After you relocate and settle into London apartments, one of the first things you’re going to want to do is head out for a night on the town. The nightlife in this city is electrifying and many of the clubs are filled with a huge variety of people from all over London, Europe and the world. It is quite easy to meet an assortment of new friends by hitting the vibrant nightclubs.

Although public transportation exists throughout the city, most people prefer to take a taxi back to London apartments after a night of drinking and partying. Taxis are definitely a good option, but there are also some definite things you need to know about them or you could end up being a crime statistic. Women should especially take precautions as around 100 sexual assaults occur each year by illegal taxi drivers.

Black Taxis

The old black taxis are a London tradition and are the official taxis of the city. Although some black taxis are no longer black and are diminishing in numbers (there are roughly 23,000 still operating), they are still quite safe.

The old black taxis are easily identified as they are older models with rounded roofs originally meant to accommodate bowler hats, but they are also fairly small in size should a large group want a ride. Newer streamlined versions exist that are a bit larger and some have open tops for touring London. Regardless if black taxis are old or new, rates are steep.

Yellow Taxis

Yellow taxis are quite numerous and, just like taxis in any city, they can be hailed by waving them down. Available taxis are recognizable by a lit taxi sign located on the roof above the windshield. If the taxi sign doesn’t exist then it is a minicab (see minicab precautions below) or illegal taxi which should be avoided.

Taxi rates are fairly high and evening and weekend rates are even higher. Also keep in mind that it can sometimes be difficult to hail a yellow taxi at nightclubs because they have the right to refuse rides to people returning to London apartments that they expect have had too much to drink.

Minicabs

Minicabs are another option when returning to London apartments. However, there is quite a bit of misunderstanding about them which should be cleared up and paid attention to. Minicabs are unmarked and are only allowed to operate via reservation. They cannot be hailed for a ride from the streets like black or yellow taxis.

You should call to arrange a minicab pickup. When the minicab arrives, the driver should know your name and where you are going to and you can even arrange that they provide a password which you give to the dispatcher. When riding in minicabs, it is recommended by the Public Carriage Office that you sit in the back seat and have a cell phone on you. Minicabs do not contain meters, but instead charge by the mile/km.

There are a large number of illegal “gypsy” minicabs that try to pass off as real taxis. They are unmarked, uninsured and unlicensed and drivers can be very dangerous. Gypsy minicabs will attempt to pick you up on the street like a normal taxi but, again, be aware that it is illegal for minicabs to pick up hails.

Good to Know

If you’re out partying and want a guaranteed safe taxi ride to London apartments, you can call Cabwise. If you don’t have their number on you, you can text the word CAB to this number 60835* and a reputable taxi firm number and two reliable minicab numbers will be sent to your cell phone.

Women out late at night can get a safe and secure ride back to London apartments by calling Lady Mini Cabs which is a woman-run minicab company that provides services exclusively for women. Their number is 020-7272-3300.

Americans quickly discover that cars are not practical for local streets and often look for alternative transportation while here.  The most popular modes of transportation are public transportation but alternative means are popping up more frequently and allow users more freedom and independence than the rail or Tube.

Alternative Transportation – Cycling

In the last few years cycling has really exploded in growth.  Since London is not a very large city (in comparison to other major work metropolises) it is the perfect place to rely on a bike to get around.  The city has been receptive to cycling and has made many improvements in the areas of cycling routes and bike parks and has also addressed many safety issues.  If you are interested in learning more about cycling opportunities visit the official transport site.

Alternative Transportation – Scooters

Scooters are simply motorcycles with lower power levels.  Typically scooters range in power from 50ccs to 250ccs although new advances in technology allow them to go very fast now.  They also have walk through seating eliminating the need to straddle the bike.  Scooters are very popular with city dwellers as they are incredibly affordable compared to cars and larger bikes and do a great job navigating crowded city streets.

Alternative Transportation – Motorcycles

A step up from a scooter is a motorcycle.  These bad boys will get you where you need to go quickly and in style.  They are small enough to maneuver back alleys easily yet have the speed to take on major highways.  If you plan on traveling daily and exploring the British countryside and beyond for holidays a motorcycle might just be the answer.  Compared to cars motorcycles cost less, use much less gas and are cheaper and easier to park and store.

