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What are transportation options and challenges in London, England?

80 local experts
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Are there taxis in London? What about scooters? What are the public transportation options? Here's what 80 local experts had to say about transportation methods in London, England.

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Moving to London, UK, offers an incredible blend of history, culture, and modernity. Newcomers should embrace the city’s vast public transport network, an essential for navigating its diverse neighborhoods. London’s weather can be unpredictable, so carrying an umbrella is wise. Lastly, immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural tapestry, from world-class museums and historical landmarks to its vibrant food scene and parks – there’s always something new to explore in every corner!

Arvinder, says: 2023

Moving to London offers an exhilarating blend of historical grandeur and modern vibrancy. Newcomers should embrace the city’s diversity, from exploring its myriad of museums and galleries to enjoying its global culinary scene. Remember, the weather can be unpredictable, so always carry an umbrella! Most importantly, London’s extensive public transport system is your key to unlocking all its hidden gems.

Clementine, says: 2023

London is a amazing city but… Very expensive to live in. Renting a 2 bed flat in Great London is around £1.4K. Public transport is excellent but also expensive except the bus that you can travel with unlimited for 1 hour with the fee of £1.30. But trains and the underground are expensive. Food wise is also expensive, be prepare to eat day in day out at McDonald’s, KFC, Subway…

Excellent transportation system with buses, trains, an underground, minicabs and Black Cabs a plenty. There are lots of great historical sites to see and beautiful parks to relax in. It is truly a cosmopolitan city and the benefits are great such as excellent food and stunning architecture. On the negative side the cost of living is astronomical, housing can consume more than half a salary. There is also some degree of safety issues as knife crime is a persistent issue.

London is a very big city with masses of tourist attractions. Try and avoid peak tourist season in July and August and go later in September or early spring before Easter. If you are planning on visiting a lot of attractions, try the London Pass which gets you into many places for the price of two places. Use the underground transport and get a tourist Oyster card to travel around, or just walk or bike, especially along the Southbank when the weather is nice. London is small so very walkable.

The city of London is littered with hidden gems, from east to west. Which ever suburb you decide to make your new home, you are guaranteed to find pubs, cafes and parks to spend your spare time in. Always ensure you are close to a train station as it is a city of public transport, and nobody likes walking in the rain!

Christine, says: 2020

Although London is a welcoming city, it can be a confusing place to navigate for the first-time visitor. It is home to the oldest metro system in the world, with a labyrinthine network of subterranean train tracks that can be mystifying at first glance. Londoners are quick to offer help to those who as for it, but are famously impatient during the commute; a prospective new resident should come prepared to throw themselves into the hustle and bustle.

If you move to London, you should know how to navigate the tube system. Specifically, you should purchase an Oyster card to save money on tube tickets. Most importantly, you should be comfortable with the busy and lively atmosphere of the city. There is always something new to do and see.

London is an extremely expensive place to live. Sadly, rent and public transportation are very high, not many people can afford to live in such place but the worst part is that the national minimum wage hardly covers your basics to survive. The sky is always grey and it rains throughout most part of the year. However, if they are looking for diversity and safety, London is the place to be.

London is, without doubt, one of the greatest cities in the world! Despite having occasionally questionable weather, unreliable transport and housing and living prices that have skyrocketed in recent years, the city’s atmosphere is second to none. Culture abounds, with museums, galleries and national landmarks on each corner. Each borough is its own completely unique melting pot, comprised of people from all around the globe. Their cultures and languages merge to create the most beautiful, intricate tapestry of diversity. Everyone is welcome – London is a city for all.

Sabina, says: 2020

People considering moving to London should know that the concept of “downtown” doesn’t exist here. Despite it being an enormous, sprawling city, it’s actually a collection of little villages. Every neighbourhood has its own distinct culture, from the twee, almost rural feeling of Hampstead in the north, to the gritty yet gentrifying flavour of Peckham in the south. Yet each neighbourhood shares a common element: the number 11 bus. Its circuitous route travels through every street in London.

