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Travel Bloggers

Ali
Katie

The London Underground

Europe is well known for their accessible and abundant means of travel. Both Ali and I got to know intimately the many means of getting around towns, cities, and countries during our travels. London has one of the best and busiest modes of transportation for its citizens known as the London Underground (AKA the tube). Don’t let the maps confuse you-they aren’t that complex, you just need to pay attention.

The colors indicate different lines and each line has two end stations. Just find your desired station and your current station on a tube map (available for free in most stations). If both stations are on the same colored line, that means you only have to take one train to get where you want to go. To know which direction the train is heading, just look at what end station is displayed on signs leading you to the platforms. The end station is also displayed on the front of each approaching train, just to double check! If you need to switch train lines to get where you’re going, just find which stop is located where the two lines intersect (the one you’re on, and the one your desired stop is on), follow the previous steps to get to the station where you need to change, and then find the direction you need to travel on the new line (indicated by the end station you’re heading towards) and follow the signs that lead you to that platform. If you don’t have a paper tube map to keep with you, just refer to the posted maps in each station. If you get on or off at the wrong station, it’s no big deal either. Get back on the next one and you’ll be on your way again! You can take as many trains as you need to on a single fare (if you don’t leave the station), so don’t worry if you have to try a few times to get to your final destination!

Other than buses, tubes are the only way I’d recommend traveling while in London. The streets are loaded with cars and taxis are expensive. As for renting a car, I’d recommend thinking back to elementary school math. Ready for this? Gas in London is around 1.05 pounds per liter. Multiply that by four to make a gallon. Multiply that by two to see how much you’re paying in US dollars per gallon. Did you get $8? Now take into consideration parking costs (and hassles), and learning the new rules of the road. Yeah, so TGTGs highly advise buying a day or week pass and take the tubes. Easy to use and much cheaper overall. London even has overland trains for long distance travels to places like Brighton and Richmond.

It’s easy to get around by yourself with a few pounds spent on a travel pass and some patience. Be safe and enjoy the experience.

For more information on hours of operation, prices, maps and more, visit the London Underground website: www.tfl.gov.uk

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