Your Guide to London's Transport System
Airports
Most international travellers will arrive in London through one of London's five airports. Yes - London has five airports: London Heathrow, Gatwick, City, Stansted, and Luton. This section will outline everything you need to know about each of these airports, including how to get to and from, their quirks, and pro tips.
London Heathrow
The most famous of London's airports is Heathrow. This is partly because it is also the largest and the main gateway for non-European visitors to enter London. Located to the west of the city, the airport is well-connected to downtown via public transport.
By Rail
Heathrow Express: While not technically a tube line, the Heathrow Express runs from the Underground platforms and takes travellers directly from Heathrow to Paddington Station. The journey takes 15 minutes from Heathrow Central. An open return ticket costs GBP 37, and a one-way ticket costs GBP 25 online. This is the most expensive and the fastest option.
Elizabeth Line: This new journey leaves from the same platform as the Heathrow Express and takes travellers from Heathrow to Paddington Station in about 35 minutes. Elizabeth Line trains do journey beyond Paddington Station to service the rest of their route. This ride costs GBP 12.80.
Piccadilly Line: The Piccadilly Line runs frequently from Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. This journey takes about 50 minutes to central London, with many transfer options throughout. This trip will cost GBP 5.50. This is the most cost-effective tube choice and the slowest.
You can pay for all of these with your Oyster Card or your credit card by tapping into the tills. The Heathrow Express offers a discount for purchasing your tickets online.
By Bus
Coach: The National Express runs many transfer routes to Heathrow daily for GBP 5.20. This route takes, with no traffic, 35 minutes. The National Express also runs routes to nearby cities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Bath. This is a great option for early-morning flights since the tube stations near you might be closed making it difficult to reach the tube option.
Local Bus: Ten local buses run to and from Heathrow every day. Several of these routes travel through central London and are a great affordable option to make it into the city. If you are staying outside Central London, I would recommend looking at these routes as well since they travel to several suburbs. The link below lists the bus routes that travel to Heathrow.
Car
A taxi from London Heathrow to central London costs about GBP 90 and takes about 30-45 minutes. Taxis are easy to access from the airport and easy to find in central London if you prefer this.
London Gatwick
This airport is south of the city and is the second busiest.
By Rail
Gatwick Express: The Gatwick Express links passengers from Gatwick Airport to Victoria Station in under 30 minutes, departing every half an hour. You can save 10% if you book online. An adult fare costs £20.35.
Southern Railway: Provides services from London Victoria, London Bridge, Clapham Junction, Brighton, and Southampton. From the London stations, you can arrive at Gatwick airport in a little over 30 minutes. The fare costs about £12.
Thameslink: Connects the London Stations of London Bridge and Blackfriars to Gatwick. The route takes a little over 30 minutes and costs approximately £10.
By Bus
Coach: The National Express serves over 70 destinations from both Gatwick airports. If you're not heading to London, it is worth considering coach travel. If London is your destination, it can also get you there! By coach, you can arrive at Victoria Station in 2 hours for £10.
Local Bus: The local buses primarily serve local destinations around Gatwick. For a complete list, see the link below.
By Car
London Gatwick is 28 miles south of London. It takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs about £130.
London City
By Train
Underground: London City is easily accessible by the London Underground. The nearest tube station is Canning Town, on the Jubilee Line. From there, you can transfer to the DLR services, which will take you to the airport.
DLR: If you are staying near a DLR stop, like Bank or Canary Wharf, you can take the DLR the whole way to your destination.
By Coach
National Express: The National Express doesn't go to London City Airport but does drop off at areas nearby with access to the DLR, such as Canary Wharf and Bank.
Local Bus: Similarly, there are no local bus stops, but you can take the bus to an area with a DLR stop.
By Car
London City Airport is the closest airport. It takes about 25 minutes to get into the city and costs an average of £20 by taxi.
London Stansted
By Rail
Stansted Express: This is the fastest way to travel between the airport and central London at about 50 minutes. The trains travel to Liverpool Street and cost £21.90. The service offers a discount if you purchase online. The Stansted Express runs up to four train departures an hour.
By Bus
The bus station is about a 2-minute walk from the airport terminal.
Airport Bus Express: This service runs every 30 minutes. It costs £15 and takes about an hour. The bus services from London Liverpool Street to the airport.
National Express: This provider services the London neighbourhoods of Baker Street, Marble Arch, London Victoria, Mile End, Whitechapel, Liverpool Street, Shoreditch, and London Stratford. These services take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and cost about £16.
