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London is on the top of many a bucket list, and why not? The city is great to visit, full of culture, history and art. However, the city also has the reputation of being complicated to navigate, which can be true if you don’t acquaint yourself with the transport available ahead of time. We’ve created the list below to help you get started finding your way around London.

Oyster Card is King

A Visitors Oyster Card is a quick and easy way to pay when you get on and off public transport while offering lower costs per trip. It’s also essential as some modes of transportation, such as buses, no longer accept cash, so a card or debit card is a must. However, using an international debit card will often hit you with fees, so avoiding these with an Oyster Card is best. For more information, visit the website.

The Underground

The London Underground rail, known as The Tube, is a great way to travel around central London, with a multitude of stops and stations that will have you zipping around quickly and easily. Some stations are near the surface, while others require an elevator trip (or several thousand steps) to get you to your deep subterranean station. These trains run regularly during the day but not every night – avoid getting caught out if you are planning a late night out.

London Buses

An iconic double-decker bus ride is a convenient and cheap way to travel around London while also providing plenty of sightseeing opportunities. Just be aware that London buses are card only with no cash payment available. Unlike other modes of London transport, a single bus journey costs £1.65 and covers multiple buses within one hour. An entire day is capped at £4.95, making bus travel economical.

Docklands Light Railway (DLR)

The driverless Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is undoubtedly an interesting travel experience, especially if you can get a seat up the front and feel like you’re the driver. The aboveground sections also provide some unique views of the city’s older and industrial parts, including the huge Tate and Lyle factory.

Riverboat Services

Travelling by the river is a great way to beat traffic and enjoy fantastic views of famous landmarks along the Thames. So jump aboard and head up or downstream, soaking in what the city looks like from the water.

London Overground

The London Overground is a network of suburban routes that will give more than a view of a tube tunnel for further out areas of London while also interchanging with the Underground. There are excellent services to the east and north while also connecting to major stations such as Victoria.

Plan Your Way Around

For more detailed information, including train times and journey planning, visit the Transport for London website. For accommodation central to transport links try Bower House Hotel, near Victoria Station. It’s a perfect location for those seeking a well-connected base that won’t cost the earth.

London can be exceptionally expensive to visit, but there are actually affordable places to stay on your London trip if you have a rummage even around Christmas. Planning a budget Christmas holiday trip to London is possible if you plan ahead to secure the best deals. We’ve added the top 10 best budget hotels in London to get you started planning your Christmas adventure.

Bower House Hotel

Bower House has a great selection of rooms and apartments in Pimlico. The hotel is near Victoria Station and Gatwick Express train and close to London’s major tourist attractions. Each space on offer is clean and comfortable, boasting period quirks and Victorian charm while being focused on affordability, with options for solo travelers, couples or as a budget family hotel.

Jesmond Dene Hotel

This family-run B&B sits in a quiet corner of Bloomsbury and King’s Cross. Each standard room – great for singles and couples celebrating Christmas in London – has ensuite facilities, complimentary tea and coffee, cable TV and fast Wi-Fi, with breakfast included.

The Judd Hotel

This classic hotel in Bloomsbury offers homely rooms that feature everything you’d expect with the amenities, including Wi-Fi. A hot buffet breakfast is served in the stylish common areas.

The Luxury Inn

This modern family-run B&B in Dalston has been set up in a converted printing press warehouse. Think stylish loft spaces, modern en suite rooms, and free Wi-Fi. Guests also have access to a shared dining room-lounge area, kitchen and a self-service breakfast.

Church Street Hotel

This Mexican-themed hotel in Camberwell is fun and friendly, with bright and eclectic rooms and spaces. This Spanish Americana Oasis is inspired by the warmth and sensuality of the Americas while being near central London.

Limegrove Hotel

Choose from single, double and twin rooms with access to shared or private bathrooms, depending on your room selection. All rooms have a TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. Be sure to book on their website for the best rates.

Stylotel

Within the 19th-century exterior of this hotel, the interior is almost futuristic with aluminum paneling and stylish lighting. Each modern room has an ensuite pod bathroom and free Wi-Fi. Common areas include the StyloLounge with sofas and flat-screen TVs.

Hub by Premier Inn

With five branches in London, this popular hotel concept is budget friendly and linked by phone. From booking to check-in, basic room controls – including temperature, light, food orders, and entertainment – are run from an app accessible on your phone or tablet.

Green Rooms

Wood Green tube is only 20 minutes from the West End, so if you don’t mind a little bit of travel, great double rooms are available in this spectacular art deco hotel. They feature special Christmas on-site events and restaurant pop-ups too for evenings in.

Z Soho

Z Soho is a bargain considering its central location. Think stylish ensuite rooms, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, an organic wool mattress and duvet, and complimentary cheese and wine from 5pm until 8pm.