Although taxis are a very common (and affordable) form of transportation in most countries, taxis in London are pretty expensive. London is known for its iconic "black cab" taxis, and the training required to become a taxi driver in London is famously difficult. Taxi drivers are deeply knowledgeable about the city's geography. The cabs themselves have a unique shape that people recognize very easily. Because London is located along the Thames river, there are numerous ferry boats that operate along the river. The ferries, known as the Thames Clippers, are one of the most popular options to travel to stops along each side of the river.
The last way I’ve noticed people get around London is by riding bicycles around the city. Some people have their own bicycles and there are also many self-service bicycle renting terminals on the street. People can use their phone or bank card to pay for a rental, and you can use a bike without having to deal with owning or storing one. This option is very convenient and costs less, too.
I have my own car in California, so I normally drive to get places. I haven’t used the public transportation in America for a long time. When I started to use public transportation in London, I felt it wasn't too bad. Although it is not as convenient as driving around in my own car, public transport is much cheaper and saves a lot more time compared to driving in the center of London. I would also be worried about driving around in the U.K. because they have different traffic laws, and they drive on the left side of the road instead of the right. Overall, I would recommend taking the public transportation in London if you ever come here to visit.
