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Accessible guide to London

London is packed with accessible things to do and places to stay , with plenty of ways to experience the buzz or calm of the capital. It’s surprisingly green and offers many accessible outdoors activities and places to explore. There’s a wealth of cultural activities, including accessible art galleries, ballet, music festivals and more. You’ll find accessible pubs and bars  aplenty, plus Michelin star restaurants, food markets, and vintage shopping gems. There is Buckingham Palace, which has Access Companion tickets , and many other Royal attractions to explore.

Accessible travel around London

Transport for London has a comprehensive Transport Accessibility guide for navigating your way around. You’ll find information on door-to-door transport services, wheelchair access, planning your journey , status updates and more.

There’s a wealth of downloadable accessibility guides and maps , that can be printed, audio files or CDs to order. Guides include accessible tube and rail maps, river guides, help with travel, taxis, fares, tickets and travel discounts. You can also plan your trip in advance with the accessible route planner via the website or TfL Go app . If you are partially sighted, blind, pregnant or you struggle to stand on public transport, you can order a ‘Please offer me a seat’ badge or card .

Accessible travel in London by train and tube

Transport for London’s accessible Tube map shows step-free access from street to train with a blue symbol, and step-free access from street to platform in white. Not all tube stations are accessible so make sure you check your route before setting off. Inside, underground tube trains have clearly marked priority seating for the elderly, pregnant people and people with access requirements and health conditions.

A large proportion of London Overground trains and all of the Elizabeth Line have step-free access, audio-visual aids, grab rails, wide access doors, wheelchair ramps, assistance dogs are welcome, and station staff can assist with any queries.

Accessible buses and taxis in London

All London buses are low-floor with retractable ramps for wheelchair and prams users. Buses also have audio and visual information, a dedicated space for one wheelchair and assistance dogs are welcome. All London taxis and private hire vehicles are accessible by law and welcome assistance dogs.

Accessible travel by boat in London

Transport for London operates a River Bus . These are wheelchair accessible and called Uber Boats by Thames Clippers. Routes run from 23 piers between Putney and Woolwich. Check the current timetable for Uber Boat by Thames Clippers  for more information.

Accessible things to do in London

Discover our pick of accessible things to do in London.

RBG Kew/Jeff Eden

Adventure and sports

Lord’s cricket ground, st john's wood.

Cricket fans will adore a tour of this iconic ground . Matches tend to sell out in advance but you can book a behind-the-scenes tour for a glimpse at the famous Ashes Urn, the Long Room, and the media centre from where you get the best views. Most of the tour is accessible, apart from the upper floor of the museum. The ground has accessible toilets, lifts, audio commentary and more. There is a visitor’s pack for those living with Dementia sharing details on meeting points and other useful information.

Wembley Stadium, Wembley

The home of cup finals and music concerts, take an accessible tour of Wembley which includes the pitch, back rooms, royal boxes and more. The stadium has a comprehensive service for guests with  access requirements . Lifts and accessible toilets, turnstiles and food counters are at an accessible height, there are 310 wheelchair places and an equal number for personal assistants. You’ll find induction loops and British Sign Language (BSL) for concerts. There are sensory rooms for guests with autism and other needs.

Up at The O2, North Greenwich

Take in the vista of London’s docklands from 52m in the air as you climb London’s iconic dome shaped building, The O2 Arena. You can complete the walk unaided and wheelchair users can opt for its wheelchair-friendly climb with an adapted chair. 

History and heritage

St paul's cathedral, city of london.

Recognised by its green copper dome, St Paul’s Cathedral  is open to all. Marvel at the carvings, sculptures, and mosaics, and then take the accessible lift down to the crypt. The new North Transept has step-free access and both wheelchair and mobility scooter users are welcome in the Cathedral. There are guided tours, induction loops and accessible toilets.

Westminster Abbey, Westminster

Founded by Benedictine monks back in 960AD, Westminster Abbey continues to be a place of worship and is steeped in history. You’ll find audio described tours created with VocalEyes , there is a hearing loop system, accessible toilets, wheelchairs to borrow, accessibility guides, material in Braille and all assistance dogs are welcome. Disabled visitors and careers get free admission. 

Cutty Sark, Greenwich

Greenwich is home to the world’s last remaining tea clipper,  Cutty Sark . Explore parts of the original vessel and visit an interactive exhibition that gives you the sights, smells and sounds of life on board. The ship is wheelchair accessible with lifts available. There is plenty to support those with sensory needs , with large-print guides, signage in Braille, tactile models, audio presentations and more. The attraction is dementia-friendly, and a number of staff are trained in autism awareness and British Sign Language. 

