I have never traveled in London before, but now i need to! Please help!?

Question

I need to get from exeter to london paddington, and then from paddington to charings cross.

How complicated is it to understand the underground system?

Do i have to book my tickets in advance or do i have to buy them at the train station? Or do i just get in the train, and pay the ticket person when i am on the train?

As you can probably tell, i've never travelled on a train before!

Also, what do i do with my luggage on the train, is there somewhere to put it all, or do i just keep it with me on a seat?

Answer 1

It is always, always cheaper to book train tickets in advance.

The best and easiest site to book on is http://www.thetrainline.com.

The cheapest fare is £24 (two singles -- don't ask why that's cheaper than a return ticket!) There are small fees on top for card payments (debit card is cheapest) and for ticket collection.

The journey's about two and a half hours.

There are luggage racks above all seats which will take light-ish bags, coats etc. If you have a big backpack or case it'll have to go in the racks at the ends of each carriage. Just keep an eye on your case during stops along the way; I've never had anything go missing, but it's best to be sensible.

The train staff are generally very helpful, and they always announce stops in advance (though you'll certainly know you're arriving in London!)

Now, about the tube.

First, your note: don't worry! All tube trains have computerised signs in each carriage which say where they're going and what the next stop is. There is also a voice announcement as you approach each station.

You need a Bakerloo line tube, southbound. It's seven stops to Charing Cross, with no changes.

Keep your luggage with you. There are luggage bays to one side of each double door. Put heavy bags down there and stand in front of them (or perch on top of them.) Don't drag them to a seat unless the tube is pretty empty; bags are trip-hazards in a crowded carriage.

If you have a backpack, take it off. Otherwise it's a target for pickpockets -- and you'll clunk other passengers with it without noticing.  

Get an Oystercard before you arrive. It'll pay for itself in the journey from Paddington to Charing Cross alone. (Single fare with Oystercard = £1.50; without = £4).  

You'd be best getting a pay-as-you-go Oystercard, which you just load up with money as you need. You pay a £3 returnable deposit for the card. Full details on Oystercards here, where you can buy one online: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/oysteronli... )

A note on Oystercards: you just touch the card (in its wallet) against the round Oystercard pad at the ticket barrier. Don't swipe or stroke it across the pad; just tap it with the card flat down.

There. You'll be fine. And I bet you get lots more use from that Oystercard in future.

Love from a Londoner born and bred. =D

Answer 2

I buy my tickets here:

http://tickets.funare.us

Hope helps

Answer 3

dont worry, travelling in london is quite easy...its usually mega busy which makes it seem quite daunting, but actually its not too bad.

Get a tube map when you are down in the underground and look for the right line, They are named and colour coded to make it easy.

Keep your luggage with you, just put it by your feet and let everyone else go round you . Londoners are used to thatm so you will not be any different from anyone else. On the train there is always a tube map above the doors, just look at the ceilings you will see them. Each station has its name - usually in huge letters- on it, so you should not miss your stop. and dont forget - us londoners may look miserable but actually we are not if in doubt just ask...you cannot miss the ones to ask...avoid asking anyone that looks like a tourist, they will give you duff information. Look for anyone in a dark coloured suit and you will be fine, we travel the tubes all the time and usually know then like the back of our hands..so just ask. You will be fine and you will love it!  

Answer 4

What you need to do really is very easy, first the train from Exeter to Paddington  - you can buy your tickets at the station if you want to - but you will usually get a cheaper price if you book online in advance - the further ahead the better, you carry your luggage onto the train with you and according to it's size you will either put it up in the overhead luggage racks or keep it next to you on the floor - not on someone else's seat.

Paddington to Charing Cross is just a single tube ride on the Bakerloo line - if you are only doing the one journey then buy your ticket at Paddington Underground station ticket offices - which are within the Paddington main line station complex - then follow the signs to Bakerloo line - all underground lines are colour coded and the Bakerloo is Brown - so look for brown signs and direction for Southbound underground lines to Charing Cross/Waterloo/Elephant and Castle - and get off at Charing Cross - all stations are very clearly marked and usually an onboard announcement will tell you the station as you approach. There are also maps of the line in every carriage as well as on every platform   - if in doubt please ask - us Londoners may look a bit fed up but virtually everyone will try and help if asked.   Again carry your luggage with you and if there are overhead racks you can use them or keep it on the floor next to you.

Important --  there are a number of strikes imminent on the underground - information on which days and which lines can be found here :-   http://www.tfl.gov.uk/   - that site also has underground maps and ticket prices.

Answer 5

First, you will need to book your tickets in advance (like a month or 2 weeks before travelling). Either by website or maybe on the train station (since this is your first time).

Of course, they will be announcement (like an electronic voice) in every stops. Also you can see on the top side of each end carriage, there'll be an announcement in writing what will be your next stop. Even they normally wrong, but most of them are true.

It would be easier for you to buy a one day travel card if you visit for one day, so your ticket will be included journey on tubes.

For small suitcase you can put it on the above of your seat, medium on your seat next to you, big there will be a rack just next to the trains' doors (normally). For this one you have to sit somewhere where you can watch your thingy. Or you can put it on the seat in front of you.

Each stop on the underground, you can recognise your stop by looking outside there will be some writing on the walls what station it is.

One more thing, dont buy your tickets when you're on the train. That normally happens when people trying to getaway from paying the tickets, is embarrassing! So you will need to buy your ticket in advance in the train station. I'm sure the officer will be happy to help you.

Safe Journey x*x

Answer 6

For Exeter to London Paddington, it's best to book tickets: http://www.thetrainline.co.uk

Luggage can be put in overhead racks and at end of carriages or by your feet if small enough.

Underground, just buy your ticket at the station. Getting an Oyster travelcard is cheaper if you're going to make more than one journey:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/

Keep luggage with you on the Underground. The maps are easy to read, just find where you need to go and use the line that the colours refer to.

Answer 7

Booking your ticket more in advance to the day you travel is cheaper.Or

get it at Exeter station.You get the circle line from Paddington.If your going

to make a day of it buy a travel card.You can then use it on buses and the

tube.Tubes are easy to use with plenty of signs.Put your luggage in the

holder by your seat.

Answer 8

You can buy a ticket from your local station to the place where you want to go (including the tube) just ask at the station "Exeter to Charing Cross"  (if that is where you are terminating your visit)

The Underground (tube) is easy to negotiate, but there are always personnel around to help you, just ask them, they will direct you.

As for prebooking, you may want to if you think there may be a shortage of seats (ask them when you call to book) Don't think you will have to worry about that though.

There are places to store your luggage depends on how big your case is, if it won´t get in the way you can keep it by you, if not there is a place at the entrance to each carriage where you leave your luggage. Try and choose a seat near where you can see your bags ( for peace of mind more than anything)

There are maps on the tube to tell you where the train is going and so therefore where you need to get off.

The only other advice is watch your handbag  in crowded places like at the barrier where you go through to get elevator or stairs to platforms, there are pickpockets that work the trains and tube. I am only saying this as it has happened to me, I was carry alot of luggage and someone picked my purse. So be very aware of keeping your bag in front of you and closed!

Good luck on your new adventure to London