The bus system is impeccable. They should know that London is the capital of England and, they should also know that summer tends to be extreme. It is also quite cold during winter, and they should properly arm themselves with comfortable clothes for warmth.

If someone moves to London, I would advise them to research what town to live in, as housing costs differ in each area. They should also check what the crime rates are for the town they want to move to, since this also changes from town to town. Wherever they decide to go, they will always be able to get around easily, due to the availability of the public transport.

Bonita, says: 2020

Someone moving to London should know it is full of hidden gems: restaurants, pubs, bars and beautiful parks. You just need to make the effort to find them; preferably by using the underground. I recommend dining in Chelsea, drinking is Soho and exploring Hampstead Heath.

My city is significantly larger than people assume. It can take 2-3 hours to travel from one side to another by public transport. I would highly recommend planning your day before arrival and being realistic in the number of attractions you want to visit during your stay. I love the West End and Southbank.

Jeremy, says: 2020

Apply for an Oyster Card for use on public transport, especially on the London Underground. The zones 1-5 are the most commonly used zones, particularly at rush hour. Be careful of going down the stairs in stations when it has rained as the step are wet, and sometimes muddy. Therefore signs are placed at the platform and at the top of the stairs.

Stephanie, says: 2020

Commuting by bicycle is twice as quick as travelling by bus. That the tube isn’t quite as quick as you think it’s going to be, and that the train is rarely direct when your really need it to be. The travel zones are concentric and some stations are on the boundary between two zones; that may save you money!

Eleanor, says: 2020

In London, one must be aware of the hustle and bustle that is peak times. Tubes that enable us to travel into the city are packed to the brim at certain times. You need to watch your possessions! Inner London can’t be driven into without having to pay something called congestion charge so, my best advice would be to invest in an Oyster card it will help you get onto public transport and if you’re a student you get discount!

In moving to London, one must be prepared to for the tube transport system. During peak times Commuters will be packed like sardines into carriages. In light of this, it is strongly recommended that tourists and visitors travel outside of these hours. To support this idea, the cost of tube travel is reduced for those able to travel after 9:30 am.

Loretta, says: 2020

While London is characterised as being inhospitable, residents are always willing to offer help when asked. You will always find something to do despite this year’s unusual circumstances, but be prepared to book museum and gallery tickets in advance. Be careful to find a reputable landlord, preferably through an agency. Most residential areas have good public transport. Avoid getting fooled by the tube maps – anything within zone one is walkable!

Someone moving to London should know the underground tubes are very busy during rush hour. Rush hour in the morning is usually between 7am and 9:30am. Rush hour in the evening is between 4:30 pm and 6:30pm. This may vary during the school holidays. I would always recommend avoiding rush hour wherever possible as the tubes can be very hot, particularly in summer. London is littered with Boris bikes, an initiative started by Boris Johnson when he was the Mayor of London. These are inexpensive to hire and are good for the environment.

London is an amazing city; full of activities, full of energy. It is a multiculturally diverse city which attracts many for business, to study, and to explore. The transport system is great here, easily getting you from one place to another. Although living in London is expensive, it does have good jobs, and overall a lovely city.

Someone moving to London should know the high cost of public transport and residential accommodation, although decentralized living is more affordable. Commuting times are a part of London living as the majority of middle income earners have to live in zones four – six or even further, but fortunately transport links are good.

Ambali, says: 2020

London is a very dynamic city. The cosmopolitan has its diversity which includes people from all cultures around the world. Traffic in London is hectic especially during rush hour. The city is also the largest city in the United Kingdom and the capital of England. It’s also a financial power house in Europe.

