GETTING AROUND
LONDON
Getting Around London from the Thistle Piccadilly Hotel
It’s getting close, and you’re probably starting to wonder how to get around, where to go, and how to do it as efficiently (and enjoyably) as possible. This guide will help make your London stay easier, smoother, and more fun. London has a fantastic public transport system that includes the Underground (Tube), buses, boats—and even private cars, if you want to elevate the experience.
Let’s dive into your transportation options!
Getting to Your Hotel: A Smooth Arrival
Best Option? Taxi or Uber from the Airport
My recommendation: Get a taxi or pre-book an Uber to the Thistle Piccadilly Hotel, Coventry Street, near Piccadilly Circus. When you’re rolling off a long flight with luggage in hand, door-to-door is gold.
- From Heathrow (LHR, ~15 miles): Black cabs or Uber (roughly 45–60 minutes depending on traffic).
- Tip: Give the driver the destination as "Thistle Piccadilly Hotel, Coventry Street, near Piccadilly Circus."
- Bonus: Black cabs are part of the London experience—if you’ve never taken one, it’s a great way to start.
With many of you arriving at various times and days this will be the simplest —just grab a cab independently. Let me know if you would prefer a car and driver be waiting for you upon arrival; I can arrange that. Uber is generally a bit more affordable, but the classic black cab offers that unmistakable London charm.
Public Transport from Thistle Piccadilly: You Are in the Heart of It All
From your hotel, you’re just a short walk (2 minutes) from Piccadilly Circus Station, which connects you to the entire city via the Bakerloo and Piccadilly Tube Lines.
You’re within walking distance of many top attractions: Leicester Square, Soho, Trafalgar Square, and the West End theaters are all just steps away. This puts you in a fantastic position to explore by foot and hop on the Tube only when needed.
1. Public Transport: The Ultimate City Hack
The Transport for London (TfL) network includes the Tube, buses, and riverboats. Everything’s connected, and Piccadilly Circus Station is your transport gateway.
How to Pay:
- Use a contactless card or phone payment (Apple Pay/Google Pay).
- Tap in and out at the yellow readers on Tube stations.
- One-day fare caps ensure you're not overcharged (approx. £8.90/day in Zones 1–2).
- Optional: You can pick up a Visitor Oyster Card for multiple trips, but your contactless credit card works just as well.
Tube (London Underground)
- Closest Station: Piccadilly Circus (2-minute walk)
- Bakerloo Line takes you to:
- Oxford Circus (shopping) – 2 mins
- Waterloo (London Eye, Southbank) – 8 mins
- Piccadilly Line takes you direct to:
- Covent Garden – 3 mins
- South Kensington (museums, Brompton Oratory) – 7 mins
- Trains run every 2-5 minutes
- Tip: Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM) to steer clear of peak crowding.
Bus
- Iconic red buses are a scenic and affordable way to see the city.
- Closest major stop is on Regent Street (2–3 minute walk). From here, you can hop on routes heading to Kensington, Westminster, and the City.
- Flat fare, with unlimited transfers within an hour.
- Tip: Sit upstairs, front row, for the best sightseeing views.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Inexpensive, efficient, and iconic.
- Piccadilly is brilliantly connected—reach nearly any attraction in under 20 minutes.
- The TfL Go app is your best friend for navigating routes and schedules.
Best For:
- Budget-friendly, quick trips across the city.
- Ideal for a combination of walking and exploring central neighborhoods with rapid Tube access when needed.
2. Hop-On Hop-Off Buses: The Easy Sightseeing Option
Want a Bird’s-eye view of London’s greatest hits? Get yourself a 24-hour (or longer) pass on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus
- Nearest Stop: Piccadilly Circus (Stop 8 on most tour routes, 2-minute walk from the hotel)
- Routes include Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London.
- Audio guides included in multiple languages.
- Many tickets (over 24 hours) include a Thames River cruise (more on that below).
Why It’s Great:
- You don’t need to navigate—just sit back and listen.
- Great for covering major landmarks when you're short on time or energy.
- Ideal for the first day when you're getting the lay of the land.
Ease Factor:
- Could not be easier—buses every 10–20 minutes, and you just hop off when something looks intriguing.
