Travel & Visas
Arriving by air
London welcomes direct inbound flights from hundreds of destinations worldwide, which makes travelling to the UK capital by air one of the easiest ways to arrive. There are 5 international airports (London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London City, London Stansted, and London Luton).
Transfers from/to airports
The Heathrow Express runs 4 non-stop trains an hour to and from London Paddington station. Journey time is around 20 minutes. Click here for more information.The Gatwick Express runs 4 trains an hour to and from Victoria station. Journey time is around 30 minutes. Click here for more information.
For further information on transport links from all London airports click here.
Arriving by Eurostar
There are frequent services from Paris and Brussels to London daily by Eurostar’s high speed rail link. The Paris journey takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. Brussels is only 1 hour and 15 minutes away. Trains arrive at St Pancras International Station, bringing visitors into the heart of London’s transport network with easy access to the bus and Underground Tube systems. All journeys on Eurostar are carbon neutral at no extra cost to the traveller, making it one of the most sustainable ways to travel to London. Click here for more information.Transport in the city
Within the city there is a very efficient public transport network, comprising one of the most extensive underground systems and a great range of buses. You can easily plan your journey on the TFL website.Oyster Card
The Oyster card is London’s travel smartcard giving delegates access to the London public transport networks at the cheapest fares. Oyster cards can be pre-ordered online. Click here for more information.
London Underground
The city has 12 colour coded Tube lines. Most operate from 05:00-00:30 Monday-Saturday and 07:30-23:30 on Sunday. It is cheaper and less crowded to avoid the rush hour and travel after 09:30. The network is divided into 6 concentric zones with Zone 1 at the heart of the capital. Plan your journey.
Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
The DLR connects the City and London Underground network with London’s Dockland area and offers a great way of exploring this rapidly changing area of the capital. Services operate daily from 05:30-00:30. Click here for more information.
National Rail
Trains are useful for reaching places that are not served by the Tube, such as Hampton Court and Winsor (both big tourist attractions). Mainline stations include: Waterloo and Victoria, serving the south of England; Paddington, the south-west; Euston, the north; St Pancras International (home to Eurostar), the north-east and Liverpool Street, the east. Click here for more information.
The River
Since Roman times the River Thames has played a vital part in London’s history, prosperity and position as a leading world city. Travelling by boat is a unique and inspiring way to get around and view London by day or by night. There are several piers for boarding and services head east towards Greenwich and the Thames Barrier, and west towards Richmond. Tickets can be purchased on the pier and Oyster cards are accepted. Click here for more information.
Taxi
The unique look of the London Black cab makes taxis easily distinguishable and normally it is not a problem hailing a taxi on a main road in London.
Cycling and Walking
Cycling around London is a great way of reducing transport costs and providing a sustainable and unique mode of transport for delegates. The Barclays Cycle Hire scheme is available across the capital, 24 hours a day, all year round. It’s self-service and there is no booking, you can just turn up at your nearest docking station, hire bikes and just return them to any other docking station.