Just because you are living in London doesn’t mean you have to give up personal transportation.  If you look just beyond the line of stopped cars caught up in traffic you will see bicycles, scooters and motorcycles whizzing past.  If you don’t have the patience to deal with public transportation or plan on traveling frequently outside of the city you should consider alternative transportation while living in London.

With London being one of the world’s largest cities it is no surprise to anyone that there are an abundance of airports.  Boasting five commercial airports this is the major air hub for all of Europe offering flights to just about anywhere one could wish.  All the airports service a number of flights daily and depending on one’s destination they may choose to travel via Heathrow, City Airport, Gatwick, Stansted, or Luton.

Heathrow Airport

Heathrow is one of the largest and busiest airports in the entire world with more than one hundred and sixty countries visited by flights leaving the airport.  Nearly one hundred carriers use Heathrow and there are constant stream of visitors from around the world streaming in and out of the airport.

City Airport

With only one runway City Airport is the premier airport for those on business heading to Europe or New York.  Those arriving via City Airport will find themselves conveniently located near the heart of the city in the Docklands area near Canary Warf.  By rail, Tube, or taxi London’s business district is only minutes away.

Gatwick Airport

Gatwick is the second largest airport and offers a range of flights to locations around the world.  It is located in West Sussex approximately thirty miles from London making it a bit more difficult for those without personal vehicles to get there but it does boast an express train running between Gatwick airport and Victoria Station in London.

Stansted Airport

Stansted is a rapidly growing airport as it offers low-cost flights to Europe and the Mediterranean.  Locals have long turned to this low-frills airport for holiday travels.  Located forty miles from the city center the quickest way to get to Stansted Airport from London is by rail.  The Stansted Express runs between the airport and Liverpool Station in downtown.

Luton Airport

Similar in its appeal to Stansted Airport Luton Airport is a no-frills airport offering locals flights to Europe, North Africa and Asia.  It is located nearly forty miles from the center of the city with the fastest form of transportation being by rail.  Travelers can take a train from St. Pancreas Station to the airport as they run regularly. The airport is also easily accessible from the M1 Motorway.

Living here is a wonderful opportunity for American expats to explore Europe and beyond.  With five airports at one’s disposal, many with affordable flight to major European destinations, there is little excuse for why one’s time living in London shouldn’t be full of frequent holidays.

London is a diverse city crammed with people and most of these people require a form of transport to commute from place to place; therefore, before you start living in London, distinguish a few places with good rail links. Investing in a Travelcard will save you money, but it will be no use if you do not live near a station that provides access to the tube. The following three areas are recommended for people who need to travel from place to place.

Peckham

Peckham is approximately 3.5 miles from the Charing Cross part of East London, and a top choice for people considering living here. As a major center of the city, Peckham attracts people from all over the world on a regular basis and the population is estimated at just over 19,000. Moving here could be a cheap alternative, not only for the great choice of apartments and flats, but also for easy access to the tube station. PeckhamRye railway station can be found nearby, with transport to various parts of the city and beyond. Queens Road Peckham railway station is another rail link to use, giving you endless opportunities to commute.

Crystal Palace

If you are seeking out fantastic views, as well as good access to rail links, then consider moving to Crystal Palace. Crystal Palace is situated in a spot which is named as being the highest spot. This height enables residents to view the outstanding skyline, morning and night. In addition to the attractions and breathtaking views here, you can find Crystal Palace railway station. Due to this railway station being based right in the depths of the town center, you can do a spot of shopping and jump on a train to your next desired location. Consult with a relocation agent before living in London, to get low-cost apartments in this destination.

West Norwood

West Norwood offers people a chance to get amongst city life. Based in the London Borough of Lambeth, West Norwood is a very residential area, perfect for homeowners. You can take some time out when moving here by having an afternoon stroll in one of the many green park areas. If you need to travel to work, or to meet family and friends, then hop onto a train at West Norwood railway station. Many restaurants, clubs, hotels and bars cover the streets here too, proving it a worthwhile choice for people of all ages.