A quick ride in a London taxi or a double-decker bus (both on many tourists’ To-Do lists anyway) will be welcome at some stage for tired legs. Note: London Transport is phasing out the famous old Routemaster buses: they will all be replaced before the end of 2005.
Travel in London isn’t always as clean and efficient as you would wish: tube and bus lines are in need of renovation while the cost of taxis can be prohibitive, especially at night. Do as Londoners do: set off early and resign yourself to delays and frustrations. It’s worth it.
One-Day, Weekend and Family Travelcards and Bus Saver tickets are all designed with tourists in mind and can be bought in Tube stations, London Transport ticket retailers and some self-service ticket machines.
Bus tickets need to be bought before entering the bus – either from standalone machines at bus stops or from selected newsagents displaying a London Transport sign. Children under 11 with appropriate ID travel free on all London buses.
The London Pass is worth investigating if you’re planning on seeing lots of sights. From £12 a day, it will give you free entry to over 50 attractions and numerous other discounts and special offers.