London Morning Rush Hour - Travel Tips??

IanD

Brian_The_Lion wrote: »

I know they do express trains too

The 'Express' trains take 6 minutes from Edmonton Green to 7 Sisters and the stoppers take 9 so I would just jump on the first train that turns up!

Brian_The_Lion

Sooki wrote: »

Sounds like you've got it sussed, you are far more organised than me.

I've found a reasonably priced hotel (as in reasonable for london) a very short walk from kings cross which I use regulary, but it saves so much hassle (also breakfast included) and allows for extra zzzzzzz's

I've not had the luck getting cheap hotels in the west end. Managed to bag the new travelodge thats just been opened in edmonton for £12.50 a night so Im more than happy! Managed to get my train from KX to glasgow for me and my 13yr old for £22 too..and the way down on virgin to euston was only £15.

3 nights in london with train from glasgow for around £80... might be getting to grips with this money saving business after all!! :rotfl:

Brian_The_Lion

IanD wrote: »

The 'Express' trains take 6 minutes from Edmonton Green to 7 Sisters and the stoppers take 9 so I would just jump on the first train that turns up!

thanks for that, didnt realise there wasnt much difference!

VfM4meplse

Brian_The_Lion wrote: »

slightly off topic, does anyone know about the whole Oyster PAYG refund process?

I know I can get travelcards for the few days Im there but was thinking about getting an oyster PAYG because im not 100% certain how much time I'll be using the tube in particular and know the bus is cheaper, especially as I dont mind travelling back in the evening by bus.

If I buy one at Euston when I get there I need to pay £5 deposit right? then obviously load it with the necessary funds also.

So when I leave can I take it back to the underground ticket office at Kings Cross and get my £5 back? can I get unused credit back also?

any advice is appreciated...

I thought the deposit was just £3 but wouldn't be surprised if it has been increased .

For a refund, just email [EMAIL="CONTACTUS@tube.tfl.gov.uk"]CONTACTUS@tube.tfl.gov.uk[/EMAIL] asking for a refund and specifying that you don't want this to go on the card, a cheque will do nicely. I would personally keep the Oyster card as you never know when it will come in handy (eg I was in Prague earlier this year and paid a tip in sterling - the recipient said she was very happy with this as she would use it to load her Oyster card next time she was in London!).

Don't get stressed with the journey, or you won't sleep all night and will just be knackered.

Brian_The_Lion

VfM4meplse wrote: »

I thought the deposit was just £3 but wouldn't be surprised if it has been increased .

For a refund, just email [EMAIL="CONTACTUS@tube.tfl.gov.uk"]CONTACTUS@tube.tfl.gov.uk[/EMAIL] asking for a refund and specifying that you don't want this to go on the card, a cheque will do nicely. I would personally keep the Oyster card as you never know when it will come in handy (eg I was in Prague earlier this year and paid a tip in sterling - the recipient said she was very happy with this as she would use it to load her Oyster card next time she was in London!).

Don't get stressed with the journey, or you won't sleep all night and will just be knackered.

I was considering keeping it, especially as the PAYG balance doesnt expire. I suppose the deciding factor will be how much I spend whilst im in london. That £5 might come in handy for a coffee on the train on the way back to glasgow!

VfM4meplse

Brian_The_Lion wrote: »

I was considering keeping it, especially as the PAYG balance doesnt expire. I suppose the deciding factor will be how much I spend whilst im in london. That £5 might come in handy for a coffee on the train on the way back to glasgow!

£5 on a BR coffee :eek:? I'm a Londoner do not consider that to be MSE at all. Take your own sandwiches and snacks and a flask .

Brian_The_Lion

VfM4meplse wrote: »

£5 on a BR coffee :eek:? I'm a Londoner do not consider that to be MSE at all. Take your own sandwiches and snacks and a flask .

LOL... I'll need to keep that £5 to line Scotrails pockets to get me home when I get to Glasgow!

IanD

Brian_The_Lion wrote: »

I was considering keeping it, especially as the PAYG balance doesnt expire. I suppose the deciding factor will be how much I spend whilst im in london. That £5 might come in handy for a coffee on the train on the way back to glasgow!

If you really must buy food/drinks on the train back to Glasgow then you can save 20% by buying vouchers from East Coast ticket desk at King's Cross before you set off. Have to buy in multiples of £5 face value (cost £4) no change is given so don't overdo it. Can be used in the "CafeBAR" - buffet car to you and me - or on the trolley. £10 should be enough for sandwiches/toasties and a drink for 2.

http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/on-board-our-trains/in-your-coach/cafebar/

Also, if you haven't already, apply for the free Bite card if you are considering eating/drinking in King's Cross (or any station throughout the country) 20% off selected/outlets.

http://www.bitecard.co.uk/default.asp

rdwarr

Brian_The_Lion wrote: »

Think this is going to be my preferred option. Im staying near Edmonton Station and I know they do express trains too, so if i catch one of them the next stop will be seven sisters and then straight on the victoria line with a bit of luck. My train is at 9.30 at KX, but I still think ill leave edmonton at 7am. This should give me enough time right?

Yes, plenty of time. There are two McDonalds just outside Kings X if you fancy a cheap breakfast. Or if you have time to kill go and have a look at St Pancras.