I was having severe anxiety about using the London Underground. I seriously spent hours studying the tube map, trying to make sense of all the colorful lines. I had nightmares of flying ten hours to England and then not being able to navigate my way to the hotel or, even worse, to a good pub for mushy peas. Yes. I have some issues.
1. Buy an Oyster Card
After much debate between the Travelcard or Oyster Card I opted for the later. Typically, purchasing either is much cheaper then just buying single tickets to each of your destinations. For 4 1/2 days of strictly tube traveling, including two trips to the airport (zone 6), I loaded my card with $30 total. And I was underground…a lot. Which one is best for you? Check out the London Toolkits Travelcard vs. Oyster Card to decide for yourself. But, I was more than happy with my choice.
2. Only Smart Card Work at the Ticket Machine
A Smart Card looks just like a regular credit card except it contains an embedded microprocessor. They are more popular in Europe and this American gal did not have one, though it did take me four attempts to figure that out. In order to reload my Oyster Card, I had to pay at the in-person attendant.
3. Watch Out for Oncoming Traffic
When the train unloads, dozens of riders flood to the exit barriers. Step aside, do not block their way.
4. Have Your Card/Ticket Ready
Don’t approach the barrier gates unless you have your card or ticket ready. There is usually a line of people behind you who would like to get on and off the tube…quickly. My biggest hurdle was remembering that I needed my Oyster Card to exit too.
5. Check the Line Map
Double check the maps to make sure you have chosen the right line your destination. The stop that in bold is where you are at, simply find the stop you are going to and the color of the line it is on.
6. Stand to the Right
Stand to the right when riding the escalators. Peter got caught on the left and that is not a place you want to be unless you intend on getting shoved, nudged and bumped. Absolutely, under no circumstances, stand to the right and leave your luggage on the left.
7. Check that you are on the Right Side of the Tracks
You’ve checked the map to make sure you have chose the right line, but did you check to see if you were on the correct platform for the direction you are going?
8. Mind the Gap
“Mind the Gap” was easily my favorite London terminology. Much to Peters dismay, I repeated the saying every time I heard it. It is a warning for Underground passengers to be aware of the gap between the train door and the platform.
9. Stand Behind the Yellow Line
Please stand behind the yellow line. Not only do you NOT want to fall into the tracks, but when the tube stops it is almost a guarantee that loads of people will be getting off. Allow them to do so before getting on. Shame on you to all those folks with no patience who shove your way on, you know who you are.
10. Pay Attention to the Signs
The signs tell you which train will be arriving, in how many minute and which stop it is heading towards. Just because you have made your way to the right side of the tracks, doesn’t necessarily mean that all the trains on that track will be stopping at the same place.
11. Do NOT lean on the Poles
The poles inside the tube are meant for holding onto, not leaning against. This was one rule that I had a hard time abiding by.
12. Watch the Signs Before Exiting
Look out the window before exiting, there will be large signs that tell you what stop you are at. There is also a diagram inside the tube to indicate this.
Though the first day of my London Underground experience was frightening, by day two I was a semi-pro navigating my way throughout Zone 1 without committing any tube faux pas, besides maybe #11.
What was you experience like on the London Underground? Do you have any more tips to add?
ASLEF shrugged
One point on number 6, stand on the right and put your luggage in front of you, the left side of the ‘scators is for people who want to walk up and down. Never stop the moment you get off, there will be people behind you who can’t stop and will bump into you when they get off.
If you don’t know where you are going or have a question ask the station staff, usually to be found at the ticket barriers in distinctive blue uniforms, that’s what they are there for and are usually very knowledgeable (unless they are new, they’ve just hired another 300). Just don’t mix them up with the cleaning staff who are there to clean and don’t know quite as much.
If you can get online try TfL’s journey planner,
http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk
type in where you are, where you want to go and it will tell you the various routes to reach your destination using the Tube, bus, other rail and even boats along the Thames. It will even give you a walking route if you fancy a stroll.
Enjoy ASLEF shrugged – train driver on the Central Line, the red one
May 14th, 2012 10:15 pm
Nick
As a Londoner, thank you, this is probably the best ‘tourist written’ guide to the Tube! You’re pretty much on-point with all your observations and have nailed it when you recognise that being aware of those around you and not getting in their way will vastly improve your experience of London travel.
A few of things to complement what you already have. Most of it is common sense, but worth including as lots of people seem to lose their rationality when they step underground:
Move along. When you arrive on a platform, move away from the entrance, especially if you are in a group. This will mean you’ll probably find it less crowded and easier to board the train and you’ll definitely have made the Londoners around you who just need to get about much happier – some may even smile!
Likewise, once the train arrives and you’ve let others off, step in and move away from the door, letting others board behind you. Even if it is crowded there’s virtually no-one who misses their stop if they are paying attention, so don’t feel you need to huddle by the door. Also, hold onto something. The number of people who seem shocked that the train they got on to go somewhere actually started to move is staggering. And not very amusing when it is you they fall onto.
When you get off that train, or step off an escalator, keep moving, or step to the side if you need to get your bearings. Again, no one wants to barge into you, but if you stop dead in the path of those who are moving, that’s what’s going to happen.
Londoners on the whole will be pretty much focussed on their journey, so might not appear too friendly. However, if you ask for help, you will get it and usually with a smile, especially if you aren’t being the person who is blocking everyone else up. If you can’t see any staff or customers then on most platforms and many of the passageways there are ‘Help points’, big, round white metal panels with a fire alarm, an emergency alarm and a blue ‘information’ button. Press the Info button and a member of staff will be able to see you on camera and answer your questions.
Have fun in London, once you get used to it, it’s pretty easy and you’ll look like a local!
May 15th, 2012 7:49 am
Annette.White
Thanks for the tips!
May 15th, 2012 2:27 pm
Annette.White
Lots of great information to add here! Thanks!
May 15th, 2012 2:28 pm