A guide to London transport

Wherever you live in London, you’re going to need to get around somehow. Luckily, London’s not a city that’s short of transport options – here’s your lowdown on a few of them. Don't forget that currently you must wear a face mask and to try to maintain social distancing measures when using public transport.

Public transport:

If you’re new to London, I suggest familiarising yourself with the Underground system and its map really quickly: being able to plan alternative routes at the drop of a hat if a line goes down or if there are delays is really handy. The amount of bus routes in London can be a bit overwhelming – it’s good to be aware of one or two that you’ll use a lot, but don’t feel like you have to memorise them all!

A great app to help you out is Citymapper – it tells you what bus or train routes you'll need to get somewhere, and how much it’s going to cost you.

To pay, you can either get an Oyster card or use a contactless card payment. These work out the same cost - and far far cheaper than buying day travelpasses! You can’t use cash on buses, so make sure you have your card with you. When travelling by tube, remember that prices are higher during peak times. Buses are cheaper than tube travel – just £1.50 a ride – but they can also take longer and be more subject to traffic delays. Make sure you grab the top front seat of a double-decker bus where you can so you can enjoy the views!

As always in London, keep your wits about you when using public transport: people sometimes have their phones stolen on buses, and a crowded train can be prime ground for pick-pockets.

Walking:

I use my own two feet a lot to get around London. For me it functions as a great source of exercise, and is also a fantastic way to get to know the city. Walking more means that I’ve got far more of a sense of how different parts of London fit together, and how the city changes as I move across it. And it saves money! Definitely worth considering if you’ve got the time and the energy.

Bicycle:

I don’t cycle myself, but, like walking, travelling by bicycle can be a good way to save money and get some more exercise. And it’s quicker than walking! If you do decide to travel by bicycle, be careful of the central London traffic – always wear your helmet and make sure you know the laws of the road inside out. But please don’t ride on the pavement – that’s one of my pet peeves as a perennial pedestrian! Bicycle theft is also a problem in London: make sure to invest in a good lock.

Car:

Don’t even think about it. Even if you can drive, having your own car in London is just more trouble than it’s worth!

Simone Webb, UCL Student, PhD in Gender Studies