Travelling to and in London
To London by Air
London is one of Europe's central routing points for international air travel and has five major airports (London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London City and London Stansted). They are served by nearly all major international airlines and European low cost carriers. From Heathrow, Luton, Gatwick and Stansted airports there are express trains for a fare £10-£20 connecting to the tube. The London City airport is a few minutes away from the ExCeL Congress Centre by DLR (Docklands Light Railway).
To London by Train
United Kingdom has an efficient railway system that connects all main cities and towns. Rails connections also exists to the European continent through the "Chunnel" (tunnel under the Channel, connecting the UK and France).
Getting Around in London
Buses and Trains
London has an extensive bus network (over 17,000 bus stops all over London). However, it is often difficult to know when you should get off if you do not know the area well. After midnight, night buses are the only public transport in London. All night buses have the prefix N and most of them start from Trafalgar Square.
London's National Rail system stretches all over London. Many lines start at the main London railway stations (Paddington, Victoria, Waterloo, Kings Cross) with links to the tube. Trains mainly serve areas outside central London, and travel over ground.
Metro - The Tube
The London underground or tube (how the local Metro is called) is the quickest way of getting around in
London. London has one of the most comprehensive underground systems in the world (and also the oldest in the world, built 120 years ago). The tube runs from 5:30am to midnight Mon-Sat, and from 7:00am to 11:30pm Sun. During the rush hours (8-9:30am, 5-6:30pm, Mon-Sat), the tube can be very
crowded.
Taxi
Take a ride in the famous and traditional black cabs of London. In London, fares are metered and there is a minimum charge of £2.20. Black cabs are licensed to carry up to five people plus luggage. There are no additional charges for extra passengers or items of luggage within these limits. Many black cabs accept payment by credit or debit card but check with the driver before the trip starts that you can pay by card. If you pay by card there is an additional charge, which is typically between 10% to 15% of the fare.
RELATED INFORMATION
The London Pass
A free transport "London Pass" will be given to each registered participant at the congress, available for the 4 days of the congress. The London public transport network gives access to buses, trains and the London "tube" for unlimited journey within zone 1-6 and to airports London Heathrow and City.
Google maps on London