Because London offers so many attractions there is a lot of ground to cover and walking will only get you as far as an early night to bed. London has one of the best public transport systems in the world, but if you don’t know what you’re doing it can also be very costly.
The London Underground
London’s metro system is the oldest in the world and has been used as the model for the subway systems in many other nations. It is the quickest and easiest method of getting from A to B.
Prices are based on zones, Zone 1 being the city centre, Zone 2 the outer central regions, and Zones 3-6 Greater London. Most tourists won’t venture further than Zone 3. If your stay is only short, day savers will be most suitable. However, if you are planning staying for longer, consider purchasing an Oyster Card.
Oyster Card
Oyster Cards are the easiest and most cost effective means of travelling round London. If you plan to stay for a week or more, it is advisable that you purchase one. They are widely available in tube and overground stations and also numerous stockists around the city, identifiable by the Oyster Card sticker in the shop window. They are also valid on all forms of public transport and some National Rail services.
Though there is an initial outlay of £3 ($) to get an Oyster Card, but savings are recouped quickly as the cost of travel is halved when offset against the full price of a regular fare. For example, a single bus journey will set you back £2 ($3.50) whereas with an Oyster Card you will only be charged 90p ($1.50).
How to Use an Oyster Card
Using your Oyster card couldn’t be easier. Simply flash it across the yellow card readers, easily noticeable at the turnstiles of the Underground, or as you board a bus. You can make as many journeys as you like using your Oyster Card and the reader records your journey. This means that if you travel more than the fixed fee of an all day saver within the 24 hour period of you first using your card, you won’t be charged more than the cost of a day saver. For example, the daily price cap for a day saver is £6.80 ($12). You will not be charged more than this amount on your Oyster Card.
Save With a Travelcard
Travelcards are principally weekly or monthly savers and are the most cost effective if you are using the public transport system often. They are valid on the bus, tube, tram, London Overground and some National Rail services. Charges vary dependant on the zone you are travelling to and the cost of a travel card can be stored on your Oyster Card for convenience.
If you need assistance travelling round London or finding the best possible route call the 24-hour travel information centre on 0207 222 1234.
For details regarding travelling bus, tram or taxi or travelling to other parts of Britain using coach or train, click the link here.
Richard Oldale - Richard is a freelance writer and has written for a number of publications specialising in football, music and travel. He has also had ...
