Getting around London, England

First time visitor to London, England?

Wondering about how to get around this huge city?

Here are our suggestions.

If it is your first visit and/or your time is limited (and your goal is to see as many tourist attractions as you can) then the answer is…

 

Take a hop on hop off bus.

(Yes, that is a taxi in the foreground of the photo. Taxi’s are efficient so  that is a possibility if your time is severely limited and there are specific sites you just must see.)

You will have a choice of several hop-on hop-off bus companies. To the best of our knowledge, their routes are just about the same and their service is all excellent.

2. The Tube

The Tube is London’s very efficient metro train system. In the city centre it is almost all underground (and way underground…you will know what I mean when you go down the long, long escalators at some stations) but in many areas it is above ground.

There always are a few stairway steps to navigate…sometimes rather steep steps. If you have luggage or mobility issues check around for an elevator. Some (not all) stations have one tucked off to the side.

a)We highly recommend purchasing an Oyster Card... one per person. You can purchase them in advance but we found it easy to purchase our cards at the Visitor and Travel Information booth at Heathrow underground station.

You will purchase the card, then at the same time put any amount of money you want on the card.

If you need to add more money to the card later in your trip that can be done at any tube station.

When you leave the country you can get a refund of your original card purchase price…but why would you? Having been in London once you will surely want to return and can use the same card on your next visit.

b) The symbol for the tube stations is very distinctive and usually is easy to spot…but be aware that in some parts of the city I have walked right by the tube station and not noticed the sign.

(Too many other things to see? Maybe. But also because some signs are tucked into little nooks or are high up on a post…just saying!)

c) “Mind the gap” is a phrase you will hear frequently if you use the tube. Look closely at the photo above and you will understand why.

d) Pick up a tube map at any station. It is sized to be very practical and is frequently referred to.

Tube maps are easy to find.

3. Ride the bus

I used to think the tube was the fastest way to get where I was going but my hubby convinced me to try the bus…and in many cases it is faster than the tube.

Bus route maps are harder to come by so if you see one at an information booth, take one.

We like to take a tour of London Lights by riding on the upper deck of a bus in the evening…just a round trip on a route that has lots of buildings you would like to see all lit up.

The Oyster card is good for bus travel as well. There is a little podium next to the driver that you just pass the card in front of.

4. Walking

a)London Transit has done an excellent job of putting information very close to their tube stations.

Hint: Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Large maps like these will show the area around the tube station…street names, attractions, walking distance to various venues. Super helpful for tube riders and walkers in general.

b) Distances between many attractions in Central London are not that great. For example, standing on the bridge in front of the Parliament Buildings you are steps from Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the London Eye. The Churchill War Rooms are a stones throw away. It would take longer to find  a bus than it would to walk between these places.

c) Business districts downtown can become very congested (with walkers) during the day!

5. Cycling

While not an option for me, those who are cyclists will find many areas of London are perfect for you. Bikes can be rented at strategically placed racks like these.

Just put in your credit card and you can unlock your bike. I would think the hardest part would be finding an empty stall to return your bike to.

So, let’s go exploring London! …click here

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Happy travels!