Windsor Castle, Windsor

The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, this 900-year-old former home of Queen Elizabeth II, and now King Charles III, is a popular royal attraction . Windsor castle is quieter after lunch and there’s an alternative entry for wheelchair users to access St George’s chapel. You’ll find an accessible cafe, accessible toilets and Changing Places dotted throughout. The castle also offers guides for blind and partially sighted people, and those with autism. While in the area, stop for a pint at Windsor’s very own brewery, Webrew .  

Music and festivals

The bubble club, shoreditch.

Set in trendy Shoreditch is the Bubble Club . This is an inclusive nightclub welcoming all, boasting a friendly vibe. There are DJ sets playing anything from hip hop to pop, art activities, plus, you can hit the decks and learn to spin some vinyl. When you’re ready for a break from the music there’s a chillout space in the courtyard outside.

The Roundhouse, Kentish Town

Attracting top name acts like Elton John and Jay-Z, plus new emerging artists, and a programme of events including theatre, comedy, music, dance, and circus, The Roundhouse is buzzing with life. There are accessible parking spaces, ramps, level access through powered doors and a lift. There is an infra-red assisted hearing system and headsets, induction loops, signs in braille, autism-friendly relaxed performances and more. Also, ask staff about queue-jumping.  

Arts and culture

Wellcome collection medical curiosities, euston.

Wellcome Collection is a free museum famous for its permanent exhibition, Being Human. The exhibition explores hopes, dreams and fears, linked with science. Inside, the library has quiet space with assisted study rooms and there are other rotating installations, exhibitions and free live access tours using audio- descriptions, speech-to-text and BSL. There are induction loops, changing facilities and more. 

Tate Modern, Southwark

Housed in a former power station is a huge collection of permanent and rotating exhibitions  of contemporary national and international art. There are mobility scooters for hire and monthly BSL and touch tours. People who are partially sighted or blind can touch the installation piece: Untitled 1993. People with Autism can plan a visit in advance with the step-by-step visual and written guide . Expect to find the likes of world-famous artists like Dali, Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Lichtenstein. 

The Southbank Centre, South Bank

Covering 11 acres, The Southbank Centre is one of the UK’s biggest arts’ centres showcasing the world’s leading artists and new talent. Its aim is to make musical performance, art, and events available to everyone. The ticket offices, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces are accessible to all , as are places to eat and drink, and links to public transport are step-free. Events held at centre offer sign language, speech-to-Text transcription, Audio Description and Captioning. There’s also pre-event Touch Tours, relaxed performances and more. 

The Science Museum, South Kensington

Step into a world of discovery at the most visited science and technology museum in Europe. Explore over seven floors from the far reaches of outer space, to the inner workings of the human body and the power of medicine. Exhibitions, places to eat and the ticket desk are accessible . The museum’s friendly staff are on hand to offer additional support during your visit if required. Around the museum there are hearing loops, sign language on selected films, large print books, tactile maps and more. Choose to visit during Early Birds or Night Owls hours for a quieter and more relaxed visit. 

Battersea Power Station, Battersea

Housed inside this legendary London landmark, Battersea Power Station is a fresh addition to London’s shopping and entertainment scene. The iconic Grade II listed building has accessible shops, bars and restaurants, as well as parks and entertainment. There are Blue Badge parking spaces in the Circus West Village and Electric Boulevard carparks and a range of accessibility features, including changing rooms with hoists, sensory packs, quiet rooms, step-free access and mobility scooter loan. 

Spitalfields Market, Spitalfields

Spitalfields is housed under a Victorian roof in trendy East London with an eclectic mix of vintage stalls, clothes, art, jewellery and more. Take in the sights, sounds and smells as you sample a host of tasty street foods. Blue Badge holders can park on double yellow lines on the street and access is good all around the market, keeping in mind that Sundays are usually busiest.

Outdoors and nature

Kew gardens, kew.

Home to 50,000 plants from around the world, there’s 320 acres to explore.  Kew Gardens is mainly flat with tarmacked paths so there is relative ease of access. Highlights including The Temperate House, Alpine House and The Princess of Wales Conservatory. All are accessible by wheelchair and mobility scooter while The Palm House is accessible by wheelchair only. There are monthly BSL tours, dementia-friendly health walks and sensory tours for visitors who are partially sighted or blind. 

Relaxation and wellbeing

Ifs cable car, greenwich and royal docks.

Take to the skies and soar over London in this step-free and wheelchair user accessible cable car. Cabins can accommodate two wheelchairs or mobility scooters at a time, and cabins slow for easier access. Staff are also there to help so you can relax and soak in the views at 90 metres up as you glide above the Thames and travel from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks.

Eating and drinking

Accessible places to eat and drink.

