The quickest way of getting around in London is by London Underground (i.e., subway, also called the "Tube" in the UK). London has one of the most comprehensive underground systems in the world (and also the oldest in the world, built 120 years ago). The tube runs from 5:30am to midnight Mon-Sat, and from 7:00am to 11:30pm Sun. During the rush hours (8-9:30am, 5-6:30pm, Mon-Sat), the tube can be very crowded.
There are 11 tube lines, each has its own name and colour on the tube map. On most platforms, there are information displays showing the destination and due time of the next train.
The bus network in London is huge! There are over 17,000 bus stops in the city. When you do not know the city it is very difficult. After midnight, night buses are the only public transport in London. All night buses have the prefix N and most of them start from Trafalgar Square.
It iss also possible to take a taxi.
Unbooked minicabs are illegal. You may be approached by minicab drivers seeking passengers or offering a service; avoid this as these are unsafe, unlicensed, uninsured and illegal and you put yourself in danger if you use these services.
Booking your minicab with a licensed minicab company guarantees that your trip will be carried out by a licensed driver in a licensed vehicle. It also means that a record is kept of your journey, your driver and the vehicle used. Therefore, in the event of any problems, the driver can be traced.
Only taxis (black cabs) can be stopped by customers and can pick up off the street. Even minicabs lined up outside pubs and clubs are breaking the law if they accept your fare without a booking being made first.
Many clubs have licensed minicab operators inside who can take your booking. Check with staff to see if a minicab service is available.
Text CAB to 60835, and you'll receive two minicab numbers and one taxi (black cab) number straight back to your mobile phone by text. You don't even need to say where you are as your location is plotted using GPS. So save 60835 to your mobile now and it'll be there when ever you need it.
(Text charged at 35p per enquiry plus standard text message rate. Roaming rates apply to overseas networks. Customers on the 3 network need to enter different information. See tfl.gov.uk/cabwise for further details).
