Ground transport
Paddington and Victoria are linked into the rail and the underground rail (tube) networks.
There is an extensive London bus network, and London has the oldest underground rail system in the world. Known as the ‘tube’, it covers the entire metropolitan area of London, including many suburbs. Fares are divided into travel zones, and a variety of passes are available.
For travel around the UK the train network is a viable option. Timetable and fare information can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk or telephone 0845 748 950. It is recommended that advanced purchase tickets are bought where possible as this will achieve significant savings from tickets purchased on the day.
The bus network is deregulated. National Express runs a nation-wide coach service connecting the main cities and towns. Bus timetables are usually available at bus depots and stations, railway stations, tourist offices and from the local operator. Many cities have integrated transport systems, which can include light rail networks, underground trains and special bus services.
The London black cabs are instantly recognisable. The drivers undertake a lengthy training period and will know how to get to any location in London. Hail any moving cab showing a yellow light, or find one at a cab rank. Black cabs aren’t cheap, but they are reliable and know the shortcuts to get away from London’s traffic. In London, only black cabs can be hailed on the street and Mini cabs (ordinary cars) must be pre-booked. Any non-black cab stopping for your hail will be unregulated. Outside of London local authorities regulate mini cabs. These can be found at stations, on cab ranks or by checking the Yellow Pages, or by asking your hotel.
All of the major car hire companies operate from Britain’s airports and ports and most have a representative in every city and large town. If you plan to drive in the UK you’ll need to know the following:
- The UK has an extensive road network, with motorways (prefixed ‘M’) and ‘A’ roads being the major routes.
- The speed limit on these roads is 70 miles per hour.
- Road signs show distances in miles, not kilometres.
- Parking can be very difficult in major cities, eg. the maximum waiting time on a London parking meter is 20 minutes.
- Petrol and diesel are expensive compared to mainland Europe.
- There are no road tolls, except on some bridges.
On 17th February 2003 London introduced a charging system for vehicles entering the central part of the city. If you are considering driving in central London please be aware that you need to prepay a £8 per day fee or face a heavy fine. Information is widely available in London, or on Transport for London.
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