London is packed with accessible pubs and bars , though it’s worth calling ahead and asking about quieter times for those who are crowd and noise aware. London’s restaurant scene also has some accessibly gems to try out, such as The Gate in Islington, winner of the UK’s first Autism Friendly restaurant award. For Italian fare try the step-free and wheelchair-friendly La Goccia  in Covent Garden. For something a bit special, Hide  in Mayfair boasts three floors each with its own unique twist and all accessible by lift. If Japanese fusion food is your thing, Roka in Canary Wharf and Charlotte Street have tables that are wheelchair height.

Discover accessible England

Accessible guide to north west england.

From cities to the countryside and coast, the North West of England has many jewels in its dazzling crown.

Getty Images/Solstock

Lake District, England

Accessible guide to North East England

Boasting a range of accessible adventures and places to explores, now's the time to visit North East England.

Newcastle Gateshead Initiative/Rich Kenworthy

Newcastle Gateshead, England

Accessible guide to the Midlands

The Midlands is home to national treasures, from inclusive hiking, horseback-riding and the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

VisitBritain/Nemorin

Accessible guide to Yorkshire and the Humber

From accessible adventures across the Yorkshire Coast and East Yorkshire to the North York Moors and historic cites, you’ll find a wealth of experiences in Yorkshire.

Accessible guide to the East of England

The East of England is a seaside and country get-away, with accessible rail journeys and epic cathedrals.

Getty Images

Accessible guide to South West England

There's something for everyone in the South West, from accessible coastal trails to adrenaline-pumping paragliding.

VisitBritain/Calvertexmoor.org.uk

Accessible guide to South East England

From seaside towns with beach-friendly wheelchairs to accessible castles, the South East has a broad range of activities for all.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Explore accessible Britain

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Transport for London is here to support you on your accessible journeys

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Posted: 13 December 2022 | Tricia Wright - Transport for London | No comments yet

Tricia Wright, Chief People Officer at Transport for London, details the ways in which TfL is working to make the city’s transport network easier to use for all passengers, and highlights that, though a lot has been done, this work is only the beginning.

Public transport is intrinsic to life in the capital for Londoners and visitors alike. It connects people and places and opens up the city. However, barriers to using our transport system can limit life and health opportunities. That is why we have a vision, and a public duty, to improve our network so that it is truly accessible for all of our customers.

Making journeys simpler and smoother for all

We have a vision, and a public duty, to improve our network so that it is truly accessible for all of our customers”

Since 2016, we have added step-free access to 24 stations on our London Underground (Tube) network – including, most recently, the Harrow-on-the-Hill and Moorgate stations. With the completion of step-free access schemes on the wider Transport for London (TfL) network, the average additional time required for step-free journeys has now been reduced to around 6.7 minutes. We are also working with third parties to deliver step-free access at Knightsbridge, and our station upgrade at Bank will also deliver step‑free access to the Northern line and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) Interchange only. The transformational Elizabeth line has been built to provide step-free access throughout to help to connect more people to more of London. The new trains have four dedicated wheelchair spaces in the fifth carriage, as well as dedicated priority seats in every carriage of the train.

Our bus fleet is the most accessible in the world, with each of London’s 8,500 accessible buses being fitted with automatic wheelchair ramps, as well as the innovative iBus audio-visual system to help those with impaired vision or hearing to travel more easily.

We invest over £30 million a year in our Assisted Transport Services for Londoners. We have a free travel mentoring service to support people using public transport, so that they can gain confidence to become independent travellers. We also provide a range of assisted door-to-door travel services, such as Dial-a‑Ride, our multi-occupancy service that is free for people who are unable to, or face considerable challenges when, using the wider public transport network. Alongside London Boroughs, we also fund Taxicard, which is managed by London Councils and provides a subsidised taxi service for disabled customers.

Fostering an open and honest relationship with passengers

The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on our finances and, because London is reliant on fare income unlike any other major city, we require proper and long-term funding from government to succeed with the mission of ensuring that everyone can access public transport.

We are always open to feedback and encourage passengers to get in touch about their experiences on our network. Having a truly accessible transport network is essential to ensuring equitable access to London; however, we know that we are not perfect and there are instances where our service quality falls short of our usual standard. We recognise that these shortcomings are felt more intensely by our disabled customers and are working hard to make journeys easier and more accessible. I hope that past negative experiences and stories do not discourage anyone from choosing public transport.

Utilising the experience and expertise of trusted partners

Introducing accessible improvements and innovations on the network is a continuous and collaborative effort. Our policies and implementations are guided by our Independent Disability Advisory Group (IDAG), which has a panel of 10 members appointed for their professional expertise and extensive knowledge of disability access, transport and customer service. Each member has experience of living with a disability, such as sensory or mobility impairments, mental health, specific learning difficulties or a combination. IDAG provides invaluable advice, acting as a sounding board and providing strategic and practical recommendations based on inclusive best practice.

