Locals Never Use This Pricey Transportation Option After Landing In London

London is a popular tourist destination, with many people from all over the world coming to experience the allure that this city has to offer. With its cultural diversity, architectural landmarks, and rich history, London welcomes over 30 million visitors per year.  One of the first things many tourists notice when they arrive is how efficient and easy the public transportation system is in London. But unfortunately, it does come with a hefty price tag. Transportation in London is quite expensive compared to other countries, but there are certain ways to make use of it and avoid paying extra unnecessary fees.

One mistake that tourists often seem to make after landing at Heathrow Airport is to take the more expensive option of riding the Heathrow Express to get to the city. While it may be more convenient and easier to get to central London without having to master the U.K.'s transportation system immediately after landing, it is also a lot more expensive than some of the below alternative routes.

Heathrow Express is a high-frequency train that connects passengers from Heathrow Airport to Paddington Station in central London in just 15 minutes. For passengers who have come a long way and are eager to get to their London destination, it might make a lot of sense to take this easy route — one that can even be preplanned. While advanced one-way tickets can cost £10 if booked 60 days before departure, buying it on the spot at the airport will cost a whooping £25 to £32. So unless travelers are well aware of their travel plans and book Heathrow Express tickets two months before they arrive, it will be a tourist trap that will cost you too much money.

Despite the convenience of allowing passengers to arrive in central London in only 15 minutes, and with trains departing every 15 minutes, when traveling in groups or with family, it is a huge cost to factor in, and other options may be more practical — not to mention that if you're going beyond Paddington Station, you'll likely need to take another train anyway. Considering the price, there has been a decline in riders for the Heathrow Express, with passengers opting for more budget-friendly alternatives, even if it takes longer to arrive.

The subway system in London, despite its propensity for overcrowding, is known for its excellent service. If you're up for a travel hack recommended by locals, consider the London Underground instead. With the Tube, as it is called, it's possible to take the Piccadilly line or Elizabeth line from Heathrow Airport to central London for a fraction of the cost. The usual fare is around £6 for a single ticket. However, budget-friendly tips to save on this route — and for using London's public transportation in general — include using an Oyster card or even tapping your contactless credit card as a form of payment — but don't forget to tap at your exit station too, or you could end up paying the maximum cap fee. The Oyster card can easily bring the cost down to £3.30, making it a super cost-efficient alternative to the expensive Heathrow Express. While it does take more time, around 30 mins to get to central London, it's also more useful if your hotel is beyond Paddington Station. 

An Oyster card, London's transportation smart card, can be purchased at Heathrow Airport's tube station for £7 and can be topped off from several station machines or at the ticket counters. The advantage of an Oyster card is that fares are capped after a day or week, and you're not charged more once you've reached the maximum cap. It can also be used on buses, trams, overground and underground transportation systems, making it a great savings for travel.