always recognize a visitor who’s regretting his/her shoe choice.

These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I wear them walking around New York City and they’re a staple I pack for nearly every trip I take. You can walk miles without any irritation or blisters.

Check for service charges.

Tipping isn’t obligatory in London. In fact, service charges are often added to bills at restaurants and pubs. That being said, if you’re happy with your service, you always leave a small amount as a gesture of appreciation.

Pack the right electrical converters.

Most commonly, you’ll need a Type G converter to plug into the outlets throughout the U.K. I’ve encountered one place where this wasn’t the case. So, it’s smart to also have a universal adapter with USB ports, too.

London Trip Planner FAQs

How do i start planning a trip to london.

To plan a trip to London, first, decide how many days you’ll spend in the city. Then, book your hotel. You’ll find more options and competitive pricing the further in advance you book. After this, plan your London itinerary. Make a list of the sights and activities you want to see and do. Then, group them by area to logically plan what to do without backtracking. Be sure to book ahead as many things as possible to save time and to ensure you can visit places on the days that make sense for your London itinerary.

How many days should I plan for London?

As you plan a trip to London, you’ll need at least 3-4 days to comfortably see the city’s top sights and attractions. London is a very large city with an endless number of things to see and do. You can easily plan a trip to London for a week and have plenty to fill your itinerary.

What time of year is best to go to London?

The absolute best months for a perfect combination of weather and number of visitors is from April to June and September through November. January to March can also be a good time to visit London because fewer people are visiting during this time. Summers come with big crowds and long lines.

What is the best area to stay in London?

The best area to stay in London is in the heart of the city, especially if you’re visiting London for the first time, and within walking distance of a Tube station. These include neighborhoods like Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Westminster, Soho, and along the south bank near the Southwark area.

Where should I go on my first trip to London?

For your first London trip, plan to see the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the British Museum, Covent Garden, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the iconic view of Big Ben and Parliament from Westminster Bridge. You should also plan to have afternoon tea, eat at Borough Market, go to a play or musical, and glimpse London from above at the London Eye or the Shard.

First Trip to London – Bottom Line

You have chosen a fantastic city to visit, full of important landmarks, historic sights, good food, and fun experiences. With some advance planning, you’ll arrive in London prepared with your itinerary and know-how to navigate the city confidently for an unforgettable trip.

So, what questions do you have about your first trip to London or about planning a London itinerary?

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76 thoughts on “the ultimate cheat sheet for your first trip to london”.

I have been to London several times, but I found your guide and itineraries very helpful!

I’m so glad, Chrysoula! Thanks for reading. 🙂

Such a great guide! I’ve been to nearly 50 countries and still not the UK, so I’ll have to remember to come back to this article when I finally make it to London 🙂

Thanks, Tamara! 50 countries is quite an accomplishment! Awesome. Glad the guide will be useful when you make it to London. 🙂

Somehow I wish I’ve read this post before my first trip to London. Then I wouldn’t have skipped many experiences listed here) Thank you for putting this up! I’ve pinned it as well (maybe I’ll visit London again, then I’ll need it for sure)

Thanks for reading and sharing on Pinterest, Natalia. 🙂 Here’s to hoping you make it back to London soon!

Love the Pro Tops plus how you broke each day down into categories. What a great way to see London! I also like how you included things to see if it is your first time there. Going anywhere for the first time can be so overwhelming!

Especially in a big place like London, Bryanna. It’s nice to break it up and make the most of your time.

You made me want to visit London again! Love the way you divided the itinerary with themes and suggestions for good food. London is such a huge city and planning a trip there for the first time can be overwhelming, you just make it so easy! Cheers,

Thanks, Natalie! Sometimes, it’s just easier to work on trip planning in small chunks. 😉

I’ve been to London a few times, but I’ve never made it to the Windsor Castle or the Hampton Court Palace. There is just so much to do in the city and its surroundings, but you’ve highlighted the must-sees in a very comprehensive and informative post. I’d love to go back and take more advantage of the free museums, especially the National Gallery!

Next trip, Erika, take some time for Windsor Castle and/or Hampton Court Palace. They’re well worth your time. 🙂

Wish I had your cheat-sheet on m first trip to London! You certainly covered all the hot spots and then some. I can’t wait to go back and hit the places I missed.

Thanks, Sue. A return trip to London is always a good idea. 🙂

Loved your tips! I’ve pinned and will reference during my London trip planning. Can you share a bit more about the oyster card?

Thanks, Amanda! I’m so glad the post is helpful for planning your London trip. The oyster card is a plastic card you can use for quick and easy entry to the London’s metro, buses, and many commuter trains. The card is 5 pounds to buy, after which you load some money onto it. The fare you’ll pay for a metro ride with the oyster card will be cheaper than if you had simply purchased a single ticket for the ride. The Oyster card also caps off what you’d pay in a day making sure you never pay more than had you bought a day pass travel card. Hope that helps! 🙂

I love the addition of the pro tips, especially times of day best to visit. I do love London, but timed a few things wrong, ending up in bigger crowds than I like.

Thanks, Rhonda. I certainly know that feeling of being in a crowd and wanting to be anyplace but there! Glad the pro tips will help for your next London trip. 🙂

Hi Jackie! Any tips for going to London with a toddler? Going to London this Wednesday and I’m going to use your cheat sheet! Thanks!

Hi Jen! So exciting to hear about your trip. 🙂 I’d definitely do the London Eye, but book tickets ahead of time online to skip the line. The Changing of the Guard with its parade, music, and horses are also toddler-friendly. He’ll get in free to the London underground, but if you don’t want to do that, go for the Hop on Hop off Bus Tour. The pirate-themed Princess Diana Playground in Hyde Park is also supposed to be a big hit. Not sure if he’s too young, but the I’d also look at the Natural History Museum, the National Maritime and/or Transport Museum, and maybe a show like Lion King. If that show is too long, how about The Gruffalo? It’s based on the kids book and is less than an hour long. Let me know if you have any more questions and have a great trip!! 🙂

Awesome, thank you for this! I printed out your cheat sheet & 8′ using it for our guide! Thanks!

Great! Hope you have a fantastic trip, Jen!

I’m actually from London, yes all these places are great, but you haven’t mentioned how expensive they can be. Most museums and art galleries are free and fantastic but eating at fancy hotels is only for the rich! Try to go to restaurants and pubs that are not in the tourist areas and you’ll be much better value for your money. As for traditional fish and chips, there is a great place in Waterloo road called Superfish. It’s the best around and very reasonable. Lots of London Taxi drivers eat there, so you know it’s good!

Hi, Joanne and thanks for the tip about Superfish! It’s so great to get that from a local. Totally agreed about eating in hotels, too expensive. I only splurged on the Dorchester Tea because we wanted to have a fancy afternoon. Thanks again for reading. 🙂

Hi, thank you for your tips. We’re going to London ne te may, my husband and I. Do you recommend Stonehenge ?

Hi Helene, Thanks for reading and commenting. You know, as many times as I have been to London, I have not made it to Stonehenge. To help you, I’m linking to another blog post all about visiting Stonehenge written by a blogger friend of mine. She’s got some great tips. Hope that helps! 🙂

There are some great tips here. I’m planning a trip to London during the high season with a variety of ages from grandmother, 4x 30 year olds, 4 kids between the ages of 8-3, and 2 newborns. Aiaiai. Just trying to get a place to eat together will be challenging. I loved your tips about the Oyster card, and pre-booking tickets, It saves lots of time to book in advance so that you are not waiting in line for tickets, and then waiting in another line for entry. Depending on how early you book it also puts that block of tickets on separate credit card bill instead of all at once. Just a tip from how I travel with all the children and trying to be budget concsious, I usually stop in a local grocery store and grab the 3 (pound, I don’t have the symbol on my keyboard) meal deal, Its filling and usually healthy. If you have any more kid friendly tips I’d love to hear them. Thanks for the guide, I found you on Pintrest, and will make sure to repin.

Thanks for reading, Erin, and for repinning on Pinterest. I appreciate it. 🙂 Sounds like your trip is set to make some amazing multi-generational memories. Thanks for sharing your food tip. London has great parks to make use of when the kids need a break. Hyde Park has paddle boats for rent and a great playground and fountain. St. James Park also has a popular playground. Enjoy your trip!

Do you have more ideas? We will be in London for 10 days. We will do all you mention but we need more?

Hi June, Thanks so much for reading and so exciting about your upcoming trip to London! 🙂 A couple other sites/places I’d recommend is Kensington Palace and if you’re at all a history buff, the Churchill War Rooms. If you’re doing all of that plus these last 2, check out the London Pass to save some money. Also, check out Free Tours by Foot and Sandeman’s free walking tours. If you’re interested in street art and/or learning more about London’s ethnic food scene check out a tour in the Shoreditch neighborhood. With 10 days, you can also plan day trips out of the city if you want. The Cotswolds Warwick Castle , and/or Stratford upon Avon are just a couple of hours drive, as are Stonehenge and Bath. Even Paris is a doable day trip with the Chunnel train taking just 2ish hours. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Thanks for the tip about the London Pass! We went last year and no one told us about it, and we are going back in October and still want to do many of the activities included in the pass. Sounds like a great value!

Fantastic, Dana. I hope your trip is fantastic and enjoy the London Pass! Thanks so much for reading. 🙂

The best North Indian food is in southall (West London), trains run from Paddington. Brilliant Restaurant highly recommended..

Thanks Preetvan for the tip! 🙂

It’s ravens that you find at the Tower of London, not crows!

Thanks for that! I have no bird ID skills! 🙂

Thanks for your post; definitely adding it to my Pinterest board. I’m heading there for Spring Break with my husband and three teenage girls. We have eight days (flying into Gatwick and out of Paris-CDG). How do you suggest we split the days between London and Paris? And what would your top recommendations be?

Thanks for reading, Sheath. So exciting about your upcoming family trip to London and Paris. Both cities have so much to see and do, it all depends on your interests. You can easily split your time in half, although the Francophile in me says to give yourself an extra day in Paris. Not sure if you’re into theatre, but a night out to see a show in London’s West End is unforgettable. Tower of London, Shakespeares Globe, Borough Market, high tea are all at the top of my London first time list. For Paris, visit the top of Notre Dame in the morning, Arc de Triomphe at dusk, Sainte-Chappelle, Musee de l’Orangerie, and wander through 4th, 5th, and 6th arrondissements for tucked away shops and cafes as a start to your Paris visit. Hope that helps and have soo much fun! 🙂

Thank you for this cheat sheet. Great tips and ideas. My best friend and I are traveling to Europe for our 40th birthdays in March. We are spending about 2 1/2 days in London. It seems you were recommended traveling by way of the tube for most everything. I had been looking at the Hop On and Off Bus before reading your cheat sheet. Would you recommend skipping the bus and just using the tube?

Hi Heather, Thanks for reading. London is such a great city for a friends birthday trip! I would still recommend the Tube. The traffic in London can be horrible and Hop on Hop off buses can get stuck in it with the rest of the vehicles. With 2 1/2 days, getting underground will help you maximize your time getting from place to place. Enjoy your trip! -Jackie

Do you have any recommendations for visiting in December (just prior to Christmastime)? My family and I will be arriving on a Monday and departing on Thursday (for Germany), flying in and out of Stansted. It will be myself, my husband, and our 2 kids, ages 20 and (will turn while we’re in London) 17 year old (boy and girl). My husband is normally into things like the museums, but he’s the type that would need several days in any one museum (he literally reads each and every plaque, and doesn’t miss a display, LOL). So, because we’re limited on time, we’ll probably skip museums until another time. My husband and I are doing Harry Potter/WB Studios on Tuesday (I’m a big fan, kids not so much) and we’re letting them go off on their own. Will definitely be getting Oyster Cards.

Any other recommendations, especially since will will be cold weather? Thanks!

Thanks for reading, Cammi. I’d definitely try and see a show, be it one in the west end or a special Christmas themed show or concert. I’d also like to see the seasonal attractions like the winter wonderland in Hyde Park and all the lights around the city. I’m a cold weather gal so I love to get outside. But just in case of super cold weather, I’d have 1 museum in mind just as a back up if you need to warm up. Not sure if your hubby has seen the Churchill War rooms not far from Westminster, but I highly recommend. Enjoy your trip!

My husband and I leave for our first ever trip abroad, London, in less than a week! The ironic and very strange thing is that as soon as I read the title of our article was that the authors last name is Sills. That is MY maiden name and some of my father’s family still lives in England! Dad himself, Charles Sills, was actually born in London! We will be visiting some Sills relatives in Suffolk on our trip!

Anyway, thanks for the great articles!

Sincerely, Elizabeth (Sills) Hurd

Hi Elizabeth, Thanks for reading and omg! My maiden name is Sills as well! I have done a ton of family research but always run into a dead end trying to figure out more about the George Sills who came over from England to the U.S. back in the 1800s. That’s so amazing you’ll be combining your tip with some ancestry travel. I hope you have a great trip and enjoy meeting your relatives! Thanks again for reading the blog. 🙂 Jackie

Nice tips overall. Anyway, thanks for the great articles!

Thanks for reading, Brandy. 🙂

I must say this is an ultimate post for travelers who are looking for trip to London at affordable cost. You have covered everything in your post such as best places to stay, which is really helpful.

Thanks for reading, Sandeep. Happy travels to London!

Your blog is amazing – thanks for all the incredible ideas. We are considering going to London for Spring Break (March 8-17, 2019). Would you recommend going at his time ….will the weather be agreeable? Thanks, Stacey

Thanks for reading, Stacey, and for your kind words. So, it’ll likely still be chilly, but I’d say yes, go! Take this with the knowledge that I live in NYC and walk around in all kinds of weather and that I love visiting Europe in the off-season. I’d rather have cooler temps and fewer crowds. Plus, with London’s Underground/Subway, you can so easily pop underground and get around if you needed to escape the weather for a bit. Not to mention with delicious tea, scones, English pies, and Indian food, there’s plenty to warm you up! 🙂 Thanks again for reading.

very informative blog love to read it. i got so many new ideas about London. Thanks for sharing and it will help me during my visit to London. [LINK EDITED OUT]

Thanks for reading, Mickey. Enjoy London. 🙂

Love this guide and the one for Portugal also. Now if I could print it and store it in my travel file folder for easier access when I go to London. Thanks for writing these detailed trip reports – they are extremely helpful

Thanks do much for reading, Jane. You can download the London cheat sheet to help with your travels. 🙂

Going to the Harry Potter Studios by bus from Central London is the silliest thing to do. It takes too long AND you can only stay at the studios until the time your bus would take you back (about 4 hours) – not enough time for a true Harry Potter fan. It is fastest and easiest to go by train from Euston Station to Watford Junction (Oyster can be used) and takes about 30minutes. The studio has buses at Watford Junction to take you there – it takes just about 10 minutes. We stayed over 7 hours at the studios – my kids would start a riot if we had to leave after some 4 hours only!

Thanks for reading, Deesi! And great tips! Appreciate you sharing. 🙂

Your blog is amazing. How do I download the cheat sheet??

Thank you ~Alison

Thanks so much for reading, Alison. All you need to do is fill in the fields on the cheat sheet sign up box. It’ll get sent to you. 🙂 So glad the blog has been helpful for you.

If you have enough time you should certainly consider Kew Gardens and Greenwich. You can take the clipper down the river to Greenwich. Also Kenwood is free to visit and set in beautiful grounds on Hampstead Heath. Don’t pay to go up the Shard. Book the free tickets for Skygarden three weeks ahead. Or go up the tower at Tate Modern. Children like all these places but as other people have said the parks are lovely and all different. It’s lovely to see this thread still working and growing after such a long time. Well done!!!

Thanks for reading and sharing your London tips, Marian! I didn’t know that about the Shard!

The Dorchester is indeed a great hotel, but the very best Afternoon Tea has to be the Ritz.

Thanks for reading and sharing, David. I have heard great things about the afternoon tea at the Ritz. I’ll have to try it next time I’m in London. 🙂

Thank you for sharing this info about London. I am planning to visit in a neaxt month.

Thanks for reading, Alina. Have fun in London. 🙂

Amazing. you have told very easy and splendid ways for exploring London. London is my favourite place to travel and for food too. I love the food Enjoy!

Thanks for reading, Amy. Glad you had great travels to London. 🙂

My niece and I want to go to London. We’ve considered a tour group, but the itinerary is limited, I enjoyed reading your cheat sheet. It was interesting, and we got very excited at the thought of actually visiting the sites, Have you ever traveled there in December? I am a teacher and my big break is in the month of December, I don’t want to go and freeze! The travel dates would be between December 14th and December 24th. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you.

Rebecca and Brooke

Thanks for reading, Rebecca and Brooke. I haven’t been to London in the winter but I’ve been to many other cities in Europe in winter like Paris, Prague, Budapest, Munich, and more, also during my winter school breaks! I’m probably not the most objective person on this as I live in NYC and walk around outside all winter long. But I love European cities around Christmas. Yes, it’s chilly. But if you dress right the charm and the ambiance is unforgettable. I’d highly recommend a London Christmas visit! If you want some freedom to explore mixed with a few organized activities, plan a couple of day tours instead of something more comprehensive. The London Pass is also a great way to see what’s popular while saving money by bundling sightseeing costs. Hope this helps and you have a great trip! 😉

Thank you so much. We are moving ahead with our plans. I agree, if you dress appropriately, the weather will not be a factor.. Again, I really learned a lot from your cheat sheet and have read it many times.

Thanks for reading, Rebecca and Brooke. 🙂 So glad to hear the cheat sheet was helpful. I hope you have a wonderful trip to London.

Heathrow express!! Saved me so much time! So glad I read this.

Thanks for reading, Scott. Yep, the Heathrow Express makes things super easy! 🙂

Thanks for informative sharing. I must say that your shared information is very useful for me as well as other readers.

Glad to hear it, William. Thanks for reading.