Enhancing accessibility with effective data

Example image of the TfL Go app, with ‘Step Free Mode’ active.

For customers with reduced mobility, starting a journey can be a daunting thought, and the first step can often be the hardest one to take. Planning ahead can increase confidence and control, so this is why we’re focusing on providing more personalised and up-to-date information to enable our customers to make the journey that meets their needs; whether that’s taking the route with the least amount of walking, knowing when our trains and stations might be less busy, or real-time information on whether lifts along their route are in service. We’re also bolstering our accessibility datasets to enable greater choice and personalisation in the future and making these available through our TfL Go app and website. We know that having ready access to clear and accessible information on-the-go is essential, and that’s why we’re expanding our 4G network on the Tube to enable greater live access to critical journey planning information when it is needed most. There are other innovations and ideas underway, and it’s an ever-evolving piece of work.

Offering on-hand support

We offer a turn-up-and-go passenger assistance service on London Underground, London Overground and most Elizabeth line services , which aims to help people travel as independently as possible. Passengers are encouraged to simply turn up at stations and inform a member of staff of the assistance that they need. Staff communicate between stations to ensure that the customer’s journey is as seamless as it can be, including escorting customers from the ticket hall to the platform to ensure that they are boarded safely, as well as arranging for the customer to be met off the train at the destination, as well as any interchange stations, and accompanied from the platform to the station exit so that they can continue their journey. We know that excellent customer service is critical for enabling successful journeys for many of our customers, which is why we’re committed to supporting our staff with Disability Equality Training and ensuring that customers receive the level of support that they expect from us.

In stations, customers are met with strategically placed and thought-out wayfinding information. Our team has worked closely with various stakeholder groups, including accessibility groups, to gather their views and inputs on our signage. As a result, we developed a consistent approach and standard to improve accessibility signage on our network and wayfinding in stations, including signposting lifts and boarding points more clearly.

Taking consideration when travelling

We will continue to proactively seek feedback from people with accessibility needs about their experience of public transport”

We must not forget about small acts of kindness that we can all do whilst travelling to make journeys better for everyone. My message to all passengers is to be more considerate and conscious. Look out for others who may need a bit more time, care and courage on their travels and be aware that other people’s needs might not always be visible. Offering your seat to someone who may need it more can make someone’s day and ensures that more Londoners will use our network. Conversely, if someone asks for a seat for any reason at all, please do not hesitate to offer yours and do not wait for others to offer theirs. Our Please Offer Me a Seat badge has been in operation since 2017 to help those needing a seat to get one. The badge has helped more than 100,000 people on the network. To those who need them, please remember that they are free-of-charge to order from our website and no medical proof is needed to be eligible for one. There are easily identifiable priority seats and priority seat stickers across our network.

Meanwhile, we will continue to proactively seek feedback from people with accessibility needs about their experience of public transport. In 2021, we launched a consultation about what to prioritise when upgrading the step-free Tube network. These responses will be analysed alongside our transport modelling and will be used to shape future improvements when more funding is available. I look forward to sharing the results of this soon and, whilst we have a long way to go, TfL will continue to strive for a more accessible future for everyone.

Related topics COVID-19 , Infrastructure & Urban Planning , Passenger Accessibility , Passenger Experience , Public Transport , Travel & Passenger Information

Issue Issue 3 2022

Related modes Bus & Coach , Overground , Rail , Taxi , Underground

Related cities London

Related countries United Kingdom

Related organisations London Councils , Transport for London (TfL)

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Assisted travel

Helping everyone to travel safely, in comfort and with confidence.

Passenger Assist

Passenger Assist is a service available for older and disabled passengers travelling on the rail network.

When you contact the train company you’re starting your journey with, they can:

• arrange assistance
• help you on and off trains
• reserve wheelchair spaces and seats
• provide you with detailed rail information 
• assist with any animals or pets you have with you.

How to book Passenger Assist

To book Passenger Assist for your next journey you can contact the train company you are starting your journey with, or check out the National Rail Enquiries assisted travel pages .

The National Rail Enquiries website has information on how to book assistance in a variety of ways, including the Passenger Assistance Smartphone App. It also has detailed information on the accessibility of all stations. You can also call or text National Rail Enquiries to arrange assistance

• call 0800 0223720
• textphone or minicom users can dial 0845 60 50 600.

‘Turn Up and Go’ assistance services

‘Turn Up and Go’ is a service available for passengers who need assistance and have not booked in advance. You can find out more about this service on National Rail Enquiries assisted travel pages .