Anybody moving to London should know it is one of the most expensive cities in the world to rent or buy property in, although certain areas are notably more expensive than others. It is also important to note that, as it is such a colossal city, there is much more to London than the city centre that people so often see on postcards and in the movies. You could find yourself, for example, living in Camden, studying or working near London Bridge and visiting friends in Greenwich, so you would need to quickly familiarise yourself with public transport if you do decide to make the move. Fortunately, London does have one of the best subway systems in the world (and also the oldest!); however, it is also incredibly expensive to use, so it is vital to factor in the cost of commuting before committing to living in a particular location.

If someone was considering relocating to Central London, I would advise them to be aware that house and rent prices within the M25 motorway can be relatively expensive. London is an expensive place, even when compared to other cosmopolitan cities. Despite the cost of living here, London has excellent transport and a vivid nightlife.

London is a great city, with some famous historical landmarks. The transport system is first class and there is a great choice of bars, restaurants and theatres. However, property prices are expensive so many people are forced to rent, so this an important factor to consider before making a decision to move to London.

Angela, says: 2020

London is a beautiful city, however we are one of the most expensive cities You can hire a bike for one hour at a time for a small fee, this is a great way to stay active and avoid the local traffic. Although considered expensive, London does have some amazing low budget attractions that may also be free of expenses.

Kathrin, says: 2020

London is a bustling metropolis meaning that anyone moving here must be prepared to deal with 100s of grumpy faces daily. Additionally, the size of the city means the vast majority of its residents use overcrowded public transport daily to get to and from work and school. This also adds to the already very high cost of living.

Louise, says: 2020

If moving to London, know the high levels of pollution and severe lack of personal space you will experience when travelling via the London Underground. It is however an incredibly efficient transport network and delays rarely occur considering the volume of passengers making use of it each day.

Marianna, says: 2020

London is the largest city in the UK. With extensive transport links across the capital, which include buses, an underground and overground system which one can pay for using an Oyster Card. This card can be purchased at any manned underground station and immediately credit can be added. There is also a biking system that can be used which currently sponsored by Santander and free for rides under 15 minutes. Great for those summer when temperatures are high as many London buses and underground have little to no air conditioning.

Daniela, says: 2020

There is a lot of traffic especially during rush hour and once you reach crowded areas such as oxford street, Piccadilly and Leicester Square. Transport is not free for those above the age of 18. London is a big city and therefore knowing your way around is very essential and be aware of your surroundings to not get lost.

Sharon, says: 2020

London is an expensive place in which. It is however an exciting place with lots of cultural experiences on offer and excellent transport links within the city. I particularly recommend a trip to north London to watch arsenal play their finest brand of football or a night out in Shoreditch.

The most important thing to learn upon moving to London is how to navigate the tube. Be aware that it is initially confusing, however the benefits of this knowledge will serve you for a lifetime. When moving to London it is also important to be aware of the tourist locations. Not to visit them; but to avoid them. Nothing will hurt your wallet more than London tourism.

I would advise studying the various modes of transport, the costs that are entitled with these modes of transport, and the directions they go, due to these ways of transport being an important and an overly confusing aspect of London. the individual should immediately find a suitable place of residence that would fit their needs almost perfectly.

The City of London is beautiful. It is a place for for dreamers and achievers. The infrastructure is fantastic, with public transport being accessible to all. London is relatively safe. The people are friendly and helpful. For people who love the countryside, there are several parks and picnic sites available.

Arabella, says: 2020

A person moving to London should consider the following; high living costs, overcrowded public transport and vehicle pollution. However, access to world class museums, top quality restaurants and historic architecture results in the city being a desired place. A crucial step when looking to move to London would be to assess the distance and route between your home and workplace, as a long and laborious commute can affect your daily life.

London is a wonderful city to live and study in, but it isn’t easy on the wallet! The rent in London is astronomical, so it may be worth living further afield to reduce costs. I recommend living in Greater London, since it is an easy commute into the city.

Be ready to take a lot of public transport. Very stressful mornings in the Tube are to be expected with a lot of people crowding the stations. London is a very multicultural city, so you will get to meet a lot of different people and interact with a lot of different cultures. There is a lot to explore, as London is a very big and developed city.

