There are some secrets to traveling in London. For example, with a Zones 1-2 Travelcard, you can travel across all 6 zones on the buses. Don’t rely solely on the Tube—buses are a great way to see the city's layout, they’re cheaper than the Tube, and they may even be quicker depending on your journey. Additionally, the night buses are a convenient option to get home after the Tube closes (see the Night Tube section).
- TIP: River buses are a fun way to see the city, even if you’re not using them to get to a specific destination. They make for great day outings!
- TIP: For a great city tour, sit on the top deck of a bus with a travel guide. Bus line 9, in particular, passes many of London’s major sites. Best of all, the tour is free if you have a travelcard!
Transport for London
The transportation system in London is managed by Transport for London (TfL). They oversee the buses, tubes, river ferries, trams, DLR, and even a cycling scheme. Their website provides all the information you may need to navigate London. You can use it to plan journeys, find ticket prices, register your Oyster Card, top up credit, get updates on tube running times and closures, and even receive walking directions. You should definitely get familiar with this website if you plan to use the transport system regularly while in London. TIP: It's a good idea to subscribe to TfL’s emails and follow them on Twitter for immediate updates on planned or unplanned closures and disruptions.
Oyster Card
The Oyster Card is a paperless, electronic ticketing system introduced in London in 2003. It can be used on the tubes, buses, river buses, DLR (Docklands Light Railway), trams, and some National Rail (mainline overground) trains. This link provides all the information and tools you'll need to learn about, use, and register your card.
You can now apply for your 18+ Student Oyster Card! You should have received information from us about this before arriving in London, but if you’ve forgotten, feel free to email us at the ICLC address for more details.
Don't forget! When traveling on the tube, you’ll need to ‘touch in’ and ‘touch out’ again.
Tubes
The Underground system is the most common way students will travel in London. It’s one of the easiest systems to get the hang of. The key is to look at the maps and find your stop. Then, determine whether the tube is heading East/West or North/South and get on the correct line. ALWAYS check the front of the train as it arrives to see where it’s headed. This is especially important if you're taking a tube line that branches.
The tubes typically start running around 5:00am, with the last trains usually around midnight. Check here for the first and last trains on each line. This information is important if you're heading to the airport early to catch a flight or planning to be out late at night. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time; otherwise, you can explore options like night buses and taxis.
Night Tubes
Night Tube services now operate on the Victoria and Jubilee lines, as well as most of the Central, Piccadilly, and Northern (Charing Cross) lines. The Night Tube runs a 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays.
Buses
Check out London's bus system – it's a great, often cheaper and sometimes faster, way to get around compared to the tube. Each bus stop has a handy spider map showing which bus to take and the direction to travel. You can also use TfL's journey planner and online bus maps. Just enter your destination, and it will provide local bus information.
Make sure to hail the bus at your stop, or it may not stop for you.
Night Buses
Night buses are exactly what they sound like—buses that run at night when the tube is closed. While there aren't as many night buses as there are day buses, they generally cover most areas you'll need. Their routes are similar to day buses but are longer and more extensive. At a bus stop, look for a bus number with an 'N' at the front or one labeled '24-hour.' These indicate night buses or buses that run 24 hours, helping you identify the right stop. Maps for all areas served by night buses are available on TfL's website.
Taxis
Taxis in London can be expensive, but on a rainy night with long lines at the bus stop, they might be an option worth considering. If you're with a group and split the fare, taxis can be more affordable than you think. However, there are a few things you should know...
Hackney Carriages (black taxis, which aren't always black) are fully licensed. You can hail them on the street or catch them from designated taxi ranks. Before getting in, ask the driver if they can take you to your destination. They tend to be slightly more expensive than mini-cabs.
Mini-cabs are licensed drivers operating their own cars. They can only pick you up from designated locations, such as taxi ranks or offices, where you request a ride. Legally, they cannot be hailed from the street. If a mini-cab driver approaches you on the street offering a ride, never get in, no matter how bad the weather or how late it is.
- Never get into an unlicensed mini-cab. They are uninsured and illegal—it's like getting into a stranger's car and paying for the privilege.
- Use the TfL One-Number Taxi service to book a black taxi in advance by calling 0871 871 8710.
Staying Safe
Remind yourself of ways to stay safe and always remember: NEVER get into an unlicensed mini-cab.
For more information on London transport options, visit the Transport for London website here.