London Fast Facts
London Fast Facts
Use these essentials as a quick orientation before you travel. Rules, service details and entry requirements depend on your circumstances, so follow the official links for current information.
| Country | England, United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Role | UK capital; Greater London includes 32 boroughs and the City of London |
| Approximate population | About 9.1 million in the London region (ONS mid-2024 estimate; population varies by boundary and reference date) |
| Language | English; many other languages are spoken across the city |
| Currency | Pound sterling (GBP, £) |
| Time | GMT in winter; British Summer Time (UTC+1) in summer |
| International dialling code | +44; London landline numbers commonly begin 020 |
| Emergency | 999 or 112 for police, fire or ambulance; 101 for non-emergency police matters |
| Electricity | 230 V, 50 Hz; Type G three rectangular-pin plug |
| Driving | Drive on the left |
| Water | Tap water is treated and generally safe to drink |
| Main airports | Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), London City (LCY); Southend (SEN) has a smaller and changing passenger schedule |
| Major rail terminals | Paddington, Victoria, King’s Cross, St Pancras International, Euston, Marylebone, Waterloo, Liverpool Street, London Bridge and Charing Cross |
Location and scale
London is in southeastern England on the Thames. Greater London is a large urban region, not just the central sightseeing area. Travel time depends on the starting point, the line and time of day. Check the London map before choosing an itinerary or hotel.
Population figures
The Office for National Statistics estimated London’s regional population at about 9.1 million in mid-2024. Figures differ with the boundary being measured and the reference date; Greater London, the London region and a wider urban area are not interchangeable. See the latest ONS London profile and avoid treating older round-number claims as a current exact total.
Transport basics
Most visitors use contactless bank cards or mobile wallets, Oyster, the Underground, buses, Elizabeth line, Overground, DLR and National Rail. Touch in and out where required and keep the same payment method throughout a journey. See London transport and airport connections.
Timing and opening hours
London follows daylight saving time: clocks move forward for British Summer Time and back to GMT in autumn. Shops, attractions and restaurants set their own hours; Sunday trading hours can be shorter, and holiday schedules vary. Check individual venues and transit operators rather than relying on a citywide assumption.
Before departure
Check whether your nationality and trip require a visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation using the official GOV.UK visa and ETA checker. Review health, payment and safety guidance in London Travel Tips, and read the main London guide for trip planning.
Money and payments
Cards and mobile wallets are widely accepted, including for much public transport, but your bank may apply foreign transaction fees. Contactless transport payment uses the exact card or device presented at the reader. See London Travel Tips for practical payment and emergency information.
Useful starting points
- For live city transport information use TfL.
- For rail journeys across Britain use National Rail.
- For current visa or ETA needs use the GOV.UK checker.
- For London weather check the Met Office forecast.
Useful official references
Population: ONS estimates for London. Transport status and payment: TfL. UK entry permission: GOV.UK. Weather: Met Office. Airport and rail timetables: the relevant operator. These sources are more dependable for travel decisions than old guidebook figures. The airport guide and transport guide explain how to apply the basics to a trip.
Three facts that change a plan
- London Bridge and Tower Bridge are different bridges: use the exact name when choosing a station or meeting place.
- A district name is not a station: South Bank, Chelsea and Shoreditch cover areas; save the full address and a usable stop.
- Free admission does not mean every activity is free: a museum's permanent collection and its special exhibition can have different entry arrangements. Read the relevant venue page before budgeting.
Research and update: Photos4Travel planning guide, updated 30 September 2026. Official visitor, venue and transport sources are linked where relevant. Suggested routes and visit allowances are editorial planning examples; live schedules, menus and access conditions come from the linked providers.