Jacqueline, says: 2020

Be it the ever-changing nature of British weather, the tardiness of the TfL rail network, or the hustle and bustle that comes with being a globalised city; no two days in London are quite the same. Before any initial journeys across the city, it is essential to equip yourself with a map of the underground system. The stations are crowded and the winding passageways between platforms are dizzying even to the well-seasoned commuter. Beware of the Central Line around rush hour; being packed into one of those trains is an experience you’ll never forget.

Christina, says: 2020

London is still the most expensive city in England, so whether you are looking to rent or buy you must expect to pay more than elsewhere in the country. Public transport is very good with a complex network of bus and train connections. The routes are easy to navigate but passenger numbers can very high during peak hours. Unfortunately, the cost of public transport is higher than in many other major cities.

Avdeep, says: 2020

Insofar as they wish to use public transportation, namely the Tube network, they should purchase an Oyster card. These may be purchased at many local newsagents, shops, or from many of the Tube stations themselves. Alternatively, one may simply utilise one’s contactless credit or debit card, or one’s mobile phone if they have credit cards stored digitally (e.g., Apple Pay).

Someone moving to London should know you would require an Oyster card to be able to use the public transport. The Oyster card can be used on both underground trains and buses for small fares. Additionally, people moving in should know the weather is pretty unpredictable, so you need to be prepared for anything on a given day.

London is a with an energy like no other; anyone moving to London should note the following things. One, swap your driver’s license for an oyster card. The best way to really get a feel for what this city is about is to immerse yourself in commuter culture. The spider’s web of a train system is an adventure to navigate but also home to history and British culture. From encountering Sherlock Holmes at Baker Street to stepping onto Platform nine 3/4 at Kings Cross, you can really get a feel for the city from its transport system.

Lindsey, says: 2020

London has many unspoken rules, with several of these practiced on the London Underground. One must always allow passengers to get off the train before boarding themselves and give priority to those less able to stand. When riding an escalator, the etiquette is to stand on the left-hand side or walk on the right.

Leslie, says: 2020

When moving to London, one must be aware that it is not as astounding as it is portrayed in movies. The cost of living is the most expensive in England, with many struggling to find housing; living with parents is the cheapest option. Although public transport is notably accessible, the cost of taking a train to Central London for work must be balanced with the wages earnt.

Caroline, says: 2020

London itself is the capital of the UK. A much as there are many opportunities for work, rent is high and it is easier to spread illness since there are so many people who live in London yet commute to work in London as well. The community where you decide to live may have people with different ethnic backgrounds so it is important to respect everyone you cross paths with.

Qumran, says: 2020

London has seemingly endless attractions, great restaurants and pubs, and abundant shopping. The hustle and bustle of the city is contagious. Also, public transportation is great. The prices are fairly reasonable for buses and the tube. Just remember that there is NO cash on buses!

Dhiren, says: 2020

When it comes to visiting London, know it is highly likely that it will rain at least once during your visit. However, this gives you the opportunity to pop into one of our beautiful museums, art galleries or pubs. You should also know that, whilst the tube is very efficient, it is possible to walk almost anywhere with the right footwear.

Matthew, says: 2020

When it comes to travelling around London, CityMapper is the best app to use for getting from place to place via whichever mode of transport you prefer. It gives clear and detailed routes showing how long each option will take. The app is a life-saver, particularly when unexpected road closures occur or when a tube line is experiencing severe delays, for instance.

Joseph, says: 2020

London is a vibrant melting pot of different cultures and eras, all cohabiting messily together. It is a large and sprawling city, not like New York, say, so using public transport to get around will be a necessity. However, travelling on the iconic London red buses and chatting to the very knowledgeable and friendly black cab drivers is all part of the charm, and you will see a lot more this way.

