Getting around the city

Top three transport tips

Noteworthy for: The sheer magnitude of London can be daunting, but once you get the hang of public transport, getting around suddenly becomes much less stressful.
1. Get an Oyster Card
If your stay is any longer than a day, this travel smartcard is indispensable. It will save you pounds every time you travel, and can be used on every method of public transport in the city. Get one from a manned-booth at any tube station or many corner shops.
2. Congestion Charge
Don't drive in London. It's madness, and will take you twice as long to get anywhere than public transport. If you do drive, you have to pay a GBP 10 daily Congestion Charge between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday in the Congestion Charge zone, which includes most of London. You can pay online, but don't forget - the fines are big.

3. Walk
London is enormous, but the centre is surprisingly compact. Many visitors find themselves getting a tube from Charing Cross to Leicester Square then realising they are only 10-minutes walk apart. With overcrowded public transport and congested roads, this is a walker’s city, so wear flat shoes.