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Thank you so much for a totally enjoyable tour. Paul was pleasant, knowledgeable, and was able to answer every question we asked. Thank you so much for a delightful morning tour.

While I don’t post online, I do want to share that Paul provided a wonderful evening tour of London for us. We acquired so much interesting information about London. Paul’s pleasant personality provided warmth on a cold January evening. This memorable night tour is one of the highlights of our London visit. Thank you for assisting us by allowing to book on such short notice.

We found our week stay in London to be a wonderful experience, not only from a historical standpoint but from meeting the people of London who are kind, helpful, and friendly.

The tour was fantastic. We all had a really enjoyable time. I felt at times I was in another city as it was unrecognisable in parts. Paul was a brilliant driver, knowledgable and chatty . I would also like to thank you for your quick response to my emails and help in arranging this memorable trip.

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Time Travel Through The Decades In A Day With These London Experiences

Take a trip through history in the course of a day in London, no DeLoreans required – though we do know where you can find one should the need arise...

Chloe Byrne

Ok, so teleportation and time travel aren’t a thing yet, but thanks to London’s rich history you can be transported back through the decades by visiting a variety of frozen-in-time places that will feel as if you’ve taken a trip in the Tardis. After all, if Marty McFly could do it back in the 80s , why not now, so many years later? Whether you’re a history buff, regularly daydream of time travel or are simply after a different way to spend your weekend, these time-warping spots in London will make for a memorable day out.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Ritz London (@theritzlondon)

We’re kicking things off in the 1900s with The Ritz . The prestigious hotel opened in 1906 and was dressed to the nines with lashings of era-appropriate frills and finery (think glittering chandeliers and red velvet drapes) to achieve its aim of becoming the most luxurious hotel in the land. The vestiges of the decade are still present in its interiors now, though all with a modern twist of course. If you’re looking to really splash out in style you could book a room and wake up in the 1900s, or if it’s more of a rare treat yourself kind of day we hear the afternoon tea is pretty legendary .

If the price tag of indulging at The Ritz isn’t your cup of tea then you can always go for a bit of window shopping or a browse in Selfridges . The department store opened in 1909 and although inside it’s all pretty modern nowadays, you can still put yourself in the Edwardian shoes of the first customers who strolled through the doors.

St James' Park

Fancy a spot of fresh air? Why not take a stroll around St. James Park to stretch your legs and do a bit of Pelican spotting while you’re there? The park itself has been around since the 1880s but your true time-travelling destination is the final stop at the Admiralty Arch . The ceremonial gateway was completed in 1912 and is a landmark piece of Edwardian architecture built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s death. If you’re a fan of its location and historic past then you might be pleased to learn that it is rumoured to become a Waldorf Astoria hotel in late 2023.

Of course, that wasn’t the only thing happening in the 1910s, with the deadly conflict of World War I dominating the decade from 1914 to 1918. To pay your respects and gain a better understanding of the events you can visit the Imperial War Museum to study photographs, weapons, uniforms and more. Or, if reflection is what you’re after, retreat to the sanctuary of Kew Gardens to see the Japanese Gateway , which was gifted to Kew after the Japanese-British exhibition of 1910 in London.

The Candlelight Club

When you think of the early roaring twenties you think of flappers, feathers and glittering Gatsby-style revelry. It was a time of post-war prosperity, with jazz-fuelled celebrations and women feeling empowered after winning the right to vote. Now, The Candlelight Club brings the 1920s to life once more, transforming secret locations across London into pop-up prohibition-era speakeasies for one unforgettable night. The delectably mysterious party promises a transporting night of live jazz bands, cocktails, dining options and cabaret performances . You’ll want to snap up tickets to the elusive affair and be sure to doll yourself up accordingly – start digging in your cupboards for a velvet tux, pearl necklace or feather boa.

On the other hand, you don’t have to limit your travels to London. Why not hop aboard the infamous Orient Express ? With its stunning restored 1920s dining cars , you can embark on an old-world adventure, among sumptuous Art Deco surroundings, to locations such as Vienna , Prague and Budapest . We also hear that the French Alps will be added to the list later this year. If you’re lucky, you won’t get caught up in a twisted tale of murder a la Agatha Christie, though it could be worth it to lay eyes on Poirot’s magnificent moustache.

The Art Deco exterior of Eltham Palace of South East London in Greenwich

Found in Greenwich , Eltham Palace is a piece of frozen-in-time history from the 1930s that makes for a great day out. The architectural gem has a storied past as a mediaeval palace and Tudor residence, but it was in the 30s that it was transformed into an Art Deco mansion by eccentric millionaires The Courtaulds. Inside you’ll find a mix of eras but to get your 1930s fix you best check out the striking circular entrance hall, the bold geometric features of the dining room and the golden bathroom, complete with a statue of the ‘goddess of the soul’, Psyche.

There’s also a wartime basement bunker and, of course, the central-heated sleeping quarters of their beloved pet lemur – doesn’t everyone have one of those?… When all this time travel gets you peckish you can wing by the on-site cafe and then walk it off in the manicured 19-acre gardens .

New Cahoots

Next up, in a blur of polka dots, rations and black-market liquor is the 1940s. For a true forties knees up, head on over to Cahoots . The 1940s-themed cocktail bar promises to whisk you away to old-school Soho with a speakeasy located inside an abandoned train station . There you can sip on aptly-named cocktails such as the Winston Churchill – a concoction of gin, cherry liqueur and guava – or the Sip For Victory – vodka and woodland liqueur topped with a grapefruit and basil soda. Scoundrels will be right at home learning the tricks of the bootlegging trade with an escape room-style cocktail adventure or you can simply sit back and listen to the swinging melodies of live music.

In the early years, with the conflict of World War II, it would come as no surprise that many people, servicemen and locals alike would probably be in dire need of a drink. This is where The Duke would come in. Situated near Russell Street station , the historic wartime pub is like strolling through a wormhole into the 40s, complete with understated Art Deco windows, wooden furnishings and salmon-pink walls. Head on over for a pint of bitter and a ploughman’s lunch.

Rivoli Ballroom Vintage

Why restrict your time travelling to England? You can get a boozy taste of Hong Kong in the Fifties when you pull up a seat at Lucy Wong . The glamorous cocktail bar is a tribute to the 1957 Richard Mason novel ‘The World of Suzie Wong’, decked out with timeless decor inspired by Chinese design and serving up signature cocktails with an Asian twist. Tuck into a delicious dim sum or devour a Cantonese roast duck before heading to the dancefloor to bust a move to live music that reflects the era.

If dancing is what you’re after then the Rivoli Ballroom will be right up your street. Loving restored to maintain its 50s’ Art Deco grandeur, the ballroom holds numerous events, from Northern Soul nights to cinema nights with all the classic flicks – how many times can you say you’ve watched Pulp Fiction under crystal chandeliers, surrounded by ruby red walls and gilded detailing?

Carnaby street in the daytime

What better way to take it back to the 60s than the birthplace of Swinging London: Carnaby Street . While the infamous street has a storied history right back to the 1600s, it was in the sixties that it thrived. It would be a regular haunt of major music stars such as Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Kinks and The Rolling Stones as well as style icons like Elizabeth Taylor . They would often frequent the vibrant stretch to shop or, in the case of Tom Jones, to promote a new boutique by walking down the street with Casino Royale. actress Christine Spooner and a cheetah.

One way to be transported to the technicolour decade is, well, by bus. Climb aboard the psychedelic 60s Bus to discover the sights, sounds and Sixties staples of London. You’ll not only visit sites which helped launch the careers of rockstars and fashion icons but you’ll get to listen to all the timeless hits from the decade along the way. Groovy, baby.

Bandra Bhai

Dig out your record players, disco flares and dancing shoes, the Seventies are here. There are a couple of places that can transport you back to this time; one to glittering Hollywood and the other to the old smuggling dens of India. The first is Sweeties , The Standard’s glitzy and glamorous cocktail bar which oozes slick 70s vibes with velvet sofas, mirrored tables and reportedly even an antique phallic sculpture. Sounds…intriguing. There, you can sip bespoke mood-boosting cocktails (ever tried adaptogenic mushrooms?) and gaze out at views of St. Pancras .

The second is Bandra Bhai , secreted away beneath a staircase at the back of the Pali Hill restaurant in Fitzrovia . Inside, you’ll find a moodily-lit den decked out with vintage fringed lampshades, lashings of animal print upholstery and retro trinkets. The delicious cocktails are infused with Indian flavours , like a vodka martini with a dash of cassia bark, samphire and sage spice.

Of course, if you’ve had your fill of cocktails for the time being you might prefer some more literary pursuits. Namely, Gay’s The Word bookshop , a London institution that opened in 1979 that was at the heart of the LGBT+ community and where Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners held their initial meetings (as brought to life in the brilliant film Pride ). Head over to peruse their carefully curated and extensive collection of books that span, as they say; “ from the profound to the frivolous, from the liberating to the indulgent “.

Marty McFly's futuristic jacket in a glass case next a screen showing a clip from the Back To The Future films

Now onto the totally tubular 80s, the birthplace of Back To The Future , acid-wash jeans, MTV and the shudder-worthy spandex. With that in mind, why not head over to the Back In Time Exhibition in Camden ? It is full of memorabilia from the films, including costumes , sketches, scripts scrawled with notes, behind-the-scenes footage and even an impressive DeLorean replica which you can clamber inside to channel your inner Marty McFly – a true 80s icon with his epic puffer vest and double-denim outfit. It is the perfect place to throw it back to 1985 and maybe even get some time-travelling tips while you’re there.

The 1980s was a peak era for music , after all this was when the public’s ears were blessed with timeless hits such as ‘ Girls Just Wanna Have Fun ’, ‘ Thriller ’ and  ‘ Another One Bites The Dust ’ (the list could go on and on). So I wouldn’t blame you if this is your chosen decade for karaoke go-tos. One place you won’t have to wait for the mic to sing your heart out is Massaoke: 80s Live , unfolding in the Electric Ballroom on May 12 . There you can indulge in a euphoric sing-a-long with a live band and a setlist of hairbrush anthems.

travel through time taxi london

The last decade of the 1900s feels like just yesterday for some and a world away for others (ahem Gen Z’s) and there’s no denying it gave us some gems. Pull on your bomber jacket and slip your Spice Girls CD into your Discman to head on over to Four Quarters , a retro bar with a 90s feel crammed with arcade games . You’ll be able to indulge in childhood nostalgia button bashing The Simpsons and getting behind the wheel with Crazy Taxi , all fuelled by game-inspired cocktails (Yoshi Sour anyone?) and drool-worthy pizza . They can be found in both Hackney Wick and Peckham .

