How to Travel Around London: Underground, Buses, Oyster Cards & Contactless Payments
Travelling around London can seem confusing for first-time visitors or tourist, but the city’s public transport system is one of the best in the world. With the Tube, iconic red buses, Oyster cards, and contactless options, it’s easy to get wherever you need to go. This guide from Eurotraveller Hotel is your complete London transport guide.
The London Underground – Quick and Easy Travel
The Tube (Underground) is the fastest way to travel around London. Trains run every few minutes and cover most areas of the city.
London Underground tips:
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Trains are colour-coded by line, making it simple to follow maps.
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Always “tap in” with your Oyster or contactless card at the start and “tap out” at the end.
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Avoid rush hour (7:30–9:30 am and 5–7 pm) if you can – stations get busy.
Download Tfl Go app to Plan your journey, see up to date costs, maps, live stutus updates and timings: Tfl Go app
London Buses – See the City While You Travel
London’s red double-decker buses are both iconic and practical. They run 24/7 on many routes, often reaching parts of the city the Tube doesn’t.
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Payment: Buses don’t accept cash. Use an Oyster card, contactless card, or Apple/Google Pay.
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Next stop info: Most buses have on-board screens showing the next stop, and bus drivers are usually happy to help.
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Benefits of taking the bus:
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Enjoy views of London’s streets and landmarks from the top deck.
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Hop on and off easily near tourist sights.
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Dedicated bus lanes often speed up journeys.
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London buses for tourists – Popular routes near Eurotraveller Hotel:
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Bus 453 passes Eurotraveller Hotel Premier.
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Bus 12 passes Eurotraveller Hotel Express.
Both serve Elephant & Castle Tube station and continue to major landmarks such as Big Ben, London Eye, Horse Guards Parade, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace (Pall Mall), Piccadilly, Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Marylebone.
Tip: Sit upstairs at the front for the best views.
Oyster Card – The Best Way to Save Money on Travel
An Oyster card London is a smart travel card offering cheaper fares than paper tickets.
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Tourist Oyster Cards: Pre-loaded cards you can order before your trip to start using immediately.
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Where to get them: Online via the official TfL website, selected travel agencies, or airports.
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How to use: Tap in and out on Tube/train journeys; tap once when boarding buses/trams.
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Important: Each traveller needs their own Oyster or contactless card.
Contactless Payments – A Quick Alternative
If you prefer not to buy an Oyster card, you can use a contactless debit/credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay for all journeys.
Using contactless payment London travel works the same way as Oyster:
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Tap in and out on the Tube.
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Tap once when boarding a bus or tram.
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Fares are capped daily, so you’ll never pay more than the equivalent travelcard price.
For more information about oyster card & contacless pay as you go visit: Tfl.gou.uk
Final Tips from Eurotraveller Hotel
Whether you choose the Tube, buses, or contactless payments, getting around London is simple and cost-effective. With your Oyster card, Tourist Oyster, or contactless option, you’ll have everything you need to explore the city with ease.
Staying at Eurotraveller Hotel puts you right by convenient routes like the 12 and 453 buses, making sightseeing stress-free.
Apps & website to Use Whilst Travelling around London
TfL Go app – Maps, routes and more to plan your journey – Transport for London
Citymapper – The Ultimate Transport App
The official source for trains in Great Britain | National Rail
Santander Cycles – Transport for London
