Moving to a new city comes with its share of excitement and uncertainty. If you’re staying with a host family in London, one of the first things you’ll need to understand is how to get around. Thankfully, London offers one of the most extensive and well-connected public transport systems in the world.
This guide is designed to help homestay guests navigate London confidently whether you're commuting to university, heading to your internship, or exploring the city during your free time.
Understanding London’s Public Transport System
London’s public transport is managed by Transport for London (TfL) and includes:
The Underground (Tube) – A rapid transit system with 11 lines connecting almost every part of London.
Buses – Red double-decker buses offer a scenic, budget-friendly way to travel.
Overground, DLR & National Rail – These are helpful for reaching outer boroughs or business districts.
Trams and River Services – Less common, but still available in certain areas.
Cycling & Scooters – Great for short distances, with many docked bike stations around the city.
Most homestay properties are located in Zones 2–5, giving you direct access to trains and buses that reach Central London within 30–60 minutes.
Explore our homestay locations to see which areas are best suited for your commute.
How London Moves ?
Public transport in London is huge but it’s also pretty smart. You’ve got the Tube (underground trains), buses, trains, and even trams all connected under one system run by TfL (Transport for London). That means you can use the same card (we’ll get to that in a second) to travel across everything.
Most homestay locations are picked for being close to a Tube or bus stop, so your daily commute is likely to be smooth and easy. If you're still choosing your homestay area, you might want to explore our locations to see what’s best for your needs.
Getting Comfortable with the Tube
The London Underground known simply as "the Tube" is probably going to be your best friend. It’s fast, reliable, and once you get used to the map (don’t worry, everyone finds it confusing at first), it’s pretty straightforward.
Most of our guests say they were nervous the first time they had to ride it alone especially during busy hours. But give it a week, and you’ll be changing lines like a local.
And the best part? Your host family will probably show you the nearest station, explain which line to use, or even take the trip with you once or twice.
Buses: Slower but Scenic
If you’re not in a rush, the bus is a lovely way to travel. The iconic red double-deckers are all over the city, and they give you a chance to see London while you’re moving through it. They’re also cheaper, and there’s a flat fare — no matter how far you go.
One of our past guests said they discovered their favourite café in Camden just because they took a different bus one day and spotted it out the window.
Just make sure you have an Oyster card or contactless card, since buses don’t take cash. Don’t worry topping up or using your bank card is easy. You’ll likely get help from your host in your first few days with this too.
Paying for Travel: Oyster, Contactless, or Mobile
Most guests either get an Oyster card (which you can top up) or just use their bank card or phone to tap in and out at stations and on buses. It’s all automatic — the system calculates the cheapest fare for your day.
If you’re a student staying for a longer period, you might be able to get Student Oyster, which gives you up to 30% off. That can really help your weekly budget. For more info on what costs to expect, you can visit our pricing page.
Best Apps to Download on Day One
Before your first trip, download Citymapper seriously. It’s like having a local in your pocket. You can type in where you're going, and it’ll tell you exactly which train or bus to take, when to leave, and even what exit to use.
Google Maps works too, but Citymapper is just a bit more London-specific. There’s also the TfL Go app if you want live updates from the official source.
Safety & Little Etiquette Tips
London is generally safe — especially during the day — but it helps to know a few things:
People usually don’t talk on public transport (we know, it feels weird at first!).
Stand on the right side of the escalator. The left side is for people walking.
Keep your bags close and don’t block seats or aisles.
If you're travelling at night, sit where there are other passengers and let someone know when you’re expected home. Your host will usually appreciate a heads-up too!
Many guests say they felt more confident just knowing they had someone at home waiting or checking in. That’s the beauty of homestay — you’re not doing it all alone.
Real Stories: What Other Guests Say
Past guests often share how public transport helped them feel independent. One of our interns from Italy said, “The Tube was confusing at first, but after a week, I was going from my host’s home in Zone 3 to my internship in Central London without even needing a map.”
Want to read more about the homestay experience?
Visit our About Us page to see how we support guests in their first weeks including local tips and help navigating the city.
Still Planning? A Good Location Makes All the Difference
If you're still in the planning phase and wondering whether a certain area will make commuting tricky, don’t worry — we’ve already thought about that.
Our homestay options are all well-connected to public transport. From quiet, family-friendly suburbs to lively inner-city spots, you’ll find something that fits. When proposing homestay options, our team makes sure the location is within convenient commute using public transports under 45 minutes. You can get your homestay options to consider through find your homestay page.
And if you still have questions like “How long will it take to get from my homestay to the university?” or “Can I walk to the station?”, check out our helpful FAQs for Guests.
You’ll Be a Local in No Time
The first Tube ride alone. The first time you catch the wrong bus but figure it out. These are all part of the London experience. And with a host family to support you, you’ll find your confidence growing quicker than you think.
You don’t need to have it all figured out from day one just get started, ask questions, and let London slowly feel like home.