London Transportation

London's transport network is among the most complex and expensive in the world. The London Transport (LT) travel information office, at Piccadilly Circus tube station (daily 9am-6pm), will provide free transport maps; there are other desks at Euston Station, Heathrow (terminals 1, 2 and 3), King's Cross, Liverpool Street, Paddington and Victoria stations. There's also a 24-hour phone line for transport information (tel 020/7222 1234), and a Web site giving real-time travel news ( www.londontransport.co.uk). If you can, avoid traveling during the rush hour (Mon-Fri 8-9.30am & 5-7pm) when tubes become unbearably crowded, and some buses become full to overflowing.

Travelcards
To get the best value out of the transport system, buy a Travelcard . Available from machines and booths at all tube and train stations, and at some newsagents (look for the sticker), these are valid for the bus, tube, Docklands Light Railway,... read more >>

The tube
The eleven different London Underground - or tube - lines cross much of the metropolis, although London south of the river is not very well covered. Each line has its own colour and name - all you need to know is which direction you're... read more >>

Buses
Tickets for all bus journeys within, to or from the central zone costs a flat fare of £1; journeys outside the central zone cost 70p. Normally you pay the driver on entering, but some routes are covered by older Routemaster buses, staffed by a... read more >>

Suburban trains
Large areas of London's suburbs are best reached by the suburban train network (Travelcards valid). Wherever a sight can only be reached by overground train, we've indicated the nearest train station and the central terminus from which you... read more >>

Taxis
If you're in a group of three or more, London's metered black cabs can be an economical way of getting around the centre - a ride from Euston to Victoria, for example, should cost around £10. A yellow light over the windscreen tells you if the... read more >>

Boats
Boat services on the Thames still do not form part of an integrated public transport system, and Travelcards are not currently valid on the river. So for the moment at least, travelling by boat remains a leisure pastime and not really a commuting... read more >>

Money
Travellers' checks are not accepted in shops (or only with a terrible rate of exchange). Currency exchange services are available in areas frequented by tourists, at least during business hours. However, the best exchange rates are obtained through ATM machines, which are widespread in cities and towns throughout the UK. If you use a debit or service card there will be a small service charge ($2-$3) for each withdrawal; a credit card will charge you interest from the time of withdrawal but you will get the same good exchange rate. This is very definitely the cheapest, safest and most convenient way of obtaining cash as you go.

Weather in London
London is not as wet or cold as you think, but the weather is changeable. Be prepared with an extra sweater you can put on or take off, and a folding umbrella or waterproof hat and coat. In summer it can also turn unexpectedly hot, or cold and windy.