Transport
London has one of the most extensive transport systems in
Europe. It is made up of the London Underground (also known as the
tube), buses, Tramlink, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), riverboats,
trains and taxis. It can seem very daunting at first but you will
soon get used to it.
For most services London is split into six zones. Tickets and
travel passes can be bought for individual or adjoining zones.
Travelling At Night
TFL has recently introduced a suite of online travel tools
help you plan your journey, get travel information on the move and
work out the safest way home.
In general students are strongly advised against taking
un-licensed cabs, these typically operate outside night clubs and
bars hoping to pick up passing trade. Always use a licensed
minicab, taxi,
nightbus or the Tube to get home.
Travel Cards
The most economical way to get round London is with a
Travelcard (daily, weekly, monthly or even annual periods
available). Travelcards are valid for travel in specified zones on
the buses (except certain special bus services and excursions),
Tube, Tramlink, DLR and National Rail services (excluding Heathrow
Express).
Travelcards also entitle you to 1/3rd off the cost of travel on
scheduled Riverboat services. Remember that when using the Tube,
Tramlink, DLR or National Rail, the Travelcard you hold must be
valid for all the zones you travel in, as shown on the ticket.
The cheapest option of all is a bus-only pass. This will allow
you unlimited travel on all the buses (except certain special bus
services and excursions), for a fraction of the cost of an
integrated Travelcard. Buses are very convenient if you are only
travelling a short distance, particularly within Central London. If
you have a longer journey to make, it could become time consuming
due to high levels of traffic congestion.
Oyster Cards
The majority of Londoners now take advantage of the Oyster
card scheme. Oyster cards are a convenient and
cost-effective way to pay for your travel in London. The
Oyster is a pre-payment card that can be scanned upon entry and
exit of tubes, DLR and buses. Weekly or monthly travelcards can
be loaded onto the card, or you can simply 'pay as you
travel' by loading a sum of money onto your card. For more
information visit the Transport for
London website.
Transport for London offer a Student
Oyster Photocard that allows students to purchase weekly and
monthly travelcards at 1/3 off the regular price. Current students
can apply by completing the online application found
on the Transport for London website.
Page last updated 4/14/2009