How to Get Around London

Being one of the great cities of the world with a history that stretches back thousands of years London offers enormous diversity and attractions to suit every age group. The city's excellent public transport systems efficiently move the millions of visitors who throng the city annually to its attractions, dining and shopping venues and entertainment destinations. Walking to some of central London's places of interest is also a good and the least expensive way to experience the city.

Step 1: Planning

Traveling round a huge metropolis like London needs a bit of planning. The most convenient way to plan city journeys is to download the top 10 free transport apps to a smart phone and use the innovative features there to plan cit journeys. If using public transport avoid peak hours as the charges are highest during these times. The Halkin by COMO an up market London boutique hotel in Belgravia in central London offers access to varied travel options to get around the city conveniently for business and leisure.

Step 2: The Tube

Public transport is the best way to get around the city. The 402 km metro system with its eleven lines known as the underground or simply the tube has been ferrying Londoners and visitors around since the latter part of the 19th century. A four route suburban rail network services areas on the outskirts of the city. Its famous easy to use tube map makes exploring the city via the London metro simple. Although not to scale, the map has all the stations, the different lines and the six fare zone clearly marked on it. The underground's website offers a tube and rail services map that is perhaps more detailed than the tube map alone. The tube generally operates from 5.30 am to midnight. Tickets can be bought from vending machines at stations. If however planning to stay in the city for more than a week the most cost effective way to travel on the tube is to get a pre paid travel card valid from one to seven days for unlimited travel on the tube, rail and buses or a pre paid, pay as you go Oyster Card. To keep costs down further buy a travel card only for the zones you are planning to travel in. Single tickets can be purchased to travel in the other zones as needed.

Step 3: Buses

The other excellent option is to travel around by bus. Buses are frequent, cover 100 routes in central London and 700 in the wider city and are cheaper than the tube. Bus journeys will also allow visitors to see the city. The downside is, unlike the tube journeys they will take longer. Opting for pre paid travel and Oyster cards is the cheapest way to pay for the rides. Check maps in bus shelters to find routes and stops. On the newer buses an automated voice announces stops. Buses also offer the only cheap option to get about in the night as special buses run through the night.

Step 4: Taxis

Although taxis are plentiful travelling in them can be quite an expensive experience. They should be taken only if dire circumstances warrant it. Rates differ according to the time of day with the most expensive fares being charged late at night. Mini cabs of which there are several companies, can be hired through free apps.

Step 5: Ferries

Ferries are an alternative and interesting way to get around London. They offer 16 stops that cover some of the city's well known attractions and the ferry from Greenwich to Embankment goes under the Tower Bridge. Fares depend on the distance. Other ways to travel on the river is by fast catamaran. Pre paid passes allow several trips a day. Many people also take trips on the city's canals to enjoy London's ancient heritage. A 90 minute trip past the London Zoo to Camden Lock is among the more popular boat journeys.

Step 6: Bicycles

Using Bicycles as a mode of public transport is a more recent option. Bike racks are provided at strategic locations and users can use a series of bikes to travel around the city. Payments are made via credit card when returning bikes to docking stations.

Step 7: On Foot

London has been explored on foot for centuries. It is still the best way to see parts of central London. However as the city layout is somewhat haphazard it is very easy to get lost. Therefore get a copy of the London A to Z or the Google Maps app before setting off.

Although driving in central London is possible it is not advised as it is too complicated especially for visitors.