Get around the city with TFL ease

You will have lots of choices when it comes to getting around London. The tube, buses, bikes, walking - what the best mode of transport is will depend mainly on location, time and destination but it can't hurt to be in the know about all the options at your disposal. Check out the video below where one of our residential assistants walks you through some of the ins and outs of using Transport For London:

Good-to-knows

Here are a few bits of extra information to help you travel around London like a pro:

• Fares/prices - While prices will vary, you can always get up-to-date numbers from the TFL website for any type of public transport, plus information on how you can pay.Student railcards - You'll want to invest in a railcard and/or an Oyster card if you plan on using public transport frequently. Students can save up to 1/3 off travel by getting a 16-25 railcard. You can also apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard to save 30% on bus & tram pass season tickets.
  
  Important information about student oyster card applications - September 2024
  
  TFL suffered a cyber attack on the 1 of September and is still having issues with its website. Students have to apply for the discounted student oyster card via the TfL website. At present, Queen Mary is not receiving details of students who apply to approve their status as a student of Queen Mary. This is an external system to Queen Mary and there is nothing that we can do other than to remain in contact and check the status daily until it is resolved to confirm student status.
  
  Further information on the status of the applications for photocards is available on the TfL website at the link below, which has this advice: If you have been unable to apply, please keep a record of any fares you've paid as we may be able to arrange a refund once you get your new photocard.
  
  https://tfl.gov.uk/help-and-contact/we-re-doing-maintenance-on-our-photocard-website
  
  
• Night buses and safety - You have options late at night to get back to your accommodation safely, you don't need to rely on expensive taxi rides.
  
• Signal on the tube - You will likely lose signal from time to time on the underground but you can still reliably access the TFL website using your 4G/5G for live updates on times and services. There are some UK phone networks that provide free tube wifi such as EE, Three, Vodafone and O2.
  
• Hopper fare - Pay adult rate on buses and trams with 'Pay as you go'. Enjoy unlimited journeys for £1.75 with our Hopper fare within 1 hour of tapping in. Use the same card for automatic Hopper fare. If Tube, DLR, etc. are used between Hopper rides, standard fare applies. Hopper is still valid for bus/tram trips within 1 hour.
  
• Walking - Using your feet to get around may not be the quickest option but it's definitely one of the healthiest for both you, your wallet and the planet. Always check before you travel to see if it's a feasible choice!
  
• Santander bikes - If you frequently use the Santander bicycles, consider the option of becoming a monthly member at only £20 per month or an annual member for £120. These memberships provide you with limitless 60-minute rides without any additional charges.
  

You should now know everything you need to traverse London with ease, just watch out for those pesky delays and cancellations...