Hello Jackie, I am at the beginning of planning a second Girls Trip to London, and the country side of England. The first was with a group of high school girls friends,(tons of fun) and this one will be with all my sister in laws. Both groups are in their early 60’s. I appreciated the link to the GO transportation site. I like the idea of a van to haul us all to the hotel from Heathrow. There will be six of us in this up coming trip. There were only four on the high school trip. We all squeezed into one cab, and shared the cost. I don’t think we can squeeze six ladies and luggage into a cab, so the van idea sounds good. I suggested a cab for the HS group, knowing it is the more expensive way to get from the airport. I knew we would be sharing the cost AND also with the age of the group, didn’t think we (or I ) would want to be dragging our luggage in and out of tube trains. They were all ok with the idea of a cab. Also one thing I tell anyone I know who is on their way over, WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!!! I know they aren’t always the most fashionable, but gee, your feet will thank you at the end of the day. No new shoes that haven’t been wore in yet either. One last thought– the HS trip was a full week in London, so we all decided that the London Pass would be a good idea– and it was! The Shard visit alone would have cost 50 pounds for one person to enter. The payable sites do add up. All worth seeing, but can get pricy. Not so sure it will be worth it for this sister in law trip, we won’t be spending as much time in London. Thanks for the time and research you put into this travel blog. Very enjoyable read. 🙂

Thanks so much for reading, Deborah! So exciting to be planning another trip (and a Girls Trip, even better!) to London. Thanks for sharing your experiences, too. Totally agree on comfortable shoes! My go-to’s for lots of walking (live in NYC) and traveling (one pair is with me on every trip) are Allbirds . In fact, I just bought 2 new pairs (Tree Runner & Wool Runner) since I’ve worn my others out. If anyone in your group or you are looking for something comfy, definitely give these shoes a look. Enjoy your trip to London and come back if there are any questions I can answer. Thanks again for reading. 🙂

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

How to Get Around London: A Guide to Public Transport in London

Last updated: March 20, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 25 Comments

So you’ve decided to visit London! Fantastic idea, it’s an excellent city, with enough activities to keep you busy for however long you choose to stay. Today though, I’m not going to give you advice on what to see in London. Instead, I’m going to share with you my advice for how to get around London.

London is a city with an absolutely fantastic public transport network, but the plethora of choice can be a bit overwhelming for the first-time visitor.

This information on getting around London comes from my experience living in London for 2 years, our subsequent visits as a tourist, and some online research (there are so many options!).

In this guide, I’m going to share with you the various options you have for getting around London, from the tube, to taxis, to the bicycle! Let’s get started.

How To Get Around London

London is divided into nine fare zones, with zones 1 & 2 being central London, and then increasing in number the further outside the city you get. Heathrow Airport for example is in Zone 6. The below transport options will cover all the zones.

Transport in London is operated is by TfL , which stands for “Transport for London”. TfL are the government body responsible for all aspects of the transport system in London, from roads to rails and ticketing to maintenance.

There are a number of ways to pay for transport inside London, including buying an individual ticket, using a contactless card, using an Oyster card , using a visitor Oyster Card or purchasing a travelcard.

I have written a whole post on the best way to pay for transport in London , which you can read, as a summary though, currently in most cases if you have a contactless card that works in the UK then this is the best way to go, followed by the Oyster card.

1. Underground – “The Tube”

The London Underground, or “Tube” as its nicknamed, is the oldest underground metro network in the world, with parts operating since 1863. Today, the London Underground carries over a billion passengers a year, across 270 stations and 250 miles of track. Interestingly, less than 50% of the track is actually underground, despite the name.

In the majority of London, you will usually find that there is an underground stop within easy walking distance, and a train arriving within 10 minutes or less. Because the underground doesn’t have to worry about traffic and streets, it is one of the most efficient ways to get around, and usually the best choice.

For the most part, services operate from 5am through to midnight, and as of August 2016, there will be a 24 hour service offered on some lines as well. You can check times and plan your journey here .

Tube stations are easily recognizable with the distinctive London Underground logo, a red circle with the text “Underground” featured in a blue box.

The Underground operates in fare zones 1 – 6, which cover London in expanding concentric circles, with zone 1 in the centre and zone 6 at the outside. Generally, the more zones you cross on your journey, the more expensive it will be.

Most tube stations have a barrier for entry and exit, and you can purchase tickets from machines or ticket offices at the station.

As a tip, if you’re a visitor to London, try to avoid the Underground during rush hour on weekdays as it gets very crowded with commuters. Generally, this is between around 7:30am and 8:30am in the morning, and from 4:30pm to around 7:00pm in the evening from Monday through Friday.

Also, the tube is the most cost-effective way to get from Heathrow Airport to central London, with a direct link from all the Heathrow terminals to the centre of London. See more on getting to central London from London’s airports here .

2. Overground

The Overground is similar to the Underground, except its above ground. I know – a lot of the Underground is also above ground. That’s just how it is. The Overground is a lot newer than the Underground though, created in 2007, and helps to fill in a number of coverage gaps that the Underground has.

In terms of pricing, the Overground has the same fare pricing as Underground, and follows the same zone-based rules.

In most cases, you also don’t need to touch in and out if you’re using Oyster or contactless payment when switching from Overground to Underground services as they fall inside the same fare zone, although there are some stations where this is required.

The Overground logo is very similar to the Underground logo, except the circle is orange, and of course the title is different.

3. DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

Oh, London. So many transport options, and we’re only on number three! The Docklands Light Railway , or DLR as most people call it, is an automated rail system that specifically covers the docklands area of London, which is the area directly east and south east of central London. The main difference between this train system and the those above is that the DLR is fully automated, which means no drivers.

The DLR links London City Airport to the rest of the tube network, and you will likely find yourself using it if you are taking trips around east and south east London. For instance it is the best way to get to the ExCeL , which hosts a number of large trade shows and events.

In terms of fares, the DLR is the same as the Overground and Underground, part of the overall London fare zone, and in fact some tube stations also contain DLR stations.

If you’re using an Oyster or contactless payment you don’t need to touch in and out when switching from tube to DLR, but you should be aware that many DLR stations do not have barriers, so you mustn’t forget to touch in and out (or have a valid ticket) at the start and end of your journey in order to ensure you pay the correct fare.

4. Rail Services

Yes, I’ve already discussed three rail-like services, but, just in case that wasn’t enough, London also has actual railways too, both suburban rail that links central London to its suburbs, and fast trains that link London to the rest of the country (and the world).

There are also direct rail links to London’s three major airports, namely Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead. See more on getting to and from London’s airports here .

In the majority of cases, trains in and out of London are separate from the Transport for London system, so for example you can’t use your Oyster card on most national rail services, and would have to buy a separate fare.

There are some exceptions, with all suburban trains in zones 1-9 for example, and to select destinations, covered. Trains to Gatwick, including the Gatwick Express, as well as trains to Heathrow, including the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express, are also covered by the Oyster system – you can see more about what’s covered here .

If you asked someone what the most used form of public transport in London was, they might guess Underground. And, with over a billion users a year, that’s not a bad guess. It would be wrong though, because the number of journeys taken on London buses is over two billion a year.

This is likely because there are just so many bus routes in London, serving a huge area – you can basically get anywhere in London by bus. Bus fares are also cheaper, at a fixed price of £1.75 (as of March 2024) for a single journey for Oyster users, regardless of distance.

You can also take advantage of the “ hopper ” fare with Oyster and contactless cards, whereby every bus journey that you take within the first hour of touching in is included in the price. So you can change buses and not have to pay any more – although you must still touch in to the new bus in order to have a valid ticket.

To use the public buses in London, all you have to do is touch your Oyster or contactless card on the big yellow card reader when you board the bus – there’s no need to do it when you get off the bus as fares are fixed. There are also many bus services that operate round the clock, meaning you can still get home after a night out on public transport in many instances.

Buses are generally a little slower than rail services because they have to contend with traffic, which in London is pretty terrible most of the time. However, an advantage is that normally there are no steps involved and no lengthy walks around the Underground system.

As well as public buses, there is also the option to take a Hop on Hop off buses . Whilst these aren’t a form of public transport, for a visitor to London they can be a good way to travel as they visit the main visitor attractions and also include commentary. However, they are priced separately, and are of course more expensive than a standard bus.

You can buy Hop on Hop off bus tickets here . They are also included with city-sightseeing passes like the London Pass .

In south London, and specifically from Wimbledon, through to Croydon and Beckenham, there’s a tram service, known as London Tramlink . The tram has four lines and 17 miles of track, so this definitely isn’t a huge network, but it’s a well used one in the region.

The tram works the same as the bus in terms of payment – it’s a fixed fee per journey, and you just have to touch-in with your Oyster card or contactless card when you board to validate your ticket. You do not need to touch out when you disembark. Trams are also a part of the Hopper fare system.

7. IFS Cloud Cable Car

Now, for something a little bit different. Did you know that London has a cable car service ? It’s the only urban cable car in the UK, and it’s there to get you across the River Thames, from Greenwich to the Royal Victoria Dock.

As well as being a handy way to get to the ExCeL exhibition centre and the O2 Arena from the south side of the river, it also offers panoramic views of this part of the city as you cross.

The Cable Car is part of the TfL system, so you can pay with your Oyster card or contactless card. There are only two stations, one at each end, so it’s also one of the easiest modes of public transport to navigate in London!

8. River Boat

London has a big old river running through it, so it makes sense that this waterway is also used as a public transport system. And so it is, with Thames Clippers operating a service under license from TfL.

There are four “routes”, starting all the way to the west of the city in Putney, and going as far as Woolwich in the east. Essentially this gets you from one end of London to the other.

On board the Thames Clipper in London. 

It’s a fun, scenic way to travel and tends to be a little less busy that many of the other routes. It is used by commuters though, so rush hours can be a little busier. As with other TfL services, the easiest way to pay is by Contactless card or by Oyster card, touching in and out as you board and disembark.

Alternatively you can buy tickets online and print them out, or you can buy tickets in person at the pier. The last option is the most expensive – contactless, Oyster and online ticket purchases are the most cost-effective.

Note that Thames Clipper is a little more expensive than services like the tube or buses, but the point to point service and relatively fast speed, plus the views of London from the river, can make it worth it.

A 24 hour pass is also included on the London Pass (you can buy that here ), if you invest in that money saving attraction pass for your time in London.

London definitely has some iconic modes of transport, from the famous red bus through to the tube. But perhaps most famous of all is the black cab.

With a history dating back to 1662, London’s Hackney Carriages have been carrying people around the city for over 350 years, with drivers having to learn the infamous “Knowledge” – basically a detailed map of London meaning they can navigate the city efficiently, without relying on maps or technology.

Taking a black cab in London is definitely an experience. All you have to do is flag one down by waving at them (the taxi light will be illuminated if it is available), and the driver will stop to pick you up.

Black taxis are certainly more expensive than any of the other forms of transport regulated by TfL, but for the convenience of getting from one part of the city to another, they sometimes can’t be beaten, and if you’re travelling in a group they can work out to be fairly cost effective.

Note that taxis don’t accept Oyster cards, so fares need to be paid by cash or credit card. Fares are paid on completion of the journey, and are set based on distance and time using the meter in the cab.

10. Bicycles

In 2010 London rolled out a new public transport option – the bicycle! There are public cycle points all around the city, and with the increase in cycle lanes, these are becoming a popular way to take short trips.

Hiring a bicycle is relatively easy – it costs £1.65 for 24 hours access to the system, which includes 30 minutes of actual ride time. After your first 30 minutes, each additional 30-minute segment costs you £1.65.

If you think you will use the cycles a lot, then a £20 membership will give you a month of access with unlimited rides of up to 60 minutes each, after which each additional 60 minutes costs £1.65.

To use the cycle hire system you just need a credit or debit card. Because of the need to guard against theft, the system doesn’t accept Oyster cards. You pay your activation fee by card, and then you can access bicycles at points all across the city – there are literally hundreds of them to choose from.

Note that the above pricing is for standard bicycles only. E-Bikes are also available, but for a higher price and for registered users only.

Find out more about the London cycle system here .

11. Walking

Not exactly a public transport option, but don’t discount walking as a way to get around London! Many visitors don’t realise that many parts of London are very pedestrian friendly, and in fact in central London you can get to most of the attractions just by walking.

As a rule of thumb, if somewhere is less than two tube stops away, it’s likely going to be quicker to walk (although worth checking on a map to be sure there’s not an inconvenient river in the way!). Walking is by far the cheapest way to travel around London, and a personal favourite of ours.

Accessibility on Public Transport in London

Given the range of public transport options in London, the accessibility situation is definitely varied. Buses for example are pretty good, with every route serviced by low-floor vehicles and offering a wheelchair space.

The tube on the other hand isn’t so great for step-free access, with only around a quarter of stations offering step free access. An aging network, built well before accessibility was something to consider, has not helped efforts to improve the situation, although certainly efforts are being made. Some stations do have platform to street step free access, but you will need to plan your tube journey carefully.

For a full map and information to help you plan your trip around your needs, take a look at the official accessibility section  of the TfL website.

Which is the best way to get around London?

There’s no really easy way to answer this question. If you’re getting around the majority of central London, the Underground will likely be the most convenient. It’s fast, regular, and doesn’t have to contend with traffic.

Before riding the tube though, it’s worth checking the actual walking distance because the tube map isn’t geographically accurate. So sometimes walking can actually be quicker. This map shows the walking time between stations as a reference point.

For parts of London that aren’t served by the Underground, DLR or Overground services, then the bus is the next most convenient option. There are services all over the city, often running through the night.

If you don’t mind a bit of exercising, then either cycling or walking are both great ways to get around.

If you want to try something a bit different, then the Emirates Air Line or the Thames Clippers will provide that.

The former is certainly excellent for one specific route, and the latter can be a good way to get across London, with water views to boot – although in my mind it’s more of a one-off experience than something to regularly use as a visitor.

Further Reading for Visiting London

We have plenty of further reading to help you plan your trip to London, both content we’ve created based on our experiences, and third-party content we think you’ll find useful.

• The official TfL website , which will give you information on tickets, routes and any updates to services in the forms of delays or cancellations
• If you’re coming into London by air, check out our detailed guide to getting into central London from the airport , which covers all six of London’s airports.
• We have a complete guide to where to stay in London , with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend.
• Jess’s detailed guide to the London pass , which will help you decide if this is a good way for you to save money on your London sight-seeing. The London currently includes Hop-on, Hop-off bus passes, which can be a great transport option.
• We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• Our detailed itineraries for one day in London as well as two days in London , three days in London and six days in London
• Harry Potter fans will want to check out our guide to the key Harry Potter filming locations in London
• Jess’s guide to 1-day walking tour of the highlights of London .
• How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris to help you plan
• The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it for out guide to public transport options in London! What’s your favourite way to get around in London? Any tips to share? Pop them in our comments below!

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There are 25 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Mr. Christopher Twining says

17th February 2023 at 7:13 pm

This is the first, and most likely last and only article I will need to read. Thank you so much for the thorough information. I was last in London in 1972 and I am looking forward to seeing it all again.

Laurence Norah says

18th February 2023 at 7:50 am

My pleasure Christopher, have a lovely time in London. I imagine it will have changed a bit but many sights will surely be familiar 🙂 Safe travels!

6th June 2022 at 5:46 pm

Hi, Thanks for this extremely useful information for a newbie like myself! We are arriving late Saturday evening and plan to take a sightseeing bus on Sunday to get the lay of the land. I see that most attractions are closed on Sundays. Is there anything you can recommend? I’m thinking the market might be a good option? I’ve also heard of Covent Gardens? We will be closest to Paddington Station and will research what areas we should visit first. We are also off to Paris for only 1.5 days. I’ll read your guide on Paris as well! Any feedback is appreciated. Warmly, Pam

6th June 2022 at 5:55 pm

It’s my pleasure, thanks for stopping by! So I would say that a lot of attractions in London are definitely open on a Sunday, such as the Tower of London, however it will depend somewhat on what you are interested in seeing and doing. If you give me some direction in terms of your interests, I’d be happy to advise!

samanta says

17th May 2022 at 4:28 pm

Hi there! Very interessting, thanks for sharing Did I correct understand you have to buy a new ticket if you change the tube line? Even when you are going in one direction (I mean from A to B with no intermadiate stops) and have no other option but to change the line? Many thanks

17th May 2022 at 4:37 pm

Hi Samanta,

My pleasure! No, you don’t have to buy a new ticket when you change tube lines, as long as you stay in the same station. So for example, Oxford Circus tube station has the Central Line, Victoria Line and Bakerloo line. If you get off a Central Line tube and get on a Victoria Line tube, there’s no charge. Tube lines are well signposted inside the stations.

The only time a fee would apply is if you left the station, or went through the ticket gates. You have to scan in and out of the gates when entering or exiting a tube station, so this would not be something you would do by mistake.

Hopefully this answers your question, if you have any more questions do let me know!

Ginge Robinson says

31st March 2022 at 8:19 pm

I have been reading a lot of blogs like this in anticipation of my July 2022 trip to London. Your articles are well written for the unfamiliar traveler and your sight is easy to navigate. Thank you for the time you put in.

1st April 2022 at 10:19 am

Hey Ginge, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this comment. It means a lot to get such nice feedback! Have a wonderful time in London and do let us know if you have any questions!

11th September 2019 at 5:02 pm

Thank you so much for the articles! Exact, relevant, full, helps really!

11th September 2019 at 5:47 pm

Thanks Irina, my pleasure!

23rd May 2019 at 9:28 am

Really good and comprehensive article. I have been living in London for almost a year now but still used to find myself confused with different types of train services. But not anymore! 🙂

23rd May 2019 at 10:52 am

Thanks very much Sonia 🙂

Pedro Zamuner says

2nd April 2019 at 9:17 am

Thanks for the article. Funny, well written and complete! Just got in London last night and now I feel ready to discover the city.

Cheers guys!! 🙂

2nd April 2019 at 10:06 am

Our pleasure Pedro – have a great time in London!

11th November 2018 at 8:12 pm

A minor edit is needed, you list that bicycles cost “30 minutes” for each “30 minutes” past the first 30 minutes.

11th November 2018 at 8:15 pm

Thank you for the feedback – I’ve fixed that now 😀

19th October 2018 at 8:27 am

This is cool. Super helpful and detail! Thank you 🙂

19th October 2018 at 2:44 pm

Our pleasure Mike 🙂

Vikram Badshah says

25th September 2018 at 1:05 pm

Wonderful insight on how to get around in London.

26th September 2018 at 4:17 am

Thanks Vikram!

Anil Palan says

19th September 2018 at 5:26 pm

Thanks for sharing such a nice article on London transport system. It will be very useful to me as I am visiting London for the first time very shortly.

19th September 2018 at 9:11 pm

My pleasure Anil! We have lots more content on the site about London – hopefully you found it. Have a great trip to London!

