Getting around a big city can feel stressful, but getting around London doesn’t have to be. London has one of the most connected and visitor-friendly transport systems in the world. If you’re hopping on the Tube, cruising the Thames, or riding iconic red buses, there’s always a simple way to reach where you want to go.
This guide breaks down the best ways of getting around London, UK, so you can move confidently from landmark to landmark. You’ll learn when to use each transport option, how much it costs, and why some choices are better for sightseeing while others save time. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to enjoy transportation in London without the guesswork.
6 easy ways to get around London
🚢 London River Boats
London Eye River Cruise boat sailing on the River Thames | Photo Credit: Eduard Pretsi on Unsplash
Riverboats on the Thames are one of the most scenic ways of getting around London. Instead of tunnels and traffic, you get open river views and famous landmarks along the way. These boats are ideal for traveling between Westminster, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich while turning travel time into part of the experience.
This option works best if you want a relaxed pace or a break from crowded streets. Services run regularly throughout the day, making riverboats both practical and enjoyable. They’re especially useful for visiting Greenwich, where you can arrive close to major attractions without using the Tube. For many travelers, this is a refreshing way to experience transportation in London.
Klook tip: Book a Thames sightseeing cruise to enjoy landmark views without worrying about stops.
How to pay: Oyster card, contactless card, or pre-booked tickets
Average fare: £7–£10 per trip (Westminster to Greenwich is about £9)
🚇 London Underground
London Underground train stopped at a platform with passengers inside | Photo Credit: Yixin JIANG on Unsplash
The London Underground is the fastest and most efficient way of getting around London, UK. With 11 lines covering central and outer areas, it connects nearly every major attraction. It’s perfect for places like Westminster, Covent Garden, Camden, and even Heathrow Airport.
Trains run every few minutes, and stations are well-marked and easy to navigate. The Tube is especially helpful when time matters or when traffic slows down buses. For most travelers, it becomes the main way of getting around London throughout their trip.
Klook tip: Use the London Underground to reach top attractions quickly and avoid road traffic.
How to pay: Oyster card or contactless bank card
Average fare: £2.80–£6 depending on distance and zones
🚆 London Train
Heathrow Express trains at a London station platform under a railway terminal | Photo Credit: omegamezle on Unsplash
Overground and National Rail trains are best for reaching neighborhoods outside central London. They’re ideal for areas like Richmond, Hampstead, Greenwich, and Wimbledon, as well as major stations such as King’s Cross, Paddington, and London Bridge.
If your hotel is outside the city center or you’re planning short day trips, trains make getting around London faster and more direct. Many routes run above ground, giving you views of local neighborhoods along the way. This option adds flexibility while still fitting into the wider transportation network in London.
Klook tip: Combine train travel with guided London day tours for easy trips beyond central London.
How to pay: Oyster card, contactless, or paper tickets
Average fare: £3–£8 for most local trips
🚌 London Bus
Red double-decker bus driving through a central London street | Photo Credit: Josh Mills on Unsplash
London buses are budget-friendly and great for sightseeing at street level. They cover areas the Tube doesn’t and many routes run 24 hours a day. While buses can be slower due to traffic, they’re a relaxed way to travel and see the city as you move.
For short trips or scenic routes, buses London services are a smart choice. They’re also helpful if you want fewer stairs or want a more accessible option. First-time visitors often enjoy hop-on hop-off buses, which combine transport and sightseeing in one easy experience.
Klook tip: Try a London hop-on hop-off bus tour for a stress-free way to move between top landmarks.
How to pay: Oyster card or contactless card (no cash accepted)
Average fare: £1.75 per ride (daily fare cap applies)
🚕 London Taxi / Ride Share
Black London taxis driving along a busy city street with red buses | Photo Credit: Ferdinand Stöhr on Unsplash
Black cabs and ride-share services are best for door-to-door trips. They’re especially useful late at night, in bad weather, or when carrying luggage. Black cabs can be hailed on the street, while ride-share apps are widely available across the city.
This option costs more than public transport, but it gives you more comfort and convenience. Many locals use taxis occasionally while relying on public transport most of the time. Mixing options like this keeps getting around London simple and flexible.
Klook tip: Pre-book airport or London city transfers to save time and avoid last-minute stress.
How to pay: Card or cash in taxis; app payment for ride-share
Average fare: £15–£40 within central London
🚙 London Rental Car
Red car driving past white townhouses on a quiet street in London | Photo Credit: Anna Claire Schellenberg on Unsplash
Renting a car in London is best if you’re planning trips outside the city. It’s a good option for visiting places like Oxford, Windsor, or the Cotswolds. Driving in central London isn’t recommended due to traffic, congestion charges, and limited parking.
For countryside travel, however, a rental car gives you lots of freedom and flexibility. Many travelers explore London first, then rent a car for road trips across the UK. This approach balances city convenience with open-road travel.
Klook tip: Book car rentals in advance for flexible pickup and smoother road trips beyond London.
How to pay: Credit card via online booking
Average fare: £50–£100 per day plus fuel and parking
FAQs about getting around London
What is the best way to get around London?
The Tube is the fastest and most reliable option for most visitors. It connects major attractions and runs frequently throughout the day. Combining the Tube with buses or river boats gives you both speed and sightseeing.
How much is an Oyster card in London?
An Oyster card costs around £7 as a one-time fee. You then add credit or travel passes depending on your plans. Daily fare caps help keep costs under control.
Is it cheaper to tap card or Oyster?
Fares are the same for contactless cards and Oyster cards. The choice comes down to convenience. Many tourists prefer Oyster cards, while others use contactless bank cards.
How do tourists use public transport in London?
Tourists usually use Oyster cards or contactless payment. Clear maps, signs, and announcements make navigation easy. After a day or two, most travelers feel confident using transportation in London.
Ready to explore London with confidence?
Passengers waiting on a London Underground platform as a train approaches | Photo Credit: Mingyang LIU on Pexels
Getting around London is easier than it looks. With smart transport choices, you’ll spend less time planning and more time exploring. Tap in, hop on, and enjoy every part of the journey. Book passes, tours, and transfers early, and make the most of your London adventure. 🚇✨
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
✨ Follow us for more deals and inspiration for your upcoming travels
