The magical transportation system in England

I have used public transportation in several cities in the United States.  The public transportation system in Orlando is absolutely terrible and I have not used it for years.  It takes hours to get where you need to go and if you miss your bus you have to wait at least an hour (usually longer) for another one to come by.  There is really no practical way to get around unless you have a car because everything is so spread out.  

The story is much different here in London.  London is a very walkable city.  There is a lot close by and because we are staying in Central London, anything that is not within walking distance is just a few tube stops away.  There is a train about every five minutes and the maps are easy to navigate and determine transfers.  You can purchase individual tickets or use an Oyster card that is reloadable for super easy and faster service.  The underground goes all over the city and is a very convenient way to get around.  There is a similar system in Paris, where I spent the weekend, called the metro.  After experiencing the Parisian metro system I have learned to appreciate the London tube system even more.  They are faster, there are more trains, and they are much less crowded.  I appreciate that Paris even had a public transportation system, but it really can't touch the London tube.

 In addition to taking advantage of the London Underground we have also taken some of the trains to the suburban areas near London as well as the Eurostar to and from Paris.  Here you can see Flora enjoying her train ride to Oxford for a day of collegiate tours.

London also has some other cool options for getting around.  The bus system is very reliable and you never have to wait long for the next bus to come along.  If you want to get around quickly and you want to see the city a little more the bus is a great option.  It's also slightly cheaper than the underground because you pay a flat rate no matter how far you go, rather than a varied cost based on distance traveled on the tube.  

Another cool option for getting around are these cool rental bikes that are hired out by Barclay's bank.  You have to be very brave to pedal around the city with these crazy London drivers, but on a nice, quiet day it can be a good way to get some fresh air and get where you're going a little faster.

I could say good things about the London transportation system all day.  It is like nothing I have experienced and I hope that the US gets a hint to make their trains more efficient like they have over here.  I have enjoyed the break from driving for at least thirty minutes across town to get anything done.  I'm certainly going to miss the great system they have here when I get back home.