Getting here

Whether you’re trying to figure out how to get here, or how to get around once you’re here, we have you covered.

Getting to London
Travelling within London

Getting to London

If you’re coming from abroad, we can’t wait to welcome you to London! First off, we recommend that you check the UK Government website for specific visa and other travel requirements for your trip. Bureaucracy aside, the city is served by an extensive network of air and rail links, making your journey straightforward:

By Air (International Airports)

London is served by six major international airports, offering flights from around the globe.

  • London Heathrow (LHR): The largest and most connected airport. You can reach Central London via the Heathrow Express train to Paddington, or the London Underground (Piccadilly Line, directly to Russel Square or Kings Cross St Pancras).

  • London Gatwick (LGW): Easily reached by the Gatwick Express, Southern, or Thameslink train services to Victoria or London Bridge stations.

  • London Stansted (STN): Served by the Stansted Express train to London Liverpool Street.

  • London Luton (LTN): Served by a shuttle bus connection to Luton Airport Parkway station, with frequent trains to London St Pancras International or Blackfriars.

  • London City (LCY): The closest airport to the city centre, connected by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).

  • London Southend (SEN): Served by train services to London Liverpool Street.

From all of these connection points in Central London, the conference venues are easily accessible by tube, bus, or taxi.

By Rail (The Eurostar)

If you’re travelling from mainland Europe, the Eurostar high-speed train is a highly recommended option that offers a seamless journey directly into the heart of London. The train leaves from Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Rotterdam, and arrives at London St Pancras station. St Pancras is within comfortable walking distance (approx. 10-15 minutes) to UCL. The train is stress free, convenient, and has a minimal environmental impact, so we would encourage you to consider this excellent option if you’re travelling from mainland Europe.

Travelling within London

London boasts an incredibly comprehensive and efficient public transport network, making it easy to navigate the city, explore its many sights, and most importantly, get to the conference on time!

Core Public Transport

All public transport is managed by Transport for London (TfL). There are three main types of services:

  • The Tube (London Underground): London's iconic subway system is the fastest way to cover long distances. The network is colour-coded and well-signposted.

  • Buses: London's famous red double-decker buses offer a more scenic way to travel and are an excellent option for shorter hops. You must enter at the front and can only pay using contactless cards or Oyster (cash is not accepted). No need to tap off, because fares are fixed at £1.75 (you can take unlimited buses within one hour of “tapping in”).

  • Overground & DLR: These rail services connect areas outside the central Tube network, and are also a great way to get around in London.

How to Pay for TfL Travel

The most convenient and cost-effective ways to pay are with Contactless Payment or an Oyster Card.

  1. Contactless Payment: Use a contactless debit/credit card or a mobile payment method (Apple Pay/Google Pay). Simply touch in at the start of your journey and touch out at the end (only tap in on buses). You will automatically be charged the cheapest fare, and a daily cap ensures you never pay more than the cost of an equivalent day ticket.

  2. Oyster Card: This is a reusable smart card that you can pre-load with credit. It offers the same discounted fares and daily capping as contactless payment. You can purchase and top up an Oyster card at any Tube station.

Note: It is possible to buy single paper tickets, but it’s always cheaper to use contactless or Oyster than buying a ticket.

Cycling

London is increasingly cycle-friendly, and hiring a bike is a great way to explore at your own pace.

  • Santander Cycles: London's public cycle hire scheme has docking stations across central areas. Simply pay at the terminal and ride.

  • Dockless E-Bikes: Services like Lime and Forest offer electric bikes that you can locate, unlock, and pay for via a mobile app, and then leave parked safely at your destination.

In recent years (especially since the pandemic), London has heavily invested in cycle lanes and safe cycle routes. The network is now quite large and covers a huge area of the city, making cycling an increasingly attractive way to get around. Here is a map of all the cycle lanes in London, plus “low traffic neighbourhoods” which feature road designs to minimise car traffic.

Taxis

  • Black Cabs: London's official black taxis can be hailed on the street and are driven by fully licensed drivers who have passed the rigorous "Knowledge" exam. They are safe, comfortable, and accept card payment.

  • Private Hire: Ride-hailing services like Uber are also widely available.

Walking: The Best Way to See the City

London is a safe and incredibly walkable city, especially in the central areas where key landmarks and neighbourhoods are clustered. We highly recommend exploring on foot between Tube stations, as the streets reveal hidden gems that the Underground misses. From our conference venue in Bloomsbury, you can easily walk to areas like Covent Garden, Soho, and the British Museum.

Fun Ways to Travel

For a unique experience or a break from the busy streets, consider:

  • River Bus (Thames Clippers/Uber Boat): These speedy commuter ferries run down the River Thames, offering fantastic views of London's riverside landmarks.

  • IFS Cloud Cable Car: Crosses the Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, offering panoramic views of East London.