Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For more information on getting to or from London by train, bus, and plane, see the Lon-
don Connections chapter.
By Train:
London has nine major train stations, all connected by the Tube (subway).
All have ATMs, and many of the larger stations also have shops, fast food, exchange of-
fices, and luggage storage. From any station, you can ride the Tube or taxi to your hotel.
For more info on train travel, see
www.nationalrail.co.uk
.
By Bus:
The main intercity bus station is Victoria Coach Station, one block southwest
of Victoria train/Tube station. For more on bus travel, see
www.nationalexpress.com
.
By Plane:
London has six airports. Most tourists arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick air-
port, although flights from elsewhere in Europe may land at Stansted, Luton, Southend,
or London City airport. For specifics on getting from London's airports to downtown, see
the London Connections chapter; for hotels near Heathrow and Gatwick, see the Sleeping
in London chapter.
Theft Alert:
Wear your money belt. The Artful Dodger is alive and well in London. Be on
guard, particularly on public transportation and in places crowded with tourists, who,
considered naive and rich, are targeted. The Changing of the Guard scene is a favorite
for thieves. And more than 7,500 purses are stolen annually at Covent Garden alone.
Pedestrian Safety:
Cars drive on the left side of the road—which can be as confusing for
foreign pedestrians as for foreign drivers. Before crossing a street, I always look right,
look left, then look right again just to be sure. Most crosswalks are even painted with
instructions, reminding foreign guests to “Look right” or “Look left.” While locals are
champion jaywalkers, you shouldn't try it; jaywalking is treacherous when you're dis-
oriented about which direction traffic is coming from.
Medical Problems:
Local hospitals have good-quality 24-hour-a-day emergency care cen-
ters, where any tourist who needs help can drop in and, after a wait, be seen by a doc-
tor. Your hotel has details. St. Thomas' Hospital, immediately across the river from
Big Ben, has a fine reputation.
Getting Your Bearings:
London is well-signed for visitors. Through an initiative called
Legible London, the city has erected thoughtfully designed, pedestrian-focused maps
around town. In this sprawling city—where predictable grid-planned streets are relat-
ively rare—it's also smart to buy and use a good map.
Benson's London Street Map
,
sold at many newsstands and bookstores, is my favorite for efficient sightseeing.
