London Travel Tips for Tourists — Practical Guide 2026

On the Tube, buses, DLR and Overground you can pay by tapping a card or phone on the yellow reader: the system applies a daily cap automatically, so you'll never be charged more than the maximum fare for that zone in a day.

The Oyster card is still useful if you don't have a fee-free international contactless card: buy and top it up at station ticket machines, with a refundable deposit.

Fares differ between peak and off-peak hours: travelling after 9:30 AM or on weekends is cheaper. The TfL Journey Planner shows the fastest route and any line disruptions in real time.

Black cabs must run a meter, hold a TfL licence, and drivers pass a rigorous test of the city's streets known as 'The Knowledge'. Hail one in the street when the 'For Hire' light is on.

Uber, Bolt and licensed minicabs must be pre-booked (by phone, office or app): hailing an unbooked car in the street is not legal and isn't covered by insurance.

The Congestion Charge applies in central London on weekdays; ULEZ covers a much wider area (nearly all of Greater London) and targets the most polluting vehicles, every day of the week. They're two separate charges and can stack.

Both are paid online on the official Transport for London site (tfl.gov.uk) by midnight the day after travelling: paying late triggers a hefty penalty.

For non-urgent health problems call 111 (free), the NHS service that directs you to A&E, a doctor or a pharmacy based on your symptoms, 24 hours a day.

Pharmacies (often called chemists, commonly Boots) sell many over-the-counter medicines without a prescription. Some stay open late in central areas and major stations.

Check the bill: many restaurants already add a service charge of around 12.5%. If it isn't included, a 10-12% tip is standard at restaurants; in pubs where you order at the bar, tipping isn't expected.

Tap water in London is safe to drink everywhere. Many cafés and venues will refill a water bottle for free if you simply ask — it's common practice across the UK.

Major rail stations (King's Cross, Paddington, Victoria, Euston) have left-luggage counters run by operators such as Excess Baggage Company, with airport-style security checks — booking ahead online is wise in high season.

On bank holidays (Mondays off scattered through the year) most shops stay open but with reduced hours, while banks and offices close; public transport often runs a weekend-style timetable with scheduled engineering works.

999 — emergency number for police, ambulance and fire brigade. 112 — the single European number also works in the UK. 111 — NHS non-emergency medical advice.