Plus, as with the 80s, the 90s brought some unforgettable earworms into existence which have the power to get everyone singing along. If you can’t quite remember the lyrics to 80s hits but have ‘ Wonderwall’ down pat then Massaoke: 90s Live may be just the ticket. Taking place on March 24 , you’ll be belting out Nirvana, Britney, Blur and more from start to finish.

People enjoying music at the bottomless brunch at the London Cocktail Club

Now it’s time for a new century. The noughties may feel relatively fresh in our memory but a rewind back to the decade will have us remembering when the iPod first launched, Harry Potter was brought to cinematic life and Beyonce and Jay-Z graced the soundwaves with ‘ Crazy In Love ’. You can toast to all things the 2000s at The Cocktail Club in Canary Wharf, where, on various Saturdays throughout the year they host a 00s Bottomless Brunch . In between taking advantage of the 90 minutes of free-flowing booze and tucking into a pizza, you can enjoy games , iconic noughties music and lip-syncing performances from your fabulous drag host .

Or, if you’re in need of a bit of magic, why not sprinkle some floo powder into the fireplace to be transported into the wizarding world at the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford ? Strolling down Diagon Alley, pondering over potions and exploring the shadowy wilderness of the Forbidden Forest will no doubt take you back to when you first saw the film on the big screen in 2001.

Two women sat with cans of camden chilly cold ipa

I’ve got to admit, not much immediately springs to mind when you think about the 2010s but one thing that did seem to grip the nation was a sudden thirst for craft beer. Right on cue, Camden Town Brewery opened its doors in 2010 and the rest is hop story (sorry). Whether you’re a fan who wants to see where your drink of choice is made or simply want to know what all the craft beer fuss is about, the brewery tour might do the trick. Finish it off with a refreshing golden pint in the beer hall.

It was also at this time that immersive experiences came onto the entertainment scene and people have been hooked ever since. London has no shortage of these, so you can easily while away the hours untangling the intriguing web of a murder mystery , exploring the world of Peaky Blinders or losing yourself in the impasto brushstrokes of Van Gogh’s masterpieces .

Back view of tourists looking over London city skyline from Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath

No time-travelling is necessary, just take a look at our site to see the latest things to do and fascinating places to visit in London.

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London Taxi: The Iconic Black Cab’s Journey Through Time

travel through time taxi london

The streets of London are marked with many iconic symbols – from the majestic Big Ben to the red telephone booths. Yet, none have evolved with London’s bustling life as intimately as the famous London Taxi, popularly known as the Black Cab. Here’s a deep dive into the journey of this cultural emblem and its significance in the history and life of London.

A Brief History

  • Origins in the 17th Century: The genesis of the London Taxi can be traced back to the 1600s with horse-drawn hackney carriages. They were the first public conveyances for hire and were strictly regulated to ensure safety and fairness in fares.
  • The Birth of the Motor Cab: Fast forward to the early 20th century, and we saw the introduction of motor cabs. The Bersey electric cab made its appearance in 1897 and was London’s first self-propelled taxi.
  • The Classic Black Cab: The 1950s witnessed the launch of the Austin FX3, which became the classic design for the Black Cab we recognize today. The car was intentionally painted black, creating a uniform, distinctive look.

Features that Set Them Apart

  • The 25-foot Turning Circle: An interesting specification of the London Taxi is its 25-foot turning circle. This feature was originally designed to accommodate the small roundabout at the Savoy Hotel, ensuring the cab could easily navigate and turn.
  • Accessibility: London Taxis have always been at the forefront of accessibility. Modern black cabs are designed to accommodate wheelchair users and offer features that cater to passengers with diverse needs.
  • Training & The Knowledge: To become a black cab driver, one needs to pass the challenging test known as “The Knowledge”. This test ensures that drivers have an in-depth understanding of London’s streets, landmarks, and routes.

Modern Evolution

  • Greening the Fleet: With growing environmental concerns, there has been a push to make the London Taxi fleet greener. Many cabs are now electric or hybrid, aiming to reduce emissions and make London’s air cleaner.
  • Digital Revolution: Modern technology hasn’t left the Black Cab untouched. Now, many taxis come equipped with digital payment systems, GPS, and apps that allow passengers to hail a cab with their smartphones.

Cultural Significance

The Black Cab has made numerous appearances in literature, movies, and television, cementing its status as an emblem of London’s culture. From the streets of Baker Street with Sherlock Holmes to modern films like Children of Men, the London Taxi is an ever-present figure.

The London Taxi, with its rich history and iconic design, remains a constant in the ever-evolving landscape of London. It’s more than just a mode of transport; it’s a testament to the city’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to serving its denizens and the millions who visit its shores.

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London Black Cabs: Hailing Taxis & Journey Fare Calculator

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How much is a black cab fare in London?

Black cab fares in London are based on how long the journey takes rather than the distance travelled, so the same journey can have different prices depending on the traffic.

The price is always 10% higher late at night (8 PM to 10 PM, Mon-Fri) and during the weekend (5 AM to 10 PM, Sat-Sun), and 20% higher in the early hours of the morning (10 PM to 5 AM, Mon-Sun). The highest price shown in the table includes the 20%.

These are the typical fares to/from London’s airports. An extra few pounds is usually added to the meter before your journey begins to cover the driver’s parking costs.

Note: If you pre-book the cab over the phone then you’ll have to pay another £2 on top. (Note: the booking fee differs between taxi companies, so you should always ask when you book it.)

Journeys that start from a taxi rank at Heathrow airport will have an extra £3.60 added on top. And they charge an extra £5.20 to drop off passengers at any of the terminals.

You’ll also have to pay an extra £4 over the Christmas and New Year holidays (8 PM on 24th to 6 AM on 27th Dec, and 8 PM on 31st to 6 AM on 2nd Jan).

What are the benefits of getting a black taxi?

  • You can usually hail a black taxi in the street if you’re close to a train station or tourist hotspot in zone 1, whereas minicabs are banned by law from picking up passengers in the street
  • Because you only have to pay for one cab between all of you, if you’re travelling in a group of three or more than it might be the cheapest way to travel
  • Taxi cab drivers have to pass one of the toughest training regimes around that takes them three years to complete, giving them an encyclopaedic knowledge of London’s streets
  • You can fit up to five people in a black taxi, whereas a lot of minicabs use normal cars which only fit four
  • Black taxis are allowed to travel in the bus lanes whereas minicabs are not, so they might be able to skip a bit of the traffic
  • All black cabs use the same fare system, and unlike some minicab companies they never hike up their prices during a strike or busy period

What are the downsides of getting a black taxi?

  • Black taxis have a minimum fare of £3.80, which is more than double the price of a bus ticket and nearly 50% higher than the cost of an Oyster tube fare
  • Black taxis charge by the time taken rather than distance travelled, so if you get stuck in the traffic the price will continue to go up
  • Black taxis are often more expensive than minicabs (sometimes by quite a lot)

What is the minimum fare for a black taxi?

The minimum fare in a black taxi cab is £3.80, which will appear on the meter before your journey begins.

Do London taxis accept credit cards?

Yes. London taxis accept payment by cash, debit card or credit card. No surcharges are added on top for contactless card payments.

Do taxi drivers expect a tip?

Taxi drivers are not entitled to a tip, but it is customary to give them 10% of the fare. In practice most people will just round up to the nearest pound, or the nearest £5 or £10, so the driver doesn’t have to root around for change.

Can you haggle with London taxi drivers?

You cannot haggle with taxi drivers. You always have to pay the fare showing on the meter at the end of your journey.

The only exception is when your taxi journey takes you outside central London, in which case a black cab driver might be prepared to agree a fee with you before the journey begins – but he is under no obligation to. If you want the certainty of a fixed fare then you really should be using a minicab.

How many passengers can a black taxi carry?

A black taxi can carry five people – three on the forward-facing sofa seat, and two more on the fold-down jump seats.

But remember that you have to squeeze all of your luggage inside the exact same space (taxis don’t have a boot), so if you’re travelling with some bulky bags then you might struggle to fold down one of the seats. For safety reasons the driver will not allow you to sit on one of your bags.

Are black taxis wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All modern black taxis are wheelchair accessible. The driver can place a ramp between the street and the floor of the vehicle, allowing you to ride up and park your wheelchair inside. You don’t even have to get out of the chair if you don’t want to, and it can be securely fastened into place with seat belts.

Most taxis also come equipped with the following accessibility aids: a swivel seat, seat sight patches, intermediate step, large coloured grab handles, plus an intercom and induction loop.

They also carry assistance dogs at no extra charge.

Can you hail a black taxi in the street?

Yes, you can always hail a black taxi in the street, but the easiest places to pick them up are from taxi-ranks outside the airports, popular tourist spots, and big mainline train stations like Charing Cross , Euston , King’s Cross , Liverpool Street , Marylebone , Paddington , Victoria and Waterloo .

Underground stations do not usually have taxi ranks, but if you hang around for a few minutes then you can usually flag one down in the street (there are over 20,000 of them driving around London, so you never have to wait long). Just stand in a place where it’s safe for the cab driver to stop and stick your arm out into the road when you see it coming. If its orange ‘Taxi’ sign is lit then it should be available for hire. If the light is out then it probably already has a passenger.

Note: It is quite common for taxis to drive around at night with their light switched off. This is so the drivers can pick and choose their passengers and avoid the ones that look like trouble (ie. drunks). So if you see one with its light out at night then it might still be worth sticking your arm out – just don’t be surprised if it drives straight past.

Can a London taxi refuse to take me?

A black cab driver is obliged to accept any journey of up to twelve miles, or within one hour’s driving time, provided it’s within the Greater London area. They should also accept a journey of up to twenty miles if it begins at Heathrow Airport.

The exception is when you’re drunk or misbehaving.

Can you pre-book a black taxi?

You can pre-book a black taxi over the phone and have it meet you at a particular time. TFL provides some telephone numbers and web addresses for reputable cab companies on their website: tfl.gov.uk/modes/taxis-and-minicabs/ .

