Budget Transport to Central London: How to Get Around Without Breaking the Bank

Getting around budget transport to central London, affordable ways to move through the city without paying tourist prices. Also known as cheap London travel, it’s not about skipping the Tube—it’s about using it right. You don’t need a London Pass or a travel card that costs more than your lunch. Thousands of locals, students, and visitors save hundreds every month by sticking to simple, smart moves. The key isn’t avoiding public transport—it’s knowing which parts of it actually save you money.

Oyster card, the reusable smart card used for pay-as-you-go travel on London’s buses, Tube, DLR, and Overground. Also known as contactless payment, it’s the backbone of affordable travel in the city. Tap in, tap out, and let the system cap your daily spend at the price of a day pass—no matter how many trips you take. If you hit that cap early, your next rides are free. That’s not a trick. That’s how TfL works. And if you’re under 18, over 60, or a student with a valid ID? You might qualify for even deeper discounts. Then there’s the DLR, the driverless light rail system that connects East London to the City and Canary Wharf. Also known as Docklands Light Railway, it’s often overlooked by tourists, but it’s faster, cheaper, and less crowded than the Tube on many routes. Skip the Tube if you’re heading from Bank to Tower Gateway or from Stratford to London City Airport. The DLR doesn’t just save you money—it saves you time.

Walking isn’t just healthy—it’s free. Central London is surprisingly walkable. From Covent Garden to Leicester Square is under 15 minutes. From King’s Cross to the British Museum? Less than 20. If you’re staying in Zone 1 or 2, you can cover most of your sightseeing on foot and only use transport for longer jumps. And don’t forget the buses, London’s network of 24-hour routes that let you ride for free if you’ve already hit your daily cap. Also known as London bus network, they’re slower than the Tube, but they give you views, and you never pay more than the daily cap—even if you hop on five times. Use the Citymapper app to see which bus gets you there fastest. No need to overthink it.

There are no magic tickets. No secret passes. Just one rule: never buy a paper ticket unless you have to. Always use contactless or an Oyster card. And if you get overcharged? You can claim a refund in minutes—TfL will even tell you how much you’re owed. This isn’t theory. It’s what real people do every day to keep their budgets intact. Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve done it: how to save on Tube delays, where to find free transit hacks, and how to turn a £10 daily cap into a £3 weekly habit. No fluff. Just what works.