Free WiFi in London: Cities worldwide are taking steps to offer free WiFi to residents and tourists alike, and London is no exception.
Whether you’re a traveler wanting to share your experiences on your social media accounts, or a local looking to save on your phones data, Free WiFi in London can be a lifesaver.
Lets see some examples of how and where to get connected in the city.
Free WiFi in London TfL (Transport for London)
Most of London’s Underground stations offer free WiFi. Once you’re in one of the participating stations, simply connect to ‘Virgin Media WiFi’ or GovWifi. After a quick registration, you can enjoy connectivity as you wait for your train. Do note, however, that the connection doesn’t usually extend into the tunnels between stations.
Free WiFi in the City of London
The City of London, offers unlimited internet through more than 156 access points across the Square Mile.
To access the free WiFi, Choose ““O2 Wi-Fi”” on the list of available wireless networks and follow the instructions.
Free WiFi in Public Libraries and museums
There is a variety of public libraries and museums in London. Thankfully they offer free WiFi to its visitors. Some of the most known are: The British Library, The British Museum, Madame Tussauds, and the Tate Modern, Simply ask for the login details upon entering or look for the signs with the login credentials.
Free WiFi at Parks and Green Spaces
Several of London’s parks, including the world-renowned Hyde Park and Victoria Park, have free WiFi zones. As you relax on the grass or enjoy a leisurely walk, you can connect to the available networks, usually supported by major telecom providers.
Free WiFi in Shopping Centers and Streets
Major shopping destinations like Westfield Stratford City, Westfield London, and King’s Cross offer free WiFi for shoppers. Additionally, streets such as Oxford Street and Regent Street also provide connectivity, ensuring tourists and shoppers can stay connected as they explore.
Free WiFi at Cafes and Restaurants
Many cafes, including global chains like Starbucks, McDonald’s and Costa, offer free WiFi to their patrons. Restaurants and pubs, especially in popular areas, are likely to have free networks available. Though these aren’t exclusive to London, they’re widespread throughout the city.
Free WiFi at public sector and government organizations
Many public and government organizations offer free WiFi in London through GovWifi. In order to use it, you need to register first either by texting ‘Go’ to 07537 417 417 or by sending a blank email from your public sector email address to signup@wifi.service.gov.uk Shortly after, you will receive a reply with a username and password that shouldn’t be shared with anyone else. The participating public services and government organizations are the:
Greater London Authority, London Borough of Brent, London Borough of Bromley, London Borough of Hackney, London Borough of Lambeth, London Borough of Merton, London Borough of Newham, London Borough of Redbridge, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, London Borough of Waltham Forest, London Fire Brigade, Transport for London (TfL)
Free WiFi in tourist’s places of London
Tourists need WiFi Thus the majority of businesses in tourists places of London offer free WiFi to their customers
Free O2 WiFi Hotspots
O2 is a mobile provider in the UK. They offer free WiFi through 15.000 Hotspots in the UK. The majority of the hotspots are located in London. A map can be found here
Free WiFi at the Airports
All of the international airports in London offer free WiFi.
Free WiFi at Gatwick Airport
To access the Free WiFi, Choose ‘Free Gatwick Wi-Fi’ on the list of available wireless networks and follow the instructions. MyGatwick members get faster internet for free. To get your MyGatwick membership, click here
Free WiFi at Heathrow Airport
To access the free WiFi, Choose “_Heathrow Wi-Fi” on the list of available wireless networks and follow the instructions.
Free WiFi in London Stansted Airport
To access the free WiFi, Choose “_FreeWifi” on the list of available wireless networks and follow the instructions. Please keep in mind that free internet is available for up to 4 hours in any 24-hour period per device. Users can upgrade to a pay-as-you-go WiFi service
Free WiFi at London City Airport
To access the free WiFi, Choose “LCY Airport Free Wi-Fi” on the list of available wireless networks and follow the instructions.
Free WiFi at Luton Airport
To access the free WiFi, Choose ‘Luton Airport WIFI’ on the list of available wireless networks and follow the instructions.
Safety first
Always be cautious with unsecured networks. Unsecured networks are vulnerable to cyber threats. Please keep in mind that a network can be fake too. A Good practice is to Avoid accessing personal information, like bank accounts or private emails, when connected to public Wi-Fi.
Visitors from the European Union
If you are visiting London from a European country, it is likely that you will not get charged for roaming services. However this is not the case for most visitors outside the EU.
Conclusion
London’s embrace of free WiFi highlights the city’s commitment to meeting the modern needs of its inhabitants and visitors. Free WiFi in London is available in more places than one might think. But please use your common sense before using an unknown or unsecured network. If you are not a short term visitor maybe you should consider buying a local sim card such as GiffGaff, Three, O2, Vodafone etc.
Free WiFi in London
Written by Mywireless external editors