@ Travel

There are a number of ways to travel around the city, the two most popular are by bus or underground tube. The transport network is divided into Zones, Zone 1-2 cover central London, if you are here as a tourist this should be all you need to see most of the main attractions. Zones 3-4-5-6 are determined by how far out of central london you are travelling, the further out the higher the zone. Maps are displayed at all stations, and each zone is shaded a different colour to make it easy to determine which zone of travel card you need to purchase Buying a ticket: The best option if you intend to travel to different destinations during the day is to purchase an all day travel card. This allows you to travel on the bus, underground and train networks. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines or from the ticket desk inside the station. When boarding a bus simply show you ticket to the driver, when entering or exiting the underground or train station simply put your ticket into the front of the turn style to open the gate. Yazabo Tip: There are two travel times on the transport network. These are Peak which is Monday to Friday before 9.30 am and off peak after 9.30am and weekends. If you want to save money, wait until after 9.30am, when it is a little cheaper. Oyster Card. If you are staying in London for more than a few days the best and cheapest option is to buy your travel through the Oyster card system.Your Oyster card will cost you £3 to buy, you can then top up your card with credit at any station. You can buy a single journey ticket, all day travel card or weekly/monthly travel cards for any zone. All buses have an Oyster “touch screen” located beside the driver, simple press you card against the pad until you here a beep sound. When entering or exiting any train or underground station simply press your oyster card against the touch screen pad on the turn style, this will open the gate and allow you to pass. Yazabo advice: If you choose to only top up your card with enough money for each journey, as apposed to buying a fixed price travel card (daily/weekly/monthly) Make sure that you always touch in and out at every station, failure to do so will result in you being charged extra the next time you enter the net work. Please note: Only weekly/monthly/yearly oyster card tickets are valid on the train net works. If you are only topping up your card with money for each journey you will need to purchase a separate ticket for you train journey Taxis If money is not an issue, black taxis are a great option, the drivers are very knowledgeable and it’s a quick option to avoid traffic as they can use bus lanes. Private taxis, also known as mini cabs can be hired but you will need to phone to book. Mini cabs are regular cars with taxis signs on top of them. Not all cars are marked but all legal taxis drivers have to display there taxis licence and ID in the front of the car. Yazabo advice: Not all mini cabs are licensed. These mostly operate at night time outside pubs, bars and night clubs. An illegal mini cab might be cheaper but always put your safety first. We strongly recommend that you only travel in black taxis or licensed mini cabs as all drivers have to undergo police checks. illegal mini cabs are often uninsured, and some drivers don’t even have a driving licence!! Rickshaw. These are 3 seater bicycle taxis, and tend to only be used by tourists or people who have had a bit much to drink at night. They mostly only operate around the west end. Not considered a serious form of transport, they are more of a novelty and good for a bit of a laugh for a short trip in the west end. Yazabo advice: Always ask the price first and don’t be afraid the haggle, the rider/driver will naturally try and charge you as mush as they can. Also they will often tell you a price for the journey but then try and charge everyone that price when you get there.