There are three main modes of public transport:

• Underground (tube)
• Bus
• Taxi cab

Underground
The Underground is very easy to use and its map is simplicity itself to understand. The map is diagrammatic and not related to actual distances above ground. Each Underground line is shown in a different colour, e.g. the Circle line is yellow, the District line is green, and although they overlap each other, especially in Central London, they do serve different areas. Underground stations in the centre of London are often just a few 100 feet apart making them easy to find and use.

You can buy saver Travelcards valid for one day or longer periods. London Underground is split into different zones, a bit like a target on a dartboard, so you can choose to have one that just allows you to travel in the central zone, or one that allows you to go further afield. Travelcards may also be used on buses. If you are planning to use publice transport, it is well worth looking at the Londonpass which saves you money on your fares as well as giving you entry into many popular attractions and discounts in some restaurants.

The Underground is supposed to have frequent trains, just minutes apart. However, it doesn't always work like that. It is unwise to travel in either the morning or evening rush hours if you don't need to. Travel after 9.30am or 10am and before 4.30pm or after 6.30pm. Often the last trains, especially on a Friday or Saturday evening, can be nearly as crowded as rush hour ones.

Buses
London's famous double decker buses are a good way to see the capital and a Travelcard means you can just jump on and off them (at bus stops) as you please. There is comprehensive coverage throughout the whole of Central London and you can take buses right to the edge of the city too.

Again, it is a bad idea to use them during the rush hour. Not only are they crowded but traffic is also extremely slow in Central London. Many streets have dedicated bus lanes, which ought to help the buses travel at reasonable speeds regardless, but inconsiderate drivers parking in them can bring the whole system to a halt.

Several companies offer special sightseeing tours on open top double decker buses and these can be good value. Not only do you see all the sights but you can usually get on and off the buses using an all day ticket (not the London Transport Travelcard) so you can visit any of the attractions or stop for lunch, and then resume your sightseeing tour.

Taxi Cabs
The black cab, another of London's world famous features, now comes in a multitude of colours but it is always the same boxy shape although the newest ones are a little more streamlined. To hail one, just stand on the edge of the pavement, look out for a cab with the orange 'For Hire' sign on top, then look hard at the driver and put your hand up in the air. With a bit of luck he or she will see you and draw up beside you. Tell the driver where you are going and then get in. The amount you are charged is shown clearly on the meter and you can see it increase as the journey progresses.

The advantage of a cab is that the drivers will endeavour to bypass traffic jams, and, if you are in a hurry and tell them so, they will do there best to get you to your destination on time. They also have to pass a very exacting examination, 'the knowledge', entailing knowing every street and important building in Central London. Most drivers take months, if not years, to pass it. Only when they have passed 'the knowledge' can they become licensed London taxi cab drivers. You will hardly ever have to give a licensed cab driver directions.

When the journey is finished, you have to get out and pay the driver through his side window, not from inside the cab. It is established practice to give the driver a tip, usually about 10 -15% of the fare. 

The drawback to cabs is that they can work out quite expensive. Within Central London you are going to have to pay around £5 for a relatively short journey in distance. The advantage of the taxi is that you arrive at your destination cool and calm and usually on time.

Car Rental
Because of traffic congestion and difficulty parking, a car is more of a handicap than a benefit in Central London. Where it is useful is if you want to visit any of the many historic and beautiful places within easy reach of the capital, for example Canterbury Cathedral or Windsor Castle. If you are planning to take some trips outside London, take a look at Auto Europe who give some good deals on car rental.

Conclusion
For regular trips around London it is probably most economical to use a combination of buses and the Underground. Buy a good street map and you may find that it is sometimes quicker and easier to walk. It may also be more enjoyable too because you will see things you would otherwise miss by cutting through shortcuts that a bus never takes. Although the traffic and the congestion in London can be bad, don't let it spoil your holiday, avoid peak travelling times and try taking the bus whenever you can't walk to your destination.

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Copyright © 2001 by Carol Fisher.