3rd September 2018 at 1:18 am

This whole post is incredibly useful!! Thank you

3rd September 2018 at 1:20 am

Our pleasure Joana 😀

wassah saw says

23rd June 2018 at 6:52 am

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Top tips for visiting London on a budget

Mar 11, 2024 • 7 min read

You can see the best of London without blowing your budget © AzmanJaka / Getty Images

London has a reputation as one of the most eye-wateringly expensive cities to visit in Europe. Its fame and global appeal have long made it a top "bucket list" destination, with jacked-up accommodation prices and exorbitantly priced experiences, from swanky fine dining to designer shopping.

But there are easy ways to enjoy London without taking out a giant bank loan. Follow these transport, accommodation and meal hacks to save stacks of cash when exploring England's capital.

Daily costs

• Dorm bed in a hostel: £15–30
• Basic hotel room for two: £100–200
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from £100
• Daily transport travel card: £15.20
• Cup of coffee: £2–6
• Lunchtime sandwich: £3–8
• Three-course restaurant dinner for two: from £80
• A pint of beer at the bar: £4–8
• Theatre ticket for a West End show: £25
• Average daily cost: £200

Flying is generally the cheapest way to get to London

Europe's budget airlines, including EasyJet , Ryanair , Wizz Air , Wow Air and others offer hugely competitive fares to the UK capital. However, check which airport you are flying into, as you may have to tag on the price of a costly train fare if you arrive at an airport farther from the center (including London Stansted, London Southend, London Luton and London Gatwick). Also check flight times, as arriving early in the morning (particularly on a weekday) can mean tricky transport links, and possibly a pricey taxi transfer to town.

Stay outside central London to find lower overnight rates

London is divided into nine transport zones, with the most expensive accommodations found in the center in Zone 1 and Zone 2. To save money on accommodation rates, consider staying in Zone 3 or Zone 4 near a Tube station – you'll pay less and you can still take public transport to the main attractions. Good deals can be found in areas such as Stratford and Islington, or try near King’s Cross if you must be downtown. Budget motel-style hotels such as Premier Inn and Travelodge are another option, as are hostels for solo travelers. Prices for Airbnb apartments can also be reasonable if you're traveling in a group (stay in the suburbs for lower rates).

Take a walk or use public transport to get around

London is a huge, sprawling city – it would take more than a day to walk across town from east to west. However, in central London, distances between attractions are very walkable, often along atmospheric old streets lined with historic buildings. When your legs get weary, hop on a red London bus or take the Tube to cover more distance.

Another great option is to rent a Santander Cycle from one of the docking stations dotted around the center. This budget transport option costs less than £2 per day, allowing unlimited trips if you ride and dock within 30 minutes on each trip.

Take advantage of pre-theater restaurant deals

Dinner in the West End is usually cheaper if you go before the curtain call. Many restaurants in London's "Theatreland" offer three-course meals for a fraction of the regular price, starting from when they open at around 5pm until around 7:30pm, on the condition that you'll be gone by the time the shows start. Another option is to dine out earlier in the week (Monday to Wednesday) when restaurants and pubs offer "Taco Tuesdays" and "Steak Clubs" and other similar offers. 

Buy theater tickets far in advance

Sign up to theater mailing lists when you book your trip to London, and whenever a show you are interested in begins its run. Tickets in the West End can cost as little as £20 booked ahead of time, but you might pay hundreds if you leave booking to the day before. Some last-minute theater booking websites may have tickets available for the next day, but these will likely cost you more.

Budget diners should look for end-of-the-night deals

Apps such as Too Good To Go can help you find takeaway meals at restaurants just before closing time, at a fraction of the normal price. Sometimes the food can be a mixed bag, and you may not know what you’ll be getting until you turn up – it's not ideal for fussy eaters, but it helps restaurants reduce food waste, serving up portions that would typically be thrown away.

Save money on attractions with a discount pass

Buy a London Pass and you'll get free entry to some 80 attractions in the city, including the Tower of London , Hampton Court Palace , London Zoo and Windsor Castle . If you plan on visiting multiple sights over several days, the savings can be considerable. If you intend to visit royal attractions such as the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace , consider getting a Historic Royal Palaces annual membership (from £55 for unlimited entries), as admission fees for these attractions average around the £25 mark for each visit.

Hit the free museums and galleries

One of the best things about London is the fact that many of its world-class attractions don’t charge a penny, from the extraordinary Natural History Museum and Science Museum to the magnificent Tate Modern . There are also free theater shows, music concerts, movie screenings and more (read our guide to free London for tips).

Eat street food at London’s many markets

Visiting London's street markets will give you a chance to support local vendors, and you'll also get to sample home-grown British produce and all sorts of flavors from around the world, often for just a few pounds. Camden Market , Borough Market , Seven Dials Market and Broadway Market are some of the best. Many vendors are happy to offer free samples before you buy.

Eat local foods to save on cash

There’s a reason we say "cheap as chips" – a bag of chips in a local chippy (fish and chips joint) should only set you back a few pounds if you head out of the center. It’s one of the cheapest, most filling meals you can eat in the capital. Alternatively, hit a local "greasy spoon" cafe – these traditionally working-class joints offer breakfasts (usually fried) for less than £10 in a cafeteria-like setting.

Head to a traditional East End pie-and-mash shop to try another working-class delicacy that won’t break the bank; expect to pay £5–15 for a full liquor-slathered pie with mashed potatoes. Alternatively, eat at the pub, where meals are usually a fraction of the price of a restaurant (again, head out of central London to get the most bang for your buck). Also, seek out all-you-can-eat curry buffets (like the one served by Indian Veg in Islington’s Chapel Market) to load up on tasty Indian dishes for around £15.

Go to a BYOB restaurant

Dining establishments without a liquor license often allow patrons to bring their own bottles of booze, either for free or with a small corkage charge. This means you can get your plonk in a supermarket for a fraction of the price charged by restaurants, and save a ton on service charges too.

Hit the happy hour drinks deals

If you’re prepared to drink early – typically between 3pm and 6pm – you'll save money on cocktails, beers and wines in London. Look for details of the best happy hour deals on listings websites such as Design My Night , Time Out , Secret London and London Drinks Guide . Happy hours usually run from Monday to Friday and target workers leaving the office early.

Students, children and over-60s get discounts

Discounts for students, children and the over-60s are available at many tourist attractions, at some entertainment venues and on public transport. Checking for these discounts every time is an easy way to save cash. Free events are regularly held for these groups too; check on attraction websites and social media for upcoming deals.

Check for voucher deals online 

Spas, tour companies, stores, restaurants and some tourist sights offer regular voucher deals online (see websites such as VoucherCodes , Groupon and Wowcher ). Also look out for promo coupons for family attractions such as the London Aquarium and Legoland Windsor on packets of snacks and breakfast cereals. It’s well worth checking for internet or app deals before you book any London experience.

This article was first published September 2023 and updated March 2024

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Getting Around

To the uninitiated, getting around in London can seem daunting. What’s the difference between the train and the Overground? How do I know which bus stop to wait at? What on earth is was the Emirates Air Line? All reasonable questions. This guide aims to equip you with all the knowledge you need to confidently and efficiently navigate the city.

The basics of getting around in London

Oyster cards & contactless.

Just arrived or moved to London? Welcome. To get around town you can either use an Oyster card which you can pick up from any station and most newsagents will sell them too. You have to pay a £5 deposit which you can get back along with any remaining credit .

If you’re going to be returning to the city or staying for a while, then it’s worth registering your card online so you can keep your card topped up easily at any time.

Alternatively, you can use a contactless payment with a bank card or mobile payment instead – just tap your card on the reader at the gate. London transport accepts contactless mobile payment from Apple Pay, Google Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay, bPay, and Samsung Pay. If you’re visiting from abroad you may be charged overseas transaction fees, if so, getting an Oyster card makes more sense.

For people moving to or commuting to London, your employer may run a discounted travel card scheme to allow you to get a season ticket which is deducted from your wages each month, which also means using an Oyster card rather than contactless.

Daily fare caps

Whether you use an Oyster or contactless, there are daily pay as you go fare caps at play, which limit the amount you pay no matter how many journeys you take on a given day.

For example: a zones 1-2 fare cap is set at £ 7.70 (from 1st March 2022), meaning you can take as many bus, Tube and Overground journeys within zones 1 and 2 in any given day and you will not be charged more than £ 7.70 .

Daily caps are calculated from 4:30 am until 4:29 am the next day. Unless you’re on a real late one, you can often get home from a night out for free if you’ve already maxed out your Oyster. Weekly Caps are calculated from Monday to Sunday.

Table of Daily and Weekly TFL Fare Caps

Prices below valid from 1st March 2022.

But what are these zones you speak of? The London transport map is divided into different zones, which roughly equate to how central a location is. For example, Oxford Circus in the middle of town is located in zone 1, while Richmond is 9 miles away from Waterloo and falls under zone 4.

Ticket fares are based on how many zones you travel through. So, travel within zone 3 will be cheaper than travelling from zone 3 into zone 1. Some stations, such as Stratford zones 2/3, sit on the border of two different zones. This means your journey will be charged at the cheaper rate depending on your direction of travel. If you travel into the city, your journey will be classed as starting in zone 2. If you travel further out of town, your journey will be classed as starting in zone 3. Each station and bus stop will tell you which zone you’re in, and they’re also clearly marked out on transport maps.

Buses Are The Cheapest Public Transport In London

Zones do not apply to bus fares, meaning you can travel anywhere in London for the same fare of £1.65 Additionally, the Hopper fare allows you to bus hop for one hour with no additional charges. Yes, that’s right you can make unlimited bus journeys within one hour of touching in with your Oyster or contactless. As long as you scan the same card on each journey you will not be charged again within an hour. Daily caps on buses are £4.95, and if you have the time, travelling by bus is easily one of the best and cheapest ways to see some of London’s landmarks .

Planning your journey

Even if you’ve travelled around London on a daily basis for a good few years, you’ll probably need to use an app to help plan your journeys. Apps can alert you to service updates, signal issues or changes to bus routes. TfL is great for basic journeys , live updates, station facilities and ticket types.

But CityMapper is your best bet for speed and efficiency. It has a sophisticated algorithm that takes into account how often different trains or buses depart, distance between stops and time of day to provide you with a selection of different route options. And it even lets you know which carriage of the Tube to get on for a swift exit. It also shows you how much your journey will cost you, so you can work out a cheaper alternative if you plan ahead.

Failing that, Google Maps can be useful, especially if you’re walking. You can also download the map to your phone when you have wifi to avoid using your data (or if you’re here without a UK SIM )

The Tube (the London Underground network)

The London Underground network serves 5 million passengers each day, covering 270 different stations. It’s the oldest underground transport system in the world, and has been transporting people around the capital since 1863. Fortunately it’s had a few improvements since then. Most people call it the tube, and the majority of the central stops are underground. But as you get further away from the middle of town the network leaves its subterranean roots. In fact, 55% of the network is actually located above ground.

The Tube is a fast, efficient way to travel. Trains leave most platforms between two and 5 minutes (this is fairly standard, but they can be further apart, especially on Sundays), and take around two minutes to arrive at the next station, depending on the line you’re on.

The different lines each have a name and a distinct colour to help you trace your journey. Make sure you know whether your destination is northbound or southbound, or eastbound or westbound, as that will help you get to the correct platform and watch out for lines like the district and northern lines which have two different branches, although the branch name should be on the front of the train carriage as well on the platform screen and train announcements.

You can travel on most lines from 5 am until 1 am the next day. While at the weekend you can catch a reduced Night Tube service on a number of lines throughout the night. The downside is the Tube can get hot and sweaty during busy periods and especially in the summer (although some upgraded lines now have air con). If you can help it, try to avoid the morning rush between 7:30-10 am and the afternoon rush between 4.30-7 pm. If you’re travelling around central London, it can often be easier and more enjoyable to walk between destinations, rather than taking the Underground and changing lines.

London buses

London buses are brilliant at connecting the dots between train lines and other parts of the city. They are mostly double-deckers, meaning you can get a great view of the city streets as you travel. However, they are generally slower than the Tube and are susceptible to traffic.

Certain journeys can take two-to-three times as long during rush hour. When planning your bus journey, pay special attention to the route number and specific bus stop name and code. For example, if you needed to get the 45 bus heading north from Brixton, you’d need to look out for Route 45, Brixton Stop N.

There are 673 routes, 19,000 stops and 8,500 buses in London, meaning it’s easy to get confused if you’re not careful. If you get the right bus number, but wrong bus stop, you could end up travelling in the wrong direction.

Many bus routes also run 24 hours a day, so you can easily get home once the underground and trains have stopped running.

Travelling out of London

London’s major train lines connect the capital to the suburbs, the coast and even several European cities , So whether you’re looking for an easy day trip , a weekend hike or a city break, there are plenty of high speed trains to get you there. Flying in from abroad? Check out our guide to the cheapest ways into the city centre from London’s six airports .

London Overground

The Overground is a great way to travel, and mostly covers zone 2 and beyond. You can travel east to west or north to south easily without having to go through central London or taking suburban railways – great for getting to places like Kew Gardens .

It’s a bit less frequent than the tube, but you get views of the city, air-conditioning and wider trains. On busy days, these little luxuries really mean a lot. Look out for the orange symbol, some stations like Highbury & Islington have both Overground and Underground stations in the same place, so it makes for a fast and easy transfer.

The Elizabeth Line

It may have been delayed several times, but the much anticipated new line opened in May 2022. Or at least, the first phase of it opened. It’s on the tube map and runs partly underground, but isn’t technically part of the London Underground. Confused? Here’s the quick explanation: originally called Crossrail, the whole line will eventually cover 73 miles connecting the suburbs with the city centre and Heathrow Airport. Eventually it will run all the way from Shenfield in Essex and Abbey Wood in South East London to Reading, Berkshire and Heathrow to the west of London. At the moment, the western tunnels aren’t connected to the central ones, but are expected to be in Autumn 2022.

Contactless and pay-as-you-go Oyster payments can be made on most of the central parts of the Elizabeth Line, and the fares are the same too. The line has slashed the travel time across several journeys (For example Liverpool Street to Woolwich is now halved to 15 minutes) and the new stations are much more spacious and accessible than a lot of underground stations too.

Passengers should eventually be able to travel the full length of the line from May 23, but in the meantime, if you get the chance to use it to travel through the central parts of the line, it should be a more pleasant experience than getting the tube.

Other Train Networks in and around London

Thames Clipper (ferry boats)

The Thames Clipper ferry network is an exhilarating way to travel. Connecting Putney in the west to Woolwich in the east, the boat zips along the River Thames, taking in some of London’s top landmarks along the way. You can use contactless and oyster on the Thames Clipper, but the river is divided into different zones from the underground and the prices are different too.

River services operate in three zones: west, central and east, and a single central zone journey is £8.70.

The Former Emirates Air Line (cable car)

The Emirates Air Line was the name of the cable car that takes passengers on ‘flights’ across the Thames from “Emirates” Greenwich Peninsula on the south of the river to “Emirates” Royal Docks on the north. It’s quite a niche mode of transport, only serving two stops, but it’s great fun nonetheless.

As of June 2022, the branding contract with Emirates has ended, so at the moment we’re not sure what the future of this cable car line holds!

Bikes in London

Cycling is often as fast (or sometimes faster) than getting the tube, and is a great way to see more of London and really get your bearings. There are dedicated bike routes all over the city, which will show up on CityMapper but are probably best accessed via Google Maps.

There are few places to hire bikes on the go around London, the biggest scheme is Santander Cycle which has over 800 docking stations across London (mostly in zones 1 and 2, and a limited number in outer London). You can just turn up and rent a bike for £2 a day (plus an additional £2 for each hour after that) and you can just drop it off at another docking station one you’re done.

One nice bonus is that journeys under 30 minutes are free. This means you can cycle for 29 minutes and dock the bike at a station, then get another bike out and do the same throughout the day to avoid additional charges.

If you find yourself doing a lot of cycling and want to get a bike of your own, see our article on where to buy a bike in London .

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Hi, I'm Candace

Candace Abroad

A London & Travel Blog

London , London Travel Tips & Inspiration , Moving to London Advice & Resources · August 14, 2023

How to Get Around London: Your Ultimate Transport Guide for 2024

Table of Contents

Looking to get around London? Whether you’re navigating getting around London as a tourist for the first time or just need a brush up on the London transportation system, here’s how to navigate the London public transport system like a pro — from a Londoner!

This post may contain affiliate links. Check out my  Disclosure & Privacy Policy  for more information.

Travelling to London can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with getting around the city.

With its sprawling metropolis and countless attractions, getting from A to B in London can seem like an impossible task. But don’t fret!

Over the years I’ve learned the ins and outs of London transport (and may or may have gotten on several wrong tubes along the way). Seven years later I can proudly say getting around London is a breeze, but there’s definitely a learning curve.

This London transport guide will provide all the information you need on getting around London using public transportation. From the tube, buses, trains, the infamous black cabs and more — here’s everything you need to know to make your way around London as easily as possible. Let’s dive in!

How to Get Around London: Your Ultimate Transport Guide to the City

How London Zones Work

Before you dive into the world of London transport, it’s important to know how the transport system is set up.

The zone system divides up London into nine circular zones that extend out from Zone 1 (Central London) to Zone 9 (the outskirts of London).

As you can see on the London transit map above, these zones are used by many forms of public transport in London in order to calculate fares and determine which areas are served by each service.

So for example, if you’re travelling within Zone 1 by tube, as of 2023 it would cost you £2.50 on your Oyster Card.

But if you’re travelling from Zone 1 to Zone 3 by tube, it would cost you £2.90 on your Oyster Card.

Knowing how the zone system works can help you make sense of getting around London quickly and efficiently. So know it well!

P.S – If you’re just getting around London as a tourist you’ll most likely be staying in ‘Zone 1-2’ during your trip (unless you’re going somewhere like, for example, Kew Gardens in Zone 3 or Hampton Court Palace in Zone 6).

The Best Transit Apps for Getting Around London

Before bracing yourself for the mighty world of the London transport system, you’ll want to have an app or two handy, or in my case, just one. Citymapper .

It’s a public transit app that started in 2011 (in London actually!) and is hands down the best way to get around the city.

I’ve used it for years without a glitch, but if in doubt Google Maps or Apple Maps will work too.

How Do You Pay for Public Transport in London?

