London is filled to the brim with must-go destinations and can’t-miss attractions, but it can be a daunting task to figure out exactly how you’ll make your way through the sprawling city. Fortunately, we’ve laid out a quick and easy guide that will help you conquer the city (and its traffic) in no time!
Commuting in London
A very important thing to note when it comes to public transportation in London is that trains and buses no longer accept cash payments. You’ll need to have some form of contactless payment on you in order to pay for your fare but don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of convenient options!
Klook tip: You can use mobile payment methods on your phone, a contactless payment card, or an Oyster Card to pay for public transportation fares. Learn about your options here.
Airport Transport in London
Perhaps unusual for a major metropolitan city, London has six international airports of varying sizes located all around it. While Heathrow Airport is the largest and most commonly used for international arrivals, we recommend that first-time visitors use our guide below to familiarize themselves with the many airports of London and how to navigate their way into and out of the city.
Airport | Train Options | Bus/ Coach Options |
London Heathrow Airport | Heathrow Express Elizabeth Line Underground Tube | National Express |
London Gatwick Airport | Gatwick Express Thameslink train line Southern train line | National Express |
London Stansted Airport | Stansted Express | National Express Airport Bus Express |
London Luton Airport | Regular train lines | National Express |
London City Airport | Underground Tube | None |
London Southend Airport | Regular train lines | None |
Klook tip: Most of the train and bus options often come out cheaper if you book in advance!
Getting an eSim
Want a quick and sure way to get all the info you need on airports and commuting in London? Try getting an eSim for your smartphone so that you’ll always have a reliable, high-speed internet connection wherever you go!
Getting around London via trains and railways
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Whether it’s the above-ground trains, the Underground system (affectionately known as “the Tube” by locals), or any of the many other train lines that you’ll find in and around London, trains are definitely one of the fastest ways to move around the city.
Though there are a lot of great options when it comes to picking out a train package, the BritRail pass is a smart way to travel for those who plan to use the train a lot on your trip. Not only will you have unlimited access to all the National Railways in the area, you’ll also be able to travel outside of London and use Intercity Trains, Regional Trains, and even Sleeper Trains!
Getting around London via bikes
Photo credit: @riccardo-parretti on Pexels
Want a more fun and active way to travel through London? You might not have considered it before, but renting a bike is actually an option for your time in the city! If you’re afraid you’ll stick out like a sore thumb riding a bike, worry not! London has a very active biking culture with many people even cycling to work for their daily commute.
Getting around London via buses
Buses are another great way to get around the city. London’s bus system is very well-maintained and easy to use, with multiple stops strategically placed throughout the city so that you can get as near as possible to your preferred destination. The fare is also pretty affordable and you can pay with your Oyster Card, making it even more convenient.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
London's buses aren't just an inexpensive and convenient method for getting from point A to point B, they can also be an essential part of your tour experience! London offers a number of "hop-on hop-off" bus tours which are an excellent way to discover, explore, and enjoy all of the city's iconic landmarks at your own convenience.
The way "hop-on hop-off" bus tours work is that you'll be able to simply "hop-on" to a tour bus at any designated bus stop. The bus will then take you along a route that features many prominent London destinations and landmarks where you can choose which stops you'd like to "hop-off" on. Then, you can explore the area at your own pace and hop back on when you're done, repeating the process as much as you'd like!
More London Bus Tours
If your morning and afternoon schedules are already packed but you'd still like to enjoy a leisurely tour of the city at night, then a nighttime bus tour could be a great addition to your itinerary!
Enjoy the cool night sky and picture-worthy panoramic views of London at night in an open-air bus, complete with educational and entertaining commentary about the city from the live tour guides or recorded audio.
Want to take your bus tours to the next level? Try out London's unique "bustronome" (a combination of "bus" and gastronome") experience where you'll be able to enjoy a delicious multiple-course lunch or dinner while also being driven around the city's many sights in a luxury bus.
"Fine dining" might not be the first thing you think of when you hear the word "bus", but this two-in-one experience just might be the unexpected highlight of your trip!
Exploring More of London
Now that you know how to get around London, you can try out some of these destinations and activities to truly make your stay in the city memorable!
Harry Potter Self-Guided Tour
The perfect afternoon for any Potterhead, this self-guided Harry Potter tour will take you on a trip down memory lane and show you how and where the magic happened in real life with the help of a downloadable audio program. Visit filming locations of the Harry Potter movies, learn about behind-the-scenes trivia, and even make it to the famous Platform 9¾!
The Phantom of the Opera Show
One of the most well-known musicals ever, The Phantom of the Opera needs no introduction. From the iconic score by Andrew Lloyd Webber to the larger-than-life characters, who can say “no” to partaking in a night of music and drama?
River Thames Cruise
Experience a London landmark like you’ve never before. Take a cruise along the historic River Thames and immerse yourself in the immense beauty and significance of this famous body of water. And if that’s not your speed, you can even try taking on the River Thames with a speedboat adventure!
London Attractions Pass
Don’t want to miss out on the most iconic and famous attractions that London has to offer? Mix and match from attractions that include the London Eye, IFS Cloud Cable Car, Westminster Abbey, and even Stonehenge, and make yourself a worth-it package deal that can save up to 50% off!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to explore London?
The fastest way to cover large distances in London is to use their trains and railways, though they may be surprisingly expensive. If you’re set on taking the railway, getting a BritRail pass may be your most economical option as it gives you unlimited rides.
If you have the time, London is one of the premier destinations where taking a taxi is actually an experience in itself because the cab drivers have a reputation for being good impromptu tour guides. If you want the same above-ground experience but cheaper, then you can either take a bus or have a stroll around the city.
What clothes or accessories should I bring?
London weather is notoriously unpredictable, so we recommend wearing light layers and to always have a small but reliable umbrella on you.
Can I use cash to pay for the trains, buses, and other public transportation?
Again, it’s important to emphasize that the trains and buses in London do not accept cash. You will only be able to pay with an Oyster card or other cashless methods such as credit cards or with a cash payment app. You may still be able to pay with cash for taxis, so as a good rule of thumb, do keep some petty cash with you.
Are there places I can go to in London for free?
Yes! London is home to many incredible museums and it may surprise some to learn that a lot of their museums are free to enter. Some notable free museums are the British Museum, the Tate Modern, and the Royal Academy of Arts.
Have you gotten your London adventure all mapped out? Download the Klook app so that you can get the inside scoop on how to plan and prepare for your next big adventure!
