London Transportation Guide – London is one of the busiest cities in the world. This guide will detail money-saving tips for the London Underground, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), buses, and provide information on the six major airports and their connections to the city centre. It also covers how to conveniently travel from London to mainland Europe and other UK cities, as well as practical advice on car rentals and driving. This guide will help you master the transportation secrets of London with ease.

London Travel Articles：London City Guide｜Top 28 Things To Do In London｜London Pass Guide｜Non-touristy Activities｜London Suburbs Route (Driving & Tours)｜London Itinerary 3-7 Days

Related Articles：Tools & Deals ｜London Travel Guide｜Rome Travel Guide｜Amsterdam Travel Guide｜Paris Travel Guide｜Hotel Tips

London Main Attractions and Food Map

This map highlights London’s classic attractions (deep red camera icons), themed experiences within the city (black hearts, yellow footballs, blue music notes), central dining spots (orange fork and knife), and shopping destinations (red and black shopping bags).

The map is set to English by default. Simply click on the 'Enlarge Map' icon in the top right corner to switch to your preferred language!

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London Underground, DLR and Overground

The London Underground is the oldest underground railway system in the world, divided into 9 fare zones. *Most of the city centre attractions are located within Zone 1 and Zone 2*, making it very convenient for visitors to explore.

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) mainly serves the Docklands area in East London and is ideal for visiting attractions like >Greenwich<

The Overground is a rail network connecting central London to the suburbs, making it a practical choice for reaching areas outside the city centre, such as Camden Market, which I mentioned in my >in-depth travel itinerary<

While these rail systems may seem complex, using Google Maps to plan your route is quite simple. Just enter your destination, and Google Maps will provide real-time public transport options, guiding you on where to change trains and how to reach your destination.

London Underground Fares and Payment Methods

Compared to the Oyster Card, I recommend using a contactless credit or debit card for travel (definitely avoid buying single tickets each time!). As long as you use the same card for the entire journey, the system will automatically calculate the daily and weekly fare caps, helping you avoid overpaying.

As of 2024 ticket prices, a single fare in Zone 1 during peak hours is £2.80 (and £2.70 during off-peak hours). The daily fare cap for travel between Zone 1 and Zone 2 is £8.50 when using the same credit or debit card. For detailed fare information, please refer to the *Official website.

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London Buses, Sightseeing Buses, and River Buses

The iconic red double-decker buses are a symbol of London. If you sit on the upper deck, you can take in the city’s sights at a relaxed pace, especially when you pass by famous landmarks—the views are fantastic! You can use a contactless payment card to ride the buses, with a single fare of £1.75 in 2024. Plus, you can make unlimited transfers within an hour, and the daily fare cap is £5.25.

If you’re looking to see London’s main attractions quickly, hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses are a great option. They cover all the major spots, letting you get on and off whenever you want, making it super easy to explore the city.

For a unique experience, try the river buses on the Thames. They not only help you avoid traffic but also offer beautiful views of the river, adding a fun twist to your London adventure.

Ka's Tips：>> The London Pass <<usually includes a day of hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus and river bus tickets, which can save you some money. Check out these links for great deals：Get Your Guide｜KKDAY

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How to Travel Between London City Centre and 6 Airports

London has six major international airports: Heathrow Airport (LHR), Gatwick Airport (LGW), London City Airport (LCY), Luton Airport (LTN), Stansted Airport (STN), and Southend Airport (SEN). Each airport has different locations, flight coverage, and transport options, so it's advisable to choose the most suitable airport and flight based on your itinerary.

1. HEATHROW AIRPORT, LHR

London's largest international airport, ideal for long-haul travellers from Asia, North America, and Australia. The Piccadilly Line takes about 45 minutes to reach the city centre, while the Heathrow Express takes about 15 minutes.

London: Express trains to and from Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport: Private transfer services to central London
Heathrow Airport: VIP lounges available

2. GATWICK AIRPORT, LGW

London's second-largest airport, mainly serving European flights and budget airlines. The Gatwick Express takes about 30 minutes to the city centre, while Southern Railway offers a more economical option.

Gatwick Airport (LGW): Access to premium lounges
Gatwick Airport: Bus transfer services to and from central London

3. LONDON CITY AIRPORT, LCY

Located in East London’s Docklands, this is the closest airport to the city centre, making it suitable for business travellers. The DLR light rail connects directly to the financial district and Canary Wharf, mainly offering short-haul European and domestic flights.

London City Airport: Transfer services to the city centre

4. LUTON AIRPORT, LTN

Primarily serves budget airlines, with train journeys taking about 40 minutes and buses about an hour to the city centre, making it suitable for budget-conscious travellers.

Luton Airport: Bus transfer services to and from central London

5. STANSTED AIRPORT, STN

Focusing on low-cost airlines, it is particularly convenient for travellers heading to Europe. The Stansted Express offers direct services to the city centre, taking about 45 minutes, with numerous flight options, especially for short trips.

Stansted Airport: Bus transfer services to and from central London
Stansted Express transfer services to and from the airport

6. Southend Airport, SEN

A small airport that suits travellers with flexible flight schedules, the train takes about an hour to reach Liverpool Street Station, helping you avoid the crowds at larger airports.

