The Tube and other London, United Kingdom Transportation Tips

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: The tube is a (kind of) icon of London - you can buy keyrings with 'Mind the Gap' on them! I used the tube a few times when I was in London, usually just zone 1. A one-way single journey cost £2, which is great if you're going past 8 stops, but sucks if you're only going 2 or 3.

Another option is to buy a 1 or 3 day ticket (peak or off-peak travelcards), if you plan to do a bit of travelling with public transport these are probably a better option as they are also valid on the London overground and buses.

Remember to be careful with your bags on the tube, don't leave your belongings unattended and report any bags that are left on the tube.

One other thing - on hot days the tube tends to smell (and I've been told it smells on cold days as well).

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Website: http://tube.tfl.gov.uk/

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: An easy way to get around London is on the red double decker buses (another icon of London). The only problem with the bus - as with any vehicle in London - you are only going to go as fast as the vehicle in front of you, and sometimes London can get pretty congested (ie, Oxford St).

There is also an extensive service of buses that run during the night - which can be very helpful.

The most you pay for a bus ticket is about £1 for a single journey.

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Website: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/buses/

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: I believe the best way to see any city is by foot - because there are some places buses and cars can't go. London is a huge playground to explore, with beautiful streets (a lot of them cobbled - so don't wear shoes with no grip, you'll end up on your butt!), paths and parks.

For a better idea of walks to go on see the London page below or the London Walks page for a theme tour.

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Website: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/streets/walking/home.shtml
Other Contact: http://london.walks.com/

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: I think it's best to leave getting a taxi in London for only when you need it, like: when you've just arrived or leaving and you've got all your luggage, or if you're out late at night.

This is because a taxi is an expensive way to travel in London. Also if you are going to get a taxi get a Black one or one that you know is from a reputable company so as not to be charged too much for the ride (aka get 'ripped off').

And as suggested by my dear friend Henrik, I will add that in London you *do not* sit in the front seat of a taxi, you always sit in the back seat! I think mainly this is for security measures for the taxi drivers.

For more information about taxis in London see the website below.

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Website: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/pco/

'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: I flew to London from Melbourne, Australia (via Singapore). It is about an 8 hour flight from Melbourne to Singapore, then I was in transit and waited at the airport for about 3 and a half hours, then from Singapore to London it took about 12 hours. On such a long flight you really want to fly with a company that is going to keep you comfortable (especially when flying Economy Class like I did).

Singapore Airlines was fantastic, the staff were very friendly and helpful. Service was excellent and I never had to ask for anything. In every seat on your arrival is a pillow and blanket, but there was also a little travel case, with socks, a comb, a toothbrush and toothpaste. The seats are comfortable and adjustable.

The meals were good and differed on each flight, they cater to Vegetarians and Vegan (although you have to organize this when buying your tickets as it comes under ‘special’ meal).

But the best thing about Singapore Airlines is the entertainment – KrisWorld! They have a selection of over 100 programmes (movies and TV programmes from all over the world), over 200 music CDs (of all genres) as well as video games, the flight plan of your plane and much more.

I have flown over to Europe and back twice, and of the two airlines I’ve flown, I found Singapore Airlines to be the better company.

To view photos I took on the plane while flying to London, please check out my Pictures From The Air!!! travelogue from my homepage.

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Website: www.singaporeair.com

'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: My second trip to Europe I decided to try a different airline and went with Malaysia Airlines from Melbourne, Australia to London (via Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia). It took about 8 and a half hours to get to KL, and then about 11 and a half to get to London from there.

Malaysia Airlines was good, and I have to admit that the food was a bit nicer than it was on Singapore Airlines (they also cater to Vegetarians and Vegans, but you must arrange this when booking your tickets).

The seats were comfortable, but on my flights between Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur the spacing of the seats was not comfortable. The usual seating goes: 3 seats - aisle - 4 seats - aisle - 3 seats. On these trips it went: 2 seats - aisle - 5 seats - aisle - 2 seats, and when you're in one of the middle 5, it is not very comfortable.

Also, especially on the flights between Melbourne and KL again, the entertainment was good, but very limited. The selection for music was very good, and you could follow the flight plan of the plane.

To view photos I took on the plane while flying to London, please check out my Pictures From The Air!!! travelogue from my homepage.

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Website: www.malaysiaairlines.com

'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: When flying into Heathrow or Stansted Airports in London, an easy and fast way to get into the city centre is using their express trains (the same goes for if you are in the city and want to get out to one of these airports).

The Heathrow Express goes to all terminals at Heathrow airport and then takes you directly to Paddington Station, which is about a 15 minute trip (add 8 minutes if you're coming from Terminal 4). There are departures every 15 minutes (check website below for more details on train times). An open single trip (Express Class - same as Economy Class) will cost GBP 14.50 for adults, an open-return will cost GBP 27.00 (each is cheaper by a pound if you buy it on-line).

The Stansted Express takes you from the main terminal at the airport to Liverpool St. Station, this trip takes about 45 minutes. There are departures about every 15 minutes (for train times check website below). An open single trip (Express Class) will cost you GBP 15.00 for an adult, an open return will cost you GBP 25.00.

The trains are nice, there is heaps of room for storing your luggage. There are quiet areas on the train where you can't use mobile phones or iPods/Discmans.

While it can be a bit of an expensive ride, it is an easy fuss free way to get in and out of the city.

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Website: http://www.heathrowexpress.com/
Other Contact: http://www.stanstedexpress.com/

'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: I have traveled by train to London from Edinburgh and York, and have traveled from London to Dover as well. I have heard some people complain about train travel in England, but I have never had a problem with the trains here. In fact I've found them to be quite comfortable to ride on and a great way to see the English countryside.

Although you have to be careful with some trips (like going from London to Dover), as sometimes at a station in the journey the train will split, with the first half of the carriages going one way, and the back half going another. But don't worry, there are plenty of announcements informing you of this (if it is going to happen on your train), so you shouldn't have any problems.

On most trains you will find a snack cart (sandwiches, chips, drinks, etc.) or bar available if you get hungry or thirsty.

On the longer trips (like from London to Edinburgh) you may want to reserve your seat if you are going during a time of the week when it is particularly busier than normal (like weekends).

Also at the train stations you should find luggage storage available, plus there are ATMs, newsagent, and cafes or vendors.

The only downside to traveling by train in the UK is the price. If you are from outside the UK you can get a rail-pass or inter-rail pass (depending on the country you come from), they are usually flexible and can sometimes be used in multiple countries, but please confirm that this is available for you with your travel agent first. If you can get one it will make your trip a lot cheaper.

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Website: http://www.britrail.net/