Navigating your way around a new city can be overwhelming especially when it’s as colossal as London. You might know where it is you want to go you just aren’t sure how best to get there. If you’ve got an infinite supply of cash and don’t mind a traffic jam then by all means get a taxi but the London Underground (otherwise known as the Tube) is cheaper, often quicker and most certainly better for the environment. Here are a few things to know:
The Tube Map
On first glance the Tube map looks like a colourful plate of spaghetti that’s been thrown violently against the wall, a complicated labyrinth of squiggly lines that make no sense, stations with weird names like Shepherds Bush or Elephant & Castle, real places I assure you. However, the map is actually designed to make as much sense as possible.
You can look at a map online or you can pick up a free pocket size version at any tube station and study at your leisure.
The Oyster Card
This is your ticket for the tube. You can purchase one of these when you arrive in London at any station, from one of the ticket machines or at a ticket office (if there is one). You will pay a £5 deposit for the Oyster card BUT be aware you can and should return the card at the end of your trip and get the deposit back. Unless of course you are planning a return trip in which case its one less thing to worry about next time.
When entering a tube station, simply tap the Oyster Card on the yellow circle to your right-hand side and the doors will open automatically. You then do the exact same thing as you leave the station. EASY! You can put a set amount of money on the card or purchase a daily travelcard, but this will entirely depend on your plans and how long you’re visiting.
Sidebar: You can also use your bank card to go in and out of the tube IF it is a contactless card and IF your bank card works in the UK. I use my bank card on a daily basis, and it charges me the same amount without needing an Oyster Card.
Tube Staff
If the tube map isn’t making much sense yet or you don’t know which the best route is to take, then I’d always recommend asking a member of staff for their help. I still do this on occasion and the TFL (Transport For London) employee will quickly set you on the right course. In my experience they are always happy to help.
Also, if in doubt when planning a trip go to www.tfl.gov.uk where you'll find a handy journey planner.
Peak Hours
London has roughly 9 million inhabitants at the point of writing this blog and a large number of them use the Tube on a daily basis, it is one of the main ways that we get around the city, so IT CAN GET VERY BUSY. Peak hours are generally considered to be 7-9am and 5-7pm Monday to Friday. This is when the majority of commuters are cramming themselves into every conceivable space on the tube, I have frequently had to wait for the 3rd, 4th or perhaps 5th train before I can squeeze myself into a sweaty little crevice. Not my idea of fun. If you have to travel at that time go ahead, but if you do have luggage then I’d take this into consideration when planning your journey.
Eye contact
I’d like to say that London is a friendly city, and you know what, I can say that. Its true! However, you will notice something on the tube, people don’t generally make eye contact as a rule. I remember first using the tube when I moved from the North of England, I’d smile at the person sitting opposite and be greeted with anything from discomfort to outright horror. By all means give it a go, you might end up striking up a conversation, chatting for hours, becoming pen pals, getting hitched, who knows? But I doubt it.
History
The London Underground is the oldest Subway system in the world. It started in 1863 and has been gradually growing for the last…. Quick maths calculation…. 156 years! It ain’t perfect but it is always improving. One thing that many visitors have mentioned to me is the lack of accessibility on the tube and this is true. This issue is one to discuss in detail elsewhere but some of the oldest stations have no elevators or escalators at all. Whenever a station is refurbished and modernised this is the first thing to be corrected and is happening slowly but if you have a pushchair (as I often do) or require wheelchair access then planning your journey can be especially difficult.
Finally a couple of Golden rules:
Golden rule #1
When using the escalators at tube stations STAND on the RIGHT, and WALK on the LEFT. Nothing seems to drive Londoners into more of a rage than someone blocking their way as they desperately rush home to watch Bake Off.
Golden rule #2
The buttons on the train doors do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING on almost all lines. The train doors open automatically in almost all cases. All you’ll get for your trouble is a dirty black mark on your finger and a raised eyebrow from seasoned commuters.
Right, I think that’s enough information to be getting on with. Hopefully this has helped to demystify the Tube rather than complicate it further. The Oyster Card also works on Buses, trams and even some boats but that is something to examine in another post.
Be brave and hop on a tube, its nowhere near as daunting as you might think.
Until next time…