We aim for passengers to have the best possible experience at our railway stations. If assistance has been booked but has not been provided as confirmed by the operator, passengers can submit a claim for redress to the operator of the train they were travelling on, or due to travel on, when the failure took place.

We will provide any information needed to help operators investigate a passenger’s claim for redress about failed passenger assistance. Passengers can also submit complaints about other elements of service or facilities at our managed stations, not related to failed passenger assistance on our Making a complaint page.

Our complaints handling procedure sets out more detail on what you can expect from us. You can find this here:  Network Rail Complaint Handling Procedure .

Network Rail is a member of the Rail Ombudsman scheme meaning passengers have the right to contact the ombudsman if they are not satisfied with our response, and we will comply with its decisions.

The Sunflower scheme

All train operators in Britain recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme . By wearing the Sunflower lanyard you can discreetly indicate to our staff that you may need additional support, a little more time or that you’re unable to wear a face covering.

Sunflower lanyards are available in participating managed stations  – if you are travelling through our stations you can ask a member of staff for one. You can also download the exemption card below to print off or display on your phone.

There is no requirement to carry an exemption card or wear a lanyard, but this may help some passengers feel more confident when travelling.  

Download card

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Gatwick Airport Gatwick airport is just a train away with Thameslink

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Book assistance Our online form for booking assistance for your journey

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We’re committed to accessible travel for everyone. Our assisted travel scheme Passenger Assist helps passengers with disabilities as well as older people who need a little extra help using our services.

Making travel accessible

At Thameslink, we are committed to making sure everyone can travel with confidence. The industry assisted travel scheme ‘Passenger Assist’, enables disabled and older people who prefer to request their assistance in advance, up to two hours before their journey.

Many of our passengers travel on our network without booking assistance (turn up and go), which is something we’re proud of. No matter how you choose to travel, please make yourself known to a member of staff or use a Help Point when you arrive at the station.

How to book assisted travel with Passenger Assist

There are several ways to book Passenger Assist. You can fill in our assisted travel booking form online  or you can contact us via telephone or text message.

Book online:

You can book assistance now quickly and easily online.

Give us a call:

Telephone 0800 058 2844 Textphone 0800 138 1018

Our assisted travel helpline is open 24 hours a day, except on Christmas Day. To make sure we have staff available to help you, we recommend you book at least two hours in advance of travelling.

We can tell you about your nearest station with step-free access and give information about ramps and lifts. We can also arrange help both at stations and on trains, as well as provide train times and travel information.

If you’d like help with planning your journey and booking a train ticket in advance, please call our assisted travel team at least seven days before you’d like to travel. If your journey involves another train company, we may need to confirm part of your journey with them. If this is the case, we will discuss options with you. Or, should you wish to contact other operators directly, contact details are available on National Rail’s website .

BOOK ASSISTED TRAVEL

You can also request assistance via Passenger Assistance by Transreport – a new smartphone app. Find out more .

What to do when you arrive at the station

To offer you the best assistance possible, we recommend that you arrive at the station 20 minutes before your train is due to depart. When you arrive let a member of staff know, you require assistance, or you’ve booked assisted travel.

We can help you:

• with help and advice on tickets
• with getting on and off the train (including providing a ramp)
• around the station and to the platform
• with a guiding arm if you are blind or visually impaired
• to and from connecting train services and onward transport such as bus, tram, and taxi within the station area

We can also help with light luggage and let other stations know you are coming so that you are looked after when you arrive at your destination.

View our resources for further support whilst travelling .

Accessible facilities at the station

Make sure to check our station pages , for information on accessibility at your station.

You can also search for your station on this page , to see if there are any temporary reductions to the accessible facilities.

You can also watch our video to see what’s available at the station .

Our commitment to you

We are committed to working towards providing accessible travel for everyone, and our ongoing programme of access improvements will see more and more stations and trains becoming more accessible.

We know as an industry we can do better to give everyone the confidence to travel. We’re working hard to empower disabled people and others who require assistance by making our services easier to use and have set out our commitments in our Accessible Travel Policy.

For example, the notice you give to pre-book assistance is reduced to two hours before travel, although you’re always welcome to turn up at a station unannounced. All our staff are having improved accessibility training, we’ve enhanced our websites and signs at stations, and we are rolling out mobile assistance teams serving our smaller unstaffed stations.

Learn more about our accessible travel policy.  

Watch our Making Rail Accessible videos here for more information

Planning your journey

What's available at the station

Getting on board

Arriving at your destination

Further information

Click to expand each section

Our on-board staff are trained to help you if there is an emergency on the train. In most cases it’s usually safer to stay on the train and tell a member of staff that you need assistance. In an emergency, you should contact a member of staff, or press the emergency button to speak with the driver. We’ll advise you what to do and make sure someone comes to your aid.

