Before arriving in England, I was weary of having to ride the tube every day. I had no idea of how it worked, and my biggest fear was that I would get hopelessly lost trying to navigate my way around the city of London. After riding the tube at least twice every day for a month, I am finally confident in my ability to get around London. Here are some tips I wish I had known from the beginning — gathered from advice given to me and from my own experiences.
1. Have your Oyster card (ticket) ready.
You do not want to be that person holding up the line. Seasoned tube riders are on a mission, and delaying the execution of that mission will either elicit a “tsk” or a not so subtle muttering of “Oh God” under their breath. Blend in with the pros by quickly and efficiently getting through the gate!
2. You don't need to open your Oyster card holder when tapping in and out.
Throughout my first week of utilizing the marvel of public transportation that is the tube, I had my holder open, making it look much like an oyster revealing a pearl. I then observed more experienced tube riders simply tapping their oyster card holder closed. After testing it myself, I can confirm there is no need to open the holder. You now look even more like a pro!
3. Tap out when you get to your stop.
Even if the gates are open, remember to tap your card/ticket again once you reach your destination to avoid being charged the maximum daily amount.
Side note: This is not necessary if riding the bus.
4. Stand on the right side of the escalator.
5. If you miss a train: don't worry.
Don’t risk either the embarrassment of running to the train only to have the doors shut in your face or the possibility of the doors closing on you. Another train will arrive in about five minutes or less — you can wait. That being said, if the train hasn’t started moving yet but the doors are closed, some have a button you can press to open the doors. Just know that some people already on the train will silently judge you for delaying the train a little bit longer.
6. See if your stop is on the same route as the end stop displayed on the train.
You don’t want to travel in the completely opposite direction!
7. Sometimes routes split, so check the "via stop" to know if you're on the right one.
When trains are on a route that splits, the end destination will be displayed as normal, along with a "via stop" that lets you know which route it is going to take. If you don't pay attention to the "via stop," you may be going the correct way at first, but then be on the wrong route once it splits. Check the station map to see if your stop is on the same route as the "via stop." If it is, you’re golden.
8. Changing lines isn't as scary as it seems.
Yes, it would be nice to arrive at your destination via a single tube ride, but finding your way is pretty much the same at every station. Just follow the signs and maps, and you'll make it to where you want to go. I have complete confidence in you!
9. When carriages are full, move down the aisle.
During rush hour, the space where people enter and exit the train are already going to be crowded, if not packed. Lessen the congestion by standing in the aisle. Never mind your close proximity to those sitting on either side of you. No one is actually paying any attention to you unless you accidentally step on their toes.
10. Hold on to the rails unless you have perfect balance.
Tube rides are never fully smooth, and some lines are more jolting than others. Unless you want to fall into the lap of someone sitting by you, hold on to the provided rails.
11. When holding on to the pole, allow room for other people to hold on too.
Basically, just don’t stand directly facing the pole and you should be fine. Be prepared to stand very close to people you do not know — almost touching hands with strangers is just another part of the tube life.
12. Place your bag between your feet when standing.
Not only does this create more space for fellow tube riders to crowd around you during rush hour, but it also makes your bag more secure from theft. You’re going to notice someone crouching by your feet.
13. Move down the platform when you're waiting for the train.
Due to people waiting in the middle of the platform, where you first walk in, instead of moving down the platform, the train can be completely packed in some carriages while other carriages have plenty of seats. Move further down the platform to ensure a better chance of being in an emptier carriage. This is especially important to remember during rush hour.
14. Take advantage of the free newspapers offered in the morning and the evening.
15. Don't put your feet on the seat opposite you.