Be aware that pre-booking a taxi will add some money onto the meter before you start. This might be a fixed fee of a couple of pounds, or it might depend on how far the driver had to travel to meet you. You should always ask the phone controller how much extra they charge when you book it.

If you want to pre-book a minicab online then try using TFL’s online form: https://tfl.gov.uk/forms/ . You can also download their ‘Cabwise’ app from iTunes and the Google Play store. Most pubs and restaurants will happily recommend a few trusted companies as well.

What’s the difference between a black taxi and a minicab?

There are five main differences between a black taxi and a minicab:

1) The first difference is the shape. Taxis are the ones shown in the photo on this page, with an orange ‘Taxi’ light on the roof. They are usually painted black. Minicabs, on the other hand, have no basic shape at all because they just use normal everyday cars.

2) The second big difference is the way you pay. Black taxis all come equipped with meters so you can see how much you’re spending as you drive along. The driver might be able to give you a rough estimate of the price before you set off, but you will not know the exact amount you’re paying until you reach your destination. The longer it takes, the higher the cost will be.

3) Another big difference is that you can hail down a black taxi in the street, whereas it is technically illegal for minicabs to pick up new passengers in the street – you’re supposed to order one from a minicab office by telephone or email.

Unfortunately a lot of the minicab drivers don’t care about the rules and loiter around tourist hotspots hoping to pick up a fare. You should never get into one of these vehicles because not only is the minicab driver breaking the law, you’re also putting your own safety at risk by stepping into a stranger’s car. How do you know that it’s really a minicab?

4) The fourth difference is that black taxis are allowed to use the bus lanes, so if you’re in a massive rush to get somewhere and you’re worried about the traffic then a taxi might be slightly quicker.

5) And the final difference worth mentioning is that taxi drivers are subjected to an Enhanced Criminal Record check before they receive a licence. (That’s not to say that minicab drivers are unsafe… just that they are not subjected to the same kind of rigorous checks.)

Are minicabs cheaper than black taxis?

Black taxi fares are based on how long the journey takes, rather than the distance travelledm, so you won’t know the final price until you arrive. The driver might be able to give you a rough idea before you set off, but if you get stuck in some traffic then the price will go up.

Some minicabs also have a meter inside, but the vast majority of them will quote you a final price before you begin. It is imperative that you agree this price with the minicab office when you book it, and you should also reconfirm it with the driver before he begins the journey. This price is usually cheaper than a black taxi.

If you want the certainty of a fixed fare then you should certainly be using a minicab.

Why are black cabs so expensive?

London taxi cabs are certainly expensive if you’re travelling alone, and you can easily blow ten pounds in ten minutes just travelling one mile between Trafalgar Square and St. Paul’s Cathedral .

Black taxis become much more cost-effective when you’re in a group of three or more because the cabs can fit up to five people, and you only have to pay one fare between all five of you.

Where is the taxi Lost Property Office?

If you lose something in a London black taxi (but not a minicab) then it will be dealt with by TFL’s Lost Property Office. You can phone them at 0343 222 1234 or use their online form at tfl.gov.uk/help-and-contact . Postal enquiries should be sent to the TFL Lost Property Office, 200 Baker Street, London NW1 5RZ.

You have to give them a description and wait up to 15 working days, and then pay a fee if they find it.

London Squire book

Your comments and questions

Melissa How many people will a London taxi accommodate? Are there likely to be taxis at Kensington Olympia and Baron's Court stations? Thank you!

Staff They can take a maximum of 5 people, but you have to put all your bags and luggage in the same space, so it will be less if you've got a lot of bags. You are unlikely to see a cab outside Baron's Court, the station is right on the street and they don't have a taxi rank. You'd have to get lucky and flag one down in the street. You might be a bit luckier at Kensington Olympia if there's an event on that day. The only way of being sure is to pre-book one and have it meet you.

Thegrizz Advance planning for four seniors arriving from Canada are looking for travel options from Heathrow o Euston Rail Station. The Tube is by far the least expensive, but probably the most difficult with luggage. Fares on the LHR Express suggest taxi cabs might be a reasonable choice. Would a black or mini have capacity for four adults plus luggage? Would 100 bps fare be about right?

Staff Hi Thegrizz. Black cabs can fit five people, but you have to squeeze all of your luggage into exactly the same space, so it will depend how many bags you've got. Two of them are fold-down seats, and you might not be able to get one of them down if you've got a lot of big bags - but it should be all right for four people. £100 should be at the upper end of what you might pay from Heathrow. It should be a bit cheaper than that. Black cabs are on the meter so the price changes depending on how long it takes.

Gary White Why can't I book a Black Cab to take my wife to a hospital appointment without paying a minimum fee of forty or fifty pounds. If I wave a cab down it only costs 14 to 15 pounds.

Staff If you pre-book a black-cab over the phone they always add on an extra fee, but it's usually only a few quid. I would ask them why it's so much. Or try a minicab company instead, which should be way cheaper.

Denny B What are the rates on New Year’s Day as we need to get from kings cross to emirates stadium

Staff Hi Danny. It’s the same rates as shown in the table above, but you have to pay an extra £4 on top for New Years Day

Sheila Are black cabs mostly dog friendly please?

Staff Hi Sheila. Black taxis are obliged to carry assistance dogs but as far as we are aware normal dogs are at the driver’s discretion, so they can say no if they want to.

Michelle Husband and I are from Australia, needing to travel from Crowne Plaza Hotel near London Heathrow Airport to the centre of Uxbridge at around 8am on a Monday morning. We are planning on catching a Taxi there and back to the hotel within three hours. Any ideas, how long it should take to get there and should we expect the fare to be expensive due to that time of the morning?

Staff Hi Michelle. It’s just over 10 miles so it might take about 30 minutes. You can try emailing one of these taxi companies for a quote - tfl.gov.uk/​modes/​taxis-and-minicabs/book-a-taxi?intcmp=4226

Hazel Is there a phone number I can get a price from London fenchurch Street to Chelsea registry office please.

Staff Hi Hazel. If you try that link in the comment above yours then it has a load of companies and phone numbers on it

Frederick I was over charged on the 5th of august. Charged almost double. A whopping 275 pounds from Heathrow to hayling island. I think the meter was broken. I would like to be reimbursed as this is obviously a error with the meter.

Staff Hi Frederick. You need to contact the minicab company you booked it through, or try here if it was a black cab - tfl.gov.uk/​help-and-contact/​contact-us-about-taxi-and-private-hire . But I think they're going to tell you the price is correct - it does sound incredibly expensive but it's not out of the ordinary (especially if you were travelling late at night or at the weekend)

KATHERINE PARATHYRAS I am part of a group of 7 people - 5 adults and 2 children. We are arriving on Boxing Day at Heathrow and travelling to Westminster Bridge Park Plaza hotel. We will have 6 full-size suitcases and 7 hand luggage. How many taxis will I need? and how much extra will I pay because it is Boxing Day. Thank you.

Staff Hi Katherine. A taxi fits five people so normally two should do it, but like it says above you have to squeeze all of your luggage into the same space and you’ve got a lot of bags and suitcases, so you might not be able to fold down the two single seats. So you might only get three people per taxi. You have to pay an extra £4 over the Christmas period.

patrick spedding What is the best taxi to get me from euston station to the thai embassy london

Staff As long as its not a crazy hour you can always get a black taxi out the front of euston station.

Lnick Hello! Should 4 people and 4 22kg suitcases fit into one black cab? Are the cabs readily available at all Heathrow terminals? IF so do we just look for one with the orange light on and approach it?

Staff Hi Lnick. if you mean 22 litres (cabin size) then it should be okay. 22 kg could be any size. There are taxi ranks outside all of the heathrow terminals where they sit and wait for passengers, so just go up to the taxi at the front of the line

Dicken Is it possible to pre-book the Black Taxi online?

Staff Hi Dicken. You can do — it’s explained in the ‘How can you pre-book a black taxi online?“ section above

Sarah Is it possible to get lost property back any earlier than ten days?

Staff Hi Sarah. Actually it's gone up a bit. They now say it might take up to 15 working days, but you can always give them a ring to see if they've found it sooner (they discourage people from visiting the office in person).

Megan What is the diameter of a black cab? Would it fit a panel of 129cm x 145cm?

Staff Hi Megan. We're not sure if this applies to every single black cab, but the typical measurements for the door are width 88cm, height 135cm. Inside the cab it's width 142cm, height 140cm

Samantha Blackmore-Smith I and my friend will be coming to London via plane landing at Stansted airport in 14th September. I was wondering how much is it for us to hail a black taxi down to my sister at 63 Walpole Road, London. Or We could catch black taxi from Liverpool Station to my sister's place. That way we could catch Stanstend express train to Liverpool street station.

Staff Hi Samantha, We cant hive quotes, but you can get a rough idea from the prices listed in the airport table on this page.

Caroline Will there be black taxi cabs waiting outside Fenchurch Street Station at 6am on a weekday.

Staff Hi Caroline. There's a taxi rank outside the front entrance, so you shouldn't have to wait long

Terry Do the cabs charge for each suitcase you have with you?

Staff Hi Terry. They don't charge extra for bags.

Maree We would like to catch a black taxi from Globe Theatre to Chelsea after a show, and have a small drive around the city on the way to see the sights by night. Do we need to prebook at the Globe or are they usually waiting there after a show? And how can I calculate this fare? it would be approx 40 mins drive time we think.

Staff H Maree. The Globe's down by the river, not on a main road, so you won't have any luck hailing a taxi outside. Best thing to do is phone a taxi company and order one to meet you at a specific time. They can give you a quote at the same time - tfl.gov.uk/​modes/​taxis-and-minicabs/book-a-taxi

Maree Can we book a black taxi to pick us up from the Globe? or only other types of taxis?

Staff Lots of different companies provide black taxis. There's not just one number - try a google search for "london black taxi hire". Some companies actually provide tours as well - city-guide.london/​events/​?p=48935

Jo Italy Do I need a car seat for a toddler

Staff Hi Jo. The law seems to say that you can travel without one, provided the taxi doesn't have one - gov.uk/​child-car-seats-the-rules/​when-a-child-can-travel-without-a-car-seat

Hyacinth Black cabs are very safe, they maybe a little more expensive, but you will always get to your destination without the driver telling you that he is not quite sure of where the place is. Even with TOMTOM minicab can still take you around the world and back before getting to your destination

Gerard kijak Would a black cab drive me to bournemouth?