We will work with the emergency services to get you off the train safely if you’re in any danger. Speak to our assisted travel team if you’d like to know more about our emergency procedures for disabled people:

If you’ve recently travelled with us using assisted travel and would like to provide feedback on your experience, you can do so through our online contact form .

Customers who have not received the level of assistance they would reasonably expect after they’ve made a booking can contact us via our customer relations team. If a booked assistance fails then customers are asked to contact us as soon as possible, and to include the ticket or proof of purchase and an overview of what went wrong, and we will take appropriate action including arranging to refund the ticket cost.

See our ‘ Easy Read Feedback Guide ’ here.

Explore Assisted travel

• Book assistance for your journey
• Support whilst you're travelling
• Mobile assistance teams
• Wheelchairs and mobility scooters
• Try a train
• Accessible travel policy

Travel help

At Thameslink, we want to make travel easier for all our passengers.

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How to Get Around London: A Guide to the London Public Transport System

T his comprehensive guide to getting around london will help you understand and navigate the london public transport system so that you can spend more time enjoying the city instead of deciphering underground maps.

First of all, if you’ve decided on visiting London, let me congratulate you on your excellent taste. It’s my favorite major city in the world and one of my all-time favorite destinations. While there are a million things to do in this amazing city, I want to be sure you know how to get around London before you go.

Our family spent several months living in London without a car and also several months living outside the city, and we have also been back to visit several times. Using London public transport is one of our favorite things to do in London and I think it’s actually part of the fun of this city and what makes it so special. While the London transport system is as extensive as the human nervous system, it can also be simplified and easy to use.

Since it’s such a huge city, getting around London can consume a good portion of your trip, but I’m going to share some tips that will help you to understand your options and make the most of your time. Sometimes transportation in big cities can be kind of a drag, but in this city, it’s all so iconic, clean and easy that it makes getting around London part of your true experience. Here are some tips to help make getting around London life go smoothly.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting London:

Wanderlust london guide.

If you’re traveling to London, you’ll want to have a solid itinerary that will help you organize your time in the best way possible and maximize your time and money. I’ve created this 5-day London itinerary that will help you see the best sites in London along with some hidden gems. It contains open-and-go day-by-day schedules and expert advice from me!

Our favorite Hotels in London

• Marriott County Hall
• Georgian House Hotel (Harry Potter Chambers)
• The Mad Hatter Hotel
• H10 Waterloo

Must Have: London Pass

Our Favorite London Activities

• Hop On Hop Off Bus
• Tower of London
• Harry Potter Studio Tour

How to Get Around London: The London Public Transport Zones

London is conveniently…or maybe just confusingly…divided into 9 different zones that determine your fare on most public transport. The zones are circular with 1 in the center and 9 being the outer circle. Zones 1 and 2 are contained in central London. In the London transportation system, the fare generally gets more expensive the more zones you cross.

How Much Does it Cost to Use London Public Transport?

Getting around London is fairly affordable, especially if you’re traveling with kids , since ages 10 and under ride anything that uses an Oyster Card for free, including the Underground and the Bus. Fares for riding each mode of transportation differ. The London buses cost around £1.5 per ride. A single tube fixed price is £2.40 with an Oyster card, but the card has a daily cap and even weekly cap which you can see in the chart below, which means that if you’re riding London public transport all day long you are saving a ton of money.

Different Types of London Public Transport

• Underground
• National Rail
• Heathrow Express

I know that list seems long and scary, but don’t be worried, it’s great to have options and you don’t need to use all of these! I’m going to break down each option so you’ll know the ones that will work best for you.

1. The London Underground

The most well known, and most used London public transport is the London Underground, also known as “the Tube.” It is the oldest underground transportation network in the world, first opening in 1863, and carries over one billion passengers a year. The system is vast, with over 250 miles of track and over 200 stations.

The London Underground is the best way to get around London if you want to move quickly across a large area. And thanks to its efficiency, trains are usually on time.  You can easily find “Tube Stations” all around the city that will allow easy access to its 11 different colored lines. The stations are easily recognizable with the big red circle with “UNDERGROUND” written across it.

Trains generally run at least every 10 minutes between 5 am and midnight, some lines offering 24-hour lines. You can plan your journey on the London Underground here or you can use Google Maps on your phone. To ride the London Underground, you’ll need a ticket or an Oyster Card. Oyster cards are plastic credit card like passes that you can “top up” (add money to) at any time. 

They work on the underground, bus systems, and some National Rail.  Children 10 and under ride the bus and tube for FREE ! To buy your Oyster card, find a machine in any Tube station or ask an attendant. To ride the Tube, hold your Oyster Card over the indicated area on the barriers on your way in and out. The barriers will automatically deduct your fare from your card.

