Top Tips For Navigating London Like a Pro
Welcome to the Big Smoke!
Exploring London’s public transport network might seem daunting at first, but with these tips and a little practice, you’ll be navigating the city like a pro in no time!
Whether you’re moving to London for a job opportunity or a fresh start, navigating this bustling metropolis can feel daunting at first. But fear not, our friendly team at Jonesmoves isn’t just here to help you move your boxes – we want to equip you with the knowledge to thrive in London!
Your London Transport Options
London boasts one of the most extensive public transport networks in the world. Transport for London is a useful online resource where you can find which travelcard option is best for you, plan your journey, check for status updates and access transport network maps.
Add the TfL Go app to your IOS or Android device to help you navigate London and plan your journey. https://tfl.gov.uk/maps_/tfl-go
Here’s a breakdown of your options:
The Tube: This iconic underground system is the fastest way to get around central London. Grab a handy Oyster card for contactless travel.
Buses: London’s iconic red buses are a great way to see the city and avoid the underground crowds. Be prepared for some delays, though!
National Rail: Trains connect various suburbs to central London. Perfect for longer journeys or weekend escapes.
Uber/Taxis: Black cabs are legendary, but can be pricey. Uber offers a modern alternative, but both are best for short hops, not commutes, due to congestion charges.
Riverboat Taxis: A scenic (and slightly pricier) way to travel along the Thames, offering stunning views of the city.
Trams: All trams are cash-free so you will need to have an Oyster card, contactless payment or a valid ticket to travel. You can then take unlimited bus and tram journeys within 1 hour for £1.75. You must touch on the yellow card reader at the tram stop before boarding only – you don’t need to tap again at the end of your journey.
Walking: London is surprisingly walkable, especially central areas. It’s a fantastic way to discover hidden gems and get your daily exercise.
London Transport Payment Methods
Navigating the payment system can feel overwhelming, but here is a breakdown of your options:
Contactless: The easiest and most convenient way to pay. Simply tap your contactless debit or credit card, or your smartphone or smartwatch enabled with contactless payment, on the yellow card reader at stations and on buses (boarding only).
Most contactless cards issued outside the UK are accepted, but check with your bank for any foreign transaction fees.
Oyster Card: This reusable travel card is a great option for frequent users. You can top up with pay-as-you-go (PAYG) credit or purchase a Travelcard (more on that below) to be loaded onto the card.
Oyster cards can be purchased at Tube stations, Oyster Ticket Stops, Visitor Centres, and online (UK residents only). There’s a small deposit fee for the card, which is refundable when you return it.
Visitor Oyster Card: A pre-loaded Oyster card specifically for tourists. It comes with a travelcard pre-loaded for a specific duration (e.g., 3 days, 7 days) and zones (central London zones 1-2, all zones) and can be topped up with PAYG credit for additional travel.
London Travelcards
There are a whole host of options for travelling around London. London Travelcards offer you flexibility and value. Whether you are a student, a pensioner or a family wanting to find a cost-effective way to navigate the City, these pre-paid travelcards are the best value and offer unlimited travel within specific zones (e.g., zones 1-2) for a chosen validity period (e.g., one day, one week).
You can purchase them as paper tickets or load them onto your Oyster card. Some travelcards offer significant savings compared to single fares, especially if you plan on making multiple journeys each day.
Free and Discounted Travelcards for London
Children under 5 years: Free travel as long as the child is travelling with a fare paying adult.
Children aged 5-10 years: Free travel on London transport services – check eligibility.
Children aged 11-15 years: Free travel on buses and trams, and discounts on London transport services.
Children aged 16+: Zip Oyster photocard provides free and discounted travel on all London transport services if you are 16 years or over.
18+ Student Oyster Photocard: Save 30% on standard rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass tickets. You need to be over 18, living in London durinf term-time and enrolled at a school, college or university registered on the Tfl scheme or on a mandatory work placement in London.
Family Travelcard: Offers unlimited travel for up to two adults and four children within specific zones for a set period.
Group Travelcard: Provides unlimited travel for a group of up to four adults within specific zones for a set period.
Senior Railcard: Offers discounted travel on National Rail services in London and across the UK for those aged 60 and over.
Choosing the Right Option
The best option for you depends on your travel frequency and needs. If you’re an occasional user, contactless might be easiest. For frequent travellers, especially those staying for an extended period, an Oyster card loaded with a Travelcard can offer significant savings.
What to consider:
Length of stay: If you’re staying for a short time, a Visitor Oyster Card might be the most convenient.
Travel frequency: If you plan on making frequent journeys, a Travelcard loaded onto an Oyster card can save you money.
Zones: Choose the zones you’ll be travelling in most frequently. Central London is covered by zones 1-2, but you might need additional zones if you’re venturing further out.
Remember, always touch in and touch out with your Oyster card or contactless payment method at designated points to avoid penalty fares.
Want to drive in London?
London is a very car-unfriendly city. With the congestion charge, permit costs, and the ease of public transport, most newcomers find they don’t need a car. This can free up a significant chunk of your budget for exploring all that London has to offer! However, some residents still choose to have a car.
Congestion Charge
Driving a car in central London during weekdays incurs a daily charge. The Congestion charge is £15 per day between 07:00-18:00 Mon-Friday and 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun and Bank Holidays. No charges on Christmas Day and New Years Day though!
If your vehicle does not meet the UIltra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) standards, you must also pay the ULEZ charge.
You will also need to consider applying for a parking permit, which can be expensive depending on your area.
Safety First: Keeping Yourself Secure
London is generally a safe city, but as with any metropolis, petty crime can occur.
Here’s how to stay vigilant:
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, stick to well-lit areas and avoid using your phone while walking.
• Hold bags close to your body to keep valuables secure, especially on public transport and in crowded areas.
• Trust your gut – if a situation feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to walk away.
Find your urban oasis in parks and green spaces
London boasts a wealth of beautiful parks, perfect for escaping the city buzz.
Here are a few of our favourites:
Regent’s Park
A sprawling park in central London, ideal for picnics, boating on the lake, or visiting the London Zoo.
Hyde Park
Another central gem, offering vast green spaces, stunning flower displays, and iconic landmarks like Speaker’s Corner.
Victoria Park
East London’s answer to Hyde Park, with a canal, playgrounds, and open spaces for all.
Book Jonesmoves for an efficient and stress-free move!
We hope these tips help you navigate your new life in London.
Remember, Jonesmoves is always here to help you settle in – so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! We offer a range of removal services. No job is too big or small for Jonesmoves!
To find out how we can help assist you with your London move, call us on 07902 074132. Get a quote today!