London Local Reference INFOrmation
Details and contact information on London's public transport system; bus and tram, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and Thames Clippers boat services.
There is an extensive public transport network in London which includes buses, trams and Thames Clippers boat services.
The London Oyster CardThe Oyster Card is a blue reusable plastic card that can be used for travelling on the London public transport network. Oyster can be used on the Tube, trams, buses, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and on some boat services. Travelcards, railcards and passes can all be stored on an Oyster card. Credit can be stored on the card and topped up when necessary. There are over 4,000 outlets where tickets can be bought or topped up. These include stations, bus and tram stops, newsagents, post offices and ticket machines.
There is a small fee when purchasing the card, although this is refunded as credit for journeys on public transport. London TravelcardsTravelcards allow unlimited travel in certain areas for a specific number of days and are ideal for visitors to London. They can be used on the London Underground, buses, trams, Docklands Light Rail and some trains. Travelcards can be bought for a one, two, three or seven day period. To use the Travelcard, simply show it to the driver or scan it on the reader when boarding public transport or entering the Underground.
Freedom Pass A Freedom Pass is available to the elderly and to people with disabilities. It is provided by local councils and allows for free travel on most of the London public transport network. Reduced rates are available on some boat services.
Buses in LondonBuses run all across London from approximately 05:00-00:30, with some routes operating a 24 hour service. Night buses operate on major routes from midnight until 05:00. Maps of bus routes can be found at most bus stops.
Tickets and faresBus passengers cannot pay cash on bus fares in Zone 1 (central London). A valid ticket or Oyster card is required before boarding. Tickets can be purchased when boarding buses, but not always, or from coin-operated machines at stops. Tickets paid for with cash are more expensive than if using pre-paid cards.
When boarding a bus, show the ticket or Travelcard to the driver. Oyster card holders pass the card over the reader. Board double decker buses at the front. Other buses can be boarded at any door if the passenger has already got a pass, Oyster card or Travelcard. Bus travel for people with disabilitiesFloor level buses with ramps allow people with wheelchairs and motorised scooters to get on and off easily. The biggest wheelchair/scooter allowed on London buses may not exceed 70cm wide and 120cm long. Wheelchair users travel for free and do not need a ticket or pass. Guide dogs are allowed on London buses. Travelling with childrenFloor level buses with ramps allow easy access for prams and pushchairs. Double prams fit enter through the back doors of the bus. Under-19s who are in full-time education can travel for free, although they must have an Oyster card as do 11 to 18 year olds. Children up to the age of ten don't need a ticket or card as long as they are travelling with an adult in possession of a valid ticket or card.
Docklands Light Railway (DLR)The DLR has 40 stations running in London Transport Zones 1-4. They run from central London to east London, and all stations are north of the river Thames, apart from Woolwich Arsenal. There are four lines. They are:
To contact DLR:
TicketsFares are the same as on the London Underground, and an Oyster card can be used on the DLR.
TimetablesThe first trains are at 05:30 and the last at 00:30 from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays trains go from 07:00 to 23:30.
Travelling for people with disabilitiesAll stations have lift or ramp access to platforms and easy access to trains. The distance between the platform and train is 7.5cm and the step up or down from the platform to the train is 5cm. It is recommended that people in wheelchairs get on and off with the biggest wheel first. Travelling with childrenChildren under the age of ten travel for free on the DLR as long as they are accompanied by an adult in possession of a valid ticket, Oyster Card or Pass. If travelling without an adult they need an Oyster card to benefit from free travel. Child rates apply for children aged 11 to 15, an Oyster card is required to benefit from child rates. Children aged 16 to 19 get half adult-rate fares if they have an Oyster card. TramsTramlink runs through areas of south London, including Croydon and Wimbledon.
Tickets
TimetablesTrams generally run from 05:00 to 01:00.
Travelling for people with disabilitiesAll access is step-free so ramps are not needed in order to get on, and there are two wheelchair spaces on each tram. Wheelchair spaces are located next to an intercom, enabling people to speak to the driver if there is an emergency. Tram travel is free for wheelchair users. No pass is required. All tram stops have a line stopping the sight impaired from falling over the platform edge. The name of the next stop is announced. Travelling with childrenAll access is step-free so people can easily take prams and pushchairs on Tramlink. Under-19s who are in full-time education can travel for free, although they must have an Oyster card as do 11 to 18 year olds. Children up to the age of ten do not need a ticket or card as long as they travelling with an adult in possession of a valid ticket or card.
Travelling with PetsAny domestic animal is allowed on London buses, the Tube, tram and DLR, as long as they are not dangerous and are kept under control (that is, on a lead or in a suitable container). Animals cannot use the seats on public transport.
Boat Services (Commuter Services)There are a number of operators providing boat services on the Thames. Thames Clippers boats go along the river Thames from the London Eye to the O2 arena in North Greenwich. Tube bus and rail stops are situated close to the Canary Wharf, Tower, London Bridge, Blackfriars, Embankment and Waterloo piers.
TicketsSingle tickets or all day tickets can be purchased with reduced rates for children. Oyster cards can be used on Thames Clippers services. Other operators provide half price fares on presentation of a Freedom Pass.
TimetablesThe first Thames Clippers boat departs at 06:00 and the last at 01:00. They depart every 20 minutes and take 54 minutes to travel the full route.
Travelling for people with disabilitiesIt is easy to get on and off Thames Clippers boats with a wheelchair. Ramps are provided, and staff can help if necessary. Most river boats have access for the mobility-impaired, check with the individual operator. Dogs and bicyclesCheck with the individual operator to check whether bicycles or dogs can be taken onboard. Further Information
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