1. Travel Information
Transport for London (TfL) has an extensive website providing up-to-the-minute information on all modes of London transport. Its network of Travel Information Centres are also located in stations throughout the city, including Piccadilly Circus, Heathrow Airport, Victoria and Liverpool Street, and these are great points of contact for visitors need to plan their journey. Also, at every Underground station, blue-uniformed staff are happy to help with general directions and route advice, and you can check online at www.tfl.gov.uk/journeyplanner - a fantastic website that tells you the best routes to and from specific locations, by rail, tube, bus or on foot. Travel tickets and information are also available at the British and London Visitor Centre in Regent Street, near Piccadilly Circus. All stations plus many newsagents (look out for signs in the windows) sell Travelcards for bus, tube and rail travel.
2. Underground
There are 12 colour-coded Tube lines (plus the DLR, see below) operating from 05.00 to 00.30 on most lines and from 07.30 to 23.30 on Sundays. Services are frequent, especially in central London. Trains can be busy during peak hours; it is cheaper - and visitors may find it easier - to travel after 09.30 on weekdays. The network is divided into six concentric zones. Zone 1 is the central area.
3. Buses
Some routes are especially good for sightseeing, including 9, 11, 12 and 15, and most services operate from 05.00 to 00.30 with many routes now operating 24-hours. Tickets must be purchased before boarding a bus in Zone 1 and are available from ticket machines at bus stops, although visitors may find it easier and cheaper to buy a Bus Pass or Travelcard.
4. Docklands Light Railway
The DLR connects the City and the Underground network with Docklands, and offers a great way of exploring this rapidly changing area of London. It also forms a useful link to Maritime Greenwich. Services operate from 05.30 to 00.30 and tickets must be purchased before boarding a train.
5. National Rail
National Rail Trains are particularly useful for reaching places that are not served by the Tube, such as Hampton Court and Windsor. Mainline stations include Waterloo, serving the south of England, Paddington, serving the south west, Euston, serving the north, King's Cross, serving the north east, and Liverpool Street, serving the east. For further information, log on to www.nationalrail.co.uk
6. Coaches
Coaches can provide a quick and inexpensive day trip out of London. Victoria Coach Station is a major hub for many different coach company's serices. For further information, log on to www.tfl.gov.uk/coaches or www.nationalexpress.com
7. River Service
A great way to view London is from the desk of a boat. There are several piers along the Thame - for example, from Westminster Pier near the centre, you can sail east towards Greenwich and the Thames Barrier, and west towards Richmond and Hampmton Court. Check out www.tfl.gov.uk/river for details, including times and prices across the many companies operation services. Travelcard holders recieve a third off fares on most river services.
8. Taxis
London's famous black cabs offer a safe and reliable door-to-door service. Taxis can be hailed on street when the yellow light is on, or at designated taxi ranks. Fares are regulated, and all drivers and vehicles are licensed by the Public Carriage Office.
9. Minicabs
Private Hire operators or "minicabs" cannot be hailed on street; they must be booked by telephone or in person at the operator's base. To check if an operator is licensed, call 020 722 1234 or go to www.tfl.gov.uk/pco - do not get into any vehicle that is not licensed, or if the diver approaches you in the street. Unlicensed cabs are rife in certain lively areas such as Hoxton and Brixton.
10. Driving
Although car hire is available at varying prices through the city, driving in London is far from relaxing. Parking at a meter or pay-and-display will cost you around £4 for an hour, although they are usually free in the evenings and at weekends. Penalties for illegal parking are high.
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