The easiest way to pay for your rides on London public transport is by getting an Oyster Card or using your Contactless Payment Card.

Both cards use the same ‘tap-in’ payment system, that you’ll use on most public transport in the city.

The Oyster card is a physical card that you top up with money at any Tube station or online — and it’s always best if you plan ahead and pre-load your card before travelling .

You can purchase an Oyster card at most airports (except London Southend), or any Tube or National Rail station in London as well as most newsagents and convenience stores throughout the city. It’s also possible to purchase an Oyster Card online through the official Transport for London website .

Once you have your card, simply top it up with money, and you’re ready to start getting around London quickly, safely and conveniently!

Alternatively, contactless payment cards are linked directly to your bank account and allow you to tap into stations and buses without having to worry about topping up beforehand. Contactless payments can be made using debit or credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other mobile wallets such as Samsung Pay.

The best thing about using your Oyster and contactless card are the pay-as-you-go daily and weekly caps .

These were made to limit the amount that London tourists and locals alike pay on transport every day and week, with a daily cap of £7.70 between Zone 1-2 and £38.40 weekly for Zone 1-2 (meaning you’ll never pay more than this for unlimited travel within these zones), for London buses the daily cap is £4.95.

The cap amount depends on what zones you’re travelling to that day and your passenger type, so be sure to check what your cap fare would be here .

What about Travelcards and Visitor Oysters?

You may have also heard of something in London called ‘ Travelcards ‘.

When purchased these enable unlimited travel within certain zones, however unless you’re travelling non-stop in London the cost of Travelcards usually isn’t worth it in comparison to using your Oyster or Contactless card.

Visitor Oyster Cards on the other hand are designed specifically for visitors who need short-term access to transportation services in the city and also come with special discounts to various London experiences and restaurants.

Overall, unless you’re eligible for discounts on the Oyster card or want to make use of the discounts on the Visitor Oyster Card , the easiest way to pay for London transport will be your contactless card as you can use it instantly straight from your phone as soon as you arrive in London (as long as you have your Apple Pay or Google Pay set up).

How Much is Public Transport in London?

The price of public transport London varies depending on the method of transit you use as well as the distance you’re travelling to between Zone 1-9.

The tube and Overground starts from £2.50 a journey and the bus from £1.65. But to get a realistic number on what your journey will cost I highly suggest using the TfL Fare Calculator so you can price your journey beforehand.

P.S – Citymapper will also tell you how much any journey you take will cost!

Discounts on Travelling in London

Like most things that involve London life, getting around the city can get expensive. So here’s a few ways to save on transport in London.

Hopper Fare: This gives you unlimited journeys within one hour on all TfL buses for £1.65 and works automatically

18+ Student Oyster: Any student in London (even international) can save 30% on bus & tram journeys

16-25 Railcard: 1/3 off train travel and 1/3 off single off-peak pay as you go fares on the London Undeground and DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

26-30 Railcard: Same discounts as the 16-25 Railcard

16-17 Zip Oyster: 50% off travel on most London transit

11-15 Zip Oyster: Free travel on London bus and 50% off most fares

Children Under 11: Free travel on most London transport services for up to 4 children accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket

60+ London Oyster: Free travel if you’re over 60 living in London

P.S – For more free and discounted options for public transport in London make sure you check out TfL’s official website !

What’s the Best Way to Travel Around London?

The best way to travel around London will depend on your specific journey, but my favourite way is walking .

London has SO many beautiful hidden corners that you’ll simply miss on public transportation.

My love for walking in London aside, in general, using the London Underground or the London buses will be the best way to get around the city.

The tube (London Underground) is usually very reliable, even with the recent TfL strikes over the past year, along with the London buses which are a great way to experience London like a true local.

Both also have incredible connections to almost an place in the city, unlike the Overground, DLR (Docklands Light Railway), River Boat or many other London transport options we’ll run through in a bit.

10 Ways to Get Around London

The London Underground (a.k.a. the Tube)

The Tube is the most iconic form of public transport in London (and for good reason). It’s been around since 1863, and today it’s a vital part of getting around the city.

The Tube consists of 11 lines that cover 270 stations over 402 kilometres (250 miles) of track and can take you to nearly every corner of the capital, making it one of the best ways to get around London.

London Tube Lines:

• Bakerloo Line
• Central Line
• Circle Line
• District Line
• Hammersmith & City Line
• Jubilee Line
• Metropolitan Line
• Northern Line
• Piccadilly line
• Victoria line
• (NEW) Elizabeth Line

If you’re getting around London as a tourist, you should be able to get to the majority of places on your itinerary through the tube alone (although I still highly suggest taking a ride on the London buses and walking if your location is close enough).

Before you take your first ride, I suggest having a look at the tube map and familarising yourself with the lines.

To catch the tube to your destination you’ll need to know which line and which direction you’ll need to take (Eastbound or Westbound or Northbound or Southbound), followed by the branch of the line (i.e the end destination of the line).

So, for example, if I wanted to from Leicester Square to Hampstead , my directions would say I need to get the ‘Northern Line’ going ‘Northbound’ on the branch that’s going towards ‘Edgeware’ .

Step-by-step here’s how you would get there on the tube once you have the directions:

• Walk to Leicester Square station
• Tap in with your Oyster, Visitor Oyster or Contactless card on the yellow reader
• Follow the signs to the Northern Line
• Go to the platform that says ‘Northbound’ on the Northern Line
• Look at the digital display board on the platform screen and make sure you’re getting on the tube that is going towards the end destination listed on your directions
• Get off at Hampstead
• Follow the signs to the exit
• Tap out with your Oyster, Visitor Oyster or Contactless card on the yellow reader
• Give yourself an internal high-five for figuring out the London tube system
• Explore Hampstead!

Mimic these steps for any journey you’re taking on the tube until it becomes like clockwork!

Safety is a also top priority on the Tube network with CCTV cameras located throughout all stations and on every train carriage. Emergency help points are also positioned at regular intervals along each platform with constant monitoring to make sure any potential problems are quickly identified and dealt with. If you’re ever feeling lost the TfL staff is also more than willing to help you get back on your route.

There’s also a night tube service on the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines if you’re coming home late from a night out in London.

P.S. – Don’t forget to read my tube etiquette guide !

With over 8,000 buses operating in the city, getting from one place to another on public transport in the city has never been easier.

Buses are a great way to explore all that London has to offer as they provide access to some of the city’s best attractions and views of the capital (check out the best bus routes for sightseeing in London! ).

Like I mentioned before, you’ll also get unlimited rides on any London bus journey within an hour through the Hopper Fare , so for example, if you take 3 buses across the city in one hour, it’ll still be £1.65.

To use the bus — simply load up the directions to your destination and catch your correct bus from the bus stop (for example, ‘Bus 148 to White City, leaving from Stop P).

When you get on tap your Oyster, Visitor Oyster or contactless card on the yellow reader near the bus driver and take your seat (you won’t need to tap-out like you do on the tube).

Although taking the bus usually works out longer than taking the tube, it’s a great way to see London from a new perspective and get to more secluded areas in the city.

P.S – Try getting the top left or right seat on the double-decker buses for the best views!

DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is a light rail network in London, connecting parts of East and South East London.

It operates using driverless automated trains, with easy-to-understand route maps that make getting around this part of the city much smoother.

The DLR is fully integrated with other forms of public transportation too, including the Tube and bus services, so you may end up using it as part of your journey from time to time. Like if you’re going from Central London to the beautiful Greenwich !

This makes getting around this part of London easier than ever before, as you can easily switch between transport networks while using the same payment card and ticketing system.

Unlike the Tube or bus, it also runs above ground on its own tracks, meaning that it has no traffic congestion to delay your journey and no waiting for traffic lights, with great views along the way. From the ExCel Centre to Canary Wharf, Greenwich and more, it’s a lovely way to get from point A to point B when needed.

The London Overground is a suburban and inner-city network that services many locations in the Greater London area.

It covers a large part of Central London and includes lines like the East London Line (ELL), North London Line (NLL), West London Line (WLL) and more. These lines also lead to popular neighbourhoods such as Shoreditch High Street Station , Camden Town , Angel Islington, and Old Street Station.

Getting around on the London Overground is very easy and follows the same ‘tap-in, tap-out’ system as the tube. Trains don’t come as often as the Underground so you may find yourself waiting a bit longer, they also move a bit slower too — but of course as it’s the ‘Over’ground, this means London views!

Rail Services

The National Rail services in London play a key role in getting around the capital. The National Rail network consists of over 2,500 stations and more than 11,000 miles (17,700 kilometers) of track across Great Britain…that’s a lot of rail services!

Lucky for you, in London there’s only four main ones to rememeber —  The Southeastern Railway, Thameslink, The Southern Railway and The Southwestern Railway, i.e the major railway networks in the city.

These offer frequent services from many points in the city in addition to destinations across the entire UK and many London airports.

For rail journeys within London you can use your Oyster card or contactless, but you’ll need to purchase a seperate physical or digital ticket if you’ll be taking a train from London to elsewhere in the UK.

You can save 30% on all train travel in the UK if you’re 16-25 or 26-30 by getting a Railcard .

You’re also likely to use a train if you’re coming from the airport to Central London, but other than that you won’t be using the train often if you’re getting around London as a tourist.

If you’re looking to do a few London day or weekend trips away from the city, I’d suggest catching the train from Paddington, Waterloo or London Bridge station. Make sure you use Trainline to find the cheapest train tickets !

River Bus Services

For a more unique way to get around London, try a river bus !

London has one of the largest networks of navigable waterways in Europe, which includes the famous River Thames and other small streams, rivers and canals.

This network is both picturesque and practical, providing public transport in London for passengers like no other.

The most popular river boat services in London are run by Thames Clippers , who operate regular daily cruises from Embankment Pier to many locations along the Thames such as Tower Bridge, Greenwich, Canary Wharf and Woolwich. Prices vary depending on how far you’re travelling along the route but it’s generally quite affordable for tourists; single adult fares cost about £5-£7 per journey or £9-£15 return tickets and they accept Oyster and contactless cards .

Thames Clippers also offer various combined tickets which provide discounted prices when travelling on multiple boats or getting off at multiple stops – they even have an Oyster card reader installed on their ticket machines so you can top up your card while onboard.

Apart from Thames Clippers there are loads of amazing river cruises in London that will allow you to experience the city from a new perspective, in style!

P.S – Due to their slightly higher price point in comparison to the tube, London buses etc. you won’t often find locals using river boats for their daily commutes, but if you live here it’s a great option if you’re ever looking to mix things up! You can check out more TfL river bus services here .

London’s black cabs are also a popular (and expensive) way of getting around the city, offering a convenient and reliable transport service for both locals and tourists alike.

Black cab drivers must pass extensive tests known as ‘the knowledge’ in order to get their license, so they are highly experienced in getting you from A to B with minimal fuss.

There are two main types of black cabs in London, the traditional TX4 and the newer LEVC electric models — both offer a spacious interior for up to 6 passengers with plenty of room for luggage or shopping bags. Most have built-in payment terminals accepting credit/debit cards and Apple/Android pay options; but you can pay in cash if preferred.

Black cabs can be hailed on the street by flagging them down or you can use apps like Uber or Gett to hail one from the app.

The cost of a journey varies depending on how far you’re travelling, but generally speaking every mile is about £6.50 to £11.20 (roughly 6-13 minutes) and prices are 10% higher in the evening.

It’s also worth noting that while getting around by black cabs is usually very safe, I always recommend checking the driver’s ID badge before getting into your ride.

London is a great city for getting around by bicycle, with a huge network of dedicated cycle lanes and bike paths for cyclists (although we’re no Copenhagen yet).

If you’re new to London or just getting into cycling then the best place to start is to understand the Cycleways which comprises hundreds of miles of dedicated cycle lanes throughout London. You can also download and plan your route ahead of time .

To rent a bike simply find a Santander Cycles station near you or check out other options like Lime’s E-scooters and E-bike rentals .

London drivers can be a bit unforgiving, so make sure you know the Highway Code while you’re out on the road. For example all cyclists must keep left unless they’re passing another cyclist; and pedestrians always have right of way (even if they don’t look like they’re paying attention!). This is particularly true in busy pedestrian areas such as Oxford Street or Trafalgar Square.

Overall cycling around London is a fantastic way to explore the city and save on travel, with bike hires starting from less than £2.

Getting around London on foot is a great way to explore the city and experience its sights, sounds and culture.

Walking allows you to take in your surroundings at a leisurely pace (something that let’s just say the tube doesn’t always allow…), getting up close and personal with the bustling metropolis that makes up London. Plus getting around by walking is one of the most cost-effective ways to get from A-B — no tickets or fares required!

When getting around London by foot it’s important to plan your route carefully beforehand so you know exactly where you’re going. With apps like Citymapper you can find the best routes and the estimated time it’ll take to reach your destination.

If you’re exploring Central London, you’ll also find most locations are in walking distance from each other. For example, walking from Soho to Covent Garden will take you just 15 minutes! And we all know Big Ben to Tower Bridge is just an excuse to do a lovely walk along South Bank .

Just make sure to pack your comfortable shoes!

P.S – I’ve got plenty of custom London walking tours if you’re looking for an interesting route

Read More: Ultimate London Packing List: What to Wear in Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Bonus: Cable Car

The newly renamed IFS Cloud Cable Car offers a unique way to get around London while getting stunning views of the city and the River Thames.

Spanning across the river between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, it’s an incredibly efficient, low-cost and convenient form of transport that can take you on a stunning journey across London in a matter of minutes.

You can pay for your ride via your Oyster card or contactless and ride with up to 10 passengers at a time. Although the ride is only about 10 minutes, there’s plenty of Instagram opportunities and breathtaking views to take in along the way, including the likes of the O2 Arena, Canary Wharf and iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the City Hall if you look close enough.

I’ll admit, this isn’t a London transport option you’d use on a daily basis, but if you’re looking for a new way to see the city, this is it!

Accessibility & London Transport

Although using London’s transport network is an incredibly convenient and straightforward way to get around the city, it can be more difficult for people who may require extra assistance or support. Fortunately, London is getting more accessible every year.

The majority of London’s public transport offer wheelchair access , as well as other facilities such as ramps, lifts and audible announcements. All buses in London also feature low floors which make getting on and off easier for wheelchair users.

Additionally, most tube stations have been redesigned to include new tactile maps, Braille signs and audio-visual systems to help passengers find their way around with greater ease.

You can also use the TfL website to plan your accessible journey and find out more .

Final Tips on Using Public Transport in London

• Always ‘Mind the Gap’ when you’re on the tube and stick to the right side of the escalator for standing and the left side for walking
• Don’t forget to check how close two destinations in London are to each other — or you may miss out on a lovely walk!
• Stick to exploring 1-2 areas of London at a time to save on your transportation costs and time

Whew — that was LONG! But hopefully now you feel more prepared than ever to tackle the London transport system.

Like I said, once you do it a few times you really do get into the swing of things. And we all know getting around London by public transportation is the only way to be a true Londoner (at least if you ask me!).

Happy Londoning,

• Ultimate London Packing List: What to Wear in Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
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London Underground 101: A guide to getting the Tube in London

Editor's Note

If you've never visited London before, navigating its iconic Tube system can be either an adventure or a confused mess of Tube lines, fare types and labyrinthian stations.

You might not have initially thought so, but there's a lot more to it than just getting to a station, hopping on a train and then exiting. Thankfully, TPG has your back, and we created this guide to the London Underground.

Let's dive in.

Related: The 23 best hotels in London

Paying for the Tube and how to save money

First of all, let's make sure the price is right.

There are many ways you can pay to travel around London via the Tube.

You can buy paper tickets from the ticket machines at each Tube, Overground and Docklands Light Railway station. One-way, return, daily and weekly travel cards are available. If you're buying tickets for single journeys, you'll probably spend more than you really need to if you take the Tube more than once.

The most convenient payment method, though, is to use your contactless payment card. Simply touch it on the yellow card readers found at Tube entrances and some platforms to pay for your ride.

These card readers also work with prepaid Oyster cards sold at all Tube and Overground stations, plus most Elizabeth Line stations and select newsstands and visitor centers throughout London, for 7 British pounds ($8.86) each. If you choose to purchase and pay via an Oyster card, you can add money to the card using the ticket machines found inside Underground stations. You can then purchase daily or weekly travel cards covering various zones.

Regardless of how you pay for your ride, you'll use the same process for confirming your payment. Use your phone (for contactless payments) or debit, credit or Oyster card to tap in and out at the barriers of your start and end stations. Remember that card readers aren't always connected to gates and are sometimes free-standing, so make sure you locate one and tap in and out to avoid getting charged for traveling through all nine zones.

To see the full details and decide exactly which payment method is right for you, check out the Transport for London website .

Daily limits

If you use an Oyster card or contactless payment to pay for your Tube journey, there is a cap on how much you can be charged, depending on the zones you travel in or between.

Say, for example, you only travel within Zones 1 and 2. For a full day of travel via the London Underground in those two zones, you'll pay 8.50 pounds (around $10.76).

You can view the prices for other zones on the TfL website .

Child discounts

All children under the age of 11 can travel on the London Underground for free, and children between 11 and 15 receive discounted fares (as outlined below). To ensure that you get a discount, you should talk to a member of the London Underground staff inside the station.

How much does travel on the London Underground cost?

The London Underground operates a peak and off-peak fare system. The amount you're charged depends on which zones you're traveling in or between.

Peak fares are charged Monday to Friday between the hours of 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. Off-peak fares are charged at all other times and if you're traveling from a station outside of Zone 1 into Zone 1 between 4 and 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Journeys on the Tube and the Elizabeth Line to and from Heathrow Airport (LHR) are always considered peak fares if you start, end or go through Zone 1.

Travel cards

Peak and off-peak travel cards are also available in the Tube stations' kiosks. The cost of travel cards varies depending on the zones you travel in. Paying with an Oyster card or via contactless payment is usually cheaper.

An Anytime Day travel card can be used for the entire day that you purchase it until 4:30 a.m. the next day.

An Off-peak Day travel card is valid for an entire weekday from 9:30 a.m. — or any time on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays — until 4:30 a.m. the following day.

How to read the London Tube map

The London Underground map is divided into nine zones. The center of London — along with its most popular tourist attractions and iconic hotels — is in Zone 1. The outer parts of the city are in Zone 9. The zones are serviced by 11 tube lines and a handful of other rail services identified by color.

