London - Essential Information
Airports
London is served by five major airports:
Heathrow www.heathrowairport.com
Gatwick www.gatwickairport.com
Stansted www.stanstedairport.com
London City Airport www.londoncityairport.com
Luton www.london-luton.co.uk
The high-speed Heathrow Express train costs £18 and takes 15 minutes to Paddington Station. Gatwick lies 28 miles from London, and a 30-minute train ride on the Gatwick Express gets you to Victoria Station for £18.90. The Stansted Express connects Stansted Airport and Liverpool Street Station with a single journey costing £21.50. London City Airport is located in the city itself and is served by the DLR which easily connects to the Underground. Luton Airport lies 34 miles from the city and is served by several coach companies. The cheapest is Easybus (www.easybus.co.uk), offering tickets from £2.
Public Transport
Public transport in London mainly consists of buses, the vast underground system with 11 lines and the DLR (Docklands Light Railway). The ”tube” (underground) is legendary and the quickest and easiest way to get around, especially during rush hour. The underground runs until 12.30 Mon-Sat, and until 11.30 on Sundays.
If you’re not in a hurry, buses are a pleasant and interesting way to get around. Viewing the city from the top of a red double-decker is a classic London experience. More and more of London’s buses run at night.
A smart idea is to buy a London Travelpass that gives you unlimited travel on London’s buses, underground trains, national rail trains, Docklands light rail and Tramlink, for the dates and duration you require.
Taxi
Riding in one of a London’s famous black cabs is a must. They are excellent with lots of space for legs and shopping bags. Minicabs are another alternative.
Black Cabs +44 20 7272 0272
Mini Cabs +44 20 7387 8888
Lady Cabs +44 20 7272 3300
Post
Stamps are available from post offices and newsagents. Post offices are generally open Monday-Friday 9.00-17.30. Larger post offices are open Saturdays 9.00-12.30.
Pharmacy
There’s always one neighbourhood chemist that’s open 24 hours. Since all medication is readily available, either over the counter or on prescription, there’s no need to stock up. Apart from individual chemists, Boots the Chemist is the main point for anything pharmacy related, but the Superdrug chain is also a good option.
If you need urgent medical or dental care, call NHS Direct, tel. 0845 4647. They can give you free medical advice and direct you to the nearest hospital with 24-hour accident and emergency departments.
Electricity
230/240V AC, 50Hz.
Telephone
Country code: +44
Area code: 020
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