Staff Hi Gerard. they're not obliged to accept a journey of that distance, but they might do - its up to the driver. It might be better to book it in advance over the phone, so you know the driver is okay with it

mark Can you pay in cash for a black taxi and also when they drop you off, can you ask them to pick you back up

Staff Hi Mark. You can pay with cash. The driver might be willing to wait, and keep his meter running the whole time, but it's unlikely he'll return at a particular time because he won't know where he'll be. The normal way to do it is to pre-book over the phone, and have a few quid added onto the fare.

Ace Grabbed a cab to get to a nearby Ibis Hotel and was charged £30 and was advised by the driver this was a flat fee for all nearby hotels. The ride was no more than 3 minutes. Feel like we were scammed. Beware! Ask for an estimate of the fare before you enter. Turns out we could have caught a shuttle bus for £6.80

Staff Hi Ace. If it was a black cab that shouldnt have happened, but if it was a minicab then there are some dodgy ones about

Sharon We are arriving in Apr 2024 at Paddington station around 8am. How much does it cost for 2 persons, with 2 large check in luggage and 2 cabin size luggage, from Paddington Station to Page 8 Hotel at St Martin's Place? also, can we (2 persons) with all the luggage fit into a black cab?

Staff Hi Sharon. We don't give quotes but it's just under 3 miles, so it could be anything from £13 to £23 depending on whether it's a weekday or weekend and how long the journey takes. You should be able to get everything into one taxi

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London Taxis & Minicabs

London black cabs

There are two types of taxis available in London; traditional Black cabs (also known as taxis), or private hire vehicles which are often referred to as minicabs.

Black cabs are a familiar sight in London, and although they’re not super-cheap a taxi ride in London is a treat. Drivers train for two to four years before getting a license. Try picking their brains; they know a lot about London..

Taxis or Black cabs

The traditional London taxi or Black Cab (although they now come in a variety of colours) is the most expensive way of getting around town, but they’re affordable for the odd journey if more than 3 people travel together. They’re even cheaper if you’re in a group of 5 — the most they can legally carry.

There’s a minimum fare of £3.80. A two-mile journey should cost £10.60–£17 between 5am and 8pm Monday to Friday. Prices increase after 8pm and again after 10pm.

See Transport for London’s (TfL) guide to Taxi fares for more detailed information.

All black cabs are metered — you pay at the end of the journey. Taxi drivers accept cash or credit/debit cards. There is no extra charge for paying by card.

How to find a taxi or black cab

If you’re in a busy part of central London, just stand on the street, stick out your arm, and a cab with its yellow sign illuminated should stop.

Black cabs can also be booked in advance , although you’ll pay extra for the service.

Minicabs or private hire operators

A cheaper solution, especially for longer journeys, is a licensed private hire vehicle (minicab). These can’t be hailed in the street. You must book by app, phone or visit an office.

Don’t take a minicab from someone who approaches you on the street. It’s illegal to do this and might cost more than a black cab. For your own personal safety, only use a licensed cabs.

How to find a licensed minicab

There are various minicab price comparison sites worth looking at before making a booking

  • Taxi Price Compare

Last updated: 10 May 2023

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travel through time taxi london

The 11 Best Taxi Services in London

Best in london.

  • November 13, 2023

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Welcome to London, a bustling metropolis known for its iconic landmarks, diverse culture, and excellent public transportation.

To help you navigate this amazing city, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the 11 best taxi services in London for both tourists and locals.

travel through time taxi london

2.Addison Lee

travel through time taxi london

3.Blacklane

travel through time taxi london

4. Minicabster

travel through time taxi london

5. Free Now

travel through time taxi london

9. Green Tomato Cars

travel through time taxi london

11. Citymapper

travel through time taxi london

In conclusion, there are many different taxi options available in London that cater to various budgets, preferences, and needs.

From traditional black cabs to luxury chauffeur services and eco-friendly options, travelers have a wide range of choices when it comes to getting around the city.

By considering factors such as pricing, booking methods, and benefits offered by each service, you can choose the option that best suits your travel plans.

Whether you’re in need of a quick airport transfer or a leisurely trip around London, these taxi services offer convenient and reliable transportation options for everyone.

So, the next time you’re in need of a ride in London, be sure to check out one of these top taxi services! Happy travels!

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travel through time taxi london

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A Time Traveller’s Guide To London Transport

From jam-packed tubes to cauldron-esque Routemasters, moaning about public transport is a Londoner’s favourite hobby. But what was travelling like in the past? Have we never had it so good? Here, for the benefit of other time lords, we offer a select guide to London’s transport through the ages.

travel through time taxi london

London was once a river city. If you travel to any point in its history, from late Anglo-Saxon times to the Elizabethan era, you’ll find that light rowing boats — or wherries, to use the Middle English term — are the only real method of public transport, with the exception of steeds for hire from livery stables (and they were mainly to get out of the built-up city). The ‘silver streaming Thames’, you’ll find, is the M25 of its day, and for good reason. Since the streets of the City, Southwark and (to a lesser extent) Westminster are so serpentine and crooked, forever winding in on themselves and dipping like crazy, and strewn with offal, litter, felled timbers, and sometimes even roadside wells, and where the pavement — if there is one — is often no more than a jagged quagmire laced with flintstone, it’s no wonder people prefer, where possible, the wherry. Since London only has one permanent crossing, London Bridge, and a narrow and congested one at that, the wherries dominate the river-crossing trade – you’ll find around 2,000 of them, manned by 3,000 boatmen.

If you fancy a ride, head to the nearest river stairs — these sometimes have beguilingly evocative names like Cherry Garden Stairs, Puddle Wharf, Beer House Stairs — and hail one. The boats will be queued up like in a modern-day taxi rank; you’ll find both single oarsmen and two-men wherries. It costs 1d to cross the river; 3d to go from Westminster to Blackfriars; 8d from the City to Greenwich, though journeys can be up to a third more expensive if you’re rowing against the tide. Aboard, you might be surprised to find finely upholstered and embroidered cushions on seats for a maximum of two passengers, with a removable canopy. But if you’re thinking about reclining into a reverie with the river breeze on your face, know that the boatmen like to bellow out obscenities at their fellow watermen in riverine cant (you can join in if you like). They can be cocky, too. Whatever you do don’t let them take you over the lethal rapids that gush beneath the 19 arches of London Bridge, where the water can drop up to six feet. You’d be well advised to alight and walk to a bank to the east of the Bridge, whilst the intrepid wherryman ‘shoots the rapids’ himself — let’s hope he has his inflatable pig’s-bladder float on him. Still, of a pleasant evening ‘it can be just as pleasant as it is in summertime along the Grand Canal in Venice’. And this from a Venetian tourist, writing in 1562.

travel through time taxi london

Hackney carriages

For the time traveller to Samuel Pepys’s London , a hackney carriage — the true precursor of today’s black cab, which still takes its name — will be indispensable for getting around town, though since the pavement is so rugged and uneven, prepare to be vigorously shaken in these unsprung vehicles, or even tumbled over the edge into the street, as Pepys was. You’ll find around 400 licensed vehicles in the principal thoroughfares and squares, in theory plying their trade from fixed stands, with the driver perched high up on a wooden seat. You can fit up to six people inside. Private coaches are lavishly painted, adorned with gilt coronets, and attended by footmen in rich liveries; hackney coaches, being available for hire, are uglier and dirtier. Fares align with set ‘drives’ or durations — from the Inns of Court to Westminster is 12d, for instance, and a one-hour hire is 12d — but if you seem unsure of yourself, they may well try to rip you off. To guard against this, you need to note down the carriage’s registration number, which will be displayed on the door, and then you can complain at the Hackney Coach Office if you’ve been charged beyond the set fare, and the driver fined. (But note if you falsely query a price, you yourself will be fined). Since the streets ‘abound at all seasons with a sort of soft and very stinking mud’, in the words of a Venetian traveller, pedestrians become caked in mud thanks to all the carriages. Haquenée, incidentally, is Old French for an ambling horse or mare, often kept for hire; it has nothing to do with Hackney the place.

travel through time taxi london

Sedan chairs

Hovering about the streets like strange floating kiosks, and carried on 10-foot wooden poles by brawny bearers who will stop for no mortal being, sedan chairs are a chic if, to modern sensibilities, slightly ridiculous mode of transport for the visitor to Georgian London. Here, you can find over 400 licensed public sedans. You can hail them in any of London’s main thoroughfares or from a West End sedan rank (there’s a big one next to the equestrian statue of Charles I in Charing Cross). If you see a sedan being carried backwards, this means it’s free — the 18th century equivalent of a taxi’s yellow light. They’re made of wood, typically have four curtained windows, and are clad in a uniform black leather; more lavishly decorated private sedans, often liveried and gilt-painted, are the preserve of the beau monde, manufactured by luxury sedan makers clustered around Leicester Square. First authorised by Charles I in 1634, Londoners soon came to appreciate the way they could navigate London’s narrow streets and twisting alleys with agility, carving through the mêlée of coaches and carriages at bottlenecks, and swerving onto walkways. The chairmen go at a jogging pace and if you don’t heed their cry of “Prithee, sir, make way!” or “Have care!” they will quite happily smash you out of the way (and you thought disrespectful cyclists in the 21st century were bad).

Journeys are charged on set ‘runs’ or by distance travelled, normally about two-thirds the price of hackney carriages. Sedans are designed for one passenger only, though they are also known to transport hot pies, children’s coffins (on the laps of weeping parents) and periwigs — when it started raining, the first thought of Scottish judge Lord Monboddo was to send his wig home in a sedan. The gently domed roof is hinged, so there’s no need to stoop to get in. Expect a springy, turbulent, rather uncomfortable ride, though you can poke your head out of the roof or windows for a privileged view of the city.

