Top Tube Hacks for Getting Around London

Commuting on the London Underground (aka 'the Tube') can be frustrating. But while most Londoners may have grown used to the hassle, there’s no reason why, as a visitor to the city, you could not use some ‘Tube hacks’ to help lessen the stress of having to use this vital means of city transport. The following are some easy tips to help you avoid uncomfortable moments as much as possible.

Keep in Mind all Vital Information

Remember what they say about knowledge being power? That could not be more pertinent in the context of relying on the Tube to help you get from one place to another in London! If you step into a Tube station like Alice stepping into Wonderland, you’re most likely going to waste precious time trying to make sense of where you are and where to go, which could easily get worse if a form of emergency rears its ugly head. Get familiar with the location of the stairs and escalators as soon as you enter the station. Luckily, there are downloadable maps that can tell you these things and more. So, when all else fails, just get the right app and you're away. You'll be able to see the best exits and station shortcuts at your fingertips – literally.

Don’t Trust the Signs

Anyone who has spent any time in the UK capital knows that the Tube signs can be notoriously misleading. If you’re a first-timer you might be in for some nasty surprises if you believe all you see! To illustrate, imagine you need to get on the Victoria line going to King’s Cross to get to a national rail connection to travel up north. If you were to follow the signs that say ‘trains’, it's very possible they will lead you along endless tunnels and platforms and leave you scratching your head and wondering what country you’re in. Instead, if you look for the ‘Way Out’ sign to exit to Euston Road, you’ll discover this leads you to a quick, painless route to the national rail trains. That's just one example – there are so many more. In fact, Tube experts have pointed out that most of the signs you’ll find are actually designed to manage people and avoid overcrowding rather than direct them to where they want to go in the shortest possible time.

How to Reach Central London

Of course, before you even get to the point of working out the most efficient way to use the Tube you have to get in to the city. If you’re arriving by air, taking a Gatwick airport taxi is the most convenient option, as the drivers are well trained to know the best routes. If this is not your first visit and you already know your way around London, you could take the bus or train, but there may be quite a lot of walking (with luggage) at the other end before you finally make it to your accommodation. Anyone wanting the easiest fastest and safest option is advised to take a Gatwick airport taxi. These shuttle services provide a friendly, satisfying experience to travellers and allow them to start their holiday stress free. Riding the Tube is another story…

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for a Gatwick airport taxi, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.