When moving to London, be aware of the reliance on public transport. The vast majority of people use the tube or the extensive bus network to get around the capital, for reasonable prices. They should also be aware of the untold social norms found on the transport network, however this should not cause concern with a variety of websites being dedicated to this topic and the ease to which they can be picked up from simply living in the city.

Anyone moving to London should keep in mind that the cost of living is very high compared to other cities in the UK. The apartments and houses to rent will be smaller than the rent you pay. London has an exceptional public transportation system consisting of Tubes, buses, and even cycles. Most of the places in London are easy to get to, thanks to the well connected public transportation.

Marianna, says: 2020

London is an amazing place, but it can be quite expensive. However, there are many activities and places to see. It is best to try to do these activities during the week, because weekends are busy all over. Public transportation can get very crowded, so make sure that you plan ahead to avoid being stuck in a jam!

There are several things a person should know when moving to London. The public transport system is overcrowded, unreliable, and very expensive. Accommodation is also costly unless you are willing to consider living in the suburbs. Nevertheless, London is home to some of the finest music, theatre and cuisine in the world.

London is a vibrant city and its population is made up of people from all over the world; in this cosmopolitan city one will never feel like an outsider because you only need to look around you to realise that not many people in London are actually from London. When moving to London, one should bare the following in mind: it rains frequently, and often, and the strong winds around London can render an umbrella useless; the centre of London is always busy; and public transport is an essential part of London living.

London is a big city, and full of varied opportunities. Someone moving to London should know the various transport options available. The bus network is one of the best in the world, as is the Tube (the train network otherwise known as the London Underground). With a knowledge of these transport systems, you’re free to roam the city at your leisure and discover all the great things London has to offer!

London is a very vibrant city. It has a comprehensive transport system and is a safe city to explore. London has a diverse cultural mix resulting in a fabulous range of restaurants, bars and cafes. It has been noted that one may sample food from almost every country of the world. It’s theatres, museums, galleries and parks are considered world class with a breathtaking range.

Most importantly, someone moving to London should know their way around the local train network. The London Underground is a vital service for most residents of London. They should also know that living in zones 2-4 of the network is more affordable than living in zone 1, with zones 5-8 being the cheapest areas.

Consider the location of transport services near their house. The closer the transport service, the more they will save on getting to and from their house as travelling is expensive in London. Also, remember to always carry an umbrella with yourself, it could rain any time regardless of what the weather forecast states.

Before moving to London, it is important to find somewhere to live that has good access to the public transport system. It is very expensive to maintain a car in the largest city in the UK, especially if the parking fees and congestion charges are included in the total. Besides, communal transport is much better for the environment.

London is a wonderful city: it is a cosmopolitan and happening place in which it is almost impossible to get bored. However, one of the biggest struggles I have noticed that new London residents have is managing the nebulous web that is the city’s transport system. Waging morning battles with fellow commuters as you fight your way along tube platforms that smell like too much caffeine and too little sleep will become part of your daily routine. If you really throw yourself into it, though, I think it acquires its own, chaotic charm.

London is a melting pot of different cultures, and is very diverse. London consists of many areas, each of which has its own distinct character, and we enjoy a rich and vibrant culture because of this. London is also a large city, interconnected by our expansive underground and overground rail system.

Caroline, says: 2020

It is important that a person moving to London is aware of how fast-paced the city is as a whole. They would also benefit from knowing that there is always a way of travelling from one town to the next, as London is known for having one of the best public transport services in the world.

Shikha, says: 2020

When moving to London, one must be aware of the sheer size of the city. In most cases, you will have to travel at least 30 minutes on public transport to reach your destination, unless it is in your borough. Explore the areas that reside outside of the centre, as it is within these spaces that you will find a deeper sense of community. Peckham, Greenwich and Deptford all reside south of the river yet differ greatly in feel and architecture. They also all have thriving food and drink cultures and lots of green spaces – something that is hard to come by in London.