A word of warning: chairmen have been known to humiliate out-of-towners by loosening the bottom of the chair so they fall out, forcing them to make a fool of themselves by trotting along like a donkey. If it’s a rainy or snowy day, you can even book a sedan to pick you up inside your house or lodgings (some Georgian houses have folding poles under the bannister to transport passengers up and down stairs) so you don’t risk besmirching your fine clothes in the filthy street, nor your reputation by being seen amongst the hoi polloi. Perhaps that’s why, especially in their early days, sedans had a slightly suspect reputation: they were the perfect way of travelling to the door of your lover’s bedroom incognito.

travel through time taxi london

With virtually no street numbering before the 1760s and maps that are impracticably huge (if amazingly detailed), the twisting, labyrinthine streets of 17th and 18th century London can be enough to flummox even the most seasoned of time travellers. Even short journeys can soon descend into nightmarish odysseys, especially at night, when the sparse oil-lit street lanterns give out such a meagre glow. But you can always hire the services of a link boy. Just look out for a nimble little urchin or youth, his cheeky, weathered face caked in grime, scuttling through the streets and alleys wielding a big link — a torch of pitch and tow for lighting the way in dark streets. Also known as ‘moon-cursers’ (since they are out of work on clear, moonlit nights) they will, for a modest price, weave a red thread through London’s backstreets and alleys, escorting you to your door. At least that’s the theory. In the literature of the day, they’re often synonymous with rent boys or even child prostitutes with their phallic cone-shaped torches, as depicted in Joshua Reynolds’s Cupid as a Link Boy (see above). In a poem by the Restoration debauchee Lord Rochester, a libertine and his mistress both lust after their handsome link boy. Whoever gives him the best kiss is the deciding factor in whether, as the libertine puts it, ‘the boy fucks you, or I the boy’. They’re suspect in other ways too. According to John Gay’s Trivia: Or, the Art of Walking the Streets of London (1716), they’re sometimes in league with London’s criminal underworld, luring wide-eyed travellers into blind alleys where cut-throats, footpads and pox-ridden doxies lurk. Verdict: avoid.

travel through time taxi london

Horse buses

In mid-Victorian London, why not join the 200,000 (mainly middle-class) people who catch around 1,000 horse-buses — or omnibuses — each day. Collectively harnessing the power of 50,000 horses and caking the city in a thousand tons of dung a day, you’ll see these buses everywhere, sometimes green, sometimes black, always bedecked in advertisements, running every eight minutes from 8am until midnight by the mid-Victorian period, proclaiming their run (‘Bayswater to Whitechapel’, say) on the side. Don’t worry about finding a bus stop – they don’t exist – simply hail the horse-bus from the street (they always keep to the left): the cad (or conductor), who’ll be standing on a little foothold by the back of the bus, will bang the roof to get the driver to stop, though in reality he may already be touting for your custom. In the anarchy of pre-Highway Code traffic, he will happily swerve in front of cattle, hansom cabs and carriages to pick you up. Watch out for the cads, by the way, they’ll fleece you if they can; ‘how strange it is’, ponders Punch, ‘that conductors never know how to conduct themselves’. It costs 3d for part of the journey, 6d for the whole journey and 1s to the suburbs.

Don’t expect much fanfare as you climb aboard. In Sketches By Boz, Charles Dickens notes how each new passenger was peered at with insouciant disdain as though they had no right to be there. Around 14 people can squeeze into the bus’s ‘inside’ lower-deck, which has straw on the floor, small windows and sometimes free books for the passengers’ perusal. Fleas and crooks abound — sometimes female pickpockets have a fake gloved hand in their lap whilst their real one reaches into a pouch. If you’re male, you’ll be obliged to surrender your seat to arriving female passengers, clambering up the metal rungs onto the upper deck where there’s seating for up to ten passengers either on two inward-looking benches or in on a ‘knifeboard’ bench, sitting in the middle (with nothing to hold onto). They’re painfully slow and cumbersome – top speed: 4½ miles per hour – and get clogged up into mighty crushes of traffic between the Temple and the Bank of England. But you’ll get an amazing view of the metropolis as it rattles by from the top deck. Should you be able to see through the fog, that is.

If you want a real shock, book yourself on a voyeuristic ‘slumming’ trip, whereby horse-buses are driven through the most squalid and deprived parts of the East End so the bourgeois can press their noses against the glass and witness abject, grinding poverty first-hand for their edification and entertainment. Even royalty engage in this poverty porn. When you want to get out, the cad will blow a whistle to get the driver to stop.

travel through time taxi london

The Victorian Underground

With locomotives pulling wooden cars along the tracks, and smoke, sulphur and coal dust swirling about its platforms, the Victorian Underground will be a shock to any time traveller’s system, particularly asthmatics. Newspapers routinely carry reports of passengers perishing underground, asphyxiated by noxious fumes; little wonder that contemporary writers are so fond of conflating Underground with Underworld. You’ll find the network operated by two rival companies: the Metropolitan Railway, which runs trains clockwise on the outer rail, and the District Railway, which runs them anti-clockwise on the inner rail. Together, they operate the Circle Service (the future Circle line) around the inner core of the city. Unfortunately, though, they hate each other and are happy to sacrifice passengers’ needs to their prolonged and bitter enmity. You’re supposed to be issued with a ticket for the shortest route between stations, sometimes, depending on which company operates it, you’ll just get an ‘O’ (outer, so clockwise) or ‘I’ (inner, so anti-clockwise), meaning that you might have to circle the entire network – a 70-minute round trip — just to go one stop.

It may feel like you’ve stumbled into a strange mirror universe. There is no eastbound and westbound, only ‘up’ — confusingly, since it’s in the opposite direction to upriver, towards the City — and ‘down’, towards the West End. Trains — one every 10 minutes — run at 20mph (compared with up to 60mph on the 21st-century Underground) and, in a lovely touch, you’ll find little bars in some of the stations. It will be atmospheric — the tunnels reverberate with passengers’ footsteps on the wooden platforms and, as the trains draw in, the pendant gas lights sway a little, scattering shadows. If you can afford a first-class carriage, expect gilded mirrors, leather door panels and net luggage racks; their second-class cousins are dimmer and more spartan. The third-class carriages are really disgusting; stinking, saliva-strewn, and packed like a cattle train, sometimes no better than open wagons. Trains explode. In 1864, the Morning Post reported how, as a train was waiting at the ‘up’ platform at Paddington, the boiler blew up, ripping off much of the station’s roof. Terrorism is nothing new either. In October 1883, a bomb exploded on the Metropolitan Railway injuring 72 passengers crammed into third-class carriages, the handiwork of Irish Republicans. Yet it runs over 800 trains a day and is the envy of the world, fuelling the suburbanisation of London.

Dr Matthew Green is the author of London: A Travel Guide Through Time , published by Penguin. Londonist recently reviewed it.

And it wasn't just horse-drawn buses in Victorian London! Find out about the early horseless carriage here.

Last Updated 15 October 2015

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

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How to Get Around London: A Guide to Public Transport in London

Last updated: March 20, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 25 Comments

So you’ve decided to visit London! Fantastic idea, it’s an excellent city, with enough activities to keep you busy for however long you choose to stay. Today though, I’m not going to give you advice on what to see in London. Instead, I’m going to share with you my advice for how to get around London.

London is a city with an absolutely fantastic public transport network, but the plethora of choice can be a bit overwhelming for the first-time visitor.

This information on getting around London comes from my experience living in London for 2 years, our subsequent visits as a tourist, and some online research (there are so many options!).

London trains

In this guide, I’m going to share with you the various options you have for getting around London, from the tube, to taxis, to the bicycle! Let’s get started.

How To Get Around London

London is divided into nine fare zones, with zones 1 & 2 being central London, and then increasing in number the further outside the city you get. Heathrow Airport for example is in Zone 6. The below transport options will cover all the zones.

Transport in London is operated is by TfL , which stands for “Transport for London”. TfL are the government body responsible for all aspects of the transport system in London, from roads to rails and ticketing to maintenance.

There are a number of ways to pay for transport inside London, including buying an individual ticket, using a contactless card, using an Oyster card , using a visitor Oyster Card or purchasing a travelcard.

I have written a whole post on the best way to pay for transport in London , which you can read, as a summary though, currently in most cases if you have a contactless card that works in the UK then this is the best way to go, followed by the Oyster card.

Using Oyster Card by_

1. Underground – “The Tube”

The London Underground, or “Tube” as its nicknamed, is the oldest underground metro network in the world, with parts operating since 1863. Today, the London Underground carries over a billion passengers a year, across 270 stations and 250 miles of track. Interestingly, less than 50% of the track is actually underground, despite the name.

In the majority of London, you will usually find that there is an underground stop within easy walking distance, and a train arriving within 10 minutes or less. Because the underground doesn’t have to worry about traffic and streets, it is one of the most efficient ways to get around, and usually the best choice.

For the most part, services operate from 5am through to midnight, and as of August 2016, there will be a 24 hour service offered on some lines as well. You can check times and plan your journey here .

London Underground

Tube stations are easily recognizable with the distinctive London Underground logo, a red circle with the text “Underground” featured in a blue box.

The Underground operates in fare zones 1 – 6, which cover London in expanding concentric circles, with zone 1 in the centre and zone 6 at the outside. Generally, the more zones you cross on your journey, the more expensive it will be.

Most tube stations have a barrier for entry and exit, and you can purchase tickets from machines or ticket offices at the station.

As a tip, if you’re a visitor to London, try to avoid the Underground during rush hour on weekdays as it gets very crowded with commuters. Generally, this is between around 7:30am and 8:30am in the morning, and from 4:30pm to around 7:00pm in the evening from Monday through Friday.

Also, the tube is the most cost-effective way to get from Heathrow Airport to central London, with a direct link from all the Heathrow terminals to the centre of London. See more on getting to central London from London’s airports here .

Underground tube in London

2. Overground

The Overground is similar to the Underground, except its above ground. I know – a lot of the Underground is also above ground. That’s just how it is. The Overground is a lot newer than the Underground though, created in 2007, and helps to fill in a number of coverage gaps that the Underground has.

In terms of pricing, the Overground has the same fare pricing as Underground, and follows the same zone-based rules.

In most cases, you also don’t need to touch in and out if you’re using Oyster or contactless payment when switching from Overground to Underground services as they fall inside the same fare zone, although there are some stations where this is required.

The Overground logo is very similar to the Underground logo, except the circle is orange, and of course the title is different.

Overground sign London

3. DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

Oh, London. So many transport options, and we’re only on number three! The Docklands Light Railway , or DLR as most people call it, is an automated rail system that specifically covers the docklands area of London, which is the area directly east and south east of central London. The main difference between this train system and the those above is that the DLR is fully automated, which means no drivers.

The DLR links London City Airport to the rest of the tube network, and you will likely find yourself using it if you are taking trips around east and south east London. For instance it is the best way to get to the ExCeL , which hosts a number of large trade shows and events.

