Public Transport

Public Transportation Overview

Unless you immediately purchase or ship a car, you will likely be without a vehicle for some time after you arrive. Fortunately, the UK has an extensive, highly reliable public transportation system—including trains, buses, and taxis—that makes getting around easy.

The Tube (Underground) and Rail

• The most common way to get around is the subway system, commonly known as the “Tube” or “Underground.” Note: Northwood HQ is located in Zone 6 on the Metropolitan Line.

• How to Pay (Cashless is King) Do not buy individual paper tickets; they are significantly more expensive. The most cost-effective way to ride the Tube and buses is to use an Oyster card or tap-to-pay (contactless bank card, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet).

  • Crucial Rule: You must tap in at the start of your journey and tap out at the end using the exact same card or device to avoid being charged a maximum penalty fare. (Buses only require a tap in). If you are traveling with family, make sure that you are using different cards per person!

• Peak vs. Off-Peak Fares The Tube is more expensive during peak commuter hours: 06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00, Monday through Friday. Traveling outside of these times, and all day on weekends and bank holidays, is considered Off-Peak and is much cheaper.

Buses and The Hopper Fare

• You will see the iconic red London bus stops everywhere. You can use your same Oyster Card or contactless device to pay for bus rides. Unlike the Tube, you only tap in when boarding a bus—you do not tap out when leaving. You will almost always exit from the middle, not the front. That is reserved for those entering the bus!

• The Hopper Fare When you tap to pay for a bus ride, it automatically triggers the "Hopper Fare." This allows you to make unlimited bus (and tram) transfers within one hour of your first tap-in for the price of a single £1.75 fare!

Taxis and Rideshares

• Black Cabs (London Taxis) Black taxis are driven by highly trained, licensed drivers who must pass a rigorous geographic test called "The Knowledge." They can be hailed on the street and are incredibly safe. Always ensure the meter is running.

• Private Hire / Mini-Cabs Outside central London, most taxis are private hire, meaning the driver uses their personal car. If there is no meter, agree on the cost before getting in.

Rideshares & PCS Airport Moves Many U.S. personnel use standard rideshare apps like Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow. As always, verify the license plate and use the buddy system.

• PCS Pro-Tip: If you are arriving or departing the UK with massive amounts of PCS luggage, highly consider using a pre-booked chauffeur service like Blacklane. They offer vans that can handle the luggage load and eliminate the stress of dragging bags onto public transit! Remember, it is a reimbursable expense :)