The London Underground lines are as follows:

• Bakerloo (brown) : From Harrow & Wealdstone in northwest London to Elephant & Castle south of the River Thames
• Central (red) : From West Ruislip in west London to Epping in east London
• Circle (yellow) : From Hammersmith to Edgware Road and then back to Edgware Road in a loop around central London
• District (green) : From Upminster in east London to Richmond in south London
• Hammersmith & City (pink) : From Hammersmith to Barking in east London
• Jubilee (gray) : From Stanmore to Stratford in east London
• Metropolitan (maroon) : From Aldgate to Amersham
• Northern (black) : From Edgware in the northern suburbs to South Wimbledon in southwest London
• Piccadilly (dark blue) : From Cockfosters via Hammersmith to Heathrow Terminals 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; the Piccadilly Line has two branches, which split at Acton Town
• Victoria (light blue) : From Walthamstow Central in north London through central London to Brixton
• Waterloo & City (turquoise) : From Bank to Waterloo Station

Though not technically Tube lines, you'll also find the following rail routes on the Tube map:

• Overground (orange — double stripe) : From Watford Junction in the northwest to Croydon in the south and from Barking in the east of London to Richmond and Wandsworth in the southwest
• Docklands Light Railway (turquoise — double stripe) : From Bank in the City to Lewisham in east London and Bank to Woolwich Arsenal; there are further routes from Tower Gateway to Beckton, Stratford to Lewisham or Canary Wharf, and Stratford International to Woolwich Arsenal
• Elizabeth Line (purple — double stripe) : From Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east

Taking the Tube to Heathrow Airport

Depending on where you're traveling from, the Tube or Elizabeth Line will likely be your cheapest and most direct route to Heathrow Airport.

You can learn more about the best ways to reach Heathrow here .

While there's extra space on the Piccadilly Line for suitcases, trains on other lines aren't always as accommodating. Either way, traveling with multiple pieces of luggage at peak times can make for a stressful and awkward journey for you and those around you.

It's not always possible to get to Heathrow without getting on the Tube during peak times. If possible, try to leave earlier to avoid rush hour and have a far more comfortable journey.

How to plan your trip

TfL provides a range of free Tube maps that are available in most Tube stations and some small shops to help you plan your journey.

You can also use TfL's journey planner . Add in your start and end destinations, and the site will work out the nearest Tube stations and what changes you may need to take. The site will also suggest bus routes if they're faster, and it'll advise on journey times.

You can filter its suggestions to only include buses if you wish to avoid the Tube; you can also filter for routes that are accessible, routes near taxi ranks or routes that have the fewest changes or least amount of walking.

In terms of apps, many Londoners tend to use Citymapper ( iOS / Android ) or Google Maps ( iOS / Android ), both of which will provide you with up-to-date Tube suggestions, walking routes and bus options.

How early does the Tube run?

The London Underground's opening times can differ depending on the line you want to take and where you're starting your trip. Generally, though, Tube trains begin operation around 5 a.m. from Monday to Saturday, with slightly reduced operating hours on Sundays.

How late does the Night Tube run?

On Friday and Saturday nights, you can ride the Night Tube when the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines run for 24 hours. Additionally, the London Overground operates a 24-hour service on these days between New Cross Gate and Highbury & Islington.

The Night Tube is charged at off-peak rates.

The quickest route might not be the obvious one

If you're not used to London, you might think you need to take the Tube to get anywhere. The Tube is your best bet for longer journeys in and out of the city. However, shorter journeys in central London will likely be quicker on foot.

When planning your journeys, the TfL website has a handy box to help you determine which routes are quicker to walk.

By walking shorter routes, you'll not only save time but will also breathe in less thick, soupy air. The views are guaranteed to be an improvement, too.

Travel etiquette on the London Underground

Polite behavior when traveling on the London Underground can pretty much be simplified into three main rules.

Escalator etiquette

Perhaps the most important rule of Tube stations is to stand on the right on the escalators. This allows those in a rush to glide down the escalators in a flash to avoid waiting an extra minute for the next train.

Mindful Tubing

Everyone getting the Tube has somewhere to be and is likely in a rush. Letting all passengers get off your carriage before boarding will enable a smoother, quicker and more pleasant journey for everyone.

Additionally, don't hog seats if someone in need, such as elderly people, pregnant women or people with disabilities, would benefit more than you by sitting down. Checking if someone needs your seat will go a long way in making someone's journey, if not their entire day, better.

As for rides during busy commuting hours, remember that squishing as tightly as possible into the area closest to the doors doesn't benefit anyone. Move down the train. It makes for a more comfortable, less sweaty journey for everyone.

In general, queueing is somewhat of a national sport for Brits. We do it anywhere and everywhere, and anyone who fails to queue correctly will receive passive-aggressive eye rolls and tuts from all who witness it.

This also applies to the Tube, whether you're waiting to get through the barriers, waiting to get on or waiting for the stairs, escalators or elevators to leave the station. Save yourself the glares and cranky tuts of fellow passengers by falling into line.

Bottom line

Love it or hate it, London would come to a standstill without the Tube. Whether it's your first time in the capital or you're a seasoned Londoner, the above tips will serve you well. Remember, above all else, to stand to the right.

10 essential tips for getting around London

By: Author Monica

Categories UK

As one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world, it can be a bit daunting to get around London. Unlike other cities, you can’t travel around the whole of London on foot. It’s far too big so visitors need to rely on transport to see all of London’s sights. The public transport system is extensive and relatively reliable, but it’s also fast-paced and the people using it are generally unforgiving of people who don’t know or follow the unspoken rules.

Don’t let any of this put you off getting around by public transport in London, though. Once you know a few basics, it’s really easy to use, and Londoners are actually harmless – sometimes even friendly (but don’t tell them I told you that)!

As someone who’s been using the London transport network for eight years, I’m imparting my essential tips for travelling in London, so you don’t have to worry once you get here.

1. Don’t bother with an Oyster card

So many tips I’ve read insist that you need to buy an Oyster card – the card that lets you tap in and out of tubes, trains and buses at a discounted rate – and while that was once true, these days it’s almost always unnecessary.

If you use a contactless debit or credit card, you can use the London transport network at the same rate as you would get by using an Oyster card, but it gets better: you are capped at a daily and a weekly rate, so you’ll never spend more than you would by buying a weekly pass, and you don’t need to worry about carrying an extra card around.

Of course, if you’re travelling with an international card and have to pay fees on every single transaction, an Oyster is still the best way – but for anyone else, it’s a faff you no longer have to deal with.

2. Download CityMapper

The London transport network is so complex, and so far-reaching, that unless you travel the exact same route every single day, chances are you’ll need some help getting around.

That’s where CityMapper comes in – this app will take you from your current location to wherever you want to go, via the shortest possible route. It takes into account trains, buses, boats, walking, cycling and even Uber to get you to your final destination as quickly as possible.

It’s an essential for locals, and a life saver for visitors.

3. Consider cycling

London has its own cycle network to help you get around without having to go underground. If you’re not travelling great distances, consider using Santander cycles – just turn up at any one of the docking stations (there are over 800 of them) with a credit or debit card, and off you go.

It costs £2 to register for 24 hours, but any trip less than 30 minutes that you take within that time is free. Longer than that, and you’ll pay another £2 per half hour, but it’ll probably still work out cheaper than catching the tube. Plus, you’ll get to see some of the city’s best scenery while you’re spinning away.

4. Take advantage of the bus hopper fare

When I first moved to London, I used to avoid buses, thinking they were slower and less reliable than the rest of the transport network. These days, it’s my preferred way of getting around. Usually there are bus lanes to make sure you don’t get caught in traffic jams, and buses can often get you to places that trains just don’t go to.

The unlimited hopper fare is an initiative that the London Mayor introduced to make transit more affordable. If you tap into a bus or tram (for a set cost of just £1.50), you can catch unlimited buses or trams within the next hour for no additional cost. It’s a cheap way of getting around, and riding in a London bus is something of an iconic experience in itself.

5. Travel by boat

It’s not the cheapest way to travel in London, but it’s definitely the most scenic way to get around. The Thames Clipper, a boat that runs from Putney in the west to Greenwich in the east, along the Thames, is part of the London transport network.

That means you can pay by contactless, like the tube or buses, but you’ll get a tour of some of London’s most famous sights along the way. Expect to see the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, to name just a few!

6. Always stand on the right

Some visitors to London think that the ‘stand on the right’ signs on all of the tube escalators are just a suggestion, but they’re a hard and fast rule, and if you dare break it, you might find yourself being yelled at by an angry commuter.

The left hand side of the escalator is for people in a hurry, and they won’t try to hide their frustration if you get in their way. So please, for everyone’s sake, if you don’t want to walk up the escalator, do your standing on the right.

7. Travel off peak

If you can be flexible about when you travel, you can save money by paying off-peak fares on much of London’s transport network.

The peak travel times on the Tube, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail and National Rail services are Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 6:30 in the morning till 9:30, and then again between 4pm and 7pm. Avoid these times when you’re using pay as you go, and you’ll save money per fare, which leaves you more cash for seeing the sights of the city.

8. Get to and from the airport for less

If you’re arriving into Heathrow or Gatwick airports, you’ll be greeted with signs tempting you into using the express trains into the city.

There’s no need to do this, however – there’s perfectly good public transport from both of these airports that takes you directly into the heart of London. From Heathrow, the Piccadilly Line Tube stops at many central locations, and from Gatwick, the Southern Rail trains leave from the same platform as the Gatwick Express, and also end up at Victoria, but for about a third of the price and the express trains often aren’t that much faster.

9. Check distances (you might be able to walk)

The London Underground map isn’t to scale, so don’t always assume that catching a tube is the quickest way to get where you’re going.

Always double check the walking distance to your destination – it might just surprise you!

10. If in doubt, Uber

Uber in London is really affordable compared to black cabs, and sometimes – like when it’s freezing cold and late at night – even though there’s public transit available, you just want to get home quickly and in comfort.

It’s absolutely not the cheapest way around, but if you want to travel in London like a local, an Uber is about as authentic as you’ll get!

Read all of our London blog posts and travel tips here.

Rachel Wuest

Sunday 8th of July 2018

My best tip is to know not only your tube stop but the direction you're going and the end destination of the tube! And have a game plan if you get separated. I got separated on the tube while showing my brothers around and it took ages to reunite!

Rachel || anotherstationanothermile.com

Saturday 7th of July 2018

Great post Monics, really you have included best tips to make your London visit worth. You have posted such informative stuff as usual. Keep sharing love.!

Friday 6th of July 2018

Heading for London for a long weekend, but as occasional visitors (it's only an hour away) I'd go with all of those suggestions.

On a recent trip I gave City Mapper a good workout - very impressed. Also did the river trip from the Eye to Tower Bridge - a great way to see some of the sights.

Thursday 5th of July 2018

Nice! I’m taking a weekend in London in August, so this was great. I even stand on the right of ecalators in Norway, and get annoyed when people don’t, especially if I have to get somewhere quickly and can’t walk down the stairs because people are blocking it! Pffiu.

Todays rant brought to you by me, Namra. Cheers.

What are you looking for?

Getting around london in 2024 [guide by a local].

One of the best things about London is how good the public transport system.

In fact, for such a big city there are a lot of great ways to get around London ! 

If this is your first time visiting London, then it may seem daunting at first.

Should you use the underground?

The black cabs?

Time to stop stressing. I’ve broken everything down below to make it as straightforward as possible.

Helping you enjoy your time in London to the max (and hopefully save a bit of money too!) .

Let’s get straight into it …

Travellerspoint

What are the best ways to get around London?

London underground.

Let's start with (what is in my opinion) the best way to get around London, the London Underground . Although it’s more commonly known as the “ tube ” to everyday commuters.

London’s underground network is the oldest underground service in the world and has been transporting people around London since 1863! 

There are 11 lines in the underground covering 272 stations all across the city so it's likely you will be using the tube during your trip. While it might seem overwhelming at first, the London underground is actually pretty simple, once you get the hang of it. 

The tube is by far the fastest and most convenient way to get around London . Pretty much anywhere on your London itinerary will be accessible via underground and trains come every two to five minutes and run quite late into the night. 

Each tube line is displayed as a different colour on the tube map, which you can view here . Every station where you can switch to a different line has a larger circle on the map.

Make sure you know your north, south, east and west before trying to navigate as this will dictate which platform you need to head to for the right direction. 

My number one tip for anyone wanting to use the underground in London is to download either Citymapper or the Google Maps app . 

This will let you plan your route beforehand so you know which stop you’re getting on and off at as well as how long it will take. Simply type in where you want to go, click public transport and follow the directions. 

Both of these apps will tell you which line you need and where you might need to change lines. 

Luckily all the tube stations are well-signposted. Different train lines and London landmarks always have staff willing to point you in the right direction if you do get a bit lost. If either that or the information desk fails, just ask any number of the employees in the variety of shops.

London Overground

There are various overground train services like Docklands light railway (DLR), Thameslink and the London Overground line. These work similarly to the tube system but run on predominantly overground lines and operate mainly in the further out zones . 

The overground is a great alternative to the tube as they are usually a lot less busy and less claustrophobic. 

Just like the underground, you pay by tapping in at the barriers and tapping out at your destination. 

However, if you go so far on the overground that you end up going out of London, you will have to purchase a ticket for your whole journey, you can do this by either buying one at the station or using the Trainline app ; which is great for getting the best deals on tickets. 

On the National Rail map , overground lines are shown with a dotted line, unlike the tube lines which are solid-coloured lines.

London's iconic red double-decker buses are an ideal way to get around . With over 19,000 bus stops and 700 routes, you can get just about anywhere in London via bus. 

Not only is getting around via bus convenient, it is also really affordable ! One ride on the bus will cost you a flat rate of £1.65 and if you are taking multiple, it will never cost you more than £5 a day. 

The night bus service in London is great with a lot of routes running 24 hours making it a perfect way of getting around if you're planning to experience some of London’s nightlife - which I recommend you do! You can view London's night bus map here . 

The only downside to getting the bus is that it does take a long time, especially for long distances. Unfortunately, buses do get stuck in London traffic and even short trips can take a little while. But if you aren't in a rush, buses are ideal.

Tips for getting London Buses

• You don't need to speak to the driver to pay to ride the bus, simply tap on your way on and you will get charged the rate. However, it's always nice to say thank you when you get off ! 
• Most buses announce the stop names before you arrive so you know when to get off but press the button before you reach it or they won't stop. 
• All the main bus stops have letters above them which help to know which bus stop you need to be at. Many roads have a few different bus stops for different services.

Walking is by far my favourite way to get around London! Now obviously, London is a big city and realistically you can't get around just by walking, but a lot of it is very walkable .

Whether you are walking along the river at South Bank or exploring the cobbled streets of Covent Garden, some of the best hidden spots are best found on foot . 

Comfortable shoes should be top of your London packing list as I would definitely recommend walking as much as you can! 

Tips for walking around London

• Watch out for cyclists before crossing the road as London has a lot of cycle lanes. They are often found in the city centre. 
• Try to stay on one side if you are walking slowly or stopping, or you might experience some classic Londoner huffs from busy workers! 
• Pack for all weather and don't forget your umbrella or raincoat; especially if visiting London in winter . 
• Use a good map or app to find your way around as London has some windy back streets
• Be extra careful having your phone out while strolling around, whilst London is pretty safe for tourists, petty theft is not uncommon.

Unless you are planning on staying or spending time in south London you will probably not see a tram .

London trams run regularly between Wimbledon, Croydon, Beckenham and New Addington and is an affordable way of getting between these locations as it only costs £1.65. 

Top tips for getting the tram in London

• You only have to tap on once to ride the tram once so don't pay on the way off or you'll get charged twice .
• The tap in machine is located at the tram stop, do not ride without paying as they do come around and check. 
• Trams stop at every station on their route so no need to worry about pressing buttons when you reach your destination.

London riverboat services are an amazing way to see and get around the city. 

Not only do you skip out on the busy London traffic but you also get to see the city’s famous landmarks from the water . 

Uber Boat (also known as the Thames Clipper) is popular with both tourists and commuters. Not only is it speedy with the best views but it has several stops along the river making it an ideal way to get around! 

Getting around London by boat is a slightly more pricey option with a single fare starting at £4.80 but it is a great experience. 

If you are looking for a slower, more scenic trip along the Thames, I would recommend booking a guided boat tour this this as there are some amazing attractions that you can see along the way. This includes the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater and Tower Bridge. 

Tips for getting the London River Boat

• Ride in the evening for some amazing skyline sunset views and bright lights.
• Download the Thames Clippers app to check departure times 
• You can use a contactless card, an oyster card or a pre-paid ticket to get onto the river boat. 
• Stand at the back of the boat to get the best photos. 
• All the river buses have toilets and refreshments available to buy on board.

Riding in a London black cab is on a lot of people’s London bucket lists and while it is not the cheapest option, it is somewhat iconic ! 

London’s taxi drivers are usually very helpful as they know the city very well and are often used by tourists. 

I am sorry to disappoint but not all of London’s cabs are black but they do all look quite similar. They are easily noticeable with the yellow taxi sign on the roof and when lit, they are available to hail. This is quite easy, just locate an available one by putting your arm out or wave and they will usually stop and ask where you would like to go. 

All of London's cabs are licensed and run on a meter usually starting at around £4, depending on the time. Be careful though as these do rise quite quickly over longer distances. 

You can pay for your cab at the end of your journey by either card or cash. 

Taxis are one of the most expensive ways to get around London but they do come in handy after a long day of exploring when you want to get from A to B stress-free.

Ride hailing apps like Uber and Grab have somewhat taken over the taxi scene and are regularly used in London. It is a great alternative as you can see how much your full journey will cost before actually booking it. 

While not as glamorous, booking an Uber is often more affordable than a black cab and slightly more convenient as you can book a driver from your exact location. 

There are always cars available 24/7 so it is a handy way to catch a late flight or to get back to your hotel after a night out. 

London is becoming more and more of a bikeable city and cycling is a fun and fast way of getting around the city ! 

Although the roads and busy traffic might seem daunting at first, the city has been improving their cycle lanes in recent years to try to encourage more commuters and tourists to cycle. 

Santander Cycles , also known as Boris Bikes, is the best way to rent a bike in London. You will see these Santander cycle ranks all across the city, here you cant rent a bicycle for £1.65 for 30 minutes and return to any other cycle rank. 

