This article is your ultimate guide to getting around London like a local. We’ll cover everything from the cheapest ways to travel to the various options available, including Oyster cards, contactless payment, Travelcards, and even cycling! We’ll also touch on the Congestion Charge and ULEZ, important things to remember when driving in the city. Let’s get started!
London’s Transportation Options: Cheap, Efficient, and Easy
Navigating London’s public transportation network is a breeze. You can find journey planners on the National Rail Enquiries and TfL websites, which are your best friends when planning your routes. The TfL journey planner lets you compare different transport options and even see fare information for each one.
The Oyster and Contactless Card: Your Ticket to Savings
For most Londoners, an Oyster card or contactless payment card is the cheapest way to travel. Oyster is a smart card you can use on buses, Tubes, trams, trains, the DLR, and some river services. Contactless payments work on these same modes of transport, and both are also accepted on the IFS Cloud Cable Car, though fares are higher.
If you are visiting from outside the city, an Oyster card is a great option, especially if you don’t have a contactless payment card.
Capping: Say Goodbye to Overpaying!
One of the biggest advantages of using Oyster or contactless is the “capping” system. This feature sets a limit on how much you pay for travel in a day or week. Once you reach the cap, all further journeys are free! We encourage you to explore more about capping on our website for details.
Examples of Oyster Savings:
- Hopper Fare: Enjoy unlimited bus and tram travel for £1.75 within an hour.
Contactless: A Modern Alternative
Contactless payments are a great option for those who prefer to use their bank cards. You’ll be charged an adult-rate Pay As You Go fare each time you make a journey, benefiting from all the features of Oyster Pay As You Go (minus railcard discounts). Contactless also has daily, weekly, and monthly capping options, making it a convenient choice for visitors or anyone who’s run out of credit on their Oyster card.
More than Just Public Transportation: Exploring London by Foot and Bike
Walking: A Free and Fantastic Way to Explore
London is a walkable city, and TfL and Walk London offer free guided walks led by experienced guides. Book these walks on the Walk London website or learn more about walking in London, including their Walking Tube maps, on the TfL website.
Cycling: A Fun and Healthy Alternative
Hire a Santander Cycle from as little as £1.65! Simply head to any docking station, touch the screen with your bank card, and you’re off! Regular cyclists can save money by signing up for Santander Cycle membership.
The TfL website also has resources for cyclists, including free route maps and cycle guides. For extra safety tips on locking your bike, check out the Best Bike Lock blog by cycling enthusiast Henry Clark.
Travelcards: For Unlimited Journeys
Travelcards allow unlimited travel within designated zones. The price varies depending on the zones covered. The cheapest option is a day off-peak (after 9:30 am Monday to Friday and all weekend) for £15.20 for zones 1-6, and £21.50 peak.
With Oyster Pay As You Go, you’ll never pay more than the Travelcard price and will often pay less. However, remember that Travelcards are not available for every zone combination. Compare Travelcard prices and caps on the TfL website.
Travelcard Tip: If you have a Zone 1-3 Travelcard and are making a peak journey outside this area, break your journey in Zone 1. This can save you from being charged the maximum peak Oyster fare for the extension part of your journey.
Travelling Beyond Your Travelcard Zone
When travelling outside the area covered by your Travelcard, buy an extension ticket from the ticket office or machine. This is cheaper than buying an individual ticket between your Travelcard’s last station and your destination.
If your destination is still within the Oyster zone, add sufficient Pay As You Go credit to your Oyster card before you travel. Always touch in at the start of your journey and touch out at the end, even if parts of your journey are covered by your Travelcard, to avoid a maximum fare, penalty fare, or prosecution.
Oyster Card Reminder: When topping up your Oyster card, touch it twice. First to show the card type, then again after paying. Touching twice ensures that your money is added to your card correctly.
Navigating the London Underground: Pink Card Readers
When changing trains and you see a pink card reader, touch your card on it! This will ensure you pay the correct fare as it indicates you didn’t travel through Zone 1. These readers are found at certain Tube and London Overground stations.
Driving in London: Congestion Charge and ULEZ
London’s iconic roads are busy, so it’s important to be aware of the Congestion Charge and ULEZ.
The Congestion Charge
This £15.00 daily charge applies to vehicles driving within the charging zone. It’s in effect between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm Monday to Friday and 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holiday Mondays. The charge applies every day of the year except between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The easiest way to pay is through Auto Pay, and exemptions and discounts are available.
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round except Christmas Day. The zone covers all areas inside the North and South Circular Roads. Cars, vans, and other vehicles must meet emissions standards or their drivers will be charged a daily fee to drive within the zone.
- £12.50 for most vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and vans (up to and including 3.5 tonnes)
- £100 for heavier vehicles, including lorries (over 3.5 tonnes) and buses/coaches (over 5 tonnes)
Check your vehicle and its charges! Remember, the Congestion Charge and ULEZ are not the same. Many drivers pay both to drive into London.
Conclusion: Explore London with Ease
London is a city that thrives on diverse transportation options. From the convenience of Oyster cards and contactless payments to the freedom of walking and cycling, the city provides a wealth of possibilities.
Remember to familiarize yourself with the Congestion Charge and ULEZ if you plan to drive, and always check for the latest travel updates on the TfL website. With a bit of planning, navigating London will be a breeze! Happy travels!
