Getting around London

Its circular logo recognisable all around the world, the Tube is the be-all and end-all when it comes to getting around London. Transporting countless numbers of people across vast distances at high speed, it's a quintessential London experience and the best way for getting somewhere fast and dry – except when it breaks down, that is. It's easy to use as well, just tap your contactless or Oyster card when you enter and leave a station. Fares depend on distance and time of travel, and it's good to keep an eye on the Transport for London (TfL) website to make sure your line is running smoothly.  

With a fixed fare that includes unlimited journeys within one hour of tapping in on your first bus, London's iconic double-deckers and their shorter siblings are the most budget-friendly means of transport in the city. The countless stops and routes covering all of the capital mean you're never deposited more than a few minutes away from your destination, and the buses link up with the tube and other TfL systems. The bus network operates 24/7, though not all bus lines run through the night.

Confusingly, the London Overground comprises of six different routes around the city, all with the same name. However, TfL has teased that these naming conventions are set to change in the future. The orange-branded transit network is integrated with the Underground and services various parts of the capital, almost acting as an extension of the tube. Be aware that, unlike the tube's ticket barriers, you have to tap in or out on the standalone readers.

The London black cabs are as much a part of the capital's iconography as the double-decker buses or Big Ben. They're specifically designed to manoeuvre around London's narrow streets, and can be hailed on the street or from a taxi rank, not just pre-booked via an app such as Gett or Free Now. The fares are calculated by taximeter, and the drivers have to pass the world-famous Knowledge of London test to prove their knowledge of the city. PS – not all black cabs are actually black.

Unlike black cabs, private hire vehicles have to be pre-booked or ordered on demand and can't be hailed on the street. As elsewhere in the world, ride-share providers such as Uber and Bolt have disrupted the traditional taxi market, but plenty of minicab operators are still around, expanding their services to include things such as deliveries or tours. Others have focused on more niche markets, for example luxury cars or long-distance travel.

Even though London's streets aren't the most bike-friendly in the world, renting a bike can be a good choice for covering short distances, especially if you're zipping around on an e-bike. Transport for London's Santander Cycles are the standard, with around 800 docking stations scattered across the city, but there are other alternatives, from other bike-sharing providers to more traditional bike rental services. As an added bonus, it's the most environmentally friendly form of travel apart from your own two feet.

The Docklands Light Railway connects East and South East London with Canary Wharf and The City, providing a direct link between London's two major financial hubs. The service is operated by TfL so you can pay simply by tapping your contactless or Oyster card. Many Londoners and visitors are eager to get to the front seat of the train - automatic operation means you can imagine you're the train driver or pretend you're riding the world's slowest rollercoaster.

Trams are a rare sighting in London – you'll have to head south of the river if you want to catch one. Linking several dozen stations across South London, from Wimbledon in the west to Beckenham Junction, Elmers End and New Addington in the east, the lines join up in central Croydon. The fixed fare includes unlimited bus and tram journeys for an hour after first tapping in at one of the stations with your contactless or Oyster card.

The London Cable Car was launched in 2012 to facilitate access to Olympic Games events but it's now the fastest way of getting between the Royal Docks and Greenwich. It offers stunning panoramic views of the Thames and the surrounding area from 90 metres above the river. Simply tap in with your contactless or Oyster card to pay. If you really want to maximise taking the scenic route, slower journeys run during the evening for even better sightseeing.

The Uber Boat by Thames Clipper isn't just a means of getting from one end of the river to the other – it doubles as an affordable way to cruise the Thames and take in the sights. The covered boat runs throughout the day and along different routes on the river, serves refreshments on-board, and guarantees you a seat. To board, simply tap in with contactless or an Oyster card.