You’ve made it. You’re checked in, bags are unpacked and now it’s time to get out and explore. London has plenty going on with shops, gigs, galleries and street food around every corner. Getting around does not need to be complicated. Whether it is your first time here or you just want a quick refresher, here is how to make sense of the city’s public transport and get from A to B with no stress.
The London Underground (a.k.a. the Tube)
Fast, frequent, and right under your feet. The Tube is usually the quickest way to get around town. The nearest station to The Cumberland Hotel is Marble Arch – you’re on the Central line, which runs directly through Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road and Liverpool Street.
Trains usually run from around 5am to midnight, with Night Tube services on Friday and Saturday nights on key lines, including Central. Just check your route in advance (TfL’s website or Citymapper is your best bet for this).
Top Tip: Avoid rush hour on weekdays (around 7.30 to 9.30am and 5 to 7pm) if you’re not in a hurry. It gets packed.
London Buses
Iconic, yet often overlooked. Buses are a great way to see the sights as you travel, and they run 24/7 on most major routes. You’ll find several stops right outside The Cumberland Hotel, including routes that take you towards Oxford Street, Camden, or even all the way to Shoreditch.
Don’t forget London’s buses are cash free, so you’ll need to tap in with an Oyster card, contactless card or smart device when you board.
Top Tip: Buses don’t always take the fastest route, but they’re unbeatable for views. Grab a seat upstairs at the front for the full London look.
The Elizabeth Line
London’s newest addition. Running every 3 to 4 minutes, The Elizabeth line cuts right through the city, linking Heathrow to central London and beyond. From Bond Street station (just one stop from Marble Arch), you can get to Paddington in minutes, or Liverpool Street if you’re heading east.
It’s fast, stylish, and fully air-conditioned. What more could you want?
River Boat Services
London has a big river running through it, so it makes sense that this waterway is also used as a public transport system. Thames Clippers (officially called Uber Boat by Thames Clippers) run all the way from Putney in the west to Woolwich in the east, stopping at key spots like Westminster, London Eye, Tower, and Greenwich. It’s public transport with fantastic views, and your Oyster or contactless card works here too.
Great for avoiding the crowds or mixing things up with a waterside perspective, river boats can be a surprisingly smart way to travel across town. Sit back, relax, and spot the landmarks as you cruise the Thames.
Contactless & Oyster Cards
No need to buy paper travelcards, London is all about tapping in and out. You can use:
- Contactless debit or credit cards
- Smart devices (your phone or watch works)
- Oyster cards (visitor cards available at stations, shops or you can get one delivered straight to your home)
It’s super easy to use a Visitor Oyster card, Oyster card or contactless payment card on London’s transport network. Simply touch your card on the yellow card reader at the gates when you start and end your journey. Tapping in and out will ensure you pay the correct fare. If you don’t, there is risk you may get charged a penalty fare. But don’t worry, station staff are always usually on hand to help.
Top Tip: Always use the same card or device to tap in and out. Switching mid-journey can mess with the fare cap.
Walking & Cycling around London
Let’s not forget the power of your own two feet. Oxford Street, Hyde Park, Mayfair and Marylebone are all walkable from The Cumberland Hotel. And if you’re feeling active, hire a Santander Cycle and ride through the park or down to South Bank.
Docking stations are dotted across the city, and the first 30 minutes only cost £1.65.
Travel Apps You’ll Want
- Citymapper – Easy to use, accurate routes, and real-time updates.
- TfL Go – The official app with live Tube and bus times.
- Google Maps – Still solid, especially for walking and bus routes.
Quick Need-to-Knows
- Mind the gap – It’s more than a slogan. Tube platforms vary in width, so stay sharp.
- Stand on the right – On escalators, always. Londoners are polite but they won’t stand for left-side loitering.
- Tube map – It’s iconic for a reason. Pick one up at any station or download it to your phone.
- Accessibility – Many stations now have step-free access, lifts and ramps. Check in advance if you need assistance.
Back to Base at Marble Arch
No matter how far you go, getting back is usually easy. With Marble Arch Station on your doorstep and key bus routes nearby, The Cumberland Hotel is always well connected. Whether you’ve spent the day shopping, eating, sightseeing, or hitting up a gig, getting back to your room is never a hassle.
Staying at The Cumberland Hotel puts you in the perfect spot to explore central London, with public transport links right outside and everything else just minutes away. Looking for bars in Oxford Street? Planning an early start after breakfast in Marble Arch? We’ve got you. Book your stay today.
Now get out there and enjoy the ride.
