Getting Around London
If you've never been to London before then you may find the
thought of getting around the city somewhat daunting. With the
population of Greater London estimated at more than 7 million
people, this is a bustling city on a grand scale. So what's the
best way to get around the British capital?
Fortunately, you do have a good number of options open to you.
The London Underground, for example, is the oldest underground
mass transit system in Europe and consists of some 275 stations
on 12 separate lines. Generally speaking, you'll find that the
stations are very close together, with central London being
particularly well covered (there are 63 stations in central
London alone).
You'll find Underground (or "Tube", as its known locally) maps
at all stations and on platforms. Each of the Underground lines
is given a different colour, making the maps easy to read so
that you can find your way round.
One thing that you'll also notice is that the Underground map is
also divided into Zones. This relates to the way in which
journeys are priced - when you buy a ticket the price that
you'll pay will be dependent upon your departure or arrival
zones. If you're expecting to make a number of journeys in a day
then avoid paying for numerous single tickets and opt for a One
Day Travelcard - they're more cost effective. You'll need to
tell the ticket office operator what zones you'll be travelling
through during the day.
You can pay for all tickets at ticket offices using cash or
payment cards. You'll also find that stations have automated
machines where you can purchase tickets. This should also allow
you to pay using the same options, although be aware that the
automated payment card facilities may not always be functioning.
Aside from the Underground, you'll find that a Travelcard will
also cover you for journeys on the famous red London buses. The
bus network in London is extensive and they provide a great way
to see the city. Indeed, you can save yourself a bit of money by
avoiding the ever-present tourist buses and simply taking a
journey through central London on a standard bus.
If you don't fancy the Underground or the buses then another
option is to jump in a black cab. These provide a great
experience in themselves, although generally will work out more
expensive than the two public transport options already
mentioned.
Driving in London is not something that would generally be
recommended. Traffic can be heavy throughout the day in central
locations, parking is not always easy to find and the London
Congestion Charge means that you'll pay heavily for the
privilege of driving in central London. Luckily, public
transport options are generally good, so you should find that
you won't need to resort to driving.