The best way to use these is to download the Santander Cycle app to find pick up and drop off points. A great travel tip for saving money, if you return your bike and rent a different one within that 30 minutes, you will not be charged again so you cant rent endless bikes within a 24hr period for only £1.65. 

I would recommend renting a bike to explore some of the beautiful parks around London . 

Tips for cycling around London

• Try to avoid the main roads as much as possible and opt for the quieter streets. 
• Don't cycle on the pavements unless it's signposted that you're allowed to. 
• Try not to cycle at night but if you do be sure to use lights. 
• Use the app to know where your nearest drop off point is!

London is one of those cities where you really do not need a car to explore !

The public transport system is amazing and the city tries its best to prevent people from driving as much as possible. This includes congestion charge s and low emissions zones which you have to pay to drive through. Not to mention the expensive, and lack-of parking! 

Be sure to look up the congestion charge zones before thinking about driving in London. 

Even if you are looking to do some day trips from London to other parts of the UK, you will either be able to book a tour or get there via train.

However, if your heart is set on driving yourself, then you can check out our guide on the best car rentals in London .

How the zones system in London works

The transport system in London runs on a zone system . All the locations within London are in a dedicated zone (1 to 9) which dictates the cost of transport. 

If you are visiting London as a tourist, most of the city’s main attractions such as the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square are located in zone 1 and 2. Unless your accommodation is further out, you will likely stay within these zones. 

If you are travelling out of zones 1 and 2, expect slightly more expensive rail travel, but the bus prices remain the same.

Paying for transport in London

Transport in London is best paid for by contactless card as this allows you to tap in and out of trains and buses. 

If you do not have a contactless card, Oyster Cards can be purchased from news agents or in some larger train stations where you can load money onto them and use them the same as you would a contactless card. Alternatively, you can use your mobile phone to pay as you would in a shop. 

Overground and Underground stations have barriers with a yellow contactless sign which you simply tap and the barrier will open. Do not forget to tap out even if the barriers are open when using trains or you might be charged the train's full route! 

For buses you only need to tap on , not off as the buses have a standard fare no matter how far you travel. 

If you are travelling in London for more than three days within a week, it might work out more cost-effective to buy a full day ticket . You can pick what zones you will be travelling between and buy an unlimited day travel card from any train or tube station in London.

Common FAQ for getting around London

What's the best way to get to london from the airport .

Heathrow Airport 

The quickest way into the city is to take the Heathrow Express train which runs straight to Paddington every 15 minutes. 

Alternatively, you can get the underground which is the cheapest option. The Piccadilly line runs from every terminal and will get you into central London in just under an hour. Alternatively, the brand new Elizabeth Line runs through central and into east London. 

Gatwick Airport

There are a few options for getting from Gatwick to central London. The Gatwick Express runs non stop to London Victoria station every 15 minutes with a 30 minute journey time. 

Southern Trains also run every 15 minutes stopping at Croydon and Clapham Junction and take around 35 minutes. Thameslink runs often with services to London Bridge and St Pancras. 

If you would rather book a coach, National Express runs direct to London Victoria from all terminals, you can book in advance here or buy a ticket at the terminal. 

London Stansted Airport

You can take the Stansted Express which goes between London Stansted Airport and Liverpool Street station. These trains run every 30 minutes and take 50 minutes of journey time. 

National Express also runs a service all night all around London with ticket prices starting at around £5. 

London City Airport

London City Airport is located on the DLR Overground train line so is easily accessible by rail all across London. 

London Luton Airport

Luton airports have a free shuttle bus to their Luton Parkway station, from here you can get a direct train into central London, stopping at St Pancras and Blackfriars. 

Should you get an oyster card?

Unless you are planning on staying in London for an extended amount of time, I personally wouldn't bother getting one; I live here and I don't even have one! 

All the transportation in London accepts contactless payment, meaning if you have a contactless card or Apple/Google Pay on your phone, you really won't need one . Conversely, you can purchase travel day cards at any train/tube station in London. 

The only time an Oyster Card is really useful is if you have a UK railcard which you can link up to your Oyster and can save a bit of money on some journeys. 

What is the quickest way to get around London?

If you are looking to go across the city, the underground is definitely the quickest method ! However, if you are only going a short distance, it is much quicker to walk. By the time you go through the barriers and down all the stairs, it actually takes a while, especially when it's busy. 

What is the cheapest way to travel in London? 

The bus is considered the cheapest way to get around London , especially for longer distances. That being said, the tube is not much more expensive especially if you are spending most of your time in zones 1 and 2. 

What apps are useful for getting around London? 

I recommend downloading …

• Google Maps  
• Santander Cycles

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

Tubes and buses are the best way to get around London as a family . These are affordable and will get you pretty much everywhere you want to go in the city! 

Children under 10s actually ride free on the tube and there is a reduced fee for under 15s, as long as they are with a paying adult. You can go to the wider barriers which are usually operated by staff and scan one card for you all to go through as a family. 

Around a third of the tube stations have step-free access meaning they’re accessible for pushchairs and wheelchair users and all the buses have a ramp if needed. You can check here for more information on accessibility around London Transport. 

If you are a large family and are planning on using the tube system i would try to avoid travelling at peak times as it does get a bit squished and is very fast paced. 

How will you get about London?

Hopefully this post has helped ease your worries and break down the most common (and less common) means of getting around London! 

The public transport system really is amazing and I would recommend everyone to use it as much as possible. 

But now I want to hear from you …

• Are there any ways of getting about, that you think I missed out?
• And what do you think of London’s transport system? Especially if this is your first visit …

Let me know in the comments below!

And for more tips on planning your visit to London, check out my other guides:

• Best London date ideas
• Best free things to do in London
• Best cheap eats in London

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

5 million people can't be wrong

15 Essential Travel Hacks When Visiting London

O ne of the top places to visit in Europe or the U.K., London is a bustling city with ample things to see and do. Perfect for history lovers, theatre enthusiasts, luxury brand shoppers, foodies, and spa-goers especially, the Big Smoke has all the makings of a fabulous vacation, any way you slice it. Of course, with countless attractions, must-see museums, incredible restaurants, various entertainment districts, and a party till the sun comes up kind of nightlife, a trip to this iconic metropolis can seem overwhelming at first.

Even if this is not your first time heading to the Big Smoke, planning your itinerary is no small feat. And, regardless of what you decide to get into while vacationing, there are several important odds and ends, including lodgings and transportation, that still need to be sorted ahead of time. So, to ensure your whirlwind getaway goes off without a hitch, here are 15 essential travel hacks that are absolute game-changers when visiting London.

Read more: It's Time To Ditch These 10 Outdated Travel Tips

Visit During The Shoulder Season

When considering a trip across the pond, timing is everything. In the warmer months, London is overflowing with tourists and locals, which means many wonderful attractions are harder to enjoy, waiting in long lines is the norm, and popular activities sell out fast. What's more, travel prices tend to be higher across the board. So, booking a trip to London during the shoulder season is the more pragmatic way to go.

London's shoulder season is usually from September to mid-October and around March till the first half of May. During either time, the weather tends to be more amenable, and things are often more affordable. Plus, travelers do not need to concern themselves with the summer or winter holiday crowds. Though there are spectacular events during the holidays and more than a few outdoor concerts, sporting tournaments, and other happenings going on from late May to September, if you want to experience what this city has to offer sans the masses and without breaking the bank, then the shoulder season is definitely one of the best times to visit.

Look For Accommodations In Central London

With dozens of options available, if you prefer a hotel, an Airbnb, or a hostel, the Big Smoke has no shortage of places to stay. That said, the area you choose to stay in is actually more important here. As you are likely aware, London is a rather large city, so choosing the right area or neighborhood matters. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, shopping, and more, then you should definitely look for accommodations in central London or the West End.

Though the center of London is a little pricier than, say, Victoria or Paddington, it is well worth the extra money, as you are closer to all the fun and entertainment. Of course, depending on the desired price range, travelers can peruse hotels and lodgings in West End and Westminster neighborhoods like Mayfair, Trafalgar, Soho, and Covent Garden. Here is where you will find fabulous options with ample convenience and nearby transportation, plus a range of attractions, pubs, and popular restaurants practically around every corner.

Pack For The Destination

Packing for a London getaway is pretty straightforward, no matter the season. Smart casual layers will work for almost any kind of weather. However, it is worth noting that people tend to dress well here, so make sure you have the proper attire for any nice dinners, plays, or nights out on the town.

In the shoulder season, you can expect, for the most part, mild weather that may require a jacket or fleece at night. Waterproof windbreakers and scarves are always a must in the U.K. If you happen to be visiting in September or October, gloves and a hat are also great to have with you. In addition to warm layers and seasonal accessories, your footwear is crucial in London. Even if walking tours are not your thing, there is still a lot of ground to cover in this thrilling city. Therefore, a pair of comfy, ideally waterproof shoes will ensure you can go the extra mile if need be.

Prepare For Rain

London is no stranger to rain, and a light shower can happen at any time as the weather in the city is often unpredictable. Thankfully, prolonged periods of rain or all-day showers are not all that common in the shoulder season. And the Big Smoke typically gets the bulk of its rain in November. Nonetheless, most months experience rainfall, approximately 11 to 15 days each month, to be exact.

As a result, preparing for rain, even at the start of the shoulder season, will make you a savvy traveler. A raincoat, an umbrella, or an alternative activity such as a museum day, afternoon tea, or a spa retreat for two in the event of a prolonged downpour is really all one needs here. Travelers can easily spend a few hours browsing art and ancient artifacts, enjoying a spot of tea with finger sandwiches, or catching up on self-care if they so choose. But remember, with the necessary preparation, you can always go about your day as planned, too.

Get An Oyster Card

There are more than a few ways to get around London, such as walking, taxi, or Uber. But when your destination is clear across town, it is highly recommended that you explore other modes of transportation. When doing so, you will quickly see that most options accept Oyster cards. If you are unsure what an Oyster card is, it is a convenient smartcard that allows you to quickly and effortlessly pay for your fare — for buses, on the Tube, as well as when taking trams, riding the National Rail, and aboard the River Bus.

The Visitor Oyster card , specifically, makes getting around London much more straightforward and is the more budget-friendly choice. Available in various amounts, travelers can order these handy cards before their trip and receive them at home. Even if you only plan on taking advantage of the Tube or the tram occasionally, you won't have to waste valuable vacation time waiting in line to purchase a ticket or trying to access the city's underground train. So, do yourself a favor and get a Visitor Oyster card.

Navigate The City Like A Local

Learning to navigate the city like a local is yet another travel hack to keep in mind when strolling about London on foot. The easiest way for visitors to take to the street like a Londoner is with a quick review of the walking etiquette rules, which you can find on the GOV.uk website. Of course, you are not expected to memorize all 30-plus rules. But you definitely should keep to the left when walking and match the pace with other pedestrians (most locals walk promptly, assertively, and without being glued to their cellphones).

Other useful rules, like thoroughly looking out for oncoming traffic and staying a reasonable distance from the curb for obvious safety reasons, are also important to know. Similarly, minding the gap on train platforms, obeying pedestrian crossing lights, and reading the relevant signage make getting around the Big Smoke much more pleasant and less hazardous. Plus, with millions of people out and about in London almost every day, being considerate of others comes with the territory and is not something visitors should overlook.

Remember You're On Military Time

When deciding what activities or excursions to book, it is vital that you pay attention to the date and time. The U.K., in general, uses both the 12-hour and 24-hour notations. But you will see more 24-hour clocks while on vacation in London. And, to avoid any confusion regarding daytime versus nighttime hours, people tend to stick to military time for departure times, business hours, showtimes, and more. So, get ready to do a quick math problem in your head if you are not used to the 24-hour clock.

Similarly, London visitors need to be on the lookout for how the date is written. Typically, you will see the date as day-month-year. Therefore, it never hurts to double-check your bookings and make sure your reservations are for the right day. Both the date format and the use of military time may throw you off at first. But you can save yourself a lot of trouble, especially when making travel arrangements online, by simply recalling these fun facts.

Book Everything In Advance

Speaking of bookings, there is a wealth of entertainment available in the Big Smoke, often only a few clicks away. From enjoying the royal jewels and afternoon tea bus tours to appreciating the arts and the iconic figures of yesteryear, you can indulge in it all. In fact, with so many things to do and see here, you may find you are short on time before you have even begun.

A tried-and-true travel hack to ensure you get the most out of your trip to London is to book everything in advance. Why spend valuable time waiting in long lines? The harsh reality is that seating for most activities and dining experiences is never first-come, first-serve, and everything tends to cost more the day of or at the box office. Likewise, popular events, day trips, and highly rated excursions are bound to sell out fast. So, take a second when planning your London getaway to book reservations, tours, plays, spa treatments, and anything else that piques your interest beforehand.

Make The Most Of Free Admission

Adding free-entry art houses, the best museums in London , and larger-than-life libraries to the itinerary is also a great travel hack, especially if you prefer to stay on a budget. Saving money in such an expensive city is always a win, and you can explore fine art spaces, world history, science, fashion, and more while you save. Several must-sees like the British Museum, the British Library, the Tate Britain and Tate Modern, the National Gallery, the Science Museum, and the Design Museum do not charge admission.

And even though there are just a dozen or so museums, galleries, and libraries in London that are free to the public, they are some of the most renowned. But free admission does not stop there — the Royal Parks and the City of London churches are also wonderful other no-cost options. Plus, the Big Smoke is known for its gratis events and festivals that happen all year round — providing more opportunities for visitors to make the most of free admission.

Hit The Shops During The Week

For luxury brand enthusiasts and avid shoppers, London does not disappoint. In fact, this city is home to some of the best brand-name outlets around. Spectacular shopping districts that will have you spending your vacation pennies include Oxford Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden, and St. James's. Unsurprisingly, these high-end shopping areas, in particular, are overflowing with people, especially on the weekends. As a result, if you come to shop, it is better to do so during the week.

Besides these above-mentioned districts, London visitors can also find incredible shopping at Bond Street and Mayfair, Westfield Shopping Centre, King's Road, Carnaby, and Seven Dials. Though these spots are often less crowded on the weekends in comparison, they still offer quite the selection and attract the masses. However, instead of luxury lifestyle brands,  shoppers will find emerging designers, the latest fashions, and one-of-a-kind home goods — making a weekday spree the better choice for snagging highly coveted items before they are gone.

Order At The Bar When In Pubs

Table service at a pub is quite uncommon in London. To avoid not being served, patrons must order and pay at the bar. The same goes for snacks or pub eats — ordering happens at the bar. Typically, patrons order drinks, pay, and then carry their pints and cocktails back to their seats. For food requests, you will likely be given (or have to provide) a table number for your grub so it can be brought to you.

Ordering at the pub bar while doing the complete opposite in restaurants or other dining establishments may initially seem odd or slightly annoying. But when you think about it, it actually makes life a little easier. You do not have to worry about giving a tip and flagging someone down for another round. Patrons also do not have to sit around aimlessly waiting for the bill so that they can pay and leave. Instead, when you are ready to move on to the next pub or call it a night, you simply get up and go.

Try The Cuisine

The British are not necessarily known for their cuisine, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try the food. The culinary experience you can have while visiting the Big Smoke may just surprise you. Not only are there diverse options in this multicultural mecca, but there are some classic dishes such as fish and chips, Beef Wellington, bangers (sausages) and mash, Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding, and other must-tries.

In addition to some quintessential Londoner eats, travelers who have never sat down for afternoon tea should add a classic London afternoon tea or two to their to-do list. Foodies willing to try it all can savor the hearty full English breakfast, shepherd's pie, Scotch eggs, and bubble and squeak (potatoes and cabbage fried to perfection). What's more, for travelers with a sweet tooth, London has more than a few desserts like the sticky toffee pudding, Eton mess, and a trifle that will satisfy your cravings.

Skip The Tip While Eating Out

Tipping in London is definitely tricky business. Many restaurants have a 12.5% service charge automatically added to the bill. So, tipping is not necessary there. Alternatively, drinking establishments do not have a service charge, and tipping isn't really part of the process. Therefore, skipping the gratuity when eating out or grabbing a few drinks with friends is perfectly acceptable.

However, tipping does come into play in hotels and with certain hospitality services -- spas, taxis, and private tours. In these instances, the general rule of thumb is to tip somewhere between 10% and 15% for hotel dining, porters, door staff, massage therapists, and so on. When taking a black cab, leaving gratuity becomes a little more discretionary. At the end of the fare, travelers can decide to tip or not — though it is considered polite to either round up or add on a few pounds if you are happy with the service.

Budget Accordingly

When visiting London, going over budget or getting carried away on Regent Street is not difficult to do. From eating out every single day and excursions (both near and far) to shopping, treating yourself, and transportation, things can start to add up quickly. Most travelers budget for flights, accommodations, and entertainment and aim to spend a reasonable amount of money per day per person in this famous old city.

Still, those same travelers forget to consider the exchange rate and are often shocked at the cost. London isn't cheap by any means. Thus, budgeting for any trip across the pond should incorporate the exchange rate, money-saving tips, and everyone's individual travel style. You should also factor in last-minute price changes in your itinerary and unforeseeable expenses (lost items, medicines, other modes of transportation, and more). And remember, when creating your travel budget for London, you need to be honest with yourself — are you trying to splurge or save? This way, there will be no surprises.

Make Room For Day Trips

Lastly, for travelers who have already seen most of the city sights, making room in your itinerary and budget for a day trip or two is highly recommended. Spending days on end in the Big Smoke is exciting, fast-paced, and full of amazement. Nevertheless, this may be one of the only times you are this close to the English countryside, fascinating ruins, castles, quaint seaside villages, vast hiking trails, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and the whole of Europe.

Even if all you need is a mini-break from the hustle and bustle of the city, more than a few phenomenal destinations (including other countries) are only a train ride away. Paris, for example, is only two hours away. Plus, wanderers staying for a couple of weeks can spend their weekends in other far-off and magical places. Ultimately, a semi-lengthy London getaway can be whatever you decide to make it — and with these travel hacks at your disposal, you can make visiting London and its surrounding bits an exceptional experience you will never forget.

Read the original article on Explore .

Where to Stay in London: Best Areas For First-Timers

Contributed by London local travel photographer and writer  Bronwyn Townsend .

London is a city unlike any other. If you’re looking for where to stay in London for the first time, this guide will help you figure out the top neighborhoods and the best hotels to stay at. Having lived in London for almost a decade, I love uncovering new corners across the city and revisiting my favorite places.

