Planning a trip to London? This page brings together essential travel information to help you navigate the city like a local. From airport transfers and train stations to weather tips, money advice and accessibility information, these resources will help you make the most of your visit to London.

Travel to and Around London

London is served by five international airports — Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City Airport — as well as one of the largest rail networks in Europe. Fortunately, getting into the city centre is easy, with multiple transport options available depending on your arrival airport, budget, and travel preferences.

Heathrow is the largest airport serving London, while Gatwick is the second busiest with flights from across Europe and beyond. Stansted and Luton are popular for many low-cost airlines, and London City Airport — located close to Canary Wharf — is the smallest and often the quickest airport to pass through.

Travel Between Airports and London

London is served by five airports: Heathrow (Terminal 2, 3, 4, 5) , Gatwick Airport (North & South Terminal), Stansted Airport, Luton Airport, and City Airport (actually in the city and close to Canary Wharf, it is also the smallest, which means there are no queues).

From Heathrow Airport

Heathrow is London’s largest airport and is located about 15 miles west of the city.

Best options:

Heathrow Express

• Fastest option
• 15 minutes to Paddington Station
• Higher price but very convenient

Elizabeth Line

• Direct trains to Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road and Canary Wharf
• Excellent balance between price and speed

London Underground (Piccadilly Line)

• Cheapest option
• Around 45–60 minutes to central London

From Gatwick Airport

• Gatwick Express – 30 minutes to Victoria Station

• Southern or Thameslink trains – Direct trains to London Bridge, Blackfriars and St Pancras (cheaper alternative)

From Stansted Airport

Stansted Express
45 minutes to Liverpool Street Station

From Luton Airport

Train from Luton Airport Parkway
Around 30–40 minutes to St Pancras International

From London City Airport

London City Airport is the closest airport to central London and Canary Wharf.
DLR (Docklands Light Railway)
Direct connection to Bank Station and the Underground network

From Eurostar (St Pancras International)

If arriving from Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam via Eurostar, you will arrive at St Pancras International in central London.

Nearby Underground stations include:
King’s Cross St Pancras (major Underground hub)
Connections to six Underground lines
Easy access to the rest of London

Major London Train Stations

London has several mainline train stations connecting the capital to the rest of the UK.

King’s Cross & St Pancras
Connections to northern England, Scotland, and Eurostar services.
Paddington
Trains to Oxford, Bath, Bristol, and Wales.
Victoria
Services to Brighton and the south coast.
Waterloo
Connections to southwest England, including Portsmouth and Southampton.
London Bridge & Charing Cross
Routes to southeast England and Kent.

Travel in London

London’s public transport network is extensive and easy to use. TFL-Transport For London Information
You can travel using:

Contactless payment cards or Apple/Google Pay

This is the easiest option for visitors.

Oyster card

A reusable smart card used across the London transport.

Transport includes:

• London Underground (Tube)
• Buses
• DLR
• Overground
• Elizabeth Line
• River boats on the Thames

London Weather and Best Time to Visit

London is a year-round destination, but each season offers a different experience.

Summer (June – August)

• London’s peak tourist season.
• Longer daylight hours
• Outdoor events and festivals
• Temperatures are usually around 20–26°C
• Occasionally, London experiences short heatwaves, but generally the climate remains comfortable.

Autumn (September – November)

• A lovely time to visit with fewer crowds.
• Beautiful autumn colours in London parks
• Cooler temperatures
• Museums and galleries are quieter

Winter & Christmas (December)

• London transforms during the Christmas season.
• Christmas lights across Oxford Street, Covent Garden and Regent Street
• Festive markets
• Ice skating rinks around the city
• Temperatures rarely fall below 0°C.

What to Pack for London

London weather can change quickly — locals often joke that we experience four seasons in one day.
Recommended items:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• A light raincoat or umbrella
• Layers (sweater or light jacket)
• Small backpack or day bag

London is a very walkable city, and many famous attractions are located along the River Thames including Westminster, the South Bank and Tower Bridge.

Where to Stay

London offers accommodation for every budget, from affordable hotel chains to luxury boutique stays and serviced apartments.

Budget Hotels

Reliable and affordable options include:

• Premier Inn
• Travelodge

These chains offer good value and are located throughout London.

Boutique Hotels

London has many charming boutique hotels offering unique design and personalised service.

Popular areas include:

• Soho
• Covent Garden
• Notting Hill
• Shoreditch

Apartments and Longer Stays

Short-term apartment rentals can be a good option for longer visits or families.

Airbnb and serviced apartments are widely available across the city.

