Getting Around

You'll find most Londoners travel around town by underground train (fondly known as The Tube) as it's fast, efficient and cheap. With 253 miles of railway line and more than 250 stations, The Tube has a long history, becoming the world's first underground railway system when it launched way back in 1863. The news isn't all good: the age of The Tube does mean that the majority of trains have no air conditioning which can make for uncomfortable journeys on hot days. Trains get extremely busy too (we're talking nose-to-the-glass!) especially during rush hour (Mon-Fri 8am to 9.30am, 5pm-7pm) so try to avoid them then if you can. Buses during this time can be stop-start too in traffic, often making it faster to walk.

TAXI

Travelling in a traditional taxi is a unique, convenient and easy 'door to door' experience.
Taxis can be hailed in the street or located on designated ranks, which are situated at prominent places, including many mainline rail, underground and bus stations. Traditional London taxis are called "black cabs". A yellow light above the windscreen (windshield) tells you if the cab is for hire. Minicabs are usually cheaper for longer distances, but not subject to the same strict regulation. Beware of unlicensed minicabs - see dangers (LINK TO ANNOYANCES DOC)
Call: Computer Cab 07432 1432, Radio Taxis 020 7272 0272, Dial-a-Cab 020 7253 6000, http://www.londonblackcabs.co.uk/

TUBE (LINK TO ANNOYANCES DOC)
This is the quickest way to get around central London. If you're doing more then 2 single journeys, it's worth you buying a One-Day Travelcard Zone 1 & 2 for £4 which allows you to unlimited travel by bus, DLR (Docklands Light Railway) or tube. You only need a card that covers zone 1-6 if you're going to the suburbs. Many people don't like the tube because it gets hot in the summer and is very crowded at commuting times. If you're claustrophobic you can get everywhere by bus.
For 24 hour information on all London Underground services, call London Travel Information on 020 7222 1234.
Price: Tube fares are based on zones: Single Zone 1, 2 Adult £1.90 (covers one Tube or DLR journey)
Travelcard £4.10 (covers Bus, DLR and Tube), http://www.londontransport.co.uk/tfl/

Carnet
If you're only travelling within Zone1 (the most central area) on the Tube over a few days then it's worth considering a Carnet of 10, reducing a single Zone 1 journey from £1.60 to £1.15
Price: 10single tickets cost £11.50
Call: London Travel Information on 020 7222 1234

DLR
Part of the Tube system, the light railway is a fun and stress-free way of travelling. Running on a raised track from Bank and Tower Gateway into the Docklands (London's answer to Manhattan CHECK), it feels more like a Disney tour ride into the future, then a way of getting from A to B. In fact, it does advertise itself as much a tourist attraction as a mode of transport. If you're going to Greenwich (LINK) for the day, a recommended itinerary would be to go from Bank to Greenwich (Cutty Sark) on the DLR and then get a boat back!
Price: Buy the usual Tube ticket, £1.90 Adult single, or use a Travelcard
http://www.londontransport.co.uk/dlr/
Call: London Travel Information on 020 7222 1234

BUS
This is the most interesting way of travelling because you can see a bit of London. The experience is also fun as the old-fashioned red double-decker bus - the one's you jump on and off at the back - are still used throughout the capital. Bus stops are absolutely everywhere. You can decide which ones to jump on by looking at the Number and final destination on the front panel. A vital bit of information is buses are the only all-night public transport (LINK TO CLUBS in GOING OUT). The buses that carry on after the Tube has closed have an N (N for night) in front of the number on the front. For example the No 8 from Bethnal Green to Victoria turns into the N8 late at night.
Price: £1 for a single journey travelling through the zones and 70p for a single through one zone
Call: London Travel Information on 020 7222 1234

RIVER BOAT
This is the best mode of transport if you can afford it. It?s traffic-free and you get the best views of London.
Services operate as follows:-
 Chelsea Harbour to/from Embankment via Cadogan.
 Savoy to/from Masthouse Terrace via Blackfriars, Bankside,
 London Bridge City, St Katharine's, Canary Wharf and Greenland.
 Hilton Docklands to/from Canary Wharf.
 Richmond to/from Hampton Court via Kingston.
 Westminster to/from Hampton Court via Kew and Richmond. (LINK TO Hampton Court in Royal section)
 Westminster, Festival, Embankment, Bankside, London Bridge
 City, St Katharine's and Westminster - circular service.
 Westminster to/from Greenwich via Waterloo and Tower.
 Westminster to/from Barrier Gardens via Greenwich.
 Embankment to/from Greenwich via Waterloo, Bankside and Tower. (LINK TO 48Hours section)

For more information on travel in London click on Transport for London www.tfl.gov.uk

DRIVING

Driving in London is strongly warned against. Not only is it extremely congested, but it's also expensive to park and the one way systems are confusing to locals, yet alone visitors. If you must use a car, here's some advice on driving in the heavily-congested capital. Oh and a final reminder - remember we drive on the left!

Road markings:
A single yellow line along the curb indicates a restriction, especially Monday to Friday. A double yellow line means no parking at all times. A double red line indicates a bus route on which there is no stopping at all.

Parking:
Finding a free space could take hours and if you?re looking around central London, it?s going to cost you around £3 an hour. Parking on double yellows and red lines is illegal at all times! Evenings and weekends are a slight improvement because you can park on single yellow lines in some areas, but check a near by sign first. The best advice to take is avoid using the car in central London.
NCP's website has a good Car Park Finder! NCP, 020 7499 7050, www.ncp.co.uk