I’ve spent countless hours wandering London’s neighborhoods, from the colorful mews in Notting Hill to the edgy art scene in Shoreditch. From searching for the best coffee shops and bakeries to visiting the latest galleries and exhibitions, I love that London is a diverse and energetic city.

If you’re visiting London for the first time, trying to navigate the city, and its colorful tube lines, might feel overwhelming. But there are a few top areas that will help you stay close to the world class attractions , from leading museums to the city’s thriving dining scene.

I always recommend people visit London during spring when the city really comes to life under sunny skies and houses and shop fronts are covered in wisteria . Alternatively, the city is perfectly made for autumn when the parks and mews transform into shades of orange and red. Beyond the typical tourist spots, spend time walking along the Regent’s Canal or hitting up one of the many markets peppered across the city — from Notting Hill’s Portobello market to the foodie haven of Borough Market. 

Here are my top choices for where to stay in London, whether you want to immerse yourself in the beating heart of the city’s theater district or unwind in the leafy spaces among local neighborhoods. 

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for Where to Stay in London

• The Henrietta Hotel , for the best central London hotel
• The Langham London , for the best luxury hotel
• Cheval Gloucester Park at Kensington , for the best hotel for families

For more London inspiration, check out my roundup of 15 essential things to do in London !

Where to Stay in London for a First-Time Trip

London is a city full of distinct neighborhoods, each with their own personality and atmosphere. From upscale areas like Mayfair to the hipster hotspot of Shoreditch, finding the perfect area to stay in London for your travel style is key.

For your first trip to London, I recommend keeping things central so you’re close to the top attractions in the city. Covent Garden is a fan-favorite that combines historic markets, great dining options, and shopping just a stone’s throw from some of the best theater shows.

The political center of Westminster is home to some of London’s most iconic scenes, from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace. While Soho is home to many of London’s top restaurants, boutique shopping in Carnaby Street, and cozy corners like Neal’s Yard. 

Located in the beating heart of central London, the area is well-serviced by public transport. Because London is a big city and tube lines and bus rides ensure you can make the most of your time here! Hugging the north bank of the Thames, these parts of London are my top recommendations for where to stay in London if this is your first time exploring the British capital.

Top Pick for First-Timers: Covent Garden, Westminster, or Soho

If you want to be in the center of all things London, being within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions is essential. Home to some of the city’s most iconic monuments, heritage-listed landmarks, the British Museum, and the buzz of the theater district, you can’t go wrong here. 

Hotels in this area of London typically run mid-range to luxury, but it’s a price worth paying to have the best sights on your doorstep and some of the best restaurants and entertainment just a short walk away. Visit Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben before heading over the West End to catch a show. Historic Covent Garden Market is also a must, and consider stopping by one of the tea rooms or hotels for a proper afternoon tea, scones and all. This is my top choice for where to stay in London for first time visitors.

• Page8, Page Hotels ($$$) — Just a short walk from Charing Cross, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly Circus, this modern hotel offers a convenient central location. Rooms are designed with sleek interiors featuring paneling and navy furnishings, and most include working spaces including a full desk and chair for those who need it too.
• Wilde Aparthotels London Covent Garden ($$$) — This aparthotel is just moments from Covent Garden, putting you in one of the best locations in the city. The light wood and white interiors are complemented by pops of color, including pastel-toned SMEG appliances. Best of all, you’re within walking distance of the West End theaters, Covent Garden, and Trafalgar Square.
• The Henrietta Hotel ($$$) — The Henrietta Hotel is painted in shades of spring and with a distinct style somewhere between 1930s vintage and French art deco. This 18-room boutique hotel is sandwiched between stores and restaurants right in the heart of Covent Garden, just a short walk from the theater district. With upscale touches, you’ll feel tucked away from the bustle of central London once you retreat to your room for the evening.
• NoMad London ($$$$) — The first European outpost for NoMad has found its home in Covent Garden. Previously the Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station, renovations have transformed the 19th-century building into a dazzling decadence from top to bottom. The real statement is the atrium-style dining space completed with emerald-green banquettes in the center under a three-storey high glass roof.
• One Aldwych ($$$$) — On the corner overlooking the Strand and Waterloo Bridge, One Aldwych occupies a charming Edwardian building that underwent a refurbishment in 2019. Rooms have an understated elegance with muted tones and airy spaces, while the swanky restaurant features large arched windows and wood paneling. Perfectly placed for exploring Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, South Bank and even Westminster, this is one of the best contemporary five-star hotels in London.

Top Pick for Families: Hyde Park or South Kensington

If you’re traveling as a family, the Hyde Park and Kensington neighborhoods in London provide a family-friendly environment with a perfect balance of green spaces, cultural attractions, and convenient amenities. Whether you plan on museum hopping from The Natural History Museum to the V&A, or wandering through the lush grounds of Hyde Park, the transport connections also make it easy to reach the sights in central London.

The area also has more accommodation options including apartments and suites that are suited to families or groups. Whether you prefer a hotel with two-bedroom suites or a serviced apartment so you can self cater, Kensington and Hyde Park are a top choice for this with good public transport connections, plenty of dining options, and lots of green space.

• Cheval Gloucester Park at Kensington ($$$) — Combine the convenience of a luxury hotel and the privacy of home at Cheval Gloucester Park. Just steps from Gloucester Road tube station, you’ll be close to Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, and Kensington Gardens. With a stately feel, the property also offers a 12-person cinema, a fitness center, and reading areas, as well as a combination of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.
• Inhabit Queen’s Gardens, a Member of Design Hotels ($$$) — Just a five-minute walk from Paddington Station, this boutique London hotel focuses on wellness and sustainability. Located in a Grade II-listed 19th-century Victorian townhouse, the interiors are calming from the moment you step inside. There is an onsite spa and restaurant specializing in plant-based dishes, and rooms that fit up to four people.
• Royal Lancaster London ($$$) — Boasting panoramic views across Hyde Park, you’re just across the road from the Italian Gardens or head a little further into the park to visit the Serpentine Lido and Gallery. Interiors feature light, neutral tones complemented by marble bathrooms and an extravagant foyer that sets the tone for the rest of the property. Almost a quarter of the rooms are suites, making it great to fit the whole family.
• Baglioni Hotel London – The Leading Hotels of the World ($$$$) — With just 67 rooms, the Baglioni is a lavish hotel with boutique charm and plenty of Italian flair. Rooms feature a color scheme of black, scarlet, and taupe, with luxurious marble floors. Just moments from some of Kensington’s best attractions, it’s also close to several tube stations serviced by the Circle, District, and Picadilly tube lines. With a mixture of rooms including one, two, and three bedroom suites, this is ideal for families looking for an upscale London experience.

Top Pick for South of the River: Southbank, Southwark, or London Bridge

If you’re looking to stay in a central location with great transport connections but without quite so much hustle and bustle, then south of the Thames is the way to go. With major train and tube stations including London Waterloo, Blackfriars, and London Bridge, it is ideally located if you plan on day trips, and it puts you within walking distance of some of the best attractions in London. Be sure to walk across Waterloo bridge towards Covent Garden to take in 360-degree views of the Houses of parliament, Big Ben, and St Paul’s. I’ve walked it a hundred times and never get sick of that view, especially at sunset.

• citizenM London Bankside ($$) — For a contemporary stay close to plenty of top attractions including the Tate Modern, Borough Market and the Millennium Bridge. With quirky design features and bold accents, this hotel is bursting with color and character. Well connected by several tube lines, this is a great option for sightseeing around central London.
• Ruby Lucy Hotel London ($$) — Just a short walk from Southbank and the London Eye, Ruby Lucy is a funky hotel ideally suited for couples and friends. Great value for travelers looking for a central stay, Waterloo station is just a 5-minute walk away. Rooms are clean and minimalist in style with light-filled spaces and dark wood paneling.
• The Hoxton, Southwark ($$$) — True to the Hoxton brand, this south central London outpost couples a local feel with a fun atmosphere and plenty of design-led features. The industrial urban style influenced by the surrounding neighborhood is perfectly matched by muted palettes and large windows. The rooftop restaurant Seabird is a must-visit, with great views and even better seafood cuisine.
• Shangri-La The Shard, London ($$$$) — If you’re looking for a world-class stay with views to match, the Shangri-La can’t be beaten. Floor-to-ceiling windows with views of The Shard and Tower Bridge are complemented by high-end touches, making this a truly luxurious stay. The bathrooms feature marble-clad finishings and underfloor heating, alongside separate bathtubs and a glass-enclosed shower. Be sure to head to the highest champagne and cocktail bar in London at Gong on the 52nd floor.

Top Pick for Chic Stay: Mayfair or Marylebone

Renowned for their elegant charm and prime location in London. Marylebone and Mayfair offer a blend of upscale boutiques, artisanal cafes, Michelin-starred restaurants, and beautiful Georgian architecture. Both areas offer easy access to iconic landmarks like Hyde Park and Oxford Street, making them a great base for those looking for convenience and luxury. With excellent transport links and a sophisticated atmosphere, Marylebone and Mayfair provide a high-end experience for visitors in central London.

• Treehouse Hotel London ($$$) — A once mediocre office block has been transformed into a seven-storey hotel filled with lush green living spaces and a vibrant mexican restaurant with iconic London views. Retro-style details fit out rooms with a cozy, eccentric feel and just a touch of industrial chic. Situated between the leafy spaces of Regent’s Park and the buzzy atmosphere of Soho and Oxford Street, it’s easy to reach most of central London’s top attractions.
• The BoTree – Preferred Hotels and Resorts ($$$) — A playful addition in Marylebone, this hotel attracts young, cool crowds with an eye for design. Rather than stuffiness, it’s more about fun here, with bold color accents, velvet furnishings, and a subtle nod to mid century modern styling. Lavo, the onsite Italian restaurant is the latest in the group adding to outposts in places like Los Angeles and New York.
• The Langham London ($$$$) — A timeless classic, The Langham has been a London luxury staple for more than 150 years. Occupying prime residence where Portland Place meets Regent Street, this hotel is more traditional than some of its cutting-edge neighbors, but remains a firm favorite in the London hotel scene. Rooms feature plush furnishings dressed in cream in sage, and the glamorous bar, Artesian, has been voted as one of the best in the world.
• Brown’s Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel ($$$$) — With a long list of royals and legendary authors among its guestlist, Brown’s Hotel is about as charismatic as they come. Rich wood paneling, stain-glass windows, and blossom-adorned wallpaper tick all of the boxes when it comes to grandeur. Don’t miss Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room, one of the oldest traditional tea rooms in London.

Top Pick for Local Feel: Shoreditch or Notting Hill

Known for its street art and creative scene, with numerous galleries, studios, and graffiti-adorned streets, Shoreditch is ideal if you want to explore contemporary art exhibitions and discover emerging talents. Shoreditch is also a foodie paradise, offering a diverse range of dining options, from street food markets to Michelin-starred restaurants. And the nightlife scene is where it’s at, from quirky cocktail bars to underground clubs, where you can mingle with locals.

Notting Hill has a bohemian spirit that attracts artists, creatives, and free-spirited individuals, but a contrast to the industrial-esque feel of Shoreditch. Immerse yourself in the neighborhood’s eclectic culture, with independent shops, quirky cafes, and vintage markets showcasing local talent. With elegant Victorian townhouses, leafy squares, and quaint mews streets, Notting Hill is also surrounded by loads of green spaces, including Holland Park and Kensington Gardens, providing tranquil retreats amidst the urban hustle and bustle.

• One Hundred Shoreditch ($$$) — A local hipster hangout, the vibe here is low-key cool. Rooms are tranquil havens with soft shapes and light palettes, while common spaces feature large floor to ceiling windows and plush furnishings. There’s also an impressive number of bars and restaurants across the property, with the Rooftop the highlight of them all.
• The Hoxton, Shoreditch ($$$) — The original Hoxton property first launched in 2006 and it still stands as one of East London’s best hotels. With a more industrial-feel than some of the brand’s other outposts, exposed brick and red leather banquettes keep it true to Shoreditch’s vibe. The Peruvian rooftop restaurant, Llama Inn, opened in 2023 and offers innovative flavor combinations that you shouldn’t miss.
• The Portobello Hotel ($$)—Just a 10-minute walk from Notting Hill Gate, The Portobello occupies two neoclassical mansions that are more spacious inside than the exterior would suggest. Every room is a feast for the senses, with bold color palettes, intricately detailed wallpaper, and copper roll-top baths.
• The Laslett ($$$) — Set across five interconnected Victorian townhouses, this artsy hotel is perfect if you want to explore London like a local. Surrounded by excellent restaurants, bars, and boutique stores, you can also enjoy meals at the in-house Henderson Bar daily. Dove-gray rooms are decorated with a series of artworks and Penguin classics line the shelves.

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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The 5 best sightseeing tours of buckingham palace.

See one of Britain's top attractions on a walking, biking, bus or private taxi tour.

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

Getty Images

A tour of Buckingham Palace is a must-do on your next London vacation.

On a visit to London , some of the top attractions are linked to the royal family. But nothing is quite as iconic as a visit to the one of the three official residences of the monarchy – Buckingham Palace . While it's only open to the public on select dates, you can relish in its beauty from the regal gates, snap a selfie and catch a Changing the Guard ceremony.

How to Tour Buckingham Palace

For about 10 weeks every summer (select dates from July 11 to Sept. 29, 2024), Buckingham Palace opens its elaborate gates, welcoming visitors to explore its lavish State Rooms, grounds and Royal Collection artworks. The Royal Mews is also open to visitors from March to October, showcasing the Royal Family's real working stables and ornate, historic carriages – including the Gold State Coach used for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Coronation in 2022.

The Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace

If you aren't here at the right time, fear not; this extravagant, 18th-century royal residence is just as impressive from the outside, making it worth a visit any time of year. Come on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday morning to see the Changing the Guard ceremony – when the red-and-black-clad Royal Guard marches toward the palace, accompanied by striking military music – and see a tradition that's been running for more than 300 years. Combine it with explorations in the surrounding area of Westminster to see London at its most quintessential.

You can explore all of this independently, of course – but if you're looking to dig a little deeper, hear about the king's coronation and uncover local secrets, consider a guided London tour . Insider experts can point out the best photo spots, take you to the must-see sights and show you the ins and outs of the area while sharing  knowledge of the country's royal history along the way.

There are tons of options out there, so where do you start? Based on local knowledge and traveler review sites, here are some of the most highly rated tours.

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Price: From $13

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Standout perk: Witness the pomp of the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony.

Watch the Royal Guard march toward Buckingham Palace as you witness this historic, quintessentially British spectacle on a two-hour tour of Westminster's highlights. Accompanied by a military band, you'll see the Old Guard (soldiers on duty) switch to the New Guard as they arrive at the palace from Wellington Barracks. Your guide will explain which regiment is which, before taking you on a guided walking tour past other world-famous, attractions, including Big Ben, Clarence House, the Houses of Parliament , St James's Palace and Westminster Abbey .

Recent travelers gave high ratings to the tour, saying guides were able to take them to the best photo spots for the ceremony, while offering a wealth of historical and entertaining insight.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and depart from the corner of Piccadilly and Arlington Street (between The Ritz and The Wolseley), ending at Parliament Square.

Local tip: Look at the Horse Guards Clock on the Horse Guards Parade – the official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace – to see a dark stain above the 2 (II, in Roman numerals). It marks the time King Charles I was executed outside the Palace of Whitehall in 1649, after being charged with treason.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Windsor Castle & Buckingham Palace Tour

Price: From $164

Duration: 8.5 hours

Standout perk: Get a rare chance to explore the State Rooms with Buckingham Palace tickets, and tick off two of the United Kingdom's grandest royal residences in one day.

This twin-castle tour offers the opportunity to enter Buckingham Palace and see its State Rooms, Royal Collection artwork and other treasures, with commentary from an audio guide. After you've toured the palace, you'll travel by coach about 25 miles west of London to Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and the family home of the monarchy for more than 900 years. Explore the castle's lavish State Apartments and grounds, and visit St George's Chapel – the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II alongside many other monarchs, and the spot where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle. Recent travelers said the tour was a great opportunity to see inside both palaces. Several commented on the extensive art collection at Buckingham Palace, and many enjoyed hearing insights from the guides, although some complained about long lines. The tour takes place from July through September on select Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and leaves from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. Local tip: Windsor Castle has its own Changing the Guard ceremony, as well as its own extensive art collection – the ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on select days of the week.

Full-day London with Changing of the Guard and Private Cruise

Price: From $158; with optional London Eye or Harrods cream tea for an additional fee

Duration: 9 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's key attractions in one day, and enjoy a river cruise thrown in for good measure.

If you want to combine a visit to see Buckingham Palace's Changing the Guard ceremony with stops at several other London spots, this is a great choice. The full-day trip begins at the UNESCO listed Tower of London where you'll have the chance to see the crown jewels.

From here you'll visit Buckingham Palace to witness the famous pomp and pageantry of the ceremony, and get the chance to admire the palace's impressive architecture from the outside. The day includes a tour of the elaborate St. Paul's Cathedral (not available on Sundays), before embarking on a boat tour of the Thames, passing key attractions including Tower Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe. The day also includes a photo stop at Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton married in 2011, and a brief walking tour of Parliament Square. Travelers can choose to add a ride on the famous London Eye observation wheel (or opt for a quintessentially British cream tea at Harrods instead).

Recent travelers loved the tour and praised the guides as highly knowledgeable and entertaining. Many were impressed with how much they saw in a day and said it gave them a great introduction to London (although it's worth noting a few felt there was quite a bit of walking involved).

Tours leave from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. and finish at the London Eye.

Local tip: If you fancy delving deeper into the Tower of London in your own time, book a ticket to see the Ceremony of the Keys. Dating back seven centuries, this nightly ceremony is when the castle gets locked up for the night, with a special exchange between the sentry and Yeoman Warder taking place at 9:30 p.m. between the atmospheric battlements – both eerie and magical.

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The London Essentials Bike Tour

Price: From $38

Duration: 3.5 hours

Standout perk: Get active on two wheels, and combine a Buckingham Palace stop with a visit to Kensington Palace and other royal sights.