Vehicle regulations in London mean that owning a car can be very expensive, so using the extensive public transport system is a good idea. London has a wide range of restaurants offering cuisine from all over the world. Heathrow, the UK’s major international airport, is one hour away from central London. Property prices in London tend to be quite high.

There are many opportunities when arriving at London. The second you arrive and leave any train station, you will find bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants. The culture is extremely eclectic so whatever your vibe is, you are sure to find it in London. One of my favourite places to go would be Oslo in Hackney. It has it all, beautiful food, amazing music and a great atmosphere.

London is full of people from all over the world. The streets are busy and the shops thriving. Central London has a charge for cars entering and leaving a specific zone. Covent Garden is a particularly lovely part of town, found in the West End, and is home to ‘Theatreland’.

If moving to London, be warned; it is rife with gang violence. There are many incidences of stabbings on record, but that does not represent the extent of the problem. It is also incredibly easy to be mugged, due to overcrowding. At rush hour, be wary of crowded train stations.

It is important to know London is very multicultural and diverse. Perhaps most importantly, be prepared for your journeys on the London Underground. Also, do not be surprised if your train is running late as this is a commonality of living in London. Last but not least, queuing up is something that is strictly followed by all Londoners.

Michael, says: 2020

London is a city of the United Kingdom. The weather is bleak: most days are rainy and wet, only punctuated by rare spells of sunshine. You can walk, travel by bus or take the underground. For a full experience, consider taking a ride with one of the famous black cabs. God save the Queen!

A person who decides to move to London should know it is a very expensive place if you do not have a well-paying job. That being said, it is also a city where there are plenty of opportunities for work, and an extensive list of things to experience, should you be in a financial position to do so. If it is your first time in the city, I recommend buying a ‘London big 5’ attraction ticket. This will allow you to ride the infamous double decker buses for 24 hours and tour the city in which you will be living in.

If you’re moving to London, I suggest you rent with some friends, as prices are extremely high. You should also know that if you’re going to live in London, public transport is how you’re going to get around from one place to another, whether that be by bus, tube or train.

Loretta, says: 2020

The city is very busy. However, there is a lot to do in the city. There are lots of vast open spaces where you can exercise and meet up with friends. the city is innovative. The city has new technology, such as contactless payment on public transport. I would recommend this city.

Although London appears busy and hectic, it is not difficult to navigate with the right tools in your arsenal. download Citymapper and your favorite navigation app for accurate destination times. While other apps might save you money, they are often less efficient or do not function offline; the Tube service does not have a consistent WiFi hotspot, and phone reception is equally patchy, so this last point is especially important.

Shakira, says: 2020

Chances are you’ve heard of the all-mighty Oyster Card; this rechargeable, pay-as-you-go travel card will open the doors of the London tube, Docklands Light Railway, and bus system to you. Buy it online or at any tube station. Public transport in London spans across six zones and is now rolling out a 24-hour service.

Mariam, says: 2020

London is a very hectic city and life here can be stressful. Rent and transportation services are particularly expensive. Streets and shops are busy at all times. The weather is horrible: it’s cloudy and cold most of the time and it rains nearly daily. That being said, it’s a dazzling city with many opportunities for creatives, entrepreneurs, and business professionals.

Samuel, says: 2020

London is a huge city, so you have to be prepared for crowded places. Trains and buses are usually very busy during peak times. However, there are many nice places where you can find good food from all over the world also the parks are a good place to spend your free time.

Jessica, says: 2020

London is fantastic for tourists. The culture is second to none. In particular, the Royal family and Underground tube network are very popular. Despite the variable weather, it is certainly one of the most idyllic cities to visit in the world. A ride on the famous red buses can pass every landmark from East to West.

One thing you should consider when moving to London you may ensure you are ready for the chaotic public transport! London is a place you would instantly fall in love with, there are many tourist attractions as-well as the most divine multicultural cuisines. My personal favourite cuisine is Japanese and I love sushi samba which is in the heart of central London!

Ambali, says: 2020
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