Transportation within london

Transport for London (TfL) is the organization that oversees transportation in the capital - the tube, buses, trams, trains and more. Their website has a very helpful journey planner: www.tfl.gov.uk/journeyplanner

London Buses

London’s famous double-decker buses go through the city and into the suburbs.  In order to catch the bus you must find a sign with the number of the bus on it then stick your hand out as the bus approaches.  Also, for picking up and dropping off, buses only stop at their own designated stop.

Some of the more popular bus routes will run 24 hours/day so you’ll be able to make it home even when the tube stops running for the night.  Night buses originate in Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. Make sure you memorize which buses run back to your housing, as taxis can cost a pretty pound if you are far away.

London Underground - the Tube

The underground system provides transportation throughout the city.  It is divided into six zones. Central London is in Zones 1 & 2.

It won’t take long to get the hang of the system and you’ll soon see how easy it is to travel across the city. The tube generally runs from 5:30 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. during the week and generally an hour later on Friday and Saturday nights (though always check the ‘last train’ notices at your station). You will need your ticket or Oyster card to enter and exit the tube.

Oyster Card

This is a pass that will allow you to travel on the tube, buses and some trains.  It is cheaper to buy an Oyster card than paper tickets.

You can buy a weekly or monthly pass for your Oyster card. You can also ‘top up’ your Oyster card by putting money on it and traveling until it runs out.  If you are commuting on a daily basis you will want to buy a weekly or monthly pass, but if you are not using the tube daily, a pre-paid Oyster card might be your best bet.

Oyster cards are sold at any tube station and you can even top up (refill) on TfL’s website.

Always keep your ticket while riding the tube or bus until you reach your destination as there are periodical checks and if you are caught without it you will be fined.

If your Oyster card is lost or stolen, report it immediately at a station or at http://oyster.tfl.gov.uk. EUSA does not reimburse costs for lost or stolen Oyster cards.

Taxis

Black cabs are very reliable and safe.  You can either book one in advance or hail one on the street.  You will know a taxi is available if the yellow light on top is illuminated.

Taxi fares are regulated by Transport for London.  The minimum fare is £2.20 per trip.  Tipping taxis is not mandatory and it is suggested to just leave small change.

Phone bookings and public holidays incur a higher taxi rate.

Licensed cabs:

CABWISE: Text ‘HOME’ to 60835
ComCab: 0207 908 0207
Call-a-Cab: 0208 901 4444

NEVER TAKE UNLICENSED MINI-CABS OR ‘TOUTS’. CHECK FOR THE GREEN TfL MEDALION IN THE CORNER OF THE WINDSHIELD.

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