There’s a lot to see and do in London. Whether you want to see the sights or go on a Monopoly pub crawl, it’s important that you plan out how to get around this vast capital. There are a number of modes of transport to consider, each with their own pros and cons.
Here are just some of the 7 most popular ways to get around.
Go on the tube
The London Underground (AKA the tube) is the most common and convenient way of getting around London in most cases. Oyster cards are worth investing in if you visit London frequently. Alternatively, you can simply buy a London Travelcard that will allow you to travel freely (there are single day card, three day cards and seven day cards). Make sure to research ahead in case lines are closed and avoid rush hour on a weekday if you don’t want to be crammed into a train like sardines.
Try other rail services
London also has a number of overground services which can extend to places that the tube doesn’t. There’s also the DLR, which is an automated train system with links to London City Airport and ExCel. Finally, there are also trams around various parts of London. Most of these transport options are covered by the London Travelcard.
Ride a double-decker bus
The bus network in London can be another option. It’s slower than the trains, but it can be more scenic (especially if you ride the top deck). Most of London’s buses are also covered by the London Travelcard. There are then bus tours that you can take, some of which have open tops that are perfect for the summer. These bus routes are perfect for seeing the landmarks. There are also themed bus tours including ghost tours.
Take a black cab
The black cabs are also iconic in London. They’re a lot more expensive than buses and trains, however they do offer more freedom – you’re not stuck to a timetable and can catch them in the early hours of the morning when the trains and buses aren’t running.
Hire a chauffeur
If you’re celebrating a special event such as a hen night or a birthday, you could even consider looking into chauffeurs in London and hiring your own private vehicle. This could allow you to make multiple stops without booking a taxi each time. You could even look into limo hire.
Catch a ferry down the Thames
You can also explore London from the water. There are a number of ferries and cruises that operate along the Thames. These can allow you to see all the sights from a new perspective. There are even dinner cruises in which you can enjoy a meal as you travel down the river.
Walk it
London is a big city, but it’s possible to walk between many of the attractions in the centre. You’ll save money by doing this and you could see sights you may not otherwise have seen such as street entertainers, quirky shops and markets. A walk along the Thames is particularly worthwhile.
Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post