By Car
A taxi ride to London Stansted takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. This ride is estimated to cost £72.
London Luton
By Rail
Luton DART: The DART leaves from London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon, and St Pancras International to arrive at Luton. It runs every 15 minutes and takes about 30 minutes. It costs about £15.
By Bus
National Express: There are two routes from London Luton to Central London. The first ends in Paddington with stops at Golders Green, Finchley Road & Frognal, Finchley Road, St John's Wood, and Baker Street. The second route ends at Victoria Coach Station with stops at Golders Green, Finchley Road & Frognal, Finchley Road, St John's Wood, Baker Street, Portman Square, Marble Arch, and Victoria Rail Station. The ride into central London takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs approximately £12.
Green Line: The coach service 757 runs from Victoria Coach Station twice an hour. It travels through Marble Arch, Baker Street, Finchley Road, and Brent Cross. The journey from central London takes about an hour and costs about £12.
By Car
A taxi ride to London Luton Airport costs about £60 and takes approximately an hour and 15 minutes.
London's Public Transport
Types of Public Transport in London
Transport for London (TfL) operates all public transport in London including the underground, buses, trains, ferries, and cable car. More on those later!
Paying for Public Transport:
Oyster Card: This is the main public transport card. These can be purchased at any tube station or airports. These need to be loaded with money from the machines at these stations or online. To load money online, you need to create an account and register your oyster card on the website below.
Contactless and mobile pay: Personally, this is my preferred method for paying for transport around London. If your bank card shows the contactless payment symbol, you can use it to pay as you go. You'll pay an adult rate fare. You can tap with a contactless card (credit or debit), iPhone, Apple Watch, key fobs, stickers, or wristbands. It is important that you use the same device or contactless card to touch in and out. The types of mobile payments accepted include Apple Pay, Barclaycard Contactless Mobile, bPay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. To use either your mobile device or contactless card, you tap in at the start of your journey and touch out at the end on yellow card readers. If you are trying to pay for multiple people, you will need to pay with a different card or device for each individual. You'll be charged that evening by TfL for your journeys.
Fare Capping: TfL has instituted a daily and weekly fare cap. This means that you can make as many journeys as you like a,nd when all your fares add up, TfL won't charge you more than the cap. You must always touch in and out with the same card or device.
Daily Cap: This is calculated over 24 hours. For travel within Zone 1 and 2, see the map in "The London Underground" section; a daily anytime cap is £8.10.
Weekly Cap: This is calculated over a fixed Monday to Sunday period. For travel within Zone 1 and 2, a weekly anytime cap is £40.70.
Citymapper: This is the widely preferred option by locals. It also integrates all of London's public transport options. One of the best features is that it offers an air-conditioned route option!
The London Underground
Things to Know:
London is divided into 9 travel zones, see the map above. Zone 1 is the city centre, and zone 9 is the city's outskirts. Most tourist locations are found in zones one and, at most, zone 2. The zone system affects how much you'll be charged for riding the underground. If you travel further afield, you'll be charged more.
The system has 272 stations, 12 lines, and 402km. You'll never be far from a stop!
The 12 tube lines are: Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, Waterloo & City, and Elizabeth.
The lines run from roughly 5 am to midnight. The exception is the night tube, which runs on Fridays and Saturdays on the Victoria, Jubilee, Central, Northern, and Piccadilly lines.
There is no service on the underground, so you'll be unable to pull up directions after you've gotten on. It may also be helpful to screenshot your directions, just in case.
Entering: You'll encounter a set of gates when you enter. It's important to look at the red/green indicators to see which ones are entry gates. To open the gates, you must "tap in" with either your Oyster or Contactless Card. See the above section on how to pay for public transport. Be sure to safely stow this away to avoid the Underground's pickpockets!
Exiting: When leaving the station, you'll need to "tap out." In order to look like a local, have your tap-out method ready as you approach the gates. The gates will have green and red indicators here too.
Knowing which line you're travelling on: Each line is associated with a colour. It's helpful to have this in mind as you board. The entire system is colour-coded, including the signs, the poles within the carriages, the seats, etc. It should give you some confidence you're on the right line if you know the colour.
Know your cardinal directions: All the tube lines have directions - northbound or southbound, eastbound or westbound. London is thankfully pretty well-oriented on the compass rose, I usually know which direction the Thames is from me and, therefore, which way is South. The lines do have giant signs before you board telling you which stops they'll be going to, but it helps if you know your orientation and where you're going on a map.
