Navigating the London Underground might seem daunting, but this famous rail network is actually a lot less stressful than it might first appear. From basic Tube etiquette to tips which are sure to make your journey more enjoyable, here are a few of the best ways to help you reach your destination without losing your cool.
Check before you travel
Every now and then, line closures and other issues could delay your travel. If you’d rather find an alternative route than wait, then keep checking the TFL (Transport for London) website for the most up-to-date and accurate information. You can also download the TFL app to keep this info with you throughout your stay.
Keep moving
There aren’t many places at Tube stations where you can stand still, apart from the platform itself. Many of these locations can get quite cramped, so it is important to keep moving and look out for signposting which lets you know where you should be.
Be careful not to block entrances and exits, and stay away from the top and bottom of escalators and stairs unless you plan to use them during your stay at accommodation in London City. These are particularly busy zones throughout the day, and people passing through may not always see you quickly enough to avoid an accident.
Stay hydrated
This is most important during the summer months, when the Tube is often sweltering. Much of the structure is more than a century old, and some of the more historic Tube lines did not make allowances for warm weather. Carry a water bottle with you to help you stay hydrated while travelling.
Stay back from the platform edge
This particular tip can’t be overstated, as accidents can occur when you stand too close to the edge of the platform – some of them fatal. There is no real advantage to getting to the front of a bustling crowd if it means risking your life, so stay as far back as possible.
Look out for maps
You’ll find London Underground maps located throughout the network, which will help you with navigating while staying at hotels near Brewery Road. The maps aren’t always where you’d first expect them, and at rush hour you may find it more difficult to locate them due to the huge crowds. However, they’ll traditionally be found at platforms and the major exits and entryways to stations.
Lots of travellers struggle to read these maps at first, but you’ll soon be able to decode them. Look for the corresponding colour connected to your Tube line, and find your desired stop as designated on the map.
Watch your belongings
There’re plenty of reasons to keep your belongings close to you while travelling. Not only do you not want to lose them, but pickpockets have been known to operate on the London Underground. Accidentally leaving items behind on a train or platform could also lead to them being considered a security risk.
Try to travel as light as possible, and make sure you always know where your essentials (money, phone, ID for example) are.
Stick to the right on escalators
London Underground regulations request that all visitors stay to the right hand side of the escalators. This allows plenty of room for people to walk alongside you on the left. It’s important to stick to this rule as it has been established for safety.
In addition, if you have a lot of shopping or a suitcase, keep it close to you, and be careful not to get any clothing or belongings jammed in the mechanism!
Make your ticket accessible
Getting through the London Underground is often pretty speedy. At peak times you’re likely to have a crowd of people waiting to get through the terminals behind you, not to mention the need to reach your train quickly.
We recommend keeping your tickets, contactless card or Oyster card somewhere you can access them without fuss, such as a compartment in a wallet or a special case. Store them alongside any other travel cards you have to ensure you have all you need for swiftly reaching or departing your platform.
Be aware of rush hour
Fear of crowds and enclosed spaces are common, and can make travelling by Tube a little more stressful than it needs to be. However, if you are adamant that you want to try, then choose a time of day when there are fewer people around, Rush hour is generally defined as between the hours of 7:30am and 9:30am, with an afternoon rush hour between 17:00 and 19:00.
There are other benefits to travelling outside of these peak times, too. You are likely to pay less for your tickets, which allows you to keep more of your budget for exploring while you stay at discount hotels in London.
Ask the staff
Don’t be daunted by asking staff on the Tube for help when you need it. London is a vast city with a huge number of visitors, and everyone gets a little lost or confused from time to time. You should be able to identify staff members by their jackets, but if in doubt simply head for an information point or a ticket booth.
These are also great places to pick up a few leaflets or additional information about sights to see and things to do while you stay at Chiswell Street Hotels London.
Stay calm
One of the best things about travelling on the London Underground is how easy it is to correct any mistakes you make. If you find yourself on the wrong train or the wrong platform, you can simply wait for the next stop or get to where you need to be, all with relative ease.
Trains run frequently throughout the day and much of the night, so you’re unlikely to have damaged your travel plans too dramatically. Relax and simply begin correcting your journey.
+44(0) 7525 594 562