2. Black Cabs

Of course, you can’t leave London without getting a ride from a London Cabby. The cabbies are required to take a difficult test to get this job. It can take years to study and pass the test and they must know the streets of London like the back of their hand! If you want to know about something you pass, ask the cabby, he most likely knows a bit about everything! London cabs seat 5 in the back.

They can get quite expensive so we try to save them for a rainy day (literally). Some cabs take credit cards, but about 80% of the ones we took were cash only. Fares are metered and paid upon completion of the journey. As a common courtesy, it’s always a good idea to go to the passenger window of the cab before getting in and telling them where you’re going to be sure they are willing to go there, especially if it’s far.

When the Taxi sign is lit, the cab is empty. To hail a cab, stand on the curb and hold your hand up. Also, look for designated Taxi pick up spots and be sure not to stand on a “zebra crossing” because they are not allowed to stop there.

My personal favorite way of getting around London is in the iconic red double-decker buses. With over 2 billion journeys a year taken by bus in London, this is the most popular mode of transportation in the city, and for good reason. Here are a few reasons why I think the bus is the best way to get around London:

• Cheap: There is a set fare per journey, so even if you’re going from one end of the city to the other, your fare is still only 1.50 pounds! Also, kids 10 and under ride free!
• Convenient: There are literally bus stops on almost every corner of London and the buses run continuously throughout the day and night, even stopping where there may not be an Underground station.
• Accessibility: If you’re getting around London in a wheelchair or with kids in strollers, the bus is the most easily accessible mode of transportation, lacking the necessity of stairs. If you have a stroller you can just wheel it right on to the bus.
• Oyster Card: You can pay for the bus using your Oyster Card by simply touching it to the yellow reader. You only need to use it at the beginning of your journey.
• The View: Riding the bus in London provides you with incredible views of the city and allows you to see more of London while in transit than you otherwise would by being underground on the Tube. Yes, it’s slower than the Underground due to being restricted by traffic, but I think the trade-off is worth it.

4. River Bus

Guess what else you can use your Oyster Card on? That’s right, you guessed it: the riverboats of London known as the Thames Clippers River Bus. I feel like this is one of the most underutilized modes of transportation in London. Maybe because it’s a little pricer or because the boats don’t run as frequently as the buses or the Tube, but the riverboats can be a convenient way to get across the city while seeing it from a truly unique perspective.

5. Overground

The London Overground is pretty much the Underground, but, you guessed it, above ground (even though much of the Underground is also above ground). The overground is fairly new and basically covers areas that the Underground does not. You can use your Oyster Card on the Overground and the fare system with zones is the same as the Underground.

6. DLR (Docklands Light Rail)

This fully automated rail system (without any drivers) services mostly the East and South of Central London near the docklands area of London. It works just like the Underground and Overground and you can use your Oyster Card.

7. National Rail

What?! More trains? Yes! Most national rail services consist of several different lines that connect London to the rest of the country. Many commuters use these rail lines to commute from the suburbs surrounding London. Your Oyster Card will not work on National Rail lines and children 10 and under are not free, but usually ride at a discounted rate. There will be machines at the station where you can purchase rail tickets and usually a ticket office where you can talk to a human.

8. TramLink

This small tram system services South London, so if you’re staying there you’ll need to know about this one. The TramLink has a fixed fare and works like the bus so you only need your Oyster Card on the way in, not the way out.

9. Heathrow Express

If you’re coming to London you’re most likely flying into Heathrow Airport, London’s largest international airport. If so, taking the Heathrow Express is the fastest way to get into the city center. Don’t make the newbie mistake of taking a cab all the way into London! Book your tickets ahead of time online here to get the best deal. Fares range from £5-£32 depending on when you book.

10. Ride Share

• UBER : UBER is regularly used and accepted in London. It’s an easy way to book and pay for transportation and you can now split fares with your travel buddies. It’s not quite the same experience as riding in a Black Cab in my opinion, but just as efficient. When we were there we found the price to be about the same, but you don’t have to worry about having cash on you for UBER at least. If you’ve never used UBER, don’t worry it’s fun, safe, and easy. Here’s a coupon for $5 off your first ride. 
• Free Now : Despite its name, Free Now is not free, but it will save you a few pence! What I like about Free Now is that you can call a regular car or a black cab, which is much easier than trying to hail one down on the street! I’ve also found it to be a bit cheaper than UBER. Download Free Now for Apple . Download Free Now for Google .

Biking around London can be a really fun and inexpensive way to see the city and get you from place to place on a nice day. The bikes with “Santander” written on them are affectionately known as “Boris Bikes” after Boris Johnson who was the Mayor of London when the bike program launched.