Split & Branched Lines: London is the oldest underground system, started in 1863, so it also isn't always the most logical. Be sure to check which branch you're on; for instance, it'll say "via Bank" or "via Charring Cross" to let you know you're going the right way. If you get going on the wrong branch or fork, it's easy to correct.
How to Look Like a Local - Tube Etiquette
On the Escalators:
- Stay on the right if you are standing or walking slowly on the escalator.
On the Platform:
- When you arrive, moving down the platform is best, especially during rush hours.
- Always stay behind the yellow line while waiting for the train.
- Let others off the oncoming train before boarding.
- Mind the Gap!
Accessibility on the Tube
Over the years, TfL has dramatically improved its accessibility, but the older stations are still tricky. The link below outlines how to have a wheelchair friendly or step-free journey.
The Double Decker Bus
I personally love London's buses. I love seeing where I'm going, and I think they're super comfortable. They're super convenient and can get you to almost anywhere in the city.
Paying for the buses:
Buses can be paid for by either Oyster Card or Contactless Payment Card; see section above. You "tap in" at the front of the bus and, therefore, should always board from the front doors. It is important to know that you do not tap out of the bus. This is unlike other public transport options.
How to Ride the Bus
Figuring out bus numbers: Each bus is labelled with a number and an end destination on the front, back, and side. It's important to watch for this since several buses will pull up at each stop. If the bus has an "N" next to the number that means it is the night route and runs a modified route in the evening. The easiest way to know which bus number to get on is by using an app. This will also tell you when the next bus is coming so that you don't have to worry about timetables.
Flagging down the bus: Buses will not always stop just because someone is standing at the bus stop since many stops have multiple bus routes passing through them. A simple way to ensure that the bus always stops for you is to flag it down. The majority of people stick their hand out or give a little wave. The bus will acknowledge that they saw you by putting on their signal and pulling over.
Requesting a stop: The bus will not stop at every stop along their route so it's important that you request your stop by pressing the stop button. The bus driver will then pull over and you can exit from the middle or back doors, not the front door.
London Riverboat Services
London's riverboat services are commonly called Uber Boats because the company sponsors them. Officially they're Uber Boats by Thames Clippers and operate as a form of public transport. You'll see them travelling up and down the Thames as soon as you arrive! The service has 24 piers and stops along the river between Putney and Barking.
Paying for Uber Boats by Thames Clippers
There are several ways to pay for the Uber Boats, including by oyster card, contactless payment method, ticket office seller, machine on the pier, and via the Uber app. It should be noted that oyster and contactless is the cheapest option. Fares vary by zones. It is the most expensive form of public transportation but also the prettiest. It's intended as a commuter service, but since they travel among all the major tourist sights, they are a great alternative to one of the tourist-oriented river cruises.
How to Ride the Uber Boats by Thames Clippers
Utilising the timetable: The Uber Boats run on a timetable; see the link below. It would be best if you referenced this to know when to arrive at your preferred pier. The service utilises a different timetable for the weekend and weekdays.
Services on the boat: Uber Boats are a more luxurious public transportation experience. They have a bar onboard that offers food and beverages, including alcoholic drinks. They also have a toilet onboard the boat.
Accessibility: All of London's piers are wheelchair accessible, except for Cadogan and London Bridge City Pier. All of the ferries have wheelchair spaces and step-free access.
Other Boat Options
If you're interested in taking a river cruise there are several more touristy options, including hop-on/hop-off services, sightseeing tours, and dinner cruises. Various companies have this option but the most famous are: City Cruises, London Eye River Cruise, Bateaux London.
IFS Cable Car
The cable car service runs from Greenwich Peninsula, on the south bank of the River Thames to the Royal Docks, north bank. It spans over 1000 metres across the River Thames and is the highest observation point over the river. A one-way journey takes around 10 minutes with cable cars coming every 30 seconds to pick you up.
How to Pay:
You can ride the cable car like any other form of London's public transport - tap your contactless payment method or Oyster card. You can also buy tickets at the terminals via the ticket office or online. It is cheaper to pay any other way than at the ticket office.
Cost: An adult one-way ticket is £6, roundtrip is £12. A child's (5-15) ticket costs £3 one-way and £6 round-trip. Children under five ride free.
