Travelling in the UK

London has an extensive public transport network that includes the underground (also known as the “tube”), buses, trains, and even a cable car. The tube is the most popular mode of transport for getting around the city, and it is made up of 11 lines that cover most of the city. The tube runs from early in the morning until late at night, with some lines running 24 hours on weekends.

Buses run throughout the city, including night buses for those who need to travel late at night. Trams run in parts of South London, and there are also overground trains that connect London to the surrounding areas.

To use London’s public transport, you will need to get an Oyster card or use a contactless payment method. At all tube stations, the automatic barriers have a circular tap-to-pay terminal where you can either use your Oyster card or a smart device/payment card. You can top up your Oyster card with money and then use it to pay for your travel. Alternatively, you can use a contactless debit or credit card to pay for your travel directly. Once you are registered, you can order a Student Oyster Card which gives you a discount on travel when you buy season passes.

Our Chiswick campus is located just opposite Gunnersbury tube station.

Travel Zones

London is divided into nine travel zones, with Zone 1 being the center of London and Zones 2-9 radiating outwards from there.

The cost of your travel is based on the number of zones you travel through. If you travel within one or two zones, your fare will be cheaper than if you travel across multiple zones. For example, if you’re traveling from a station in Zone 2 to a station in Zone 1, your fare will be cheaper than if you’re traveling from a station in Zone 6 to a station in Zone 1.

When you use an Oyster card or contactless payment method to travel, the system will automatically calculate the fare based on the zones you travel through. The fare is deducted from your card balance or charged to your contactless card, and you can top up your card at any Oyster Ticket Stop or online.

It’s important to note that some stations are on the border between two zones, which means that the fare can vary depending on which exit you use. If you’re unsure about the cost of your travel, you can check the fare using the TfL (Transport for London) website or ask a member of staff at the station.

Important Addresses

Planning your airport connection

All London airports are well-connected to central London by taxi and tube/train. We recommend that before you arrive you download either Google Maps or the City Mapper app to your smart device. Your mapping app may also allow you to download an offline map to help you find your way if you do not have access to data roaming. London is also serviced by Uber.

When you get to the airport, you can connect to free public wifi to access live public transport info or message your loved ones.

If travelling from Gatwick or Heathrow Airports to central London, a taxi is likely to cost around £120.