What's the smartest way to use public transit in London?

Get an Oyster card or link a contactless bank card the moment you arrive — tapping in and out with either caps your daily and weekly fares automatically, so you never overpay. The Tube is fastest for crossing the city, but within Zone 1 the bus is often quicker once you factor in walking to deep stations and waiting on platforms. A single bus fare is £1.75 regardless of distance, and buses now accept contactless only, no cash. The Elizabeth line, running east to west through central London, has transformed cross-city travel and is genuinely underused by visitors who stick to the older map. Avoid the Tube during rush hour (roughly 8–9:30am and 5–7pm) if your schedule allows. For late nights, the Night Tube runs Fridays and Saturdays on the Central, Victoria, Jubilee, and parts of the Northern and Piccadilly lines. Black cabs and Uber exist, but central London traffic makes them a last resort, not a default.

Trip Friend knows London cold.

Plan a real trip there, and Trip Friend can answer every follow-up — with your dates, your style, and your places baked into the conversation.

• Where do locals actually go for aperitivo in London?
• Where do locals drink coffee in London?
• What does a local breakfast look like in London?
• Where is the street food in London actually good?
• Where can I eat after midnight in London?
• How do I get from the airport to the city in London?