Getting to London – one of the world's most expensive cities – is half the battle. Once you've successfully navigated the murky waters of airline web sites or travel agencies and are actually on British soil, it can sometimes seem like you're spending as much on travel within the city as you did on travel across the pond. With a few money-saving tips, you can save your pounds and pence for London's many great attractions.
Buy Travelcards Instead of Individual Tickets
If you're staying in London for a few days, buy one-day or three-day Travelcards, which can be used on buses, trains, the Tube, and Docklands Light Railway. A single bus journey can cost you £2.00 alone, so a Travelcard offers significant savings.
Buy a Travelcard for the Appropriate Zone(s)
London is divided up into several different zones. The more zones you travel in, the more your Travelcard will cost. Most of the tourist sites, such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and the Tower of London, are located within Zones 1 and 2. Zones are clearly marked on Tube maps. Knowing ahead of time which zones you'll be traveling in and purchasing the appropriate Travelcard can help you avoid excess charges.
Travel in Off-Peak Times
To save even more, try traveling in off-peak times (after 9:30 a.m. Monday through Friday; all day Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays), when ticket prices are lower. You'll avoid rush hour this way, and you can use the savings for an extra pint.
Pair Travel With Admission to London's Top Attractions
London's 2FOR1 scheme offers two tickets for the price of one at over 100 museums, exhibitions, tours, and other attractions when traveling within the city or to London from other U.K. locations by train. If you're traveling with a friend or family member, this is a great way to save money. Information about the 2FOR1 scheme, including which attractions are covered, can be found at the 2FOR1 web site.
Avoid Black Cabs
The black cab is an iconic image of London, but they are notoriously expensive. A cheaper option is to use a licensed minicab company instead. Many of the city's hotels and restaurants have contact details for reputable minicab companies.
Walk
One of the best ways to explore London is on foot. Most of the main attractions within the city center are within walking distance. Take a stroll along the Thames on the Southbank, where you'll see, among many other impressive sites, the London Eye, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, and Tower Bridge. Enjoy a day exploring the unique shops in Covent Garden and the galleries in nearby Trafalgar Square. Or spend the day in one of the city's many parks, such as St. James's Park, which is adjacent to Buckingham Palace.
With these valuable tips, you can spend your money on London's many exciting attractions instead of emptying your wallet just to get there.
For more information on London's transport network, visit Transport for London.
To read more about money-saving tips for London, see Enjoy London on a Budget.
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