If you’ve taken advantage of the best Discount Hotels In West End London, then you’ll be in the perfect position to explore the city. The Piccadilly West End is one of the finest Hotels Near West End London, so if it’s your first time in the city, getting around will be easy. That being said, the underground is not an easy thing to conquer, so here is a quick guide to having a super smoothe first journey on the Tube.
Plan Your Route
The Tube can be intense, and it can be even more intense if you have no idea where you are going. Just turning up to a station is a bad idea. Instead, make sure you have looked up your route in advance. If you are struggling with the Tube maps, don’t worry you are not alone. It could be argued that, for a first timer, the Tube map looks as though someone has thrown colourful spaghetti at the wall. Head to the TfL website for journey guides and helpful tools that plan your routes. Alternatively, check out the Citymapper app on your phone. It will plan the route in its entirety, and includes bus timetable and taxi ranks. It gets busy down in those tunnels, so make sure you don’t add extra stress, and know where you are going!
Make Sure it is Quicker Than Walking
It can sometimes be the case, especially right in the centre of London, that walking is quicker. Often if it’s busy, by the time you have descended the stairs, passed through the ticket gates and missed an overcrowded train, you may as well have just walked. If your destination is within ten minutes, it’s probably worth the walk. Plus you get to see more of the city!
Use the Right Payment Method
There are multiple ways to pay for the tube, and two are significantly better than the others. The first is using an oyster card. If you are planning on using the tube a lot during your trip then this is probably the preferred option. It allows you to pay with a tap, and offers discounted rates. Easy.
The next option is just using your contactless debit card. All you have to do is tap it on the yellow pads at the ticket gates, and do the same when you leave a station, and that’s it. The rates are not expensive if you are using the Tube just a couple of times per day.
Have Your Ticket Ready
If it’s busy make sure you have your payment method ready. Nothing will annoy a busy Londoner more than a tourist faffing around in the ticket gate looking for their Oyster card. Have it in your hand as you approach and keep the flow of humans going!
Prepare Your Phone
Most of the time, there is no wifi and no phone signal down in those tunnels. I mean, you’re underground, what do you expect? Make sure you have saved your music, podcasts and other media to view it offline. If you have a navigation app going, then set it to offline mode. Citymapper allows you to download your route, so it’s a very valuable tool when you are down there! And make sure you tell your friends about the Meeting Place Near Piccadilly Circus before you descend into the underground!
Left in the Corridors, Right on the Escalators
Yes, that is as confusing as it sounds. Foreigners must remember that we are a left lane country, and this applies to walking too. Stick to the left, or you risk getting an angry shoulder barge from oncoming traffic.
When riding an escalator (which you will do plenty of) if you are going to stand still, stick to the right! The fast moving locals often walk up the escalators to cut their journey time down, and they don’t appreciate having their route blocked!
Avoid Peak Times
The Tube is one of the main ways that Londoners get around the city. Millions of journeys are undertaken every day on the Tube, and most of these are during peak hours. 6:30 to 9:00, then again at 16:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday are the official peak hours for the Tube. And believe me it gets busy. You’re better off just avoiding the underground entirely during these times.
Be Aware of Opening Hours
The Tube doesn’t run all night, so if you have a late night planned make sure it coincides with the trains- or find another way home. 00:15 is pretty much the latest it operates, but each line is different. So make sure you know!
Mind the Gap
For your safety and the safety of others, stand behind the yellow line and watch your step as you board the train!
Stand Clear of the Doors as People Disembark
Pretty much 100% of the time, people will be getting off the train as it arrives in a station. Make sure you clear the way for them to disembark.
Move Down the Train
Move away from the doors once you are on the train, it’s pretty likely that others will be getting on too, so clear the area around the door if you can.
Try and Grab a Seat
If you can’t face standing up during your journey, try boarding at the front or rear of the train. Often these carriages are less busy, and there might be a higher chance of a free seat!
Give it Up
Even if you worked really hard to get a seat, be prepared to give it up to someone who looks like they need it more than you!
Bring Water!
It can get incredibly hot and stuffy down there in the summer months. So if you are taking a longer journey then maybe consider bringing water. You won’t find any when you’re down there!
Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help
This probably all seems very intimidating, but don’t panic. There are plenty of stewards and other staff who are experts and very willing to help. If you are stuck or lost, just ask them and they will always help you out.
So there you have it, a guide to your first time riding the Tube. Don’t let the throngs of people, and dark tunnels put you off, it is one of the world’s most effective public transport systems. Although if you need to relax after a stressful journey, then the Piccadilly West End does offer the best Indian Afternoon Tea London wide. The perfect way to destress!
