Tips and Tricks for the Underground
Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008Stand on the right
We have an unspoken rule on London Underground escalators: always stand on the right. Many a visitor to our city has been caught out by this rule as it’s not made clear when you arrive, but if you stand in the way of a London commuter they’ll soon let you know!
The left-hand side of the escalators is for walking down, and be aware some people run so you want to keep out of their way!
Generally Londoners are quite polite when they ask you to move to the right: you’ll hear a loud ‘excuse me’ in your ear, which although it might shock you, it’s better than other things they could say.
Remember to keep your luggage also to the right-hand side of the escalator as you don’t want it to get knocked down.
Some of the escalators are incredibly long so get used to standing on the right and watching the commuters rush around, or you’ll get too tired for your days sight-seeing if you try to keep up.
Tubes not 24 hour
Be prepared, London tube trains do not run 24 hours!
During the week, trains start around 5am from the ends of the lines so reach more central parts around 5.30-6am. On Sundays, tubes start around 7am.
Tube stop each day around 11.30pm-12.30am.
When the tube stops, don’t give up hope of getting back to your hostel. Public transport is still available in the form of night buses. Night bus routes are similar to the daytime bus routes, but have an ‘N’ prefix. It’s always best to check with your hostel reception which night buses go nearby.
Luggage and newspapers
Never leave your belongings unattended, and allow yourself time to check you haven’t forgotten anything before you need to go as left luggage causes security alerts every day which means tube stations have to close as customer safety is paramount on the underground system.
London has lots of free newspapers but please do not leave your paper on the tube as it is considered littering, which carries a fine. Take your paper with you and dispose of it in a recycling bin outside of the station.
Stand behind the yellow line
All tube platforms have a yellow line marked about a foot from the edge where the train will arrive. While waiting for your train do not step over this line as there is obvious danger from falling in front of a train or being hit by a train you weren’t expecting.
Not everyone on the tube is a tourist!
London is big, bustling city full of people who actually live in London and work in London - they often need to get places in a hurry. Always bear this in mind and don’t get in the way of people. Be aware of what’s happening around you and don’t block any passages or platforms.
The OysterCard will allow you to travel around London on the underground/tube, buses, trams, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and some National Rail services.