Travel

From the airport

How to get from airports to central London:

For airport transfers by taxi there’s a list of reputable minicab firms on the Transport for London website. (We wouldn’t use a black taxi for this journey as it will be VERY expensive)

Getting around in London

Public transport in London is integrated, so you can buy one ticket that allows you to switch between rail, tube and bus services. Taxis and cycle hire are paid for separately.

An essential for most Londoners is an ‘Oyster’ card, a reusable plastic smartcard that stores credit for pay as you go single tickets or travelcards. Oyster is cheaper than paying cash (£2.30 for a single zone 1 tube journey vs £4.80 in cash), and paying cash on buses is no longer possible.

The Transport for London (TFL) website is a mine of information, with maps, journey planners, fares and details of how to get an Oyster Card.

Planning journeys:

TFL app is very helpful – enter your start and end locations and get the quickest route. You can try Citymapper app too.

A rough rule of thumb for a tube journey: 2 mins per stop in central London (zones 1-2), plus 5 mins either end to get in/out of the station.

Hailing Taxis

London’s iconic black taxis can be flagged down in the street. Minicabs are cheaper but can’t be flagged down in the street, you must book by phone or an app first.

Tipping

Bars/anywhere you queue or serve yourself: none
Cafes: up to 10%
Restaurants: 10 - 15% (and if you’re not happy, don’t pay it!)
Taxis: optional. Round up to the nearest £1 or add a bit extra if you want to, but it’s up to you.