Have you ever traveled somewhere and experienced anxiety because you weren’t sure how to get around? Or feel clueless about how to use the train system? If I had to guess, you might be feeling that way right now about how to get around in London.
Moving or traveling somewhere new is exciting but can also be daunting when navigation isn’t your strength. Paper directions, Tom Toms, and even Google Maps might be options you’ve relied on, but not top of mind when you have to figure out how to navigate a big city for the first time.
This post goes over how to get around in London or any big city using Google Maps.
If Driving A Car Is All You Know, Don’t Worry
If you’ve always lived where there was only one primary method of getting around, then moving to a country or anywhere that differs from what you are used to can feel downright overwhelming. Even after living all over the USA, the only true transportation system I used was a car. And because of this, the idea of navigating London without a car made me nervous. I knew absolutely nothing about transportation other than walking, flying, or driving.
Despite the big cities I’ve lived, moving abroad has taught me far more than the USA did with how to navigate a big city. The train system in LA was a short ride and not really a system to rely on to go anywhere other than Hollywood to Downtown LA. Getting to the beach or LAX still meant driving and sitting on the 405 for up to 3 hours for only a 17-mile ride.
And living just outside NYC meant occasionally visiting Rockefeller Center at Christmas, hitting a Broadway show, or just having a night out on the town, among the many NYC bucket list things to do. But that was a really long time ago when I relied on my native NY and CT friends to lead me via the train. And besides, I don’t even think Yahoo maps existed then. 😳
A Mindset On Getting Around London The 1st Time
And for whatever reason, moving or traveling to a new city you’re unfamiliar with makes you think that everything you already know doesn’t apply. It’s almost as though there is this limiting belief that every city or country has its own map system, app, or super-secret language on how to get around.
Has that feeling ever happened to you?
It’s certainly how I felt and thought when we first moved to the UK. Nervous anxiety is definitely my perception when we have guests from out of town visiting London for the first time – they are dependent on you for figuring out how to get from A to B. Or better yet, you have to write out directions with landmarks and clues that they are headed in the right direction.
I loved it when our Norwegian family visited us in the UK and as European as they are, they still huddled around my husband waiting for him to direct them as to which way to go.
And trust me, I don’t mind helping at all because learning how to navigate a big city can be scary and I’ve been on the other end of it many times. It took me a long time to brave the train into London by myself and I used UBER to get back and forth from school till I had a grip on the route (not joking)…and learning to drive in England of course.
So how do you navigate London or any big city?
Google Maps. Best invention ever. 🗺
Google Maps is all you need. Put in the address (use a postal code for a UK address) and choose your mode. You can add the transportation details to your calendar, set reminders, and even select preferred options. Google Maps also offers a share feature with friends.
But probably the coolest thing about Google Maps is that you don’t need data for it to work. Download a map offline and you’re equipped to find your way around London even if you don’t have an international phone plan or using your ported American one.
An Alternative Way To Get Around London For Brave People
The other options, like Waze, are better for travelers who need the shortest route. Waze doesn’t recognize road closures (in my experience) and will take you on a journey that might be far more stressful than the original one. If you don’t mind a longer journey or adventurous road conditions (imagine one car lane roads with hedges on both sides taller than the vehicle you’re in), stick with Google Maps.
The point is, no matter where you are, you can use the same app you’d use to go to your local London grocery store. So no need to purchase a new navigation system to learn how to get around in London or a big city for the first time. Just install Google Maps if you haven’t already. Google Maps will get you there. Reliably.
Final Tips On How To Get Around In London
The more you practice using Google Maps to find your way around in London, the more it becomes second nature.
Don’t let fear of the train systems, the tube, or even driving minimize your opportunity to experience one of the most amazing cities in the world. Getting around in London can be scary at first, but even if you miss a train or hop on the wrong tube line, it’s all an adventure! Most likely it’s as easy as getting off at the next stop to reverse direction. And when in doubt, use Google Maps to check.
You’ll be a London local before you know it!
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