Whether it's your first or tenth visit, London has so much excitement to offer. Mini-Guide to London. Information on parking, fines and congestion charges. Links to car rental directories, Heathrow and Gatwick car rental.

Mini guide to London

Whether it's your first or tenth visit, London has so much excitement to offer; world class tourist facilities, historical attractions, vibrant streets, endless shopping, theatre, musicals, concerts, exhausting museums and inspiring galleries.

Leicester square and Picadilly Circus are London's lively tourist centres, adjacent are the restaurants and theatres of Soho and the West End. Regents street and Oxford street are shopping meccas and Covent Garden is lively by night. The Queen lives at Buckingham Palace (changing of the guard at 11:30am), she was coronated at the magnificent Westminster Abbey, within sight of the enormous, gothic, Parliament buildings and Big Ben. Equally grand is Trafalgar square, further down Whitehall lane.

From the nearby banks of the Thames, you can't miss the London Eye (world's largest Ferris wheel), a mile down stream is the much feared Tower of London and superb Tower bridge. The enormous domed St Paul's cathedral is a stone's throw away.

Other popular attractions include; Madame Tassaud's wax museum, the Planetarium and Zoo. Among the many museums and galleries, the British museum, the Natural History Museum, Museum of London, War Cabinet rooms, Transport Museum, Tate Galleries and National Gallery are most recommended.

Driving in London

Parking
On-street parking in central London is expensive and difficult. Be aware that parking is particularly restricted between 0830 and 1830 Monday to Friday and from 0830 to 1330 on Saturdays.

Fines
Illegal parking is controlled by fines, towing away of vehicles and wheel clamps.
Restricted areas are usually marked with single or double yellow lines on the road and kerb and/or yellow plates on lamp posts.

Masterpark operates car parks in central London. Please visit www.masterpark.org.uk or telephone 0800 243 348 for more information.

Congestion Charges in Central London
London is an extremely busy city and driving in the centre is challenging.

In an effort to reduce the number of cars in the central London area, a congestion charge of £5 per car, per day (0700 and 1830 Monday-Friday) is in place. Evenings and weekends are free.

How can I pay?
Online (link provided)
Selected shops, petrols stations and car parks
Sms from your mobile phone
BT kiosks within the charging zone
To pay by phone, contact 0845 900 1234. International callers should dial +44 20 7649 9122. Minicom +44 20 7649 9122, or fax +44 (0)20 7649 9121.

London Car Rental Links

London

Visit London - The Official Visitor Site for London

Airports