👉 For a detailed guide including the best neighbourhoods to stay in London, read our full guide:
Where to Stay in London

Where to Eat and Drink in London

London is one of the most exciting food cities in the world. While visitors often come to experience traditional British favourites such as a full English breakfast, Sunday roast, or afternoon tea, the city’s modern dining scene is equally impressive.
London’s restaurants reflect its international character, with innovative chefs, global cuisines, and some of the most celebrated restaurants in Europe.

Traditional British Food to Try

A few classic experiences many visitors enjoy include:

Full English Breakfast
A hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, mushrooms, and toast. Often served in cafés, hotels, and traditional pubs.

Pub Lunch or Sunday Roast
A traditional Sunday roast typically includes roast beef, chicken or lamb, served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, and gravy.

Afternoon Tea
A British tradition featuring finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries, and tea. Afternoon tea is served in many hotels and historic tea rooms across London.

Read our guide on Themed Afternoon Tea.

London’s Modern Restaurant Scene

London has become one of the most exciting dining destinations in the world. While visitors often come expecting traditional British favourites such as afternoon tea or a classic pub roast, many are surprised by the city’s vibrant and innovative restaurant culture.

Today, London is home to over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants, with chefs from across the globe bringing creativity, technique, and diverse flavours to the city.

From refined modern British cuisine to bold international influences, London offers extraordinary dining experiences at every level — from neighbourhood bistros to world-renowned fine dining.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants and Famous Chefs

Several of London’s most celebrated chefs have helped shape the city’s reputation as a global food capital.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay – Chelsea
Chef Gordon Ramsay’s flagship restaurant has held three Michelin stars for over two decades. The restaurant offers elegant modern French cuisine and exceptional service.

Core by Clare Smyth – Notting Hill
One of the most acclaimed restaurants in the UK, Core by Clare Smyth showcases beautifully refined modern British cuisine using seasonal ingredients.

The Ledbury – Notting Hill
Recently awarded three Michelin stars, The Ledbury is widely regarded as one of London’s finest dining experiences.

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal – Knightsbridge
A unique restaurant that reinterprets historic British recipes with a creative modern twist.

These restaurants reflect London’s ability to combine culinary heritage with innovation.

Innovative and Trend-Setting Restaurants

London’s food scene is constantly evolving, with exciting new restaurants opening every year.

Some popular contemporary favourites include:

Dishoom
Inspired by the old Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom has become one of London’s most beloved restaurants, famous for its rich flavours and lively atmosphere.

Sketch – Mayfair
A truly memorable dining destination known for its artistic interiors and imaginative cuisine.

Brat – Shoreditch
A Michelin-starred restaurant specialising in wood-fired cooking and exceptional seasonal ingredients.

These restaurants represent the creativity and diversity that make London such a dynamic place to eat.

Food Experiences Visitors Love

For many travellers, dining in London is about more than simply choosing a restaurant. Food tours and special dining experiences offer a wonderful way to explore the city’s culinary culture.

Here are a few popular experiences visitors enjoy.

London Food Tours

Food tours are a fantastic way to explore neighbourhoods while sampling local dishes and learning about the city’s culinary history.

Popular areas for food tours include:

• Borough Market
• Soho
• East London street food markets
• Historic pub districts

👉 Discover London food tours and culinary experiences

Traditional Afternoon Tea Experiences

Afternoon tea is one of the most iconic British traditions and a favourite experience for many visitors.

Classic venues include:

• The Ritz London
• Fortnum & Mason
• The Savoy

These elegant settings offer beautifully presented tea, delicate sandwiches, and freshly baked scones.

👉 View popular London afternoon tea experiences

Thames Dinner Cruises

For a memorable evening in London, many visitors enjoy a dinner cruise along the River Thames.

These cruises combine fine dining with views of some of London’s most famous landmarks, including:

• Tower Bridge
• The London Eye
• Houses of Parliament
• St Paul’s Cathedral

👉 Explore Thames dinner cruises

Money, Payments, and Cash

London is largely a cashless city.

Most places accept:

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• Apple Pay / Google Pay

You can still withdraw cash from ATMs if needed, but many restaurants and shops no longer accept cash.

For visitors, using a contactless card is usually the easiest way to pay.

Accessibility in London

London has made significant progress in improving accessibility for visitors.

Many areas include:

• Ramps on pavements
• Step-free access at newer Underground stations
• Accessible buses
• Accessible taxis

However, some older Underground stations still have stairs.

Transport for London provides maps showing step-free access across the network.

Most restaurants and museums also provide accessible facilities, but it’s always best to check in advance.

More information on accessibility on our transport network.