10 Best Ways to See London Without a Car
1. Discover London on Foot
Walking is the most authentic way to experience London. Nearly all the West End, South Bank, and City sights are within easy strolling distance—like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, St Paul’s, and Tower Bridge. Sprinkle in free walking tours, such as Sandeman’s or local-led heritage walks, to dive deep into hidden alleys, historical anecdotes, and London’s vibrant street culture.
2. Santander Cycles – London’s Iconic “Boris Bikes”
For speedy travel between neighborhoods, the docked Santander Cycles are hard to beat. With over 12,000 bikes and 800 docking stations across central London, a 30-minute ride costs just £1.65—or go electric for £3.30 .
In 2021, usage soared past 10.9 million hires—a major leap during the pandemic Trips have trended shorter recently (average 14 minutes), ideal for hopping between landmarks
Tips:
Use the official app or Citymapper to check bike and dock availability
Ride efficiently—under 30 minutes per hire avoids extra charges.
Sundays in June often feature free 30-minute rides, perfect for leisure riding
3. Dockless e‑bikes: Lime, Forest & More
If you prefer flexibility, dockless e-bikes make sense. These app-based rentals, available from companies like Lime and Forest, let you park almost anywhere. They’re great for slightly longer or uphill journeys—but cost more (around £0.23/min) and clutter pavements if not parked responsibly
4. Hop-On Hop-Off & Local Double-Decker Buses
Classic tour buses like Tootbus (formerly The Original Tour), Big Bus, and City Sightseeing offer 24–72-hour passes covering major landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace
They’re perfect for first-time visitors short on time, offering audio commentary in multiple languages. Alternatively, London’s regular red double-deckers cost around £2.65 with an Oyster card and offer a scenic, budget-friendly ride (top deck seating is much more fun) .
5. Thames Riverboats & River Buses
Cruising the Thames is a unique way to see London’s central skyline—from the City to Greenwich. Use Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (branded under TfL River Services) with 23 vessels and 24 piers from Westminster to Barking Riverside
They’re perfect for commuting or seeing top sights like the Tower of London, London Eye, and The O₂. For a leisurely twist, consider sightseeing cruises or dine-and-drink boats on summer evenings.
6. Shared Canoes & Kayaks
For a quieter Thames experience, try kayaking with companies like Kayaking London. Paddle beneath famous bridges and glimpse hidden gardens along monastery walls. Perfect for a personal adventure if you're comfortable controlling your craft in current.
7. Pedestrianised Zones & Car-Free Design
Many famous London streets are now pedestrian-friendly. Explore Covent Garden, Carnaby Street, South Bank, Borough Market, Greenwich, and Boxpark Shoreditch. These areas are ideal to stroll, shop, dine, and people-watch—car-free and lively.
8. Combine Transport Modes
Best option? Mix walking, cycling, buses, and ferries:
Rent a Santander bike to cross Hyde Park to Buckingham Palace.
Dock and walk through St James’s Park to Horse Guards Parade.
Hop on a Thames Clipper at Westminster Pier to Greenwich.
Finish with Lime e-bikes around Canary Wharf.
That sort of multi-mode flexibility lets you cover the city like a pro—without any petrol.
9. What London Locals Ask Visitors
"What’s the cheapest tube alternative?" Walk or ride Santander up to 30 minutes—yes, it costs less than a Zone 1 tube journey.
"Are buses slower than the tube?" Yes—buses navigate traffic—but top-deck views are worth the slower pace.
"Is cycling in central London scary?" Stick to Cycle Superhighways, off-peak hours, quieter routes, and use apps like Citymapper
"How safe are e‑bikes for newbies?" They’re great, but watch out—they can get speed-oriented and block pavements
"Can I ride e-scooters legally?" Yes, in approved boroughs and only on designated roads after completing safety e-training
10. London’s Cycling Revolution
Cycling is booming: daily journeys topped 1.1 million in 2022, up 314% since 1990, with 139,000 cyclists a day on average in the City. Tfl’s ongoing strategy to boost cycling with better lanes, hire expansion, and safety measures ensures it’s the new normal for exploring London .
Final Thoughts: Explore London Without a Car
Walk through history—from Westminster to the South Bank.
Bike along quiet routes and canals with Santander or e-bikes.
Take buses for convenient sightseeing with commentary.
Explore the Thames via riverboat or a kayak for a magical viewpoint.
Adapt your route like a Londoner—mix and match transport with style.
From pedestrian alleyways to riverside waves, you don’t need four wheels to see London—you need curiosity, a map, and an appetite for adventure.
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