Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for London's buses, the Underground, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and the management of London River Services. To obtain general information on the transport system in London, please visit the following website. http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/.

Buses London buses come in two main types: double-deckers with a conductor and double or single deckers with automatic doors where you pay the driver on entry.

There are two kinds of bus stops:
    a compulsory stop, which has a white background;     a request stop, which has a red background.

To board a bus at a request stop, you should raise your arm to warn the driver to stop for you. Buses only stop at bus stops.

Underground Trains (The Tube)
There are ten major Underground or tube lines. Consult a tube map (available free from most tube stations) and follow signs for the line and for the direction in which you wish to go. The final destination of trains is shown on the front of the cab, so you can check you are on the correct platform. Fares vary with distance and according to how many zones you have crossed. You must buy a ticket for your entire journey before you travel, unless you already have a valid travel card. At many stations automatic checking of tickets is carried out at entry gates. Keep your ticket with you until your journey is over. There are ticket inspectors at exit points and on trains. If you travel without a ticket or with an incorrect ticket there is a minimum of £20 on-the-spot fine.

Rail Services
London is served very well by British Rail. Reductions are available on British Rail if you buy a Young Person's Rail card, which is available to anyone less than 25 years. If you are over 25 and are engaged in 15 or more hours of education a week you are entitled to a Student Rail card. Both cards provide a one third reduction in price on train tickets. These cards can be purchased from BR train stations. British Rail has a number of special offers. Tickets may be cheaper if you book them in advance. These are known as Apex fares. It is important to note that when travelling at peak hours, that is, before 9am and on certain trains from about 5pm to 7pm, tickets will be considerably more expensive. Travelling on a Friday and on certain other days throughout the year is also more expensive.

Coaches
National Express coach services operate extensively throughout the country, including links to and between London's airports. Reductions are available with a student coach card. For further information contact National Express Tel: +44 08705 808080 or www.nationalexpress.com

Taxis and Mini-cabs
A taxi may be hailed on the streets if the yellow "for hire" sign is illuminated. Mini-cabs may be hired from local companies; they advertise in the "Yellow Pages" telephone directory. It is a good idea to ask friends the name of a reputable mini-cab firm. Some unscrupulous firms may not be safe and may overcharge you