The bikes only cost £2 to access the bikes and the first 30 minutes are free. You could technically bike somewhere for 30 minutes, check in your bike, then check out a new bike and ride it for 30 minutes and so on, potentially paying only £2/day for your bike. There are  750 docking stations and 11,500 bikes to rent around London. You can use a credit card or the app to pay for your bike. 

London has also recently put in millions of pounds to creating more bike lanes around the city to help the environment and the flow of traffic. They’ve done a nice job and you’ll see dedicated lanes for bikes all around the city, and especially in the most congested areas.

If you want to know how to get around London on a bike, you can learn more about the London Bike Scheme here .

12. Walking

Walking is a great way to see a lot of London. Most things in central London can be seen by walking and it’s a great way to make more room for all those delicious foods you’ll be eating! Plus, if you’re on a budget it’s the best way to get around London. Be sure to check the distance between you and your destination on Google Maps. You’ll be able to see a different view of London by walking the city. London is full of beautiful parks and they can make great short-cuts and lovely walks.

What is the Best Way to Get Around London?

While there’s no right or wrong answer to this questions, I definitely have my favorite ways of getting around London. As I’ve stated above, the bus is my personal favorite way to travel in London, but the Underground may be the fastest. If you’re lucky, you’ll have the chance to use every mode of transportation during your time there.

Do You Need an Oyster Card to Travel in London?

Having an Oyster Card in London is not strictly required, but I would highly recommend getting one. A London Oyster Card is the cheapest way to get around London, it covers journeys across London’s public transport networks including the Tube lines, buses, overground train station, and DLR, and can be used any time of the day throughout the week.

It makes life easier and will be more affordable. There is actually a price cap currently of £9.80 for zones 1-4. So you know that you won’t be paying more than that each day you are in London, regardless of how many times you ride.   This article from London Toolkit about the London Public Transport fares was really helpful.

Go Contactless

Use your contactless card, phone, or watch to pay for the tube map. Now riding the tube and bus is even easier with contactless payment. Just use your card, phone, or watch as you would when making a purchase. Be sure to “swipe” in and out using the same contactless card so you’ll be charged the correct fare.

Tips for Getting Around London

• Buy an Oyster Card or Prepare Contactless Payment in Advance:  Having an Oyster Card is a great option as it will allow you to ride multiple forms of transportation around London without having to purchase single-ride tickets.
• Download Google Maps App  and use it! Even if you have to look up directions before you leave wifi. I recommend using google maps public transit directions. These have almost never failed me! The app gives you train or bus times and even track numbers, alternate train times, bus stop letters, and exit names. Google Maps will also provide you with several options for public transportation around London. You can see below that to get from the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey using public transportation you have the option to take the Underground or the River Boat.Along with detailed public transport maps and directions, Google Maps will also provide detailed walking directions from the transit stop to the destination.
• Mind the Gap: Those signs everywhere that say “Mind the Gap”…they’re no joke! During my last trip to London, my nephew got stuck in the gap. It was pretty scary, so just be careful.
• Stand on the Right: When riding on the escalators, stand on the right or walk on the left.
• Travel During Off Peak : Try to avoid using public transportation between 7-9 am and 5-7 pm when trains and buses are crowded.
• Try New Things: Don’t be afraid to try different types of transportation like riverboats.

More London Resources

If you need more help planning your trip to London, check out these great resources!

7 Day London Itinerary

London With Kids

Paddington’s Guide to London

Christmas in London

FAQ on How to Get Around London

There are several ways to get around London on a budget. The best way to save money is by taking public transportation such as the Tube, buses and overground trains. You can also rent a bike or walking is always free. Getting an Oyster card and using contactless payment are great ways to pay for your journeys. Additionally, look out for special offers and discounts when travelling.

The current price is £7 and £9.80 for zones 1-4. You can always top up your Oyster card with cash whenever you need.

It costs £20 for the Visitor Oyster card. This allows you to save £1.75 for a single journey with £5.25 as a daily cap. That’s why many tourists and even locals opt for the Visitor Oyster card when travelling around London.

Yes, as the underground stop is usually within walking distance from most places, it makes traveling around London easy. Trains always arrive in 10 minutes and the system is well connected. Additionally, there are Uber rides that are perfect for sharing in groups and other taxi services.

I hope this guide to getting around London has been helpful. You are going to love this city, and now that you know how to navigate it you’ll feel more comfortable and be able to enjoy seeing the sites without stressing about how to get between them. If you have any questions about how to get around London, please ask! You can message me on Facebook or Instagram . -Vanessa

The post How to Get Around London: A Guide to the London Public Transport System appeared first on Wanderlust Crew .