How to Get Around London Sustainably

If you are looking to live an eco-friendlier, more sustainable lifestyle, then transport might be one of the first aspects of your life to give some thought to. There are more transportation options in the world than ever before, but sadly, lots of popular options like cars and planes aren’t helping the planet, especially with thousands of people across the country using them on a daily basis. If you are in London and want to get around more sustainably, then you’re in luck as there are many eco-friendlier options to consider. And, since the introduction of the congestion charge and the ULEX or ultra-low emissions zone in the capital, choosing sustainable ways to get around is cheaper as well. 

Electric Car

While lots of people in London don’t have the need to drive due to the excellent public transport links in the city, if you want to get a car, then an electric car is probably the best option for you. Not only are electric cars much more sustainable in comparison to cars with a traditional petrol or diesel engine, but they are also cheaper to run in London, as you don’t have to pay for entering the ULEZ and may be exempt from congestion charges. Since they run on electricity, you don’t have to purchase fuel, either, which can help you save a lot on the ongoing running and maintenance of your car. If you’re interested in getting an electric car for life in London, check out LV Electrix for more information. 

Underground

Serving thousands of commuters every day, the underground is the most popular transportation option in London, and the easiest too. You can beat the mad London traffic during rush hour by getting an underground train to anywhere in the city. There are tons of connections, and no matter where you’re going to or from in London, there’s always going to be a tube station nearby. In the past few years, Transport for London has been working hard to make the tube trains more sustainable and reduce the impact of the Underground network on the environment. 

London Buses

With more and more London buses now hybrid or electric, this is another sustainable way to get around town. But even diesel-run buses are a more sustainable option compared to taking the car as they’re able to transport a lot more people at once, keeping vehicles off the road and reducing emissions. Most London buses run on a regular basis, and you should not have any problems getting the bus you want to wherever you want to go in the city. You can easily board the bus by paying with a contactless card or a pre-loaded Oyster Card. 

Bikes

If you like the idea of getting some exercise while you’re travelling around London, then biking is a great shout. You can bring your own bike to get around London or rent one of the many public bikes that are stationed around the city. You can easily unlock the bike you want to get to your destination and drop it off at the nearest bike station to wherever you are going. Sustainable, and a fun way to get around the city!

On Foot

One of the good things about London is that it’s easy to get around on foot. Unless you are travelling from one end of the city to another, it’s easier to walk to your destination than you might think. Most places in the city are clearly signposted and if you need, you can always use Google Maps on your phone to help you get from A to B. Walking isn’t just one of the most sustainable ways to get around, but it’s also great exercise and will boost your physical and mental health too. 

Overground

If you need to go further out of the main London zones and have a longer journey to make, then the Overground train might be an ideal choice for you. There are plenty of Overground stations and lots of stations that serve both Overground and Underground trains, along with bus stops and stations outside, so planning your journey is easier than ever. Like the Underground trains, the Overground has also been made more sustainable in recent times, with more trains running on electric and making a lesser impact on the environment. 

If you’re living in London or planning a future move to the city, then you might be wondering how you are going to get around as sustainably as possible. Driving isn’t always necessary in London, but if you want a car then an EV is a good choice. Otherwise, there are plenty of reliable, regular, and sustainable public transport options to choose from including the Underground, Overground and buses. You can also hire a bike, and of course, London is excellent for walkers.