The underground and bus network is run by London Transport (tel: (020) 7222 1234 for 24-hour enquiries; website: www.londontransport.co.uk ). Interested visitors can trace the history and development of the city’s transport system at the London Transport Museum in the Piazza at Covent Garden (tel: (020) 7379 6344).

The London Underground, commonly referred to as the ‘Tube’, is the oldest and most extensive underground system in the world and pervades both the life and layout of London. An on-going programme is replacing decrepit rolling stock, modernising stations and improving efficiency, however, escalator and station closures are still a regular problem. Twelve underground lines, each with a different name and colour, are supplemented by the privately operated Docklands Light Railway (tel: (020) 7363 9700) connecting the City of London and the Docklands. The entire network is divided into six concentric zones, which determine the price of tickets. In the city centre (zone one) a single ticket costs £1.50, otherwise single fares are £0.90 (one zone) up to £2.20 (four zones). Carnets of ten zone-one tickets cost £11. Tickets must be passed through the barrier ticket gates in order for the passenger to enter and leave the system (and avoid a £10 penalty fare). The London Underground runs 0530-2430 but should be avoided (where possible) during rush hour – 0800-0930 and 1700-1830 Monday to Friday.

London’s famous red ‘Routemaster’ double-decker buses are slowly being superseded by more modern single and double deckers. There are now only two fare zones. Any journey that includes the city centre zone is £1 and any journey outside this zone is 70p. Tickets are bought from the driver or bus conductor upon boarding and there is a £5 fine for travelling without a valid ticket. Carnets of six tickets (for any zone) can be purchased for £3.90. Night buses, prefixed by the letter ‘N’, replace the standard services after midnight and are included on one-day travel cards. Regional and commuter rail services run between numerous stations in the capital and often cover routes not served by the underground system.

There are a number of services operating on the Thames. Commuter ferries between the Savoy Pier (Embankment) and Greenland Pier (Greenwich) are run by Collins River Enterprises (tel: (020) 7977 6892; website: www.thamescat.com ). Fares cost between £1.50 and £2.70 for a single and £2.50 and £4.70 return. Riverside Launches (tel: 020 7352 5888) operate a commuter service between Chelsea/Cadogan and Embankment for £4 (single) or £8 (return). These commuter services operate between Monday and Friday 0635-1944. Full details of all river ferries (operators, timetables, routes and prices) can be obtained from London Transport (website: www.londontransport.co.uk ). Tickets for the various services available can be bought on board.

Once in London, there are a number of passes available, including the One-day Travelcard for £4 (valid after 0930 Monday to Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday), the LT Card at £5.10 (offering unrestricted travel within 24 hours) and the £6 Weekend Travelcard, which is valid on Saturday and Sunday (or public holidays). Prices quoted are for zones one and two only. The all-zone One-day Bus Pass costs £2. Weekly, monthly and annual passes must be accompanied by a photocard. Tickets can be purchased at the station – carnets and some passes can be bought at participating newsagents and supermarkets.