London Transport

Getting To London

Railway

London now has seven major stations providing long distance and local services. Eurostar trains run from St Pancras Station to the Chunnel Tunnel and onto mainland Europe.

The railways came to London in Victorian times. The first important station was Euston, which opened in 1837.

London has a railway that goes under london. It is known as the Tube or the London Underground.

Taxis

London's distinctive taxis, black cabs, are as much a feature of city life as its red double-decker buses. 

Like the buses, black cabs are also being modernised and many are now painted other colours with advertising. 

All black cab drivers must pass a stringent test known as 'The Knowledge' before they are licenced to operate a taxi.  This tests their knowledge of London's streets and the quickest traffic routes. 

You can phone for a black cab, hail one in the street or find one in a rank, especially near large railway stations or some major hotels.  They carry a yellow 'For Hire' sign above the windscreen which is lit up when they are free.   To stop one hold out your arm in a purposeful, and determined way.  When the taxi stops tell the driver your destination. 

Taxis are a good option for groups of people sharing the fare, which can be steep - there is a £2.20 minimum fare at all times.

Tipping at about 10% is expected.

Where credit or debit are accepted there is a typical surcharge of between 10% and 15% of the metered fare.

London Taxi Fares
The meter calculates the maximum fare based upon time of day, distance travelled and taxi speed.
Please note fares and journey times may be higher if there are delays or heavy traffic. 

There are no extra charges for luggage or additional passengers.

Some taxis accept credit or debit cards, and there is a maximum charge of £1.00 or 12.5% of the metered fare, whichever is greater.