Multi-City Flights and Price Comparison Tips

If your itinerary includes multiple cities, consider booking multi-city flights. For example, fly into London Heathrow and return from Paris or Edinburgh. This offers flexibility and avoids retracing your route.

For flights：I will start by searching on Google Flights and then compare it with * Expedia Flight Search *. If prices are similar for my preferred flights, I book through Expedia, as it offers package discounts when combined with hotel bookings and allows points accumulation. However, note that Expedia may not show all budget airlines.

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Travelling from London to Europe: Eurostar

When travelling from London to Continental Europe, Eurostar is the ideal choice for a quick and comfortable journey, easily connecting you to destinations such as Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Taking the Eurostar not only avoids the hassle of airport procedures but also offers spacious seating and convenient amenities.

Why Choose Eurostar?

1. Fast and Convenient：Departing from St Pancras International in the heart of London, there’s no need for the tedious airport security checks or baggage drop-offs. Just arrive 30 minutes early to board. The journey from London to Paris takes only about 2 hours and 15 minutes, saving you valuable time.
2. Comfortable Experience：The seats are spacious, with free Wi-Fi and dining options available. Business class offers exclusive lounges and premium dining services, making it ideal for long-distance travellers.
3. Eco-Friendly：Compared to flying, trains have a lower carbon footprint, making Eurostar a more sustainable choice for environmentally-conscious travellers.
4. International Connectivity：Eurostar links the UK with France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, perfect for those planning multi-country trips. For example, you can take the Eurostar from London to explore Paris, and then continue on to Brussels or Amsterdam without needing to change transportation modes.

Eurostar Ticketing and Baggage Policy

Buying tickets in advance can secure better prices, available through the Eurostar website or the Trainline app. Business class tickets are flexible, while economy class tickets have more restrictions, so choose the right ticket type based on your itinerary. Each passenger can take one piece of hand luggage and two larger bags, which is more generous compared to airline policies.

Eurail Global Train Pass for 33 European Countries：Get Your Guide｜KKDAY

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Travel Between London and Other Cities in the UK

London serves as the hub of the UK's train network, making it easy to reach major cities like York, Liverpool, and Edinburgh. The main train operators include:

• Great Western Railway (GWR)：Connects London to Bath, Bristol, and Oxford on the western route.
• Avanti West Coast：Serves routes to Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool.
• LNER (London North Eastern Railway)：Travels from London through York to Edinburgh.
• South Western Railway：Provides southern routes from London to Brighton, Southampton, and Bournemouth.

Recommended Itineraries:

• London to Bath：Take the GWR from Paddington Station, arriving in about 1.5 hours. Enjoy the Roman Baths and Georgian architecture.
• London to York：Board the LNER from King’s Cross Station, reaching York, rich in Viking history, in about 2 hours. Visit York Minster and the City Walls.
• London to Edinburgh：The LNER route takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, offering picturesque views of the British countryside.
• London to Liverpool：The Avanti West Coast train departs from Euston Station and arrives in Liverpool in about 2 hours, where you can explore the cultural history of The Beatles.

Useful Tools and Money-Saving Tips:

Use Google Maps and the Trainline App for planning and booking. Purchase tickets up to 12 weeks in advance for discounts. The BritRail pass is ideal for multi-city travel, and a Railcard offers a one-third discount. Return tickets are often cheaper than one-way fares.

Purchase the BritRail Pass

Designed for international travelers, the BritRail Pass allows unlimited train travel within specified dates, perfect for those planning to explore multiple cities in the UK.

BritRail Pass (England & Wales & Scotland)
BritRail Pass (England & Wales & Scotland)

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Car Rental and Driving Tips in London

Driving to central London attractions is generally not advisable (unless you're prepared for endless traffic jams and have an unlimited budget for congestion and parking fees). However, if you're travelling with elderly relatives or young children and have a lot of luggage, renting a car for nearby attractions might be worth considering. The benefits include flexibility and freedom, and for larger groups, it can sometimes be cheaper than taking the train.

If you plan to drive around the areas surrounding London, you can use the Expedia platform to find suitable car rental providers. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a rental car:

1. Budget：Different rental companies offer varying prices, so make sure to compare within your budget range.
2. Car Type：Choose a suitable vehicle based on the number of passengers and the amount of luggage. For instance, if you're bringing a stroller or large bags, a larger car may be necessary.
3. Rental Company Reviews：Check other customers' reviews and feedback to select a reputable company for peace of mind.

Expedia Car Rental - provides options from multiple suppliers, allowing you to compare and book according to your needs. Additionally, if any changes arise during your trip, Expedia’s customer service team is always ready to assist with support and advice. *Hotels.com Car-rental Taiwan * provides similar services.

Ka's Tips：In the UK, you can use an international driving permit or a UK driving licence to rent a car. *Car rental companies in the UK have restrictions on the age of the driving licence; newly issued licences are usually not accepted for rental.* When my partner, friends, and I rented a car for a road trip in Scotland, one of the drivers, despite having over ten years of driving experience, couldn't drive. This was because his UK driving licence was newly issued (he hadn't transferred his original licence for certain reasons). The Hong Kong driving licence only shows an expiry date, not an issue date, and he assumed driving in the UK was the same as usual. He didn't bring his international driving permit, which led to the issue. Fortunately, another travel companion had an international driving permit, so the trip was able to continue.

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