This half-day guided cycling tour is a great option to get active on your London trip. You'll start at Kensington Gardens – the home of Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived with the now King Charles, and Queen Victoria's birthplace. From here, pedal to the Royal Albert Hall to check out this elaborate concert hall, opened by Queen Victoria in 1871. Afterward, cycle through Hyde Park and on to Green Park to reach Buckingham Palace, where your guide will regale you with little-known stories about the palace. Continue on to Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as you take in some of the capital's key highlights, before returning to the Royal Parks.

Recent travelers raved about the tour and were really impressed by the knowledge of the guide. Many enjoyed the small group size and said the cycling was a good, leisurely pace, with plenty to see along the way, and iced tea and snacks included as a bonus.

The tour leaves from outside the main entrance at Hilton London Hyde Park. The recommended minimum age is 9 – you can pre-book junior bikes and child seats. While the bicycle and helmet for use during the tour are included, attraction entry fees are additional.

Local tip: If you've got time after the tour, it's well worth exploring Kensington Palace a bit more. Admire the elaborate, Georgian-era King's Staircase and the King's State Gallery with its fine art collection, see the Queen's State Apartments where Mary II would come to relax or welcome guests, and visit the Sunken Garden, once a favorite spot of Princess Diana's. After, enjoy afternoon tea or lunch at the Kensington Palace Pavilion amid the gardens.

View & Book Tickets: GetYourGuide

The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

Price: From $461

Duration: 4 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's must-see attractions, and as it's a private tour, you can tailor the trip to your liking.

If you're after a private tour, this half-day trip in a classic London black cab is just the ticket.

You can choose to align your visit to Buckingham Palace with a Changing the Guard ceremony, and you'll get expert commentary from your personal taxi driver, who's also a registered tour guide. Alongside the palace, you'll pass must-see points including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, St James's Palace, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market and Covent Garden , with options to stop along the way.

Recent travelers loved the tour and said guides were able to tailor the trip, stopping at spots both on and off the tourist trail and offering plenty of historical insight.

Your driver-guide can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel; or a central London location.

Local tip: Make a stop at Borough Market to try some of the best food in the city, with more than 100 stalls offering everything from Persian to Italian, alongside plenty of fresh produce.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura French is an award-winning British travel writer based in London. She grew up just outside the city and worked around the corner from Buckingham Palace for several years. She loves exploring the surrounding area, and used her own experience alongside online research to compile the roundup.

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London Marathon 2024 travel guide: Start times, route and celebration spots

Spectators can watch runners race through the capital on 21 april, article bookmarked.

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The London Marathon 2024 will weave through the streets of the capital from Greenwich to Westminster on Sunday 21 April, and thousands of spectators are going to be lining the route for a glimpse of their running friends.

Over 50,000 people are expected to take on the mammoth two-foot tour of London landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Cutty Sark and Tower Bridge.

Since the inaugural 26.2 mile event in 1981, the fundraising race has raised millions for charities each year, and, with sunshine on the forecast for now, celebrations of the charitable and physical feat will take place across the city.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan the day if you’re running  or  supporting this year’s London Marathon.

London Marathon 2024 start time and date

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The London Marathon 2024 will take place on Sunday 21 April.

Exact timings for this year’s races are yet to be confirmed but staggered start times from around 8.30am are the norm, with the masses setting off in waves at 10am and all start lines closed from 11.30am.

The finish line on The Mall closes at 7.30pm and is then moved to St James’ Park until midnight.

London Marathon route

Largely unchanged since 1981, the start line for the race is in Blackheath at the top of Greenwich Park .

From here, a leg to Woolwich, jog past the Cutty Sark and stretch around Bermondsey takes runners to cross the river over Tower Bridge .

After a ring around the Isle of Dogs, it’s a relatively straight stretch along the Thames through the City of London to the Westminster finish line on The Mall.

Will there be train and tube strikes?

There is a planned overtime ban for Aslef members working for LNER on Friday 19 and Sunday 21 April (marathon day), as well as strikes on Saturday 20 April, so those travelling into London from the northeast will likely face cancellations.

Substantial road closures across the capital to make way for the race mean spectators should travel on foot or by tube – roads will reopen as and when all runners have cleared the area.

Marathon participants will receive free travel home up to 6.30pm on marathon day on the London Underground and Overground, buses and DLR.

TfL said that a modified DLR service will start at 5.30am from Tower Gateway to Lewisham so runners arrive on time to the start line.

Rail services out of London to the midlands and the northwest are also expected to be extremely busy from 6pm due to an FA Cup semi-final taking place at Wembley Stadium.

The best spots to watch the London Marathon in person

If the live BBC coverage won’t cut it and you’re coming to support from the sidelines, spectators can watch along most parts of the route, including The Highway in Wapping, where runners will pass twice.

To be in the heart of the action, the halfway point of Tower Bridge at mile 13, and the finish line at The Mall are bound to be exciting but busy. For a quieter spot to cheer, stay east and line up in Deptford or the Isle of Dogs.

Track friends and family taking part using their marathon number on the TCS London Marathon app to best position yourself to catch them on the go.

Marathon organisers advise that some areas, including those by the Cutty Sark and St James’ Park, are likely to be very busy on the day.

Five accessible viewing areas also dot the course for those with disabilities: in Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, Rainbow Row, Tower Hill and Victoria Embankment.

Where to celebrate along the route

London has plenty of pubs and bars to quench the post-marathon thirst, whether you’ve been running or cheering.

In Greenwich, The Gipsy Moth has Cutty Sark views, The Angel in Bermondsey sits on the Thames and halfway pub, the Tower Bridge Arms, raises pints of IPA to passers-by.

Wet your palette in Wapping’s local Turner’s Old Star, ride the high at Pergola on the Wharf for city views, or refuel at Hung, Drawn & Quartered in Tower Hill with pies and ales.

At Victoria Embankment, board pub boat Tattershall Castle to cheer runners on for the final mile and savour a cold one at The Westminster Arms just before the finish line.

Once the race has been run, Inn the Park restaurant in St James’ Park is ideal for a light bite or head into Mercato Mayfair for a street food party in a restored church.

How to sign up for the London Marathon 2025

After a  record number of entries  signed up for the 26.2-mile race in 2024 – 578,374 applicants according to event organisers – next year’s London Marathon is bound to be another popular event.

To take on the challenge, entry is available through a ballot, international tour operators, charity spaces and athletics clubs.

The public ballot for the 2025 TCS London Marathon will open on Saturday 20 April and close the following Friday (26 April). Winners will be drawn at random and emailed in July ahead of the 27 April 2025 marathon.

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What is the London Marathon 2024 route? Road closures and best places to watch

• James Fuller
• Published : 14:30, 17 Apr 2024
• Updated : 17:55, 17 Apr 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

THE London Marathon returns THIS MONTH as 50,000 runners prepare to take to the streets of the British capital.

Last year's race, which attracted 48,000 brave runners, was the biggest ever, according to organisers.

But with even more people expected to set off on the 26.2 mile journey on April 21, crowd numbers are expected to be at an all-time high.

The men's race was won by Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum in 2023, with Brit Sir Mo Farah running his final London marathon and finishing in ninth .

Tragically Kiptum died in February 2024 at the age of just 24 .

The London Marathon organisers plan to pay tribute to him ahead of the elite male race with 30 seconds of applause.

Read More on the marathon

Is Sir Jim Ratcliffe running the London Marathon 2024?

How the London Marathon got to be 26.2 miles long explained

Dutch runner Sifan Hassan bagged the women's title in 2023.

The iconic London route showcases some of the capital's most popular areas including Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace .

Here, SunSport look at some of the best spots to watch the race from.

What is the London Marathon route?

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The race start is between Greenwich and Blackheath.

Although different checkpoints are used to get the runners started, this tends to be the busiest and most chaotic part of the route.

It probably isn't the best place to watch your friends and family members given how crowded it is, so you may want to find a spot slightly further down instead.

The Cutty Sark always tends to be a top spot, with the Shard also popular.

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Tower Bridge (Mile 12-13)

This is certainly one of the best places to watch from. It also tends to be a hot spot for broadcasters, especially the BBC.

The iconic landmark is also great for a photo opportunity.

Slightly further down from Tower Bridge the race doubles back on itself, so it is the perfect spot to hang around if you're a spectator.

If a friend or family member is running, this is a great place to be.

With 10 miles left to run, they might need that extra bit of motivation.

If you've got young kids this is another good place to go.

This point is nearby Mudchute Farm, so it's perfect to keep the children entertained.

This isn't the most exciting place to watch from in terms of scenery, but the runners will certainly need that extra support with five miles to go.

The atmosphere will be electric as it is the honorary cheering zone for the city's running collective Run Dem Crew. 

Mile 25 to 26.2

The place everyone wants to be - the final stretch.

Runners make their way down the Mall with Buckingham Palace - and the finish line - in view.

What landmarks can be spotted on the route?

• Mile 6: Cutty Sark
• Mile 12: Tower Bridge
• Mile 18: Canary Wharf
• Mile 22: The Tower of London
• Mile 25: The London Eye 
• Mile 25: Big Ben
• Mile 26: Buckingham Palace

Which roads will be closed?

Full details of road closures are yet to be confirmed, but the route is set to be similar to previous years.

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Look out for the following...

• Charlton Way
• Shooters Hill Road
• St John’s Park
• Charlton Road
• Old Dover Road
• Little Heath
• Charlton Park Lane
• Artillery Place
• John Wilson Street
• Woolwich Church Street
• Woolwich Road
• Trafalgar Road
• Evelyn Street
• Surrey Quays Road
• Salter Road
• Brunel Road
• Jamaica Road
• Tower Bridge
• The Highway (south side)
• Narrow Street
• Westferry Road
• East Ferry Road
• North Colonnade
• Poplar High Street
• Commercial Road
• The Highway
• Byward Street
• Upper Thames Street
• Victoria Embankment
• Birdcage Walk
• London Marathon

Politics latest: PM 'appalled' by police protest row; Truss backs Trump and Sunak to win elections

Former prime minister Liz Truss has blamed her downfall on "deep resistance within the establishment" in an interview with Sky News. Meanwhile, Labour leader Keir Starmer has said the Tories have "lost any right" to call themselves patriotic.

Sunday 21 April 2024 13:51, UK

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• Liz Truss refuses to apologise for higher interest rates in Sky News interview
• 'I want Rishi Sunak to win' - Truss
• Adam Boulton: What Truss and Trump have in common
• PM 'appalled' by police protest row
• Met Police chief's resignation 'not the way forward' - Labour
• Rishi Sunak 'not a real Conservative', Reform leader claims
• General election date 'above my pay grade' - Sunak ally
• Labour vows to get prisons built
• Tap here to subscribe to Electoral Dysfunction
• Live reporting by Charlotte Chelsom-Pill

In case you missed Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, we have a recap of one of the interviews on the programme.

Richard Tice, the leader of Reform UK, claimed Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is "not a real Conservative".

He pointed to the high tax burden and even went as far as calling Mr Sunak a "socialist".

Read the full story below:

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is "appalled" by an exchange at a pro-Palestinian protest in which a Met Police officer threatened to arrest an "openly Jewish man", a government source has told Sky News.

Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley is facing calls to resign after antisemitism campaigner Gideon Falter was threatened with arrest near the protest march in London ( see post at 08.36am ).

Mr Falter, the chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, said Jewish Londoners cannot have confidence in the Met under Sir Mark's leadership and accused the commissioner of "victim blaming".

Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho earlier told Sky News the incident was "completely wrong" and that "what happens next" with regard to Sir Mark was a "matter for the Labour London mayor" ( see post at 08.40am ).

Sky News understands that Sir Mark does still retain the confidence of London mayor Sadiq Khan (see post at 11.46am) .

By Adam Boulton , Sky News commentator 

Liz Truss has much more in common with Donald Trump than just the first three letters of his surname.

Despite presenting themselves as "outsiders", both enjoyed substantial political careers and reached the top of their profession as prime minister of the UK and president of the United States respectively.

In both cases, their periods in power ended in ways that outraged their opponents and many in their own Conservative and Republican parties. Economic chaos brought on by her rash policies forced Truss out of office after just 49 days in 10 Downing Street.

Trump lost the 2020 election, refused to accept his defeat and praised the mob who stormed the Capitol in an attempt to keep him in the White House.

Many thought they were finished for good. But like those who had laughed at their ambitions earlier in their careers, the nay-sayers were wrong again. Both have been reprieved and continue to be respected as forces in their parties.

Read more here:

Conservative MP Mark Menzies has been suspended from the parliamentary party in light of allegations he abused local Tory party funds to pay off "bad people".

Mark Menzies strongly disputes the claims which also include accusations he used campaign funds to pay his personal medical bills.

On the Conservatives' investigation into the claims, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News this week action was being taken "swiftly".

He added: "I think it is important to stress that the MP in question here denies the allegations and so on the basis of fairness and proper justice, I think it's important to mention that."

On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by political correspondent Darren McCaffrey to analyse how Westminster will cope with another scandal.

Plus, the Scottish government has come under fire for rowing back on its climate commitments.

Niall speaks to science correspondent Thomas Moore about the consequences of the government missing eight out of 12 of its annual climate commitments.

👉 Listen above then tap here to follow the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts 👈

The head of the Met Police is to meet Jewish community leadership groups amid a row over the force threatening to arrest an "openly Jewish man".

Sir Mark Rowley will meet representatives from the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Jewish Leadership Council and Community Security Trust (CST). 

Confirming the meeting, the Board of Deputies of British Jews said they would be discussing this "serious issue".

Sir Mark is facing calls to resign after antisemitism campaigner Gideon Falter was threatened with arrest near a pro-Palestinian march in London ( see post at 08.36am ).

Campaign Against Antisemitism have told Sky News they have not been invited to the meeting.

Sky News understands the meeting is expected to take place on Thursday or Friday.

The Sky News live poll tracker - collated and updated by our Data and Forensics team - aggregates various surveys to indicate how voters feel about the different political parties.

With the local election campaign well under way, Labour is still sitting comfortably on a roughly 21-point lead, averaging at 43.6% in the polls, with the Tories on 23.1%.

In third is Reform UK on 12.3%, followed by the Lib Dems on 9.2%.

The Green Party stands at 6.5%, and the SNP on 3.1%.

See the latest update below - and you can read more about the methodology behind the tracker  here .

Labour "will get prisons built," the shadow justice secretary has said. 

Shabana Mahmood made the pledge earlier today on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips.

She was asked how a Labour government would deal with growing prisoner numbers over the next five years should they win the next election.

Ms Mahmood said: "The money is there in the ministry of justice budget already. 

"It's just that the Tory government has completely failed to actually get the prison spaces built that we need in this country. 

"They had a target themselves... They failed on that target. 

"Where government has failed, we will deliver."

Alongside "getting prisons built", she said Labour plans to invest in neighbourhood policing and bring in respect orders. 

"We have a big problem with antisocial behaviour and we have to deal with it so that we can reclaim our high streets," she said.

By Beth Rigby , political editor

This is a tale that's more than just a marmalade dropper. It's a story so astounding you have to pick yourself up off the floor.

Mark Menzies MP last December allegedly made a 3.15am phone call to an elderly party volunteer asking for £5,000 as a matter of "life or death" because he had been locked up by "bad people".

To secure his release, the money was paid by his office manager from her personal account and reimbursed from funds raised from donors, according to The Times . The newspaper also alleges Mr Menzies received thousands of pounds from campaign funds into his personal bank account which were used for personal medical expenses.

I will say from the outset that these are claims Mr Menzies, the MP for the Lancashire seat of Fylde, "strongly disputes".

In a statement to The Times, he said: "I strongly dispute the allegations put to me. I have fully complied with all the rules for declarations. As there is an investigation ongoing I will not be commenting further."

But when the story broke, Conservative chief whip Simon Hart suspended Mr Menzies from the parliamentary party pending the outcome of an investigation.

It is a mega story. Not just because of the staggering, astounding, eye-popping - take your pick - nature of the allegations, but the questions it throws up: If this had happened over three months ago, why is it only now that the Conservative Party are suspending the whip? Was there misuse of money and what are the implications of that? Can Mr Menzies really continue as an MP?

Read Beth's full analysis below:

👉 Tap here to follow Electoral Dysfunction wherever you get your podcasts 👈

Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth at  [email protected] , post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Sadiq Khan has confidence in Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley despite him facing calls to quit over the force's handling of a recent pro-Palestine protest, Sky News understands.

It comes after Energy Secretary Claire Coutino told Sky News that the incident in London - in which an officer was captured on video calling a man "openly Jewish" and threatening him with arrest - was "completely wrong" and that "what happens next" with regard to Sir Mark was a "matter for the Labour London mayor".

Sky News understands that Sir Mark does still retain the confidence of Mr Khan, who as mayor has the power to effectively sack the commissioner - but can only do so with the permission of the home secretary, who can also require the mayor to dismiss the head of the Met.

A spokesperson for the London mayor said: "Everybody must feel safe going about in London wherever they please. The way the original incident was dealt with by the Met was concerning and the original response put out by them was insensitive and wrong.

"The Met have an extremely difficult job - particularly so when it comes to operational decisions taken while policing marches.

"But in the end the Met must have the confidence of the communities they serve and it is right that they have apologised for the way the incident was handled and their original public response."

There is a lengthy list of MPs taking part in the London Marathon today - and for some it's far from their first time on the track.

Among the runners are 20 MPs and peers, the most in the event’s history.

They include Chancellor Jeremy Hunt who is running the race for the third time. He says hitting the tarmac again is "a bit crazy to do it at my ripe old age of 57," promising "this is the last".

Other MPs include:

• Duncan Baker - Conservative MP for North Norfolk;
• Alun Cairns - Conservative MP for Vale of Glamorgan. He says he is running the race for the tenth time ;
• Dehenna Davison - Conservative MP for Bishop Auckland. She is taking part for the second time;
• Thangam Debbonaire - Labour shadow secretary of state for culture and sport;
• David Linden - SNP MP for Glasgow East. He says it is his sixth London Marathon;
• Matt Hancock - Independent MP for West Suffolk;
• Dan Jarvis - Labour MP for Barnsley Central;
• Paul Scully - Conservative MP for Sutton and Cheam;
• Edward Timpson - Conservative MP for Eddisbury. He says he is running the marathon for the 18th time;
• Will Quince - Conservative MP for Colchester;
• James Wild - Conservative MP for North West Norfolk. He is running for the fifth time;
• Bambos Charalambous - Labour MP for Enfield Southgate.

You can follow our live blog on the London Marathon below:

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