How to Ride the Tube in London
London's underground system, called the tube, serves the city and its environs and stretches farther than any other underground system in the world. It is also significantly cleaner and well-managed than many other subways. Yet, it's a pricey ride - so here are a few tips to save some bucks as well as better navigate your way around the city.
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Instructions
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Find your map either online via download (see link below) or free of charge at any tube station.You will soon see that the tube is laid out extremely logically, with color-coded "lines" (District, Circle, Central, Victoria and so forth) intersecting throughout the city.
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Bring a lot of money!While easily navigated, clean and comfy -- the tube has couches rather than smelly, disgustingly graffiti smudged seats! -- this is not a cheap ride.You will spend at least 4 GBP and then it goes up from there. The more "zones" you hit the more it will cost you.If you are new to London, you will probably visit Victoria Station (near the main tourist attractions). A long line (or "queue" as it's called there) will most likely be forming outside the ticket counter. You can sidestep this by going directly to the vending machine and searching for your destination on an easy-to-read list of destinations and accompanying charges.A ride from Victoria to Heathrow, for example, will run you 4 GBP (about $8).
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Mind the gap.This is not only a quaint and regularly voiced saying over the tube's public address (PA) system, but it's true. London is right up there with New York in terms of hustle and bustle, especially in its busiest locations.As a tourist you might not be paying close enough attention -- don't get sidetracked by the cute British signage (or British men and women) and trip on your way into the car.
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Pay attention to line closures and station maintenance work. These will be listed somewhere in the station you're at, but you should also listen to the announcements being made.For example, as of this writing, the Monument and Bank stations have major escalator work going on and interchange between those lines should be avoided. (Check other, different closures/work before your trip.)Unlike New York's PA system -- which is so garbled no one can make out what's being said -- London's is clearly understood.
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Note stations with direct links to rail service and airport connections.For example, Earl's Court or West Brompton on the District Line (indicated in green on your tube map) will intersect with the Victoria Line, which is the line you must take to get to Heathrow Airport.Also note, if you are going to Heathrow, which terminal your plane is set to depart from as there are three separate Heathrow stops -- one for terminals 1, 2 and 3; one for terminal 4; and another for terminal 5. Also be aware that sometimes the stops will come in reverse order as the tube makes a circle around the airport.As for National Rail Service, head to stations such as King's Cross (indicated with a red rail icon on your tube map) and many other points. King's Cross and some other tube stations also offer service to the airport.
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Tips & Warnings
Have plenty of money to spend on tube travel, as much as 26 GBP per week to journey between two zones. If you want to add zones, this will cost you money. Since Zone 1 is the most popular, it costs a GBP more than travel within other zones.
Be sure to ask about Oyster cards. This significantly reduces the cost of your travel. (The scheme is somewhat complicated, with more information at the link below). The 26 GBP Oyster card mentioned above is a good way to go unless you want to go beyond Zone 2 (i.e. out to Wimbledon). Note, you can buy any Oyster card and tack on additional fare(s) at the station -- ask the station attendant for more information about this.
Children are less expensive (under 12).
Ask about travel cards.
Connections are possible between tube and National Rail service -- ask the attendant for more information
Be sure to carry your pocketbook, camera and any other important expensive items close to you. Certain areas, such as St. Paul's, are notorious for their pickpocket packs roaming the tube. (This author recently had her new Nikon plucked from her shoulder when she was bumped on the Central line. So please watch out.)
Resources
- Photo Credit Laurie Norman