In terms of fares, the DLR is the same as the Overground and Underground, part of the overall London fare zone, and in fact some tube stations also contain DLR stations.

If you’re using an Oyster or contactless payment you don’t need to touch in and out when switching from tube to DLR, but you should be aware that many DLR stations do not have barriers, so you mustn’t forget to touch in and out (or have a valid ticket) at the start and end of your journey in order to ensure you pay the correct fare.

4. Rail Services

Yes, I’ve already discussed three rail-like services, but, just in case that wasn’t enough, London also has actual railways too, both suburban rail that links central London to its suburbs, and fast trains that link London to the rest of the country (and the world).

There are also direct rail links to London’s three major airports, namely Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead. See more on getting to and from London’s airports here .

mind the gap-01

In the majority of cases, trains in and out of London are separate from the Transport for London system, so for example you can’t use your Oyster card on most national rail services, and would have to buy a separate fare.

There are some exceptions, with all suburban trains in zones 1-9 for example, and to select destinations, covered. Trains to Gatwick, including the Gatwick Express, as well as trains to Heathrow, including the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express, are also covered by the Oyster system – you can see more about what’s covered here .

If you asked someone what the most used form of public transport in London was, they might guess Underground. And, with over a billion users a year, that’s not a bad guess. It would be wrong though, because the number of journeys taken on London buses is over two billion a year.

London Bus

This is likely because there are just so many bus routes in London, serving a huge area – you can basically get anywhere in London by bus. Bus fares are also cheaper, at a fixed price of £1.75 (as of March 2024) for a single journey for Oyster users, regardless of distance.

You can also take advantage of the “ hopper ” fare with Oyster and contactless cards, whereby every bus journey that you take within the first hour of touching in is included in the price. So you can change buses and not have to pay any more – although you must still touch in to the new bus in order to have a valid ticket.

To use the public buses in London, all you have to do is touch your Oyster or contactless card on the big yellow card reader when you board the bus – there’s no need to do it when you get off the bus as fares are fixed. There are also many bus services that operate round the clock, meaning you can still get home after a night out on public transport in many instances.

Buses are generally a little slower than rail services because they have to contend with traffic, which in London is pretty terrible most of the time. However, an advantage is that normally there are no steps involved and no lengthy walks around the Underground system.

As well as public buses, there is also the option to take a Hop on Hop off buses . Whilst these aren’t a form of public transport, for a visitor to London they can be a good way to travel as they visit the main visitor attractions and also include commentary. However, they are priced separately, and are of course more expensive than a standard bus.

You can buy Hop on Hop off bus tickets here . They are also included with city-sightseeing passes like the London Pass .

In south London, and specifically from Wimbledon, through to Croydon and Beckenham, there’s a tram service, known as London Tramlink . The tram has four lines and 17 miles of track, so this definitely isn’t a huge network, but it’s a well used one in the region.

The tram works the same as the bus in terms of payment – it’s a fixed fee per journey, and you just have to touch-in with your Oyster card or contactless card when you board to validate your ticket. You do not need to touch out when you disembark. Trams are also a part of the Hopper fare system.

7. IFS Cloud Cable Car

Now, for something a little bit different. Did you know that London has a cable car service ? It’s the only urban cable car in the UK, and it’s there to get you across the River Thames, from Greenwich to the Royal Victoria Dock.

As well as being a handy way to get to the ExCeL exhibition centre and the O2 Arena from the south side of the river, it also offers panoramic views of this part of the city as you cross.

The Cable Car is part of the TfL system, so you can pay with your Oyster card or contactless card. There are only two stations, one at each end, so it’s also one of the easiest modes of public transport to navigate in London!

8. River Boat

London has a big old river running through it, so it makes sense that this waterway is also used as a public transport system. And so it is, with Thames Clippers operating a service under license from TfL.

There are four “routes”, starting all the way to the west of the city in Putney, and going as far as Woolwich in the east. Essentially this gets you from one end of London to the other.

City wonders london walking tour boat ride

On board the Thames Clipper in London. 

It’s a fun, scenic way to travel and tends to be a little less busy that many of the other routes. It is used by commuters though, so rush hours can be a little busier. As with other TfL services, the easiest way to pay is by Contactless card or by Oyster card, touching in and out as you board and disembark.

Alternatively you can buy tickets online and print them out, or you can buy tickets in person at the pier. The last option is the most expensive – contactless, Oyster and online ticket purchases are the most cost-effective.

Note that Thames Clipper is a little more expensive than services like the tube or buses, but the point to point service and relatively fast speed, plus the views of London from the river, can make it worth it.

A 24 hour pass is also included on the London Pass (you can buy that here ), if you invest in that money saving attraction pass for your time in London.

London 2023 by Laurence Norah

London definitely has some iconic modes of transport, from the famous red bus through to the tube. But perhaps most famous of all is the black cab.

With a history dating back to 1662, London’s Hackney Carriages have been carrying people around the city for over 350 years, with drivers having to learn the infamous “Knowledge” – basically a detailed map of London meaning they can navigate the city efficiently, without relying on maps or technology.

Taking a black cab in London is definitely an experience. All you have to do is flag one down by waving at them (the taxi light will be illuminated if it is available), and the driver will stop to pick you up.

Black taxis are certainly more expensive than any of the other forms of transport regulated by TfL, but for the convenience of getting from one part of the city to another, they sometimes can’t be beaten, and if you’re travelling in a group they can work out to be fairly cost effective.

Note that taxis don’t accept Oyster cards, so fares need to be paid by cash or credit card. Fares are paid on completion of the journey, and are set based on distance and time using the meter in the cab.

Inside London taxi

10. Bicycles

In 2010 London rolled out a new public transport option – the bicycle! There are public cycle points all around the city, and with the increase in cycle lanes, these are becoming a popular way to take short trips.

Hiring a bicycle is relatively easy – it costs £1.65 for 24 hours access to the system, which includes 30 minutes of actual ride time. After your first 30 minutes, each additional 30-minute segment costs you £1.65.

If you think you will use the cycles a lot, then a £20 membership will give you a month of access with unlimited rides of up to 60 minutes each, after which each additional 60 minutes costs £1.65.

To use the cycle hire system you just need a credit or debit card. Because of the need to guard against theft, the system doesn’t accept Oyster cards. You pay your activation fee by card, and then you can access bicycles at points all across the city – there are literally hundreds of them to choose from.

Note that the above pricing is for standard bicycles only. E-Bikes are also available, but for a higher price and for registered users only.

Find out more about the London cycle system here .

Bicycles in london

11. Walking

Not exactly a public transport option, but don’t discount walking as a way to get around London! Many visitors don’t realise that many parts of London are very pedestrian friendly, and in fact in central London you can get to most of the attractions just by walking.

As a rule of thumb, if somewhere is less than two tube stops away, it’s likely going to be quicker to walk (although worth checking on a map to be sure there’s not an inconvenient river in the way!). Walking is by far the cheapest way to travel around London, and a personal favourite of ours.

London from millenuim bridge

Accessibility on Public Transport in London

Given the range of public transport options in London, the accessibility situation is definitely varied. Buses for example are pretty good, with every route serviced by low-floor vehicles and offering a wheelchair space.

The tube on the other hand isn’t so great for step-free access, with only around a quarter of stations offering step free access. An aging network, built well before accessibility was something to consider, has not helped efforts to improve the situation, although certainly efforts are being made. Some stations do have platform to street step free access, but you will need to plan your tube journey carefully.

For a full map and information to help you plan your trip around your needs, take a look at the official accessibility section  of the TfL website.

Which is the best way to get around London?

There’s no really easy way to answer this question. If you’re getting around the majority of central London, the Underground will likely be the most convenient. It’s fast, regular, and doesn’t have to contend with traffic.

Before riding the tube though, it’s worth checking the actual walking distance because the tube map isn’t geographically accurate. So sometimes walking can actually be quicker. This map shows the walking time between stations as a reference point.

For parts of London that aren’t served by the Underground, DLR or Overground services, then the bus is the next most convenient option. There are services all over the city, often running through the night.

London eye blue hour long exposure landscape

If you don’t mind a bit of exercising, then either cycling or walking are both great ways to get around.

If you want to try something a bit different, then the Emirates Air Line or the Thames Clippers will provide that.

The former is certainly excellent for one specific route, and the latter can be a good way to get across London, with water views to boot – although in my mind it’s more of a one-off experience than something to regularly use as a visitor.

London transport by_-3

Further Reading for Visiting London

We have plenty of further reading to help you plan your trip to London, both content we’ve created based on our experiences, and third-party content we think you’ll find useful.

  • The official TfL website , which will give you information on tickets, routes and any updates to services in the forms of delays or cancellations
  • If you’re coming into London by air, check out our detailed guide to getting into central London from the airport , which covers all six of London’s airports.
  • We have a complete guide to where to stay in London , with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend.
  • Jess’s detailed guide to the London pass , which will help you decide if this is a good way for you to save money on your London sight-seeing. The London currently includes Hop-on, Hop-off bus passes, which can be a great transport option.
  • We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
  • Our detailed itineraries for one day in London as well as two days in London , three days in London and six days in London
  • Harry Potter fans will want to check out our guide to the key Harry Potter filming locations in London
  • Jess’s guide to 1-day walking tour of the highlights of London .
  • How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris to help you plan
  • The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
  • Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

Guide to 11 of the most popular public transport options in London, including the tube, trains, buses, bikes and more!

And that’s it for out guide to public transport options in London! What’s your favourite way to get around in London? Any tips to share? Pop them in our comments below!

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There are 25 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Mr. Christopher Twining says

17th February 2023 at 7:13 pm

This is the first, and most likely last and only article I will need to read. Thank you so much for the thorough information. I was last in London in 1972 and I am looking forward to seeing it all again.

Laurence Norah says

18th February 2023 at 7:50 am

My pleasure Christopher, have a lovely time in London. I imagine it will have changed a bit but many sights will surely be familiar 🙂 Safe travels!