- Start late morning to avoid early crowds and maximize your pass.
Best For:
- Full sightseeing days without switching between Tube lines.
- Especially helpful on your first or second day in London.
3. The Thames Clipper: Commuter Boat Meets River Tour
Want to see London from the water? The Thames Clipper is a wonderful way to cruise past famous landmarks with a drink in hand.
Catch it at Westminster Pier (~15-minute walk from your hotel) or take the Tube (Piccadilly Line to Embankment or Westminster, 5 mins).
Key Spots:
- Westminster Pier to Tower Pier – cruise past the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and more.
- Tower Pier to Greenwich (for a riverside afternoon or market browsing).
Details:
- Boats run every 20–30 minutes.
- Tickets via the Thames Clippers app or use your contactless card.
- Oyster/contactless discount applies.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Unique views of the city from the water.
- A peaceful alternative to the Tube.
- Great for photo ops and fresh air.
Tip: Sit outside for the views—but bring a coat, even in summer!
Best For:
- Scenic half-days to Greenwhich or riverside attractions like the Tower of London.
- A relaxing change of pace from underground transit.
4. Private Driver & Car: For Comfort-First Exploring
Need a day with no transfers, no maps, and complete freedom? Treat yourself to a private car tour of London or day trips beyond the city.
I recommend Evan Evans Tours, which offers private drivers for customized experiences. They pick you up right at the hotel—no Tube, no delays.
Where You Can Go:
- Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Day trips to Windsor Castle (1 hour) or Stonehenge (~2 hours)
Why It’s Worth It:
- Allows flexibility and in-depth exploration with a local driver.
- Excellent if you want to see a lot in one day or avoid group tours.
- Looks and feels like a premium VIP experience—without needing to navigate public transport.
Tip: You’ll work with Evan Evans to craft your own itinerary based on hours booked. Book directly via their site, I don't have a current agent contract with them.
Best For:
- Custom sightseeing
- Out-of-town day trips where trains aren’t convenient
- Days when you want full comfort and flexibility
5. Rental Cars: Keep It Rural, Not Local
A car might seem like a fun idea, but driving in London proper? Not so much.
Pros:
- Freedom for day trips outside the city to Cotswolds, Oxford, or Bath.
Cons:
- Very difficult (and expensive) to drive/park in Central London.
- Congestion charges, tight roads, aggressive driving—all true.
- Driving on the left side + steering on the right = steep learning curve. Where left is right and right is wrong. You will need to enlist your passengers to repeatedly remind you to stay left!. The hardest part for me is the roundabouts.
Where to Rent If You Must:
- Closest location: Heathrow Airport or select in-town offices.
- Get an automatic transmission if you're not used to stick shifts. Learning to stay left is enough to think about without having to worry about the manual transmission too.
Tip: Use a GPS with UK settings and have a co-pilot to help navigate signs, narrow streets, and roundabouts.
Best For:
- Day trips out of the city
- Not recommended for reaching attractions in Central London
Finally—Cruise Transfers
I have talked to many of you about arranging a private transfer right from the Thistle Piccadilly Hotel to your cruise port. Please send me a text 661-816-7153 to confirm you want to be on that transfer, and how many pieces of luggage you plan on bringing per person. I want to make sure I don't leave anyone out and that all of your luggage will have space to travel along. A comfortable van will pick you up at the front entrance, handle your luggage, and drop you directly at the terminal. I’ll confirm details closer to your departure.
Some of you have transfers from the ship to LHR post cruise, some don't. Let me know if you would like them.
It’s smooth, simple, and stress-free.
How I’d Do It:
Here’s how I’d plan your London adventure from this starting point:
2 days Hop-On Hop-Off Tickets to cover all the iconic spots without stress.
1 day Thames Clipper ride to Greenwich for scenery and relaxation—great paired with a riverside lunch.
1 Special Day: Book a day with a private driver for Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, or a curated city tour focused on your interests.
spare time and other days: Use the Tube and buses for efficient, on-the-go exploring. Don't miss walking the neighborhoods—you’re in one of London’s most walkable areas.
Enjoy your adventure—you’re staying in the heart of London with its best transport right outside the door!
