USEFUL INFO:
GETTING AROUND:
BY TUBE/UNDERGROUND: Also known popularly as "The Tube" - has trains that criss-cross London in the largest underground rail network anywhere in the world (it was also the first, the first section of the Metropolitan Line dates back to 1863). This mode of transport is usually the fastest way to get from one part of London to the another, the only problem being the relative expense (go for a Travelcard, if you can), and the fact that it can get extremely crowded during "rush hours" (7:30AM-9:30AM and 4:30PM-7PM / 07:30 to 09:30 and 16:30 to 19:00). Take a bottle of water with you on warm days. Trains run from around 5:30AM to about 1am at night (05:30 to 01:00). Tube maps are freely available from any station, most tourist offices and are prominently displayed throughout stations - and, for some obscure reason, in the back of most diaries.
The Tube is made up of twelve lines, each bearing a traditional name and a standard colour on the Tube Map. To plan your trip on The Tube, work out first which station is closest to your starting point and which closest to your destination. Use the Tube Map to determine which line(s) you will take. You are able to change freely between lines at interchange stations (providing you stay within the zones shown on your ticket, or via any reasonable route for single-destination tickets). Since the Tube Map is well designed it is very easy to work out how to get between any two stations, and since each station is clearly signed and announced it is easy to work out when to get off your train. The Tube is therefore an easy method of transport even for new visitors to London.
Fares depend on which zone you start in and how many zones you cross. Single cash fares for an adult are £4 for most trips, including anything within Zones 1 thru 4, or £3 for any that stays outside Zone 1 (January 2007). Travelcards offer much better value if you will be making several journeys - an off-peak Day Travelcard for Zones 1-2 is available after 9.30am each day, for example, at £5.10. Detailed fare information is available at any Tube station or from the TfL website. Most of the time the best option will be an Oyster card (see above). If you buy a weekly ticket, you do not have to wait until after 9:30am and the average price per day will be even cheaper.
There is a general "underground etiquette" amongst Londoners on the Tube, and it's a good idea to learn it quickly so you don't get trampled on by stampeding commuters, and it will also help prevent you being identified as a tourist by pickpockets and touts which still frequent the large central stations. Always stand on the RIGHT when using the escalators and passageways to allow people on in a hurry to pass. People will occasionally shove you out the way if you are standing on the left.
BY BUS:
London's iconic red buses are recognised the world over, even if the traditional open-platform Routemaster buses have been largely phased out. Buses are generally quicker than taking the Tube for short trips (less than a couple of stops on the Tube), and out of central London you're likely to be closer to a bus stop than a tube station. Bus lines running parallel to London Underground (The Tube) lines shut down on the weekends for "planned engineering work" can be extremely crowded. Night buses are identified by an 'N' at the start of the route number, for example the N73 runs between Walthamstow Central and Victoria. The night bus service is a reliable and often interesting way to get home at night.
Bus journeys are cheaper than taking the Tube, at cash fare £2 per trip (January 2007). A One Day Bus Pass can be purchased from bus ticket machines, local rail and tube stations, and also selected newsagents for the bargain price of £3.50 (children travel free), allowing unlimited bus journeys for an entire day (and night - up till 4:30AM the next day on the night bus network) across the whole of Greater London. Travelcards and Oyster also work on bus services.
BY TRAM:
There's an electric tram network running between South-West and South-East of outer London (Wimbledon to Beckenham). The tram fares are the same as bus fares; Travelcards covering zones 3,4,5 or any combination thereof, and/or bus passes, are acceptable on all tram routes.
BY DLR:
Docklands Light Rail (DLR) is a dedicated light rail network operating in east London, connecting with the Underground network at Bank and Tower Gateway. Apart from the trains looking slightly different and running slightly less frequently than the Tube, visitors may as well treat the two systems as the same. The DLR uses the same system of Zones as the Tube, and travelcards are valid on DLR services. As the trains often operate without a driver, it can be quite exciting - especially for children - to sit in front and look at through the window, whilst feeling as though one is driving the train oneself.
TRAVELCARD AND OYSTER (PRE PAID TRAVEL):
A Travelcard is an all-in-one ticket that allows you travel on the Underground (the Tube), buses, DLR, trams and rail services within set zones. Many travellers, for example, would choose to buy a one day Travelcard that allows unlimited travel throughout zones 1-4 (all of central London, plus many outer suburbs like Richmond, Greenwich and Wimbledon) for £5.70 off-peak travel only or £9.00 for any time travel (January 2007). Other period travelcards such as three-day, weekly, monthly and yearly are also available.
In addition to standard paper tickets, tickets may also be purchased in the form of Oyster. This is a credit-card sized wireless smartcard that stores your ticket information instead of the cardboard ticket. Rather than inserting a ticket at the gates you simply pass your Oyster card near the yellow readers, meaning you don't need to remove it from your wallet or bag. You can put a weekly, monthly, or annual travelcard ticket onto Oyster. If you do not purchase a travelcard on Oyster, you can buy a card for a £3 deposit, then add a Pre-Pay balance to it. Swiping your Oyster card for journeys around London will automatically deduct the appropriate value from your card. The major caveat though is that Oyster Pre-Pay cannot be used on most National Rail services; for these you'll need to purchase a standard cardboard ticket. If you are only using the tube, bus and tram, Oyster Pre-Pay makes a lot of sense. Detailed fare information is available at any tube station or from the TFL website.