6th June 2022 at 5:46 pm

Hi, Thanks for this extremely useful information for a newbie like myself! We are arriving late Saturday evening and plan to take a sightseeing bus on Sunday to get the lay of the land. I see that most attractions are closed on Sundays. Is there anything you can recommend? I’m thinking the market might be a good option? I’ve also heard of Covent Gardens? We will be closest to Paddington Station and will research what areas we should visit first. We are also off to Paris for only 1.5 days. I’ll read your guide on Paris as well! Any feedback is appreciated. Warmly, Pam

6th June 2022 at 5:55 pm

It’s my pleasure, thanks for stopping by! So I would say that a lot of attractions in London are definitely open on a Sunday, such as the Tower of London, however it will depend somewhat on what you are interested in seeing and doing. If you give me some direction in terms of your interests, I’d be happy to advise!

samanta says

17th May 2022 at 4:28 pm

Hi there! Very interessting, thanks for sharing Did I correct understand you have to buy a new ticket if you change the tube line? Even when you are going in one direction (I mean from A to B with no intermadiate stops) and have no other option but to change the line? Many thanks

17th May 2022 at 4:37 pm

Hi Samanta,

My pleasure! No, you don’t have to buy a new ticket when you change tube lines, as long as you stay in the same station. So for example, Oxford Circus tube station has the Central Line, Victoria Line and Bakerloo line. If you get off a Central Line tube and get on a Victoria Line tube, there’s no charge. Tube lines are well signposted inside the stations.

The only time a fee would apply is if you left the station, or went through the ticket gates. You have to scan in and out of the gates when entering or exiting a tube station, so this would not be something you would do by mistake.

Hopefully this answers your question, if you have any more questions do let me know!

Ginge Robinson says

31st March 2022 at 8:19 pm

I have been reading a lot of blogs like this in anticipation of my July 2022 trip to London. Your articles are well written for the unfamiliar traveler and your sight is easy to navigate. Thank you for the time you put in.

1st April 2022 at 10:19 am

Hey Ginge, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this comment. It means a lot to get such nice feedback! Have a wonderful time in London and do let us know if you have any questions!

11th September 2019 at 5:02 pm

Thank you so much for the articles! Exact, relevant, full, helps really!

11th September 2019 at 5:47 pm

Thanks Irina, my pleasure!

23rd May 2019 at 9:28 am

Really good and comprehensive article. I have been living in London for almost a year now but still used to find myself confused with different types of train services. But not anymore! 🙂

23rd May 2019 at 10:52 am

Thanks very much Sonia 🙂

Pedro Zamuner says

2nd April 2019 at 9:17 am

Thanks for the article. Funny, well written and complete! Just got in London last night and now I feel ready to discover the city.

Cheers guys!! 🙂

2nd April 2019 at 10:06 am

Our pleasure Pedro – have a great time in London!

11th November 2018 at 8:12 pm

A minor edit is needed, you list that bicycles cost “30 minutes” for each “30 minutes” past the first 30 minutes.

11th November 2018 at 8:15 pm

Thank you for the feedback – I’ve fixed that now 😀

19th October 2018 at 8:27 am

This is cool. Super helpful and detail! Thank you 🙂

19th October 2018 at 2:44 pm

Our pleasure Mike 🙂

Vikram Badshah says

25th September 2018 at 1:05 pm

Wonderful insight on how to get around in London.

26th September 2018 at 4:17 am

Thanks Vikram!

Anil Palan says

19th September 2018 at 5:26 pm

Thanks for sharing such a nice article on London transport system. It will be very useful to me as I am visiting London for the first time very shortly.

19th September 2018 at 9:11 pm

My pleasure Anil! We have lots more content on the site about London – hopefully you found it. Have a great trip to London!

3rd September 2018 at 1:18 am

This whole post is incredibly useful!! Thank you

3rd September 2018 at 1:20 am

Our pleasure Joana 😀

wassah saw says

23rd June 2018 at 6:52 am

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We work with established taxi operators and well-known private hire companies. When you book a cab online, we compare taxi and minicab prices and find the best service for your taxi order in London. This way, your trip will never cost you more than it should. Choose between classic taxis, minicabs, taxi vans, limousine services or a Boro taxi.

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A licensed taxi driver will pick you up curbside in the same way as if you call for a cab, help with your luggage, and allow free cancellations. For Premium Economy Transfers and Business Transfers, a licensed chauffeur will pick you up also at an event location or in arrivals with a name card. They’ll help with your luggage, track your flight, wait for your arrival, and drive longer distances. These services come at a fixed price and can be made by Paypal or card payment online. While you don’t have to worry about paying and tipping in a London cab. These private hire services also allow you to pre-book a large taxi van when traveling as a group or family.

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Popular London routes

A licensed taxi in London can take you wherever you need to go within the city. Prices are determined by the taximeter and vary from destination to destination. Long-distance rides and trips over the tariff borders aren’t regulated so they can be offered at fixed prices. If you’re wondering “what’s the best taxi near me?” then we have the answer.

Popular routes from downtown include: London City, Heathrow, Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, and Southampton. Use BetterTaxi for spontaneous trips or book ahead for those longer hauls. London is a big city, so if you want to get around to see some of its highlights, why not set up a cheap taxi service ahead of time.

London travel tips

If you’re visiting London, there are a few travel tips to keep in mind, especially if it’s your first time.

  • Museums and galleries are mostly free so stretch your budget by checking them out. The British Museum, Natural History Museum and Science Museum are all great choices.
  • London Underground, or the "London tube", is great. For sightseeing the above ground transportation is better. Take a tour on a London double-decker bus or flag down a "hackney carriage", as London's black cabs are also referred to.
  • London is massive so if your time is limited, choose one or two main areas to explore. If you want to have a more active trip, you can hire a taxi or minicab near you to take you from region to region.
  • Tipping isn’t essential so you don’t have to break the bank tipping cab drivers, bartenders, or service staff.
  • London is multicultural. Try one of the excellent restaurants! There is more to the city of London than Fish n’ Chips.

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We pride ourselves on quality, so you’ll always know what to expect when the taxi driver arrives. When you want to get from Big Ben to the Natural History Museum, you don’t want to waste time and energy figuring out how. That’s where we come in - making your travels easier one taxi ride at a time.

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Business Travel London

The best ways to get from Heathrow Airport into London

Jordan Waller

Editor's Note

After a long flight, you just want to get from the airport to your hotel in the easiest (and, ideally, the most cost-effective) way possible.

With an airport as vast as London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) — the biggest and busiest flight hub in the United Kingdom — achieving that goal can seem daunting even though it's only 16 miles from central London.

There are several options for getting from Heathrow to the city center, depending on your flexibility, the amount of luggage you're carrying, your budget or your time constraints. You can choose between taxis, the Tube, Uber, dedicated train services and even the bus.

Here are the best options for traveling from Heathrow to London — along with how long they take and other pros and cons — so that you can start your trip off on the right foot.

London Underground (aka the Tube)

travel through time taxi london

Heathrow is on the London Underground's Piccadilly line. To spot it, simply look out for the dark blue line on any Tube map.

The popular service — run by the Transport for London (or the TfL for short) — connects the airport to plenty of central city locations. Often, you won't even need to transfer once you've made it to the city center.

If you're looking for the cheapest option to get you from Heathrow into the city, this is likely it. However, it may not be the most comfortable if you are carrying lots of luggage or traveling during peak commuter hours — especially during summer.

Depart from : Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5; the latter two have Underground stations in Zone 6.

Possible destinations : The Piccadilly line directly serves Hammersmith, Gloucester Road, South Kensington, Hyde Park Corner, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Holborn and King's Cross St. Pancras, among other stops. The first and last stops on the line are Uxbridge (Zone 6) and Wood Green (Zone 3).

When does it run? Typically, you can expect Tubes to run from all terminals from around 5 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.; nighttime services from stations in Terminals 2, 3 and 5 run on Fridays and Saturdays. You can check the timetable from all stations here .

Transit time : This will obviously vary depending on your final destination. As a guide, it takes approximately 50 minutes to reach Piccadilly Circus from Heathrow's Terminal 5 or an hour to reach King's Cross St. Pancras.

Estimated cost : Single journeys from Heathrow to destinations in Zone 1 (such as Piccadilly and King's Cross) cost 5.60 British pounds ($7.09) if you pay contactless or with an Oyster card. Buying a ticket to central London at a machine will cost around 6.70 pounds (about $8.29) per person. Children under 11 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

If you're going outside of Zone 1 (such as to Hammersmith, in Zone 2), then you're looking at a smaller fare of 2.10 pounds (around $2.60) during peak times and 3.40 pounds (around $4.21) at off-peak times.

Paying for your trip : You can pay as you pass through the gates or by buying a ticket. The most convenient method is to use your contactless payment card by touching it on the yellow card readers found at Tube entrances and some platforms.

Note: The card readers aren't always connected to gates and are sometimes free-standing. Keep an eye out for them. If you don't tap in and out at the start and end of your journey, you'll get charged for traveling through Zones 1 to 9.

You can also tap in using a prepaid Oyster card, which is available to buy at all Tube and Overground stations, plus most Elizabeth Line stations, for 7 pounds (about $8.69); they're also available at some newsstands and visitor centers throughout London.

After purchasing an Oyster card, you can add money to the card using the ticket machines found inside Underground stations. You can then purchase daily or weekly travel cards covering various zones.

Alternatively, you can buy paper tickets from the ticket machines at each Tube, Overground and Docklands Light Railway station. One-way, return, daily and weekly travel cards are available.

Some stations also have staffed kiosks instead of ticket machines; you can ask for advice here on the best tickets to buy or routes to take.

Related: The best lounges at London Heathrow — and how to get inside

Elizabeth Line

travel through time taxi london

A relatively recent addition to the TfL network, the Elizabeth Line opened in 2022. It is one of the fastest and cheapest options for traveling into central London from Heathrow Airport.

While not as cheap as the Tube, the Elizabeth Line trains are newer, roomier, air-conditioned and equipped with Wi-Fi. It's not quite as fast as the Heathrow Express (more details below), but it is more affordable.

Depart from : Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 railway stations.

Possible destinations : The Elizabeth Line travels direct from Heathrow to Abbey Wood, serving Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf. You can see the full map on TfL's website .

There are no direct services between Canary Wharf and Terminal 5 except for some early morning and late evening services; instead, you must go via Paddington or transfer at Terminal 4. Trains arriving at Heathrow from Canary end at Terminal 4.

When does it run? Times vary by terminal and whether you're traveling during a weekday or weekend. Typically, the first trains leave between 5:15 and 6:05 a.m., and the last trains leave the airport between 11:46 p.m. and 12:13 a.m. Depending on your destination or starting point, you may find trains start slightly earlier or run marginally later. Find specific timing here .

