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Getting There

London's immense size means getting around may take awhile, but the city's excellent public transportation system ensures an easy trip that won't break the bank.

Getting Around
Tube
At any station, pick up a free tube map and buy a T.f.L. (Transport for London) Oyster. This pre-loaded card automatically calculates the cheapest fare. You must "touch in" and also out (fail that and you pay the maximum fare). Buy one ahead of time at tfl.gov.uk/oyster.

Bus
With an Oyster, bus journeys cost a flat rate, even if you're crossing the entire city (you "touch in" but not out). The top deck on the Routemaster buses, on Heritage Routes 9 and 15, is the best – and cheapest – tourist trail in town.

Taxi These are exorbitant and elusive, but also quite luxurious and reliable – drivers have "the Knowledge": the London street exam that's been the standard since 1851 and is said to be the most rigorous navigation test in the world; it often takes dozens of attempts to pass.