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London transports
London offer many transport options for travellers including the London Underground (the famous Tube), historical Red Buses, Black Cabs, River Services, Docklands Light Railway, Tramlink, National Rail and more. Most Londoners use the Tube; however, the bus services that operate are also excellent, the main coach operators are National Express, Eurolines, Megabus.
A Travelcard is an excellent option for tourists, it gives visitors unrestricted travel for the duration of their ticket; it can be bought from any newsagent as well as from tube and rail stations, a Travelcard can be used on most buses, the Tube, National Railways and the Docklands Light Railway.
Oyster is travel discount smartcard run by Transport for London, Oysters are valid on the Tube, DLR, Tramlink, and National Rail services, and you can buy an Oyster Card from any Tube station for £3.
London Tube (Underground Rail)
The London Underground, commonly known as the "tube" by locals and visitors alike, is the quickest way of getting around in London, opened in 1863, is the world’s oldest and most extensive transportation railway. Today, there are 12 lines, supplemented by the Docklands Light Railway, serving three million passengers around London every day. The Tube operates from 5:30 am Monday to Saturday, and 7:00 am on Sundays until 11:30 pm and 12:30 pm depending on the route. The Tube can get exceptionally crowded during rush hours (7:30 am - 9:30 am and 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm).
The Tube is the most convenient, quickest and efficient way to travel around London, although it is best avoided during rush hour. The whole network is divided into six concentric zones, most of the tourist attractions are within zone 1 and zone 2.
The Underground Rail network is made of different lines each of which is conveniently colour-coded for instance, these colour-coding enables passengers to follow the Tube map and plan their trip, Tube maps are free and has a classic and clear design. You can buy a copy of the London's Tube, Train or Bus Map at http://www.mapvendor.com/
London Buses
Buses are an enjoyable way to get around; the network is comprehensive, from the top of a double-decker bus you can observe the city's architecture and London-life much better. Bus routes are identified by numbers and sometimes letters, for example the route 73 runs between Victoria and Seven Sisters Station. Buses exhibit their route number and key destinations at the front, side and rear of the bus.
Classic 'Routemaster' double-decker buses still run on route No 9 (from the Royal Albert Hall to the Strand and loops back to Piccadilly Circus) and on route No 15 (from Trafalgar Square past St Paul's Cathedral to Tower Hill). Both buses run every 15 minutes and will stop close to many London attractions.
Buses are normally quicker than taking the Tube for short trips and generally run 24 hours a day. For more detailed information see http://www.tfl.gov.uk
Taxis in London
Famous London’s black cabs (though these days not all the 23,000 black cabs in greater London are black, they come in all sorts of colours) are excellent and very comfortable; you will find that many “cabbies” have helpful information for the tourist. You can pick them up from taxi-ranks outside popular tourist spots; you can also wave them down in the street, when you see the yellow ’For Hire’ sign above the windscreen illuminated. They work on a timer; the minimum fare is £2.20 at all times. If you want to book a black cab, call Taxi One Number on 0871 871 8710.
Minicabs are cheaper competitors, these are meter-less, and you must negotiate the fare before you get in the car. You can't flag them down on the street; you have to book them by phone or visit a minicab office; such as those around Leicester Square.
Illegal minicabs tout for business around popular spots, they are frequently the only option late at night, but should not be taken by single women.
Boats
The River Thames; runs through central London; is London’s “liquid artery”. Many boats ply London’s Thames and canal system, with many transport companies operating on the river offering commuter services, ferry services or leisure services. Tourist boat trips offers an extremely pleasant way to explore the city with views of London attractions such as Big Ben, Tate Galleries, St Paul's Cathedral, Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London and more.
London River Services license the services of the different boat operators and publishes timetables and river maps similar to the famous tube map. Some of these companies include the London Waterbus Company, Thames Clippers, Crown River Cruises, Bateaux London and Thames River Services.
Car
Driving is not a good option in Central London, it is slow, expensive, as traffic and parking are nightmare, it's almost impossible to park in the city centre. Additionally, you will have to pay a "Congestion Charge" between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday. However, driving is the only option for those wanting to explore the countryside.
Walking
If the time is nice, walking is an excellent option, many of the main attractions are relatively close to one another (many of them are situated along the River Thames) making it a walker’s delight and often being the quickest method of transport. There a plenty of book suggesting different routes.
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Driving schools in London
Driving schools teach driving, and road safety.
In the driving schools directory you will find information about road safety, driving knowledge, vechicles and equipment.
A driver training course, or hight-school driver education program approved by the provincial government can teach you the skills, and attitudes you need to be a safe, and responsible driver.
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Traffic schools in London
Improve your driving skills and possibly get a ticket dismissed or your insurance premium reduced. Taking a traffic schools course can also earn you a discount on your car insurance premiums. And, of course, if your driving skills just need a tune up, you can sign up to improve your driving techniques.
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