London is a city that truly embraces public transportation. You can easily hop around the city without ever needing a car. Google Maps is your best friend when planning your routes. Simply enter your starting point and destination, and select the public transportation icon. This will show you all the tube (subway) and bus routes, including their departure and arrival times.
But London isn’t just about riding the tube! It’s a city that encourages walking, and many Londoners choose this mode of transport to get around. You’ll find yourself strolling alongside locals, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this lively city. Even as a solo female traveler, I felt safe walking around London alone in all the areas I visited.
Paying for Your Travels: Oyster Cards, Contactless Payments, and Travelcards
There are a few ways to pay for your public transportation in London. The Transport for London website offers detailed explanations of each option, but here’s a quick rundown of the most popular methods:
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Oyster Cards are plastic cards, similar to credit cards, used for paying for rides on the tube, buses, and trains in London. You can buy one at any tube station, and they come in two varieties: regular Oyster Cards and Visitor Oyster Cards. The regular Oyster Card offers more benefits, such as the ability to load a travel pass onto it. However, the Visitor Oyster Card can be shipped to your home before your trip. If you are traveling with others, each person needs their own Oyster Card.
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Contactless Payments are now the most common way to pay for public transportation in London. Simply tap your contactless credit card or digital wallet (Google Pay or Apple Pay) on the readers, and you’re good to go. Contactless payments offer the same benefits as an Oyster Card, including a daily cap on your fares.
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Travelcards are prepaid cards that give you unlimited travel within specific zones in London. If you plan to stay in London for seven days or more, a 7-day Travelcard can save you money, offering seven days of travel for the price of five. You can purchase a Travelcard when you buy your Oyster Card and load it directly onto your card.
London’s Iconic Underground: The Tube
The London Underground, also known as “the Tube,” is the oldest subway system in the world, dating back to 1863. It’s the fastest and easiest way to get around the city! I rely on it multiple times a day when I’m in London. While it has undergone significant improvements over the years, many stations are not accessible for those who rely on wheelchairs. Accessible stations are clearly marked with the International Symbol of Access (ISA) on the Tube map.
When you enter a tube station, you’ll need to tap your Oyster Card, contactless card, or digital wallet to pass through the turnstiles. Remember to tap again when you exit the station. Each station has a map of the lines that run through it and the stops they make. Before arriving at a station, check the Tube map to find the stop nearest to your destination.
Ride-Sharing in London: Uber, Lyft, and Bolt
Uber, Lyft, and Bolt all operate in London, allowing you to request a ride using their respective apps if you have cellular service or wifi. Bolt, a popular ride-sharing app in Europe, may be new to you if you’re from the U.S. While I haven’t used Bolt in London yet, it was our go-to in Malta and offered lower prices than Uber and Lyft. Although Bolt in London has been known to have longer wait times than in other countries, you can also use it for scheduled rides. This comes in handy for early morning trips to the airport, when finding on-demand rides can be tricky.
Exploring London by Bike and Scooter
London has extensive bike paths, suitable for bikes and scooters, including electric ones. However, remember that bikes and scooters are not allowed on sidewalks. For information on using bikes and scooters on public transportation, check the Transport for London (TfL) website. While biking and scootering can be tempting, they might not be the most convenient way to get around London, especially if you’re new to the city. I find walking or using public transportation to be the most hassle-free and enjoyable options.
The Joys of Walking in London
London is an incredibly walkable city! Many Londoners embrace walking as their primary mode of transport. I love the lively atmosphere of the city, and often walk 5-10 miles a day when I’m there. Even on rainy days, you’ll see people walking with umbrellas, rain boots, and warm coats. If you enjoy walking, I highly recommend it as a way to experience London. You’ll discover cool areas you wouldn’t have known about or planned to see, making your journey even more memorable.
