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Heathrow: Take the Heathrow Express to Paddington - 15 mins
every 15 mins.
Gatwick: Take the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station -
35 mins every 15 mins
Stansted: Take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street
station - 45 mins every 15 mins
London Luton: Take the Thameslink train to Kings Cross -
40 mins every 10 mins
London City Airport: Take the blue and white Airbus to Liverpool
Street Station - 30 mins every 10 mins.
London is famous for its red double-decker busses. These
offer great sighseeing opportities -pick up free maps and
guides at London Transport Information Centres located at
many tube stations. One-way bus fares in central London
vary from 50p - £1.20.
Black-cab drivers tend to know central London very well.
They can be booked by phone (0171-286 0286, 0171-253 5000
or 0171-272 0272) or hailed in the street when the yellow
Taxi sign is lit. Tipping is not obligatory but a 10-15
per cent tip is common. When hailing a taxi in the street
black cabs are not obliged to accept a hiring of more than
10km (six miles), but if they do and the journey is wholly
within the London area the fare payable is shown on the
meter. If a driver accepts a hiring to a destination outside
the London area of more than six miles the fare becomes
negotiable (with the exception of journeys to Heathrow Airport
that are less than 32km/20 miles). The charges are made
through a complicated calculation based on yards travelled
or time elapsed, hence a journey made in rush-hour traffic
(which is calculated on time rather than distance) will
be extremely expensive. The meter is visible and you can
get out at any time. Generally, black cabs are expensive,
but are fully insured and low-risk. A standard journey from
the City to the West End will cost about £6 or £7
outside rush hour.
Minicabs are unlicensed, often do not know even the local
area well, do not have to be good drivers and cannot be
hailed in the street (either phone for one or go in person
to the cab office). However, they usually work out cheaper
than black cabs especially for longer journeys. Negotiate
a fare when you phone. There is usually a £3 minimum
charge. There are several companies in London which offer
women drivers for women and children (see local phone directory),
including the Six 2 16 Car Club, 32a Goldney Road, W9 (0171-286
6216). Open 24 hours daily. London's first taxi service
exclusively for children with fully-trained, predominantly
female drivers, prices are comparable to minicabs.
The London Underground (or tube) is fast, efficient and
crowded. It opens about 6.00 am and the last train runs
around midnight. Buy your ticket before boarding and pass
it through the automatic gates at both ends of your journey.
The Travelcard is great value for budget travellers - it
can be used after 9.30 a.m. Mon-Fri and a one-day Travelcard
for zones 1 and 2 costs approx. £4.00.
Car
Hire in London and Heathrow City centre. car rentals
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Buses
