London is notoriously a difficult city to drive in, meaning whether you’re a resident or a tourist, you need to find the alternatives. When in Central London, it’s relatively easy to get around on foot; however, when venturing further afield, this isn’t always viable.
As a tourist, the various public transport options can seem both daunting and confusing, meaning many visitors of the Big Smoke will jump in a black cab and be dropped off exactly where they need to be.
Despite this, this is one of the most expensive and slowest means of moving around London, not to mention the least environmentally friendly. Listed below are just a handful of some of the ways one may get around London.
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E-Mobility Drive Systems
E-scooters are the newest phenomenon around the globe, being powered by custom battery packs that simply allow you to get on and go. E-scooters are capable of topping 20 mph, meaning you’re able to zoom past the queuing traffic in the West-End. These skyrocketed in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they allowed Londoners to explore the capital without coming into close contact with others on public transport.
This only displayed how useful they can be, meaning they remain as a staple in England’s capital. There are many e-scooter systems dotted about Central London, allowing you to hop on and hop off with ease. It will cost you £1 to unlock the scooter, and you’ll be charged around 15 pence per minute subsequent to this.
London Underground
The London Underground is one of the most popular transportation options in London, with up to five million users per day. It’s no wonder why London’s subway is so popular, thanks to its speed, convenience, and affordable prices. There are 11 London Underground lines and 270 London Underground stations in total, allowing you to customize your journey with ease.
The London Underground is one of the easiest subway systems to master worldwide; however, if you still struggle, trusted apps such as Google Maps and Citymapper will create your route for you and tell you exactly what you need to do.
London Overground
As you can imagine, the London Overground is relatively similar to the London Underground; however, it runs overground. There are nine London Overground lines and 112 stations, making it another popular transport link for Londoners. Luggage storage London is available in all the main train stations to help you store away your bags for a few hours or even days. As with the London Underground, the easiest way to make payment is by tapping in and out using your contactless card or smartphone.
The prices will vary depending on zones, but you can find out how much your journey is likely to cost using TfL’s single fare finder. Make sure you tap out of each station, otherwise you run the risk of being charged the maximum cost.
Docklands Light Railway
The Docklands Light Railway or DLR is quite similar to the London Overground; however, as the name suggests, it runs above London’s docklands. There are just under 50 DLR stations, which are used by residents and tourists of the East/South-East London area.
As you can imagine, you get some stunning views from the DLR, especially in the summer when the sun is sparkling off the water. Some of the most notable locations on the DLR include Bank and Canary Wharf, each of which are connected to one another via the line.
Buses
London buses are the most affordable option at £1.65 for unlimited journeys within one hour of touching in. The number of bus routes in London is endless, with routes ranging all the way from 1 to 999, in addition to routes with letter prefixes. Buses are ideal for the quieter regions of London, but you’re likely to get stuck in traffic when traveling through the center.
