Getting Around In London

You’re spoilt for choice. London's transport system is one of the most extensive in the world, making it so easy to travel around. If you plan your journey, you could avoid the crowds and travel like me🤭. Here’s a run down of my favs

Buses

Buses are a great and affordable way to get around London. One of the best routes is the Number 11

Route With A View 

Here’s what Route 11 took in, and I must say as a Londoner, I was very impressed. Be sure to have your camera to the ready because, Unlike a tourist bus which slows down at the major sights, buses don’t 🥸. They have changed the bus route and it no longer goes through Central London. When I last too, it, I saw the following.

❇️ Kings Road Duke of York Square

❇️ Pimlico

❇️ Royal Hospital where the Chelsea Pensioners live 

❇️ Victoria 

❇️ Westminster Cathedral

❇️ Westminster Abbey 

❇️ House Guards Parade 

❇️ Charing Cross

❇️ Strand/ Southampton Street for Covent Garden

❇️ Aldwych 

❇️ The Royal Courts of Justice

❇️ Ludgate Circus 

❇️ St Paul’s Cathedral 

Tube

The London Underground is the third busiest metro system in Europe, after Moscow and Paris. It's been part of London history for 150 years. The London Underground, since 1890, has 11 lines, 270 stations it serves, 5 million daily trips and annual ridership of 1.357 billion (pre-Covid).

The Newest Line - the Elizabeth Line opened in 2022 in time for Queen Elizabeth II’s jubilee. This is my favourite line so far.

The DLR

I like the DLR because I now travel off-peak and miss all the crowds. It was one of the fastest ways to get to Canary Wharf, but the Elizabeth Line, or the Lizzie Line, as it’s affectionately known, has given passengers more choice. 

The DRL is a driverless (Docklands Light Railway) was created in the 1980s to connect the City with the London Docklands. The area experienced economic decline after the city's traditional docks were closed. The system connects several vital areas, including:

❇️Tower Gateway near the Tower of London

❇️Stratford in East London

❇️Greenwich

❇️Beckton

❇️London City Airport

Santander Bikes

These are not part of the TFL network, but they’re good if you want the freedom to cycle around the City. We now have other competitors like Lime. In all honesty, Lime bikes are a nuisance especially as they get left behind in the most awkward places like residential streets and entrances to stations.

Tram

As you know, London is split in two by the River Thames. I was born in North London and spent most of my life on the North side. It's only after Covid-19 that I've been frequenting South London much more than at any given time. 

I feel like I visit a new territory every time I venture down South (apologies in advance to any South Londoner). It has a different vibe, and I'm glad I've been venturing more down South. I will document more of my experience over the coming months. 

I was impressed. I chose the scenic route on the Tram - Wimbledon to Beckenham Junction, which stopped at every stop. However, I understand that there's a faster service. 

Cable Car

London has its Cable Car that spans across the Thames. The official name is the IFS Cable Car, but its nickname is the ‘Dangle Way’ It was reportedly the first cable car in the U.K, and Boris Johnson, the then Mayor of London, project. 

It’s a 1km line from Greenwich Peninsula to The Royal Docks. Most people use it for fun, rather than use it to commute.

There are 36 Gondola Cable Cars, of which 34 are in use. Each one has a capacity of 10 people. The service can carry up to 2500 people per hour. 

I took the trip from Custom House near the Excel Centre and only did one way. I enjoyed the experience very much, but I wouldn't use it to commute across the Thames. 

My Gondola stopped at the top for a minute, and the light winds around meant the Gondola was swaying. It's not for the faint-hearted or anyone suffering from vertigo.

I need not worry, because it's all very safe. However, if I had a meeting in town, I might not have any options if I were stuck above and running late. 

Boat

You’d be forgiven if you didn’t know that the Uber Thames Clipper is part of the Transport for London network.

The River bus has made its mark for more than 20 years. It is a great way to beat the crowds and enjoy a pleasurable ride up and down the River, even during the cold winter months. 

I find travelling on the boat a great experience, especially during the warm summer months. I used it often whilst commuting when I worked in Canary Wharf; it was a welcome relief after a long day cooped up in one of the Towers. 

Tip: Oyster Card 

You can go to any station or a shop that tops up Oyster as It’s pretty handy to have an Oyster Card because you can tap in on TFL services, including the riverboat. You can use your contactless cards on TFL services, but if you’re an international visitor, it might become a little pricey for you due to exchange rates and additional card charges. 

Parting Comments

Ok, I get it that London is an expensive city and being a tourist can be a real blow to the wallet. However, it doesn’t have to be, and you can have a great time, make great memories without breaking the bank. 

If you love walking, put your walking shoes on and discover the real city. You can enjoy the City cheaply if you travel like a local. So, when are you coming? 

If you enjoyed reading this article and want to support my work, you can now buy me a coffee ☕️.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TabbyLondon

Thank you for your attention.

Best wishes

Tabby