tourlondon.com
with Mike Keene
The Tube
Transport
Public transport is by far the most convenient means of transport. It includes the ‘tube’ or ‘Underground’ (Subway), city buses and Dockland Light Railway (DLR). It is also inexpensive and convenient, especially if you have an ‘Oyster Card’ or ‘Travelcard’.
For public transport purposes the city is geographically divided into 6 zones. Zones 1 and 2 are all most visitors are likely to need and cover the centre of the city. The further away from the centre you are, the more expensive the journey.
Oyster Cards
Most of us use an Oyster Card which is a travel pass that can be used on the London transport system as above and also includes some over-line trains. All you need to do is keep the card topped up with credit from your bank or credit card account.
Travel Cards
This is a day-pass that enables you to travel the tube (subway train) and city bus system throughout the day.
It is cheaper for you to buy a Travelcard after 09.30 or at weekends (off-peak).
A party of one or two adults plus up to four children can make savings, provided you travel together at all times. Children don’t have to be related to the adults!
Underground System (Subway)
London’s underground system or the ‘Tube’ is safe and easy to use despite being the oldest in the world.
Services start at around 05.30hrs until just after midnight. There are always station staff at the ticket hall to show you how to use the system. Don’t be afraid to ask! You can pick up a free Underground and Bus Map at the station.
To estimate a journey time using the tube, allow 4 minutes between each station.
When using an escalator it is customary to stand on the right, to enable those in a hurry to go past!
Buses
Buses are mostly one person operated. You must touch-in your Oyster card or show the driver your Travelcard. You cannot pay by cash so buy tickets before travelling. On older buses there’s a conductor to check your pass or ticket. Sadly, these old buses are few and far between! The long buses are called ‘Bendy’ buses. You can enter and alight at any of the doors but must touch-in your Oyster card once inside the bus. The routes are numbered and the bus stops have the appropriate route number indicated on them. It is wise to hold your arm out as the bus approaches, as some stops are ’request stops’ only.
It must be said, that only the brave hearted visitor ventures on buses. You really need to know where you are going and be on the correct side of the street. If you do have a go, get a bus map from any subway station, and ask other passengers for help. Good Luck!
Or by bike
