London is home to the oldest underground rail system in the world. Dating back to the 1860s the London Underground has had a lot of time to develop over the years, and in 2023, it is not only the oldest, but the largest in the world. With 12 tube lines and more than 200 miles of rail system, the London Underground has had more than enough time to evolve, both its physical infrastructure and the particularities of using it.
First time guests of the Hogarth Road Hotel London might find the prospect of using the London Underground a little daunting. From Oyster cards to rush hours, the London Underground definitely needs some getting used to. This is why this blog will outline some beginners tips for navigating and using the tube.
Oyster Cards
The London Underground can be paid for via contactless debit cards or Oyster Cards. Oyster cards provide a little more flexibility, especially for those staying at London Shaftesbury Hotels and the city in general for the first time. This is because the Oyster card allows you to keep tabs on how much you are spending and includes the potential for day, week or month long travel cards.
To buy an Oyster card, purchase one from the automated machines at almost every station in the city. You can top up your Oyster card in multiples of £5 and £10 and can even connect it to your under 25, under 30 and senior railcards for 30% discounts on individual off-peak journeys, providing guests of Central London hotel deals with even more ways to save money.
How To Pay For the London Underground
Once you’ve used your Oyster card (or stuck with your contactless debit card), the payment system for the tube is surprisingly easy. The barriers are equipped with yellow touch pads that will provide access into the tube system. Simply tap out again when you reach your destination. Make sure to use the same card for entry and exit to avoid spending more money than you need to.
Peak Time
Peak times in London occur between 6.30 am and 9.30 am and between 4 pm and 7 pm. During these hours, the London Underground operates trains at a faster rate to accommodate the commuters and students travelling on the system. This higher strain on the system means that prices are higher – up to a third more expensive than at off-peak times. If you want to avoid the stresses of more crowded tubes and higher prices, try to avoid travelling during these hours.
London’s Zones
London’s 272 tube stations are divided into 6 zones. These run in concentric circles around zone 1 – which consists of the central borough of Westminster and the ceremonial borough of the City of London. Guests staying at hotels in Craven Hill London will be situated in zone 1, travel between the stations of which is cheaper than, say, travelling from a zone 1 to a zone 6 station. It’s worth keeping note of what stations you’re travelling through, especially if you want to keep tabs on your holiday budget.
