Hackney, London, is a vibrant borough with rich history, cultural diversity, and exciting attractions. Whether you’re visiting for leisure or business, getting around efficiently is essential for making the most of your stay. The good news? Hackney offers a well-connected and affordable public transport system, making it easy to explore the borough and beyond.
If you’re staying at City Inn Express Hotel, this guide will help you navigate public transport like a local.
1. Transport Options in Hackney
Hackney boasts multiple transport options, including buses, trains, Overground services, and cycling routes. Here’s what you need to know about each:
1.1. Buses – The Most Convenient Option
Hackney is well-served by London’s iconic red buses, offering frequent and affordable services to key areas. The buses run 24/7, including night buses, making them an excellent option for traveling at any time of the day.
Key Bus Routes Near City Inn Express Hotel:
- Route 30 – Runs between Hackney and Marble Arch, passing through King’s Cross.
- Route 38 – Connects Hackney to Victoria via Angel and Piccadilly Circus.
- Route 55 – Goes from Hackney to Oxford Circus, passing through Shoreditch.
- Route 242 – Ideal for reaching the city center, connecting Hackney to St Paul’s.
💡 Tip: You cannot pay with cash on London buses. Use an Oyster Card, a contactless debit/credit card, or a Travelcard to tap in when boarding. No need to tap out when exiting!
1.2. London Overground – The Fastest Way to Travel
If you need to reach destinations quickly, the London Overground is the best option. Hackney has several Overground stations, making it easy to connect with other parts of London.
Key Overground Stations Near City Inn Express Hotel:
- Hackney Central – Connects you to Stratford, Camden, and Highbury & Islington.
- Hackney Downs – Offers quick access to Liverpool Street for connections to the Tube.
- Dalston Junction – A major station linking Hackney to Shoreditch and Clapham.
💡 Tip: The Overground accepts Oyster cards and contactless payments, just like the Tube.
1.3. The Underground (Tube) – Best for Long-Distance Travel
Although Hackney doesn’t have direct Underground stations, you can easily access the London Underground by taking a short Overground or bus ride.
Nearest Tube Stations:
- Bethnal Green (Central Line) – A short bus ride away, connects you to Oxford Circus and Notting Hill.
- Stratford (Central & Jubilee Line) – Great for shopping at Westfield Stratford or reaching Canary Wharf.
- Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line) – Provides quick access to King’s Cross and Oxford Circus.
💡 Tip: The Tube is fastest during off-peak hours. Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM) for a less crowded experience.
1.4. Cycling – An Eco-Friendly Way to Explore
Hackney is one of London’s most cycle-friendly boroughs, with dedicated cycling lanes and bike-sharing options.
Best Ways to Cycle Around Hackney:
- Santander Cycles (Boris Bikes) – Available for rent at docking stations across Hackney.
- Cycle Lanes – Many streets have protected cycle lanes for safer rides.
- Parks & Canals – Enjoy scenic cycling routes through Victoria Park and along the Regent’s Canal.
💡 Tip: You can rent a Santander Cycle for just £1.65 for 30 minutes. Use the TfL app to locate nearby docking stations.
2. How to Pay for Public Transport in Hackney
London’s public transport system operates on a cashless payment system. Here’s how you can pay:
2.1. Oyster Card
The easiest and most cost-effective way to travel. You can top up and use it across buses, Overground, and Tube services.
2.2. Contactless Debit or Credit Card
Simply tap your contactless card or mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay) at the card readers on buses, Overground, or Tube stations.
2.3. Travelcards
If you’re staying in London for a week or longer, consider buying a 7-day Travelcard for unlimited travel in certain zones.
💡 Tip: Always tap in and tap out when using Overground or the Tube to avoid being overcharged.
3. Getting to City Inn Express Hotel from Major Landmarks
To make your journey smoother, here’s how you can reach City Inn Express Hotel from key London locations:
From Heathrow Airport:
🚆 Take the Elizabeth Line to Liverpool Street → Transfer to the Overground to Hackney Central → Walk or take a short bus ride to the hotel.
From Gatwick Airport:
🚆 Take the Thameslink train to London Bridge → Transfer to the Overground at Highbury & Islington → Get off at Hackney Central.
From King’s Cross Station:
🚆 Take the Victoria Line to Highbury & Islington → Transfer to the Overground to Hackney Central.
From Oxford Circus:
🚌 Take the 55 Bus to Hackney – It’s a direct route with no transfers needed!
💡 Tip: Use Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time public transport routes and schedules.
4. Final Tips for Hassle-Free Travel in Hackney
✅ Plan your route in advance – Use Transport for London’s (TfL) journey planner to check live updates.
✅ Avoid peak hours – Travel between 10 AM – 4 PM for a more relaxed experience.
✅ Check for disruptions – Occasionally, there may be delays due to maintenance work.
✅ Use travel apps – Download Citymapper, TfL Go, or Google Maps for real-time transport updates.
Conclusion: Explore Hackney with Ease!
Staying at City Inn Express Hotel puts you in the perfect location to explore Hackney and beyond with convenient public transport options. Whether you prefer buses, Overground, or cycling, getting around is easy and affordable.
Book your stay today and enjoy a stress-free visit to Hackney, London!