Transit time : It depends on where you're headed. As a guide, Terminal 5 station to Paddington takes around 35 minutes, while traveling from stations in Terminal 2 and 3 to Liverpool Street takes about 45 minutes.

Estimated cost : Heathrow claims journeys to or from the airport that start or end in Zone 1 cost up to 12.80 pounds ($15.83) per person. However, if you use contactless payment or Oyster, TfL's single fare finder shows a single journey from Terminal 5 to Paddington on the Elizabeth Line costs 12.20 pounds ($15.44).

A journey from stations in Terminals 2 and 3 to Liverpool Street costs 13.30 pounds ($16.45). These prices only apply to contactless payments or Oyster payments. Buying a paper ticket via station ticket machines costs a small amount more — as discovered by TPG recently when we paid 14.30 pounds for an off-peak ticket from Liverpool Street to Heathrow via the Elizabeth Line.

Generally speaking, while savings are only minor, it's better to pay by contactless or Oyster card. Children under the age of 11 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

Heathrow Express

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The direct train, Heathrow Express, is the fastest option to get from Heathrow to Paddington. The trains are relatively modern and, despite the short distance between its sole stop, they also have luggage racks and plugs for charging phones — handy if you're boarding after a long journey.

For onward journeys, Paddington is well connected to multiple Tube lines. Do note, however, that the Heathrow Express is more expensive than all other rail options.

Depart from : Terminals 2 and 3 station and Terminal 5 railway station; you'll need to take a free connecting shuttle to the station if you land in Terminal 4.

Possible destinations : Paddington station; for an extra cost, you can add connecting Tube travel.

When does it run? It typically operates from around 5 a.m. until midnight. Trains run every 15 minutes. See the full Heathrow Express timetable here .

Transit time : It takes 15 minutes to get to Paddington from Terminals 2 and 3 or 20 minutes from Terminal 5.

Estimated cost : A single Heathrow Express journey from Paddington to Heathrow usually costs 25 pounds ($31.65) per person, but you can sometimes pay less if you book in advance. If you're from Great Britain and have a National Railcard, you could pay as little as 16.50 pounds ($20.89).

Alternatively, you can sometimes find discounts online by searching for Heathrow Express vouchers or coupon codes.

The trains also have Business First Class carriages that start around 32 pounds ($40.51) for a single journey. This may not seem worth it given the short distance and travel time. However, Heathrow Express Business First Class ticket holders are also eligible to use Heathrow Airport's fast-track security service — it may be worth it if you're in a rush.

While the Heathrow Express is more expensive than other options, it can sometimes be a good deal for families; children under 15 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

If you are returning to the airport within one month of your ticket, an anytime ticket is cheaper overall than booking two single journeys, which start at 32 pounds ($40.51).

Frequent travelers can also save by buying carnets — starting at six tickets for 109.80 pounds ($138.99) for standard class or 160 pounds ($202.54) for Business First class.

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If public transport isn't your thing or you need to travel between Heathrow and central London when other transport isn't running, you can easily book Uber rides. Naturally, this will cost more than a Tube or train ride.

Depart from : Short-stay parking lot in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5; the app will tell you where to go once you've requested a ride and your driver is confirmed, depending on the terminal you're in.

You can typically find Uber pickup spots in the following locations:

  • Terminal 2: Level 4, Row H (Short Stay Car Park 2)
  • Terminal 3: Level 3, Row A (Short Stay Car Park 3)
  • Terminal 4: Level 1, Private Hire Pickup
  • Terminal 5: Level 1, Row R (Short Stay Car Park 5)

Possible destinations : You can use Uber to go wherever you like.

When does it run? In theory, you can get an Uber at any hour, but be wary of long waits during peak times.

Transit time : It varies depending on traffic, destination and other factors. (Pay attention to rush hour and commuting times.) As a rough guide, it typically takes approximately 50 minutes to reach Paddington by car or one hour to reach Piccadilly Circus from Terminal 5 (on a good day).

Note that despite its convenience, Uber isn't necessarily the quickest way to reach Heathrow from most locations.

Estimated cost : The cost of an Uber depends on traffic, your destination and other factors. As an example, it can cost 59 British pounds ($74.69) from Terminal 5 to Paddington or 63 British pounds ($79.75) to Piccadilly Circus for UberX rides, excluding tips.

Do note that groups of four or more with more than small suitcases will need to order either a larger car or multiple cars. Expect to pay more for an Uber Lux or Comfort journey.

Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft user? These are the best credit cards for you

Taxis (including black cabs, WeKnow and Addison Lee)

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Beyond Uber, there are plenty of other taxi services in London. Options include hailing an iconic London black cab, prebooking an electric car from Heathrow's private hire transfer service WeKnow or arranging a pickup from a company such as Addison Lee.

The latter two options provide a meet-and-greet service to help get you and your luggage straight into the car.

If booking with Addison Lee, you'll be required to share your flight number at booking so the driver can adjust your ride in case of a delay.

Again, this mode of transport will be more expensive than using public transport.

Depart from : The relevant taxi rank outside Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 for a black cab; other services will specify the pickup location when you book, or the driver will meet you at the terminal.

Possible destinations : You can use this option to go wherever you'd like.

When does it run? In theory, you should be able to arrange a taxi or car transfer anytime.

Transit time : As with Uber, it varies depending on traffic, destination and other factors. Terminal 5 to Paddington will typically take around 50 minutes while heading to Picadilly Circus will usually take roughly one hour.

Estimated cost : Prices vary depending on the taxi service you opt for and traffic. Some estimates are below.

  • Black cab : The meter starts when your ride begins. TfL — which manages London's black cabs — says trips from Heathrow to central London cost between 52 pounds ($65.83) and 97 pounds ($122.79). More information about black cabs is available here .
  • WeKnow : Prices are fixed, so you'll know what you're paying when you book. Terminal 5 to Paddington or Piccadilly Circus typically costs 70 pounds ($88.61) to 94 pounds (around $118.99), depending on the car booked. A meet-and-greet service costs 9.99 pounds (about $12.65) extra. Book here .
  • Addison Lee : Like WeKnow, prices for Addison Lee rides are fixed. A sample Terminal 5 to Paddington journey (leaving ASAP) was quoted online as 94.32 pounds ($119.40) or up to 122 pounds ($154.44), depending on the car size needed. The meet-and-greet is included in both prices. For an exact quote, visit Addison Lee's website and input your flight number and journey details.

Coach (including National Express and Megabus)

From Heathrow, National Express and Megabus coaches can drop you off at Victoria Coach station. They're usually inexpensive and often have Wi-Fi and power outlets. They can also carry your luggage in the hold. Here's where you can find Megabus luggage allowances and National Express luggage allowances .

While cheap, buses are not the quickest way to reach central London, as times fluctuate considerably depending on traffic, time of day and other factors.

Depart from : Heathrow's Central Bus Station between Terminals 2 and 3 is the quickest departure point for both National Express and Megabus coaches. From Terminal 4, you'll need to take the free shuttle to the bus station. You can also board a coach from Terminal 5 (look for arrivals level stops 13, 14 and 15 for the Megabus).

Possible destinations : You can use these modes of transportation to reach Victoria Coach station, which is a short five-minute walk from the Victoria Line at Victoria station. This line stops at Green Park, Oxford Circus, Warren Street and King's Cross.

When does it run? National Express coaches run throughout the day, with a service gap between 1 and 3:45 a.m. You can check times and prices here . For Megabus times, head here .

Transit time : From Terminals 2 and 3, National Express coaches take between 55 minutes and one hour and 20 minutes to reach Victoria Coach station. Megabus takes between 45 and 55 minutes for the same journey.

From Terminal 5, National Express coaches can take anywhere from one hour and 20 minutes to one hour and 35 minutes.

Estimated cost : National Express coach rides start from 6 pounds ($7.60) per person. For Megabus coaches, a single journey starts from 8 pounds ($10.13).

Other travel options

The 285 bus from Heathrow's Central Bus Station (serving Terminals 2 and 3) will take you to Feltham train station — it's 16 stops away. From there, you can take a 30- or 45-minute train to Waterloo via Clapham Junction.

London bus hopper fares cost 1.75 British pounds ($2.22), and train tickets start from 8.60 pounds ($10.89) per person. The hopper fares allow you to take unlimited journeys from one hour of tapping in.

This is probably the cheapest option from Heathrow to central London, but it is a long-winded option.

There are several local bus routes from the airport for those traveling somewhere in Greater London rather than central London. View them here .

Bottom line

The best route from Heathrow to central London depends on your budget, the amount of luggage you're traveling with and the amount of time and hassle you are willing to put up with.

The Elizabeth Line and Tube are our top picks to avoid street traffic and save money. If speed is your primary concern, then consider the Heathrow Express.

Need to get away from dragging luggage around or just want the absolutely simplest path from point A to point B? Consider an Uber or taxi.

Travelmath

Travel Time Calculator

Quick links, travel duration calculator.

Travelmath provides an online travel time calculator to help you figure out flight and driving times. You can compare the results to see the effect on the total duration of your trip. Usually, the flight time will be shorter, but if the destination is close, the driving time can still be reasonable.

Another popular tool is the time difference calculator, which can be used to check the time zone change anywhere in the world. This is especially useful if you're making international calls, since you can find the best time to schedule your phone call.

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    5 miles. 21-35 mins. £23 to £35.50. 6 miles. 28-40 mins. £28 to £40. These are the typical fares to/from London's airports. An extra few pounds is usually added to the meter before your journey begins to cover the driver's parking costs. Airport taxi fares to central London.

  10. London Taxis and Minicabs

    A two-mile journey should cost £10.60-£17 between 5am and 8pm Monday to Friday. Prices increase after 8pm and again after 10pm. See Transport for London's (TfL) guide to Taxi fares for more detailed information. All black cabs are metered — you pay at the end of the journey. Taxi drivers accept cash or credit/debit cards.

  11. London Taxi

    Taxis in London calculate their fares using a taximeter based on distance. There is a minimum fare of €3.40 (£3.20) for every journey and then a price per mile based on a tariff system. Tariff 1 (day 05:00 to 20:00) is €7.30 (£6.20), Tariff 2 (weekends and evening 20:00 to 22:00) and Tariff 3 (night 22:00 to 05:00) is €8.25 (£7).

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