Overview

The UK has a complexed wide reaching public transport system that makes even the remotest part of the UK accessible. Whilst many locals use public transport, many families use cars to get around. The exception to this rule is London where public transport is king and you can usually get from any part of London to any other part, no matter what the time or day.

The London Underground

The London Underground is more commonly known in London as the Tube and is one of the best, quickest and easiest ways to get around London. Today, London Underground is a major UK business with over three million passenger journeys made every day, serving 275 stations over 408 km (253 miles) of railway. Most Londoners use the Tube to travel every day. Be aware of the rush hours though when the trains become very busy. This normally occurs between 7am to 9.30 am and 5pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday. This is the time people have to travel to and from work, so do not expect to get a seat. The tube is normally open from 5.30am to about midnight, 7 days a week. Travelling on the Underground can be a bit daunting at first, so we would recommend that you plan your journey before you leave home.

For an on-line Tube Map go to:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tube/maps

The underground map is divided into different zones: there are 6 main zones (zone 1 is central London, and zones 2-6 form rings around this, with zone 6 being the furthest from the centre). There are also four metropolitan zones beyond zone 6 (zones A, B, C and D) on the Metropolitan line. The cost of a journey depends on the zone in which you start and finish and you can make as many changes as you need along your route.

The best way to save alot of money and time is by purchasing an Oyster Card. An Oyster Card is an electronic "smartcard". This makes buying and using all London Transport much easier and cheaper. You can purchase one in every Tube Station or newsagent all around London. When you first get your Oyster card, you will need to pay a refundable £3 deposit if you are only adding credit on "pay as you go". It can be used on the Tube, buses, DLR and some National Rail services in London. It is very easy to use. You need to add credit onto your card and then the cost of each journey you make is automatically deducted from your pay-as-you-go balance when you exit the Tube system or first get onto a bus. When travelling on the Tube, you must place your Oyster card on the reader both at the start and end of each journey. You can also top up your card by going to the Oyster card website where you find all information regarding Oyster Cards: http://www.oystercard.com

The Oyster Card is the cheapest way to pay for travel in and around the capital. Paying for a one way journey can cost £5 or more if you pay with cash but this charge is just less than halved when paying by your Oyster Card. A single cash fare starts from £3, while an off peak (can be used from 9.30am Monday to Friday) one-day Travel card is £4.90 for travel in zones 1 and 2 (all the major city-centre sights are located in Zone 1) and is probably the best option for a day out in London.

Buses

Buses are a quick and convenient way to travel around London and provide plenty of sightseeing opportunities en-route. Buses normally travel through the centre of the city but also travel out to residential areas where the tube does not reach. Unlike the Underground, London Buses give you an opportunity to see London in all its varying forms.

One disadvantage is that London buses are obviously affected by traffic. Note that traffic congestion is common, especially during the peak hours of 7:30-9:30am, 12-2pm and 4:30-6:30pm on weekdays, or in shopping areas during weekends. If a bus is full, you will not be allowed to get on, and will need to wait for the next one. Always allow plenty of time for your journey if you going to an appointment or just rushing to work.

Night buses normally have the letter "N" before the bus number. For example, the bus on route number 17 will become "N17" during the night. After 12.30am when the Tube has closed, your only choice of travel will be the night buses or a taxi. The cheaper option will normally be a bus unless you are travelling in a group; in which case consider the taxi for convenience. In addition, many bus routes run for 24 hours. Check one of the bus-stop information boards around your local area if you decide to live in London, so you know where you can get to and from easily. Night buses will only stop on request: you need to indicate your stop clearly to the driver by pressing the stop buttons on the hand rails aboard the bus, when you wish to get off. You should also remember that Bus drivers will not stop automatically just because you are standing at a bus stop. When the bus you wish to board approaches the bus stop, you should stick your arm out to indicate that you wish the bus to stop. Please take care to not stick your arm out into oncoming traffic though.

Bus passes are valid for any bus and in any Zone.

• Single Fare (for a one-way journey) - £1.50 (or £ 0.80 with an Oyster Card)
• 1 Day - £3.50
• 7 Days - £14
• 1 month - £53.80
• 1 year - £560

Most bus routes in Central London now require you to buy a ticket before you board the bus (which can be avoided if you have an Oyster card). Ticket machines selling single fares and daily bus passes are located next to the main bus stops on these routes. You will need the exact money in coins as they do not give change or accept bank notes. A Saver is a book of 6 single bus tickets. Each ticket can be used for one journey which is cheaper than buying single bus tickets. You can get buy Saver bus tickets at most newsagents in London.

All children under 16 plus 16-17 year olds living in London and in full-time education can travel free on buses. They will need to apply for a photo card.

Railway Network

Not many people use mainline trains within the centre of London. If you live outside or on the outskirts of London, you may wish to consider using the overground trains. The main National Rail stations closest to the centre of London are Paddington and Victoria stations servicing the West and South West of the city, King's Cross and Euston servicing the North, and North East, Waterloo servicing the South and London Bridge and Liverpool Street servicing the South East and East. Most of the main stations have connections within the stations with the underground and you can use your Oyster or travel card.

London has direct rail services to all major U.K. cities and thiscan be the quickest way to get around the UK,a lthough not necessarily the cheapest. The Eurostar currently departs from the Kings Cross St. Pancras high-speed rail link to Paris and Brussels, and onwards through those cities to the entire European rail network.

London's Taxis

Also known as the London Black Cab or Licensed Taxi, the London Taxi is an icon of London. Every driver is required to undergo a rigorous test of his/her knowledge of London which can take many years of study. Each individual's character is tested and checks are made regarding any criminal records. There are approximately 25,000 licensed taxi drivers in the Greater London area. Taxi licensing provides and maintains a safe, reliable and readily available service for the public and fare paying passengers in London. First Migration would always recommend that you consider using a Black Cab in London over choosing an unlicensed Mini Cab at the side of road. It may be more expensive but you cannot put a price on your safety.

A Black Cab can accommodate between 4-5 people. If the yellow sign at the front is illuminated, the cab is available for hire. The minimum charge is £2.20 and UK residents normally tip taxi drivers 10 per cent if they have been exceptionally funny or ensured you have arrived at your destination quickly. Be aware you have every right to tell the taxi driver about the route you want to take but you should always do this before the journey otherwise you may be taken the longer route.

Mini Cab

Mini cabs are unregistered, freelance competitors of the Black Cabs (in London only). Minicab companies can offer a cheaper alternative to the black cab on longer trips. You should note that if you live anywhere else in the UK, you will also have to use a Mini Cab as Black Cabs only operate in the city of London. Whilst their fares are generally reasonable, the cars are unmetered, so it’s best to confirm the price and consider negotiating the price when booking the taxi.

Mini cabs cannot legally be hailed on the street – they must be hired by phone or pre-booked through a mini cab office.

Unlicensed minicabs are illegal. You may be approached by unlicensed minicab drivers seeking passengers when on a night out, this should be avoided unless it is absolutely necessary. There have been a number of allegations of assault made against unlicensed cab drivers in recent years.

Renting a Car

Before you plan your detailed travel itinerary, check in with a number of car rental agencies to see if you are able to rent a car for a period of time that suits you and see which company offers the most reasonable price. Some agencies operate a strict age policy in which those under the age 25 are not able to rent cars at all. Depending on where you travel, a car rental agency may ask to see not just your driver's licence but an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well.

There are so many different agencies around the UK offering different prices and different cars varying in suitability for your needs. So before you make any decision, search for the best deal and price.