Transport

Transport for London (TfL), a functional body of the Greater London Authority (GLA), is responsible for the Capital's transport system.  This includes London's buses, the Underground, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and the management of Croydon Tramlink and London River Services, but excludes National Rail services.

The Oyster card scheme is the preferred and most cost effective method of paying for travel on TfL services.  Oyster cards are currently not accepted by National Rail services.  East Croydon rail station is within Travelcard Zone 5, but all Tramlink stops are within Travelcard Zone 4.

Roads

TfL is responsible for a 360 mile (580km) network of main roads and all of London's 4,600 traffic lights.  This includes Red Routes and bus lanes on main roads.

The operation and maintenance of motorways is the responsibility of the Highways Agency.

All other roads are the responsibility of the London Boroughs, which includes local parking and bus lane enforcement.

Buses operate along most main roads around East Croydon and trams also run along George Street and Addiscombe Road.  Some of these roads are closed to all but TfL traffic and some are designated as Red Routes.  Unless otherwise sign posted, all mains roads have a 30mph (48kph) limit and this is sometimes enforced by fixed speed cameras.

Some of the local roads have have restricted access to vehicles, due to TfL traffic restrictions on main roads, and they are now effectively cul-de-sacs.  Some local roads have 20mph (32kph) speed limits and traffic calming measures.

The AA and RAC provide route planners to assist in planning road journeys.

Parking

All parking on all roads in the area is either prohibited or controlled at all times.  This is vigorously enforced by parking attendants and/or CCTV cameras.

There are number of multi-storey and underground car parks in the area.  Controlled parking, using a ticket from machine or a permit, is available on some local roads.  All parking charges, duration of stay and limit of operations may vary from location to location.

Central London Congestion Charging Scheme

East Croydon is approximately 8.5 miles (14km) south of the Congestion Charging zone.

Motorways

The closest motorways are:

M23 - To London Gatwick airport and Brighton.

M25 - London orbital motorway with access to other motorways and major roads.

Cycling

TfL promotes a range of cycling initiatives, including details of cycle routes.  Further details for cyclists can be found at London Cycle Network and Sustrans .

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Buses, Coaches and Taxis

London Buses

London Buses manages bus services in London and they contract out routes to private operators.

East Croydon is well served by bus routes - including some running through the night - provided by various operating companies.  The majority of these routes run along Wellesley Road and/or past East Croydon station.

Performance reports about buses services are available.

London Dial-a-Ride

To ensure greater accessibility for all, TfL operates the door-to-door Dial-a-Ride service for transport users with impaired mobility.

Coaches

National coach services operate from Victoria Coach Station, close to London Victoria rail station.

Taxis

TfL regulate London's taxis (black cabs) and private hire (mini cabs) trade.  There is a dedicated rank for licensed taxis at the side of East Croydon station.  There are also a number of licensed private hire operators are based in or close to East Croydon and details of how to book, including safety advice, can be found at the Public Carriage Office (PCO).

traintaxi provides details of taxi services serving National Rail, London Underground, Tramlink and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) stations.

The Taxicard scheme provides subsidised door-to-door transport for people with mobility problems.

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Rail

East Croydon station provides direct train services to central London, the south coast and Bedfordshire.  National Rail can provide full details of all scheduled services, up-to-date service status and planned engineering works.  Fare discounts for Railcard holders are available for qualifying journeys.

Southern

Southern are the main train operator from East Croydon.  They provide services to London Victoria, London Bridge, Clapham Junction, Norwood Junction, Gatwick Airport, Brighton and the south coast.

First Capital Connect

First Capital Connect operate the Thameslink services to and from Bedford and Brighton via London Blackfriars, St Pancras International, Gatwick Airport and Luton Airport Parkway.

Gatwick Express

Although the Gatwick Express service, which runs between London Victoria and London Gatwick, passes through East Croydon station, it does not stop there.

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London Underground

The London Underground (Tube) network does not extend to anywhere near Croydon.  The nearest station by rail is Balham, on the Northern Line, and by Tramlink is Wimbledon, on the District Line.

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Tramlink

Croydon Tramlink connects East Croydon with Wimbledon, Beckenham Junction and New Addington.

A number of extensions to Tramlink have been proposed.  All proposals are only at the feasibility stage and no exact routes have been decided.  If any extension were to be constructed, then it would not be expected to be completed until at least 2013.

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Docklands Light Railway

There are currently no direct connections to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).  However, London Overground provide a direct service to Shadwell from Norwood Junction.

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International Travel

Airports

London Heathrow (LHR)

Situated at the western edge of the capital, London Heathrow is accessible by rail via the Heathrow Express from London Paddington, London Underground via the Piccadilly Line from Central London or London Buses Express service from East Croydon station.

London Gatwick (LGW)

Located to the south of the capital near Crawley, West Sussex, London Gatwick is accessible by rail via fast, frequent services from East Croydon station or by car via the A23/M23.

London Stansted (STN)

Located to the north-east of the capital in Essex, London Stansted is accessible by rail via the Stansted Express from London Liverpool Street or by car via the M11.

London Luton (LTN)

Located to the north of the capital near Luton, Bedfordshire, London Luton is accessible by rail via Thameslink services or by car via the M1.

London City (LCY)

Located in the heart of the capital's Docklands, London City is accessible via Docklands Light Railway (DLR).

London Biggin Hill (BQH)

Located at the south-eastern edge of the capital, London Biggin Hill is for private charters and executive flights.  It is accessible via taxi from New Addington on the Tramlink.

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Eurostar

Eurostar services operate from St. Pancras International Station.  This is accessible via direct rail services to St Pancras International station.

Eurotunnel

Eurotunnel provides a fast, frequent services for vehicles travelling to France.  The terminal is located near Folkestone, approximately 70 miles (112km) away via the M20.

Ferries

The nearest car ferry services to France operate from the ports of:

Dover - approximately 80 miles (128 km) away via the M2 or M20.

Newhaven - approximately 60 miles (96 km) away via the M23.

Portsmouth - approximately 75 miles (120 km) away via the A3.

Coaches

International coach services to Ireland and Europe operate from Victoria Coach Station, close to London Victoria rail station.

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All services and fare structures may be subject to alteration or cancellation and service availability should always be confirmed with TfL or the service operator.