Master London's transport network with our comprehensive guide. From the iconic Tube and red buses to river boats, bikes, and black cabs — learn how to navigate the city like a local and save money on travel.
Getting Around London
London has one of the most extensive public transport networks in the world, making it easy to get anywhere in the city. From the iconic Underground to river boats and cycle hire, understanding your options will save you time, money, and stress. Here is everything you need to know about navigating the capital.
The London Underground (The Tube)
The Tube is the fastest way to travel across London, with 11 lines covering 272 stations. Trains run from approximately 5am to midnight on most lines, with the Night Tube operating on Fridays and Saturdays on selected lines. The network is divided into zones 1-9, with most tourist attractions in zones 1-2. An Oyster card or contactless payment card gives you significantly cheaper fares than buying paper tickets — a single zone 1 journey costs £2.80 with Oyster versus £6.70 with cash.
Buses
London's iconic red double-decker buses cover routes the Tube doesn't reach and offer a scenic way to see the city. A single bus journey is £1.75 with Oyster or contactless, with a daily cap regardless of how many journeys you make. Buses accept only Oyster and contactless — no cash. The number 11 route from Liverpool Street to Fulham passes many landmarks and is often called London's cheapest sightseeing tour.
Overground, DLR & Elizabeth Line
The London Overground, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and the new Elizabeth Line complement the Tube network. The Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) is London's newest railway, connecting Heathrow Airport to central London and out to Essex in modern, spacious trains. The DLR serves Docklands, Greenwich, and London City Airport. All accept Oyster and contactless payment.
River Services
Thames Clipper river buses offer a scenic and practical way to travel along the Thames, connecting piers from Putney in the west to Woolwich in the east. Key stops include Westminster, the London Eye, Bankside (Tate Modern), Tower of London, and Greenwich. Services run every 20 minutes and accept Oyster for discounted fares.
Cycling
Santander Cycles (Boris Bikes) offer a cheap and healthy way to explore London. With over 800 docking stations across central London, you can pick up a bike, ride to your destination, and dock it. Access costs £1.65 for unlimited 30-minute rides within 24 hours. London has an expanding network of cycle lanes, though traffic can be challenging for inexperienced urban cyclists.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
London's black cabs are an institution — their drivers must pass "The Knowledge," memorizing every street within six miles of Charing Cross. They can be hailed on the street or found at taxi ranks. Uber and Bolt also operate in London and are often cheaper for longer journeys. Always have the Uber app as backup for late-night travel.
Money-Saving Tips
Use contactless or Oyster for all journeys — daily and weekly fare caps mean you never overpay. Avoid peak hours (7:30-9:30am and 4:30-7pm weekdays) for cheaper fares. Walking is often faster than the Tube for short distances — many central stations are closer together than you think. Check the London weather forecast before planning a walking day. Use our Route Planner to find the most efficient routes across the city.
