Getting Around

Bicycle Hire

Public-use bicycles can be found at 400 docking stations across central London. Sign up at www.tfl.gov.uk/barclayscyclehire. Once you become a member (for 24 hours, a week or a year), additional usage fees apply, based on the duration of the journey; the first 30 minutes are free, however. Available round-the-clock and year-round, the bikes are a fantastic, hassle-free transport option for Londoners and tourists alike to get across one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Public Transport

Transport for London (tel: 0843 222 1234; www.tfl.gov.uk) operates the capital's buses and provides comprehensive information on all forms of transport in London. The London Underground (tel: 0845 330 9880; www.tfl.gov.uk/tube), commonly referred to as the 'Tube', is the oldest and most extensive underground system in the world. The network of 12 lines is divided into six zones, determining the price of tickets. A prepaid electronic Oyster card is the cheapest way to travel in London – enquire at a Tube station for details. All bus journeys cost the same. On many routes, tickets need to be bought prior to boarding – a carnet of six tickets bought in advance from newsagents and Tube stations offers reduced prices, as does an Oyster card. There is also a one-day bus pass. A day travelcard and a three-day travelcard can be used on buses and the underground. Thames Clippers (www.thamesclippers.com) commuter ferries run between Savoy Pier (central at Embankment) and Royal Arsenal Woolwich Pier, and a high-speed commuter service runs from Chelsea Harbour in the west to Blackfriars.

Taxis

Black cabs can be hailed on the street or booked through Dial-a-Cab (tel: (020) 7426 3420) and Radio Taxis (tel: (020) 7272 0272). Minicabs should be booked over the telephone; a reputable city-wide firm is Addison Lee (tel: 0844 800 6677).

Driving in the City

There is a daily charge for all vehicles entering the congestion charging zone in central London Monday to Friday between 0700 and 1800. See www.cclondon.com. Off-road parking is available 24 hours at NCP garages (tel: 0845 050 7080; www.ncp.co.uk) situated around London. Street parking in central London can be extremely expensive.

Car Hire

Major car firms include Avis (tel: 0844 544 5566; www.avis.co.uk), Budget (tel: 0844 581 9998; www.budget.co.uk) and Hertz (tel: 0870 599 6699; www.hertz.co.uk). There has been a recent growth in budget/internet car hire companies, spearheaded by easyCar (tel: (020) 3059 5684; www.easycar.com).