BY MOTORBIKE/POWERED SCOOTER:
Arguably the fastest way around London, but also the most dangerous. Parking for motorbikes and scooters is free at many of the reserved areas. The congestion zone does not apply, and thus for anyone commuting it's usually the cheapest option (possibly excluding bus rides).
London has two types of taxis: the famous black cabs, and so-called mini-cabs. Black cabs are the only ones licensed to 'tout for business' (ie pick people up off the street), while minicabs are more accurately described as 'private hire vehicles' and need to be pre-booked.
BY TAXI:
The famous black cabs of London (not always black in these days of heavy advertising!) can be hailed from the curb or found at one of the many designated taxi ranks. Their yellow 'TAXI' light will be on if they are available. Black cabs charge by distance and by the minute, are non-smoking, and have a minimum charge of £2.20 They are a cheap transport option if there are five passengers as they do not charge extras, and many view them as an essential experience for any visitor to London. Drivers must take an extensive exam in London's streets to be licensed for a black cab, meaning they can supposedly navigate you to almost any London street without reference to a map. It is possible to book black cabs by phone, for a fee, but if you are in central London it will usually be quicker to hail one from the street.
Minicabs are licenced hire vehicles that you need to book by phone or at a minicab office. They generally charge a fixed fare for a journey, best agreed before you get in the car. Minicabs are usually cheaper than black cabs, although this is not necessarily the case for short journeys.
ILLEGAL TAXIS/MINI CABS:
You should avoid "mini-cabs" touting for business off the street and either take a black cab, book a licensed mini-cab by telephone, or take a night bus. Licensed minicabs display a Transport For London (TFL) License Plate - usually in the front window. One of the features of the license plate is a blue version of the famous London Underground "roundel".
Tipping is not mandatory in either taxis or minicabs, despite some drivers' expectations..... Use your discretion - the fares are usually high enough....
BY ROAD:
Driving in Central London is a slow, frustrating, expensive and often unnecessary activity. Londoners who drive will normally take public transport in the centre; follow their example. Traffic is slow and heavy, there are many sorts of automatic enforcement cameras, and it is difficult and expensive to park. Car drivers should be aware that driving into Central London on weekdays during daylight hours incurs a hefty charge, with very few exemptions (note that rental cars also attract the charge). Cameras and mobile units record and identify the number plates and registration details of all vehicles entering the charging zone with high accuracy.
BY BOAT:
The London Waterbus Company runs scheduled services (more in summer, less in winter) from Little Venice to Camden Lock with a stop at the London Zoo. The 45 minute trip along Regent's Canal is a delightful way to travel
STAY SAFE:
Beware of pickpockets. They often prey on disorientated tourists at the stations which connect with major rail terminuses (Euston, Waterloo etc.) and tourist attractions. Always keep your belongings in an inside pocket.
Like many big cities, London has a variety of social problems, especially begging, drug abuse, theft (mobile phones are a favorite), etc. London, however, manages to make do with a police force that doesn't need to carry guns, and is generally a safe place for the tourist to visit and walk around. In an emergency, telephone "999" (or "112"). Don't take illegal minicabs. If you're planning to go out late at night and are worried about safety, frequent crowded areas such as the West End. There are always plenty of people on the street, even at 4am. Generally, outside central London, South and East suburban areas are considered more dangerous, notably Brixton and Hackney, although some parts of North-West London such as Harlesden and Northern Camden are also known trouble spots. The main problem which is present right throughout London to various degrees is drunken behaviour, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights and after soccer matches. Loud and rowdy behaviour is to be expected and fights and acts of aggression do occur. If harrassed, it is best to simply ignor and walk away from those concerned. Trouble spots can be expected around popular drinking locations such as Soho and in various suburban centres.
Even busy nighttime Soho presents a particular danger; the "clip joint". The usual targets of these establishments are male tourists. Usually, an attractive woman will casually befriend the victim and recommend a local bar. The establishment will be near-desolate, and even if the victim has only a drink or two, the bill will run to hundreds of pounds. If payment is not immediately provided, the bouncers will lock the "patrons" inside and take it by force. If it appears you are being lured into a "clip joint", the easiest way out is to recommend a different bar to the new "friend" trying to get you into her "favorite local place" - and if she staunchly refuses, be very suspicious.
TUBE ETIQUETTE:
ALWAYS allow passengers to get off the train before boarding yourself. Also, DO NOT stand directly in front of the doors while passengers are trying to get off. Always stand either to the right or to the left of the opening train doors, and allow all passengers to disembark before attempting to get on the train yourself. Adhering to this simple 'train-iquette' will make life a lot easier.
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