Transport

London is a large city, but is still relatively easy to get around. The main thing to remember in the beginning is that it always takes longer than you think. Cycling is often the quickest and cheapest option (depending on where you cycle from and how fast you are) and the tube might be the easiest to get your head around right from the start. Below we have listed some helpful links to help you get going with getting around this great city.

Finding your way around London

The easiest way to find your way around on the tube, rail, and buses is to go on the Transport for London website where you will find: A journey planner - type in your starting point and destination and the journey planner will map out the quickest route for you. You can also choose just to view a cycle or walking route.

Find tube, train, tram, cycle and bus maps here.

Cycling

Cycling is a good way of getting around London. There are cycle routes around the city, including the new Cycle Superhighways. The TFL website has a good section on cycling with a cycling journey planner. The city has also recently introduced a new bike borrowing scheme, so if you are curious about what it is like to cycle in London you can try it out before buying your own bike.

Depending on where you live, you can also order Cycle Maps for free from TFL.

The London Cycling Campaign have got advice on their website about buying second hand bicycles, and produced a leaflet with a list of dealers which you can download below.  They also offer a discounted rate on bike insurance for their members.

You can find new bikes at retailers like Evans or Halfords or fashionable Bobbin Bicycles, who also do great accessories. For second hand bikes please download this attachment Transport Attachment - Second hand bike shops.pdf

At the SU we recommend cycling and most of us in the office cycle to work across London every day. We regularly arrange visits from the police to mark bikes, preventing thefts and from Dr Bike, who can fix most problems you have with your bike for no charge at all! If you have a puncture at any other point in the term we always have a pump handy and hopefully also a puncture repair kit in the office.

Discount travel for Students

As a student you can apply for:

Student Oyster Card

This card entitles you to a 70% discount on all buses, tube and overland trains.

16-25 Railcard - for trains in and out of London in all of the UK.

Mature Student Railcard - full-time students who are over 25 are also eligible to have the 16-25 discount card.

Phone Help

If you are out and about, or just come out late from a club or party, and have no idea how to get home, call London Travel Information on 0207 222 1234.  Very helpful and you can speak to someone 24 hours a day who can tell you how to walk to the nearest tube or bus stop and get you going from there.

Driving

If you drive in London remember that there is a congestion charge in central London weekdays between 07.00 - 18.00. The RCA is within the congestion charge. Please refer to the TfL guidelines online on where, when and how you need to pay.

Going further afield

If you need to travel out of London. You can book train tickets at from the National Rail website, or from The Trainline.

Coaches are cheaper than going by train. Book coach tickets with the National Express. Sometimes, Megabus also do very good coach travel deals so check out their website.

For going abroad try Sta Travel, who often offer flights cheaper for students holding an ISIC card.