How to Ride the IFS Cable Car:
How to get to the cable car:
- The closest tube station is North Greenwich Station or Royal Victoria Station
- The closest pier is North Greenwich Pier
- The closest bus is North Greenwich Bus Station
- Address is IFS Cloud Cable Car, Edmund Halley Way, London, SE10 0FR or Royal Docks, 27 Western Gateway, London E16 1FA
Times and Timetable:
- Monday to Thursday: 0700-2200
- Friday: 0700-2300
- Saturday: 0800-2300
- Sunday: 0900-2200
Hop On Hop Off Buses
Three main companies allow you to jump off and explore at your leisure or hop on and hop off. These tours consolidate your routes to the main tourist destinations, provide commentary on London's sights, and have people at each bus stop that can help you with your day.
Big Bus Tour
This company offers 3 routes with 38 bus stops.
Your ticket includes:
- A free Thames River cruise accessible from Westminster Pier or London Tower Pier.
- 3 guided walking tours: changing of the guard, Jack the Ripper, and City of London past to present.
- WiFi on board.
- Booklet filled with vouchers for various London attractions.
- Big Bus night tour (except with the classic ticket).
Ticket prices:
- Adult: £49.50
- Child £40.50
- Family £149.80
*Ticket prices vary by ticket type so prices above are for the "Essential Ticket"
Where to Purchase Tickets:
You can purchase tickets at the link above and they are cheaper if purchased online in advance. You can also buy them from Central Departure Points such as Marble Arch, Green Park, Victoria Station, Baker Street, and Trafalgar Square. Onsite tickets are a bit more expensive.
Routes:
Red Route: The best of London covers Central London, from Green Park to Victoria Station, including Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Covent Garden, Big Ben, Mayfair, London Bridge, and more.
Blue Route: This route covers the below plus Kensington, Hyde Park, and Marylebone.
Green Route: This route covers Temple, The Mall, St James Park, British Museum, Kings Cross, Churchill Museum, Downing Street, National Portrait Gallery, and more.
To see an interactive map of this route visit the link below:
TootBus Sightseeing Tour
Your ticket includes:
- A Thames river cruise
- 3 guided walking tours: changing of the guard, Rock n Roll London, and Jack the Ripper.
- A booklet filled with vouchers for various London attractions
- A children's free activity packet
- Nighttime bus tour
- Bus tour for families
- An audio guide
- Flexible tickets, free cancelation for up to 24 hours
Ticket Prices:
- Adult £35.70
- Child (5-15) £20.40
- Infant (0-4) Free
- Family (2a+2c) £108
* Ticket prices depend on the type of ticket chosen, and prices shown above are for the "Must See London" option.
Where to Purchase:
Tickets for this Hop on Hop Off bus can be bought online at the link above and they are cheaper if bought in advance. You can also buy them at certain bus stops.
Routes:
Yellow Route: This route takes you to Tower Bridge, Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Downing Street, Borough Market, and more.
Blue Route: This route takes you to Buckingham Palace, Lambeth Palace, London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Harrods, the South Kensington museums, Kensington Palace, Hyde Park, Notting Hill, Marble Arch, and more.
Green Route: This route will take you to Russel Square, Kings Cross, St Pancras International Station, Euston Station, the British Museum Leicester Square, the National Portrait Gallery National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Somerset House, Aldwych, and more.
To see an interactive version of these routes utilise the link below.
City Sightseeing London
This company has a total of 25 stops spread across three routes.
Your Ticket Includes:
- A Thames river cruise
- Self-guided Royal London Tour
- Audio guide
Ticket Prices:
- Adult £42
- Child £24.75
- Family £111
*Ticket prices depend on ticket type. These prices reflect the Hop On Hop Off London + Thames River City Cruises with City Sightseeing
Where to Purchase:
Tickets can be purchased online at the link above. The provider offers a discount for purchasing online. It is also available to purchase in person from one of the stops along the route.
Routes:
Red Route: This route takes you to Aldwych, St Paul's Cathedral, London Bridge, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Victoria Embankment, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Marble Arch, and more.
Green Shuttle Route: This shorter route takes you to Aldwych, Southampton Row, Woburn Place, Bedford Way, and Lancaster Place.
Blue Route: This route takes you to Marble Arch, Knightsbridge, Royal Albert Hall, the South Kensington Museums, Harrods, Hyde Park, Marble Arch, and more.
For an interactive museum utilise the link below:
The home for unique & authentic travel
