Sponsored Listings:
London’s transport system is a surprisingly efficient and accessible one, although it might seem expensive. When travelling in London, you can generally get from zone to zone with only having to change tubes or buses once, sometimes not at all. London Transport Services, also known as Transport for London (TFL) is responsible for the transport system in Greater London. It is responsible for the city’s network of principal road routes, various rail routes, buses and taxis, as well as for cycling provision and river services.
If you are visiting the capital city, the first thing to do is to find a centrally located place to stay. Cheap hotels Earls Court, such as Hotel Lily, which is a 3 star near Earls Court Exhibition Centre, are a good option because they are within easy reach of a variety of travel options, while also being close to many of the most popular tourist attractions.
4 Major Modes of Transportation in London
- The Tube
Most Londoners use the Tube and it can be stiflingly crowded at peak times, which is 8 am to 9.30 am and 5 pm to 6.30 pm. The London Underground or the Subway is known as the ‘Tube’ in London. It is a fast and convenient mode to transport. Stations are usually within walking distance of each other and are split into six zones, depending on the location. You can buy a Travelcard, which will give you unlimited travel within the zones you have purchased the card for, and can also be used on buses. The card is very handy when it starts to rain and you’re in between Tube stations!
- The New Double-Decker Buses
London’s iconic red Routemaster buses have been replaced by new double-decker buses, which are also red and link residential areas of London where the Tube tracks don’t go. There are, however, a few Routemasters still in service on heritage routes in Central London, aimed at tourists. Catching the bus is a great way of seeing London’s streets and getting your bearings of where stations, shops and sights are located. When regular bus services stop, the less frequent night buses take over.
- National Rail
This is the collective name for the train companies that operate Britain’s rail service. These trains can be excellent if you want a speedier option than the bus. Main National Rail stations closest to the centre of London are Paddington and Victoria, servicing the West and South West, 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 lines connect with the Underground and Travelcards can be used on them. If you want to travel from Gatwick Airport to budget hotels in Earls Court, take the train from Gatwick to Victoria Station.
- Black Cabs
The famously shaped taxis are a good way of getting around, given that the drivers know London like the back of their hands. Short trips in and around Central London using black cabs aren’t too expensive but it would be unwise and costly to use this as your main mode of transport.
One of the best ways to see London is to explore it on foot. Once you get settled in a 3 Star hotel near Earls Court Exhibition Centre, grab a map and plan your own route to see all that London has to offer.
The post Understanding Modes of Transportation in London appeared first on Pommie Travels.
Source: pommietravels.com