World Nuclear Symposium 50

Arriving by air 

London welcomes direct inbound flights from hundreds of destinations worldwide, which makes travelling to the UK capital by air one of the easiest ways to arrive. There are 5 international airports (London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London City, London Stansted, and London Luton). 

Transfers from/to airports 

The Heathrow Express runs 4 non-stop trains an hour to and from London Paddington station. Journey time is around 20 minutes.  
The Gatwick Express runs 4 trains an hour to and from Victoria station. Journey time is around 30 minutes. 
 
Further information on transport links from all London airports. 

Arriving by Eurostar 

There are frequent services from Paris and Brussels to London daily by Eurostar’s high speed rail link. The Paris journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Brussels is only approximately 2 hours. Trains arrive at London St Pancras International Station, bringing visitors into the heart of London’s transport network with easy access to the bus and Underground Tube systems.  

Transport in the city 

Within the city there is a very efficient public transport network, comprising one of the most extensive underground systems and a great range of buses. You can easily plan your journey on the TFL website and read the top travel tips. 
 
Oyster and contactless card  
The Oyster card is London’s travel smartcard giving delegates access to the London public transport networks. Oyster cards can be pre-ordered online.  

Alternatively, you can use a contactless card or mobile device for pay as you go travel across all transport services. 

Oyster cards and contactless payment cards are the cheapest way to travel in London.  

 London Underground 

The city has 12 colour coded Tube lines. Services run regularly from around 05:00 to 00:30 on most routes. Night Tube services run on the Jubilee, Victoria, Piccadilly and most of the Central and Northern lines all night on Fridays and Saturdays. The network is divided into 6 concentric zones with Zone 1 at the heart of the capital. Plan your journey. 
 
Docklands Light Railway (DLR) 
The DLR connects the City and London Underground network with London’s Dockland area and offers a great way of exploring this rapidly changing area of the capital. Services operate daily from 05:30-00:30.   

National Rail 

Trains are useful for reaching places that are not served by the Tube, such as Hampton Court and Winsor (both big tourist attractions). Mainline stations include: Waterloo and Victoria, serving the south of England; Paddington, the south-west; Euston, the north; St Pancras International (home to Eurostar), the north-east and Liverpool Street, the east.  Click here for more information. 

The River

Since Roman times the River Thames has played a vital part in London’s history, prosperity and position as a leading world city. Travelling by boat is a unique and inspiring way to get around and view London by day or by night. There are several piers for boarding and services head east towards Greenwich and the Thames Barrier, and west towards Richmond. Tickets can be purchased on the pier and Oyster cards are accepted. Click here for more information. 

Bus 

London's iconic double-decker buses offer a cheap and convenient form of transport, as well as providing plenty of sightseeing along the way. All buses in London are cash-free. Click here for more information. 

Taxi 

The unique look of the London Black cab makes taxis easily distinguishable and normally it is not a problem hailing a taxi on a main road in London. Alternatively, UBER is also available.  

Cycling and Walking 

Cycling around London is a great way of reducing transport costs and providing a sustainable and unique mode of transport for delegates. The Cycle Hire scheme is available across the capital, 24 hours a day, all year round. It’s self-service and there is no booking, you can just turn up at your nearest docking station, hire bikes and just return them to any other docking station. 

Entry Requirements 

Visit the GOV.UK website for full information on the entry requirements to England.  

You may also need a visa or an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), depending on which country you’re from and the reason for your stay. 

Check if you need a visa or ETA to come to the UK. You must have your visa or ETA before you travel to the UK. 

Visas 

Before planning your trip to London, you will need to find out if you require a visa to enter the UK. The British consulate in the country you are coming from should be contacted for advice. For more information click here.