London offers several efficient ways to get around the city:
The Underground: Also known as the "Tube," the London Underground is the city's rapid transit system and it is one of the most popular ways to get around. The Tube covers much of the city and surrounding areas and is typically faster than traveling by car or bus due to heavy traffic on London's streets.
Buses: London's iconic double-decker buses are a good way to see the city and get from place to place. While they can be slower than the Tube due to traffic, they are often a great choice for shorter distances or for routes not covered by the Underground.
Bicycles: London has a bike-sharing system known as Santander Cycles, also known as "Boris Bikes." You can rent a bike from any docking station and return it to any docking station, making it a flexible option for getting around.
Walking: Many of London's most famous attractions are located relatively close to each other, particularly in areas like the West End, so walking can be a viable and enjoyable option.
Taxis/Minicabs: The black cabs are a symbol of London. You can hail a cab on the street or at designated taxi stands. Minicabs, or private hire vehicles, need to be booked in advance. Also, rideshare services like Uber operate in London.
Trains: For longer distances, such as trips to the suburbs or even to other cities in the UK, you might want to use London's extensive rail network. The Overground rail service can also be useful for certain cross-city journeys.
River Services: Thames Clippers operate boats up and down the River Thames. It's a great way to see the city from a different angle and can be a fast way to travel between key locations like the London Eye and Greenwich.
Remember to get an Oyster card or use a contactless payment card to pay for your journeys on public transport. It's usually cheaper than buying paper tickets and can be used on the Tube, buses, trams, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail, River Bus, and most National Rail services in London.