Glen's tips

GETTING AROUND

All the detailed information for getting around London can be found on the Transport for London (TFL) site. Here is a summary of the best way to get around. Please check the TFL site in case of price changes and the latest travel information.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT A TRAVELCARD or OYSTER CARD is by far the best bargain for travelling around London. This gives you unlimited travel on buses, tube and trains, the Docklands Light Railway and you can get discounts on some riverboat services. For transport purposes, London is divided up into 6 zones. Almost all of the major tourist attractions are in zones 1 and 2 and you can buy a Travelcard just for zones 1 and 2. If you are going to go a little further out of London, for example, to Hampton Court (zone 5) or Heathrow Airport (zone 6), then you should obtain a Travelcard for all zones. The price varies depending on how many zones you will be travelling within. The price will also vary if you are travelling at peak times (before 9.30am on Monday - Friday) or Off-peak (after 9.30am weekdays, weekends and public holidays).
You can buy 1, 3 or 7 day travelcards or an oyster card in advance. Please follow this Visitor Tickets link for details. There are discounts and even free travel for children. Please follow this link for details

BY TAXI There are 3 types of Taxi. The distinctive Black Cab. Drivers of these taxis have to pass a vigourous test called 'the knowledge' before they can get a 'green badge'. The charging system is complicated but from Heathrow airport to central London, it will cost about £40 - £50. Black cabs can be hailed from the streets unlike Mini Cabs that have to be booked in advance.
MINI CABS are regular motor vehicles, the fare maybe cheaper, the drivers have not taken the knowledge but there is still strict regulation over mini cab drivers and their vehicles.
ILLEGAL TAXIS. You may find these outside airports, theatres and stations. You will know the illegal taxis because they will come up to you and ask if you need a taxi. Mini Cab drivers and black cab drivers will NOT approach you. Please do not get into the illegal taxis. The drivers may not be insured, the vehicles may not be roadworthy and assaults have taken place, particularly on women travelling alone.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

FROM HEATHROW AIRPORT TO CENTRAL LONDON

THE TUBE. The cheapest way from the airport to central London is by Underground (also known as the Tube). Heathrow is on the Picadilly line (Purple) and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. For One way/single fares Click Here. However, I recommend you buy a travelcard or oyster card as this may be cheaper, particularly if you will be using public transport for the remainder of the day.

HEATHROW EXPRESS takes about 15 minutes to Paddington Station and fares vary but range from £16.50 one-way

FROM GATWICK AIRPORT TO CENTRAL LONDON

There is NO underground service from Gatwick Airport to Central London. There is a frequent train service which takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes into central London depending on which service you use and terminus you arrive at. Click here for details. The Coach service takes approximately 90 minutes and arrives at Victoria Station

SIGHTSEEING

Although many of the museums and galleries are free, some sites such as St Paul's Cathedral and Tower of London charge admission. We recommend buying the The London Pass as a way of saving money to attractions. Passes are valid for 1,2,3 or 6 days. You can also buy a London Pass including travel and make even more savings.

THEATRE TICKETS

To see what is currently on at the theatre click here. There are several ways of buying theatre tickets. You can go direct to the theatres Box Office. Generally prices range from about £15 to £60. At the Box Office you do not pay a booking/handling fee. You may be able to get cheaper tickets at the box office if you go to the theatre about an hour before the show starts and ask for returns.
There are a number of Ticket Agencies, particularly in and around Leicester Square. Ticket agencies will charge a booking fee on top of the normal ticket price. Expect to pay upto £80 through an agency for £60 ticket. More reputable ticket agencies abide by a self regulatory code of conduct and a list of those agencies are here.
You can buy tickets for some shows at half price on the day. There is TKTS, also known as the the half price ticket agency. This is found in a booth in the middle of Leicester Square. The tickets are half-price but there is a £2.50 handling charge per ticket. There are other agencies in Leicester Square that offer half price tickets. Look for boards outside the agency advertising prices. Generally the price on the board is the price you pay (including any booking fee) but please check at the agency.

LINKS

Here are some more links with additional information on topics and places you will encounter on Gren Tours.

Check Glen's availability HERE