Travelling to the UK - Visas/ETA
Check if you need a visa for the UK here - https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
If you do not need a visa, you may still need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), check and apply here - https://www.gov.uk/eta
Travel Information - Getting to the IOP and Travelling Around London
The IOP building is located in central London, a 5-10 minute walk from Kings Cross station. Numerous London Underground (tube) lines converge on this station. The exact location of the IOP building is here - Institute of Physics
Google/Apple maps generally give good instructions for public transport in London. Where possible, use a Contactless (tap) enabled credit/debit card or Google/Apple pay to pay for TFL services (buses, tube and local trains). Paper tickets are more expensive. If you need a receipt, make an account with TFL and connect the card you intend to use.
A map of the tube system can be found here.
International Travel
London has several major airports, all offer relatively straightforward connections to the IOP as outlined below.
London Heathrow (Major international carriers from around the world)
All terminals have a London Ungerground station. Follow signs to the London Underground and take the Piccadilly Line (Dark blue on tube maps) eastbound direct to Kings Cross/St Pancras station. ~1 hr travel time. Unless you are travelling to a destination near Paddington station, do not take the Heathrow Express.
London Gatwick (Major international carriers and some budget European airlines)
There is a train station in the south terminal. Follow signs to the station and take a Thameslink train to London St Pancras station. Direct trains every ~10 minutes, travel time ~45-60 minutes.
London Stansted (Primarily budget European airlines)
Follow signs to the station and take the Stansted express train to Tottenham Hale, change to the Victoria line (light blue on tube maps). Travel southbound to London Kings Cross/St Pancras. Stansted express trains run every 15 minutes, journey time ~35 minutes to Tottenham Hale, ~25 minutes to Kings Cross from Tottenham Hale.
International Rail - London St Pancras International
Alternatively, if travelling from France, Belgium or the Netherlands, taking a train directly to London St Pancras international may be a better option. Direct services to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam are available. Travel times ~2-4 hours, see https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en.
General Info
Some general info and tips on the UK (including on tips):
- For all emergencies in the United Kingdom dial 999.
- The currency in the UK is pound sterling (£). £1 ~ $1.34 or €1.15
- Contactless (tap) debit/credit transactions are almost universally accepted and are often preferred.
- If bringing cash from abroad, avoid £50 notes if possible, they are rarely used in the UK and can be difficult to split.
- Tap water is drinkable (unless specifically marked otherwise).
- Tipping is typically only done in restaurants and is not compulsory, but ~10% if you have received good service is appreciated. Some restaurants may apply a service charge (~10-12.5%), this is generally optional and you can ask for it to be removed.
- Prices as displayed in shops/restaurants/cafes will be inclusive of all taxes and fees.
- The UK uses type G electrical sockets; outlets are all individually switched at the wall. Check the outlet is actually on!
