Getting around

Getting Around London: Transportation Guide for North American Travelers

Updated Sun, Dec 7, 2025

London excels in public transport with the Underground and buses, plus walkable districts. Rental cars prove unnecessary and costly for visitors.

Getting Around London: Transportation Guide for North American Travelers

Overview

Ease of getting around

London offers exceptional public transport through the Underground, buses, and rail networks that connect every corner of the city efficiently. The Oyster Card and contactless payments make travel seamless for visitors from North America. Walking remains ideal for central London exploration, while cycling via Santander Bikes provides scenic routes along dedicated lanes. Rental cars are unnecessary and impractical due to heavy traffic, congestion charges, and limited parking. Most attractions sit within walking distance of Tube stations, making London incredibly accessible without private vehicles.

Public transit

The London Underground, buses, trams, and Overground create comprehensive coverage across Greater London. Purchase Oyster Cards or use contactless payment for seamless travel. Daily price caps protect against overcharging. Visit tfl.gov.uk for route planning, live updates, and fare information. Night Tube operates weekends on major lines.

Driving

Rental cars face significant challenges including congestion charges up to £15 daily, limited parking, and heavy traffic. Major companies like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise operate from airports and city locations. International driving permits required. Consider rentals only for day trips outside London via autoeurope.com or rentalcars.com.

Walking

Central London proves highly walkable with most attractions within 2-3 miles of each other. Well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and clear street signage facilitate navigation. The Thames Path offers scenic riverside walks. Most Tube stations sit within 10 minutes walking distance throughout Zones 1-2.

Biking

Santander Cycle Hire provides 11,500 bikes across 750 docking stations for short trips. Dedicated cycle lanes exist along major routes and parks. The Thames Path and canal towpaths offer car-free cycling. Download the official app for bike availability. Helmets not provided, traffic requires caution in busy areas.

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