How to get around in London
From the Tube (Underground, or subway) and the bus (double decker or otherwise) to taxis, shared "Boris" bikes, and other transportation options in London
London is so big you really can't cover it on foot.
The city has an extensive network of those famous red double-decker buses, which are slowly disappearing in favor of new buses that look more modern.
The fastest and most popular way to zip around town is the Underground (subway), known affectionately as the Tube.
You can use the Tube and its many transfer stations to tunnel your way just about anywhere in London—but I suggest taking the bus a few times (not during rush hour) because you get a much better feel for the city layout when you travel above ground.
Do not buy point-to-point tickets. What you want is an Oyster Card (possibly with a Travelcard transit pass).
Do NOT, under any circumstances, rent a car to get around London. If you are renting one to leave the city, however, read on for tips.
- Tfl.gov.uk - Covers pretty much all London transportation, including the Tube and buses but also taxis, the DLR and other local light rail systems, trams, the London bike share program, and other one-off transport options.
- Nationalrail.co.uk - Covers all of the lines once operated by the (since-privitized) old British Rail. This includes most major British railways, but notably does not cover many urban area light rail systems (such as London, Glasgow, Manchester, Blackpool, Sheffield, and Midland Metro), nor does it cover the Eurostar, Heathrow Express, nor a handful of heritage or privately owned railways. Still, it's the closest thing to one-stop shopping for finding train connections across the mainland U.K. (though not Northern Ireland).
- Streetwise London - Amazingly detailed yet tiny, a foldable and laminated map that slips into your (deeper) pocketPartner
- London A to Z - One of the world's greatest street-by-street maps (pronounced "London A to Zed"). The only publication that lists every tiny alley and dead-end lane of the maze that is London's infrastructure.Partner
- National Geographic London City Map - A London map from the inimitable folks at National Geographic. Good overview and street index.Partner
- London PopOut Map - Intriguing map-based way to peruse London's neighborhoods, transit lines, and theatres.Partner
General tips of similar interest
A good road map can save you time and help you discover places and things not in your guidebook
An interactive map of England showing all the places covered by this online travel guide
