Cars & Transport

London's red buses are among the most recognisable sights in the world, but behind their familiar appearance lies a history full of rival operators, wartime ingenuity, unexpected engineering connections and remarkable human stories. From horse-drawn carriages and pirate bus gangs to the people who kept the network moving through the Blitz, discover seven surprising stories from nearly 200 years of London's bus history.

RANKD Team Middlesbrough edition.

RANKD Team Americana edition.

RANKD Team Americana edition.

RANKD Team Poblacion edition.

RANKD Team Poblacion edition.

RANKD Team Poblacion edition.

RANKD Team Poblacion edition.

RANKD Team Poblacion edition.

RANKD Team Williamsburg edition.

RANKD Team Williamsburg edition.

RANKD Team Williamsburg edition.

RANKD Team Williamsburg edition.

RANKD Team Williamsburg edition.

One of Islington's greatest advantages is how many different ways there are to get around. The borough sits between central London and the neighbourhoods of the north and east, with Underground lines, national rail services, London Overground, buses, cycleways and walkable streets creating a remarkably varied transport network. But good connectivity is about more than having a station nearby. It is about having alternatives. A journey that begins on the Victoria line might continue on the Overground. A bus can provide a direct connection that would otherwise require several changes. A short walk can make public transport unnecessary altogether, while a properly designed cycle route can turn a difficult junction into a more practical everyday journey. This RANKD explores seven things Islington gets right about movement, from its extensive public transport connections to the quieter pleasures of travelling on foot beside the Regent's Canal. Each entry identifies a specific location that demonstrates the advantage, with a Google Maps link and practical context. Not every journey is seamless. Crowding, accessibility limitations, road traffic and gaps in cycling infrastructure remain real challenges. Nevertheless, Islington offers an unusually broad choice of ways to move around London without depending on a private car. These are seven reasons why that matters, whether you live in the borough, work here or are simply exploring.

Which railway station in Islington is actually the most useful? The answer depends on where you want to go. Some stations offer an extraordinary range of connections, while others excel at one particular kind of journey. A major interchange can make travelling across London remarkably straightforward, but a smaller neighbourhood station might provide a more convenient route that avoids the centre entirely. This RANKD ranks seven stations by their practical value to people living, working and travelling in Islington. The criteria include the range of services available, the destinations that can be reached directly, opportunities to change between networks and the usefulness of each station for everyday journeys. Highbury & Islington offers an exceptional combination of Underground, Overground and National Rail services. Finsbury Park connects two important Tube lines with routes beyond London. Farringdon has become one of the capital's most powerful east-west and north-south interchanges, while Angel remains a crucial gateway to the Northern line. Old Street serves the City fringe, Caledonian Road & Barnsbury provides valuable orbital connections, and Caledonian Road offers straightforward access to the Piccadilly line. Each entry explains what makes the station distinctive, who benefits most from using it and any important limitations. Google Maps links help locate the entrances, while references to the relevant services provide a starting point for planning journeys. This is an editorial ranking of usefulness, not an official assessment of passenger numbers, service quality or accessibility. Station facilities and timetables can change, so check the relevant transport operator before travelling.

Islington is the kind of place where the fastest way across the neighbourhood might be on foot, while the smartest way out could be a train from the right station. The trick is knowing which option suits the journey, not just choosing the mode you use by habit. Walking wins when the streets between Angel, Upper Street and Highbury Corner are your destination. The Tube is powerful for getting across London, but station choice matters. Buses are the underrated short-hop option; cycling gives you control over your route; and the Overground opens up connections that the Underground does not always make convenient. Then there are the cabs: useful when the journey, luggage, time of night or need for a door-to-door trip justifies the cost. This is not a league table of vehicles. It is a guide to choosing the right way around Islington — and knowing when the obvious choice is a mistake.