Kings Cross: Some Advice

[HST Power]

On July 13th 2011 I have been asked to attend an event at Westminster.

I plan to take a fast train to London Kings Cross.

Then, from King's Cross St Pancras Underground Station I will take the Circle Line (Eastbound, Platform 2) which is a direct service to Westminster Underground Station.

I have all my fares and ticketing sorted, I just need some advice. I'm fourteen years old and I am going solo into London Kings Cross. It will doubtlessly be very busy, mad with commuter traffic and knowing London, crawling with shady types you wouldn't want to bump into.

I considered the option of going via Finsbury Park, but that's not going to happen for various reasons.

I meet my contact at Westminster.

I would be most greatful if any forum members can give me advice on how to go about things in the bustle of the London network. I have been taking the train for four years and done many trips, but Kings Cross is a totally different kettle of fish.

So whilst I'm on my travels, what sort of things should I look out for? What would be good, effective advice to remember when trying to survive the London network?

I apologise if this topic is in the wrong place and I appreciate any help available.

 

[HugePilchard]

What time are you getting there? Kings Cross isn't always that bad, to be honest! Once you're through the ticket barriers, the Underground station is well signposted, although it can be a bit of a trek to the Circle line platforms.

 

[HST Power]

Thank you for the reply.

At present, the times for the trip are unconfirmed. It all depends on how the schedule for my meetings are drawn up in relation to events at the Houses of Parliament.

Though I would expect early morning.

 

[Deerfold]

Unless you're going to have loads of spare time I'd suggest getting the Victoria line from Kings Cross to Green Park and then the Jubilee line to Westminster. Both lines are far more frequent than the Circle line which in ideal conditions only runs every 8 minutes or so. The journey will be quicker too.

This is a reasonably easy connection (one of the few at Green Park where I'd recommend following the signs).

Always remember - stand on the right on escalators or you *will* annoy people. If you're moving at a decent speed feel free to walk on the left.

 

[moonrakerz]

Some advice for the tube.

If you are a little nervous about being jammed into a tube train like a canned sardine - don't get on the first train.
Have a look at the first train as it comes in and leaves the platform, even at the height of the rush hour you will see that either front or rear car will be be considerably less crowded than the rest of the train. Just walk down the platform and wait for the next train at that point on the platform.

 

[philjo]

The eastbound circle line from Kings Cross will go via the City & those trains are always rammed at peak hours. It will also be a circuitous route to get to Westminster.

Personally if I was doing the journey I would get the 91 bus from outside Kings Cross (opposite side of the road) to Trafalgar Square (where the bus terminates) & walk down Whitehall.
Alternatively if the weather if good & you have time get the FCC thameslink service from St Pancras low level platforms to Blackfriars & walk by the river along the embankment.

 

[DarkestDreams]

With Kings Cross now gated, make sure you have your ticket out when you get off the train. Also, take the Victoria Line and change to the Jubilee Line at Green Park; it'ss much faster journey, and will probably be less crowded. Remember to take a bottle of water!

 

[DaveNewcastle]

That's a journey I make quite often. I prefer to walk or cycle (taking the bike with me on the train rather than hiring a 'Boris Bike'). The walk can be quite enjoyable and relaxing if you blank out all the tourists at the Westminster-Whitehall end.

Alternatively if the weather if good & you have time get the FCC thameslink service from St Pancras low level platforms to Blackfriars & walk by the river along the embankment.

and that would be my preferred 3rd choice; its easy to see where you're heading to when walking between Blackfriars and Portcullis House/Big Ben.

 

[jon0844]

King's Cross is only full of tourists and commuters. It's really not full of "shady types you wouldn't want to bump into" so don't worry. Don't believe the Daily Mail that wants you to fear for your life everywhere you go - just use common sense and don't have things easily accessible for pickpockets, or leave a bag on the floor while you nip into Whistlestop!

Even at night, it's fairly quiet and you won't see loads of beggars outside (and certainly not inside), partly because it's well staffed with all the work going on and with so many people now using Oyster cards, the beggars don't have much success asking for people to give them their travelcards. As you're travelling in the morning, there's no chance of seeing them!

 

[Yorkswatcher]

As you come off the platforms the underground is on your right hand side. Easy!

Only 0 -6 are gated for tickets.

 

[jon0844]

And 9-11.

I also think it's 0-5 gated. That leaves platforms 6/7 and 8 ungated, and 8 doesn't even exist right now!

 

[MCR247]

On July 13th 2011 I have been asked to attend an event at Westminster.

I plan to take a fast train to London Kings Cross.

Then, from King's Cross St Pancras Underground Station I will take the Circle Line (Eastbound, Platform 2) which is a direct service to Westminster Underground Station.

I have all my fares and ticketing sorted, I just need some advice. I'm fourteen years old and I am going solo into London Kings Cross. It will doubtlessly be very busy, mad with commuter traffic and knowing London, crawling with shady types you wouldn't want to bump into.

I considered the option of going via Finsbury Park, but that's not going to happen for various reasons.

I meet my contact at Westminster.

I would be most greatful if any forum members can give me advice on how to go about things in the bustle of the London network. I have been taking the train for four years and done many trips, but Kings Cross is a totally different kettle of fish.

So whilst I'm on my travels, what sort of things should I look out for? What would be good, effective advice to remember when trying to survive the London network?

I apologise if this topic is in the wrong place and I appreciate any help available.

Don't worry, you'll be fine

I'm the same age as you, (and I know sometimes that really doesn't mean much) but I've been from Nottingham - London before and done a travelcard bash on my own without any trouble

Have a good time anyways

 

[Skimble19]

Kings Cross really isn't as bad as it's made out to be - as said above you're very unlikely to meet any shady types these days. As for the journey, Victoria to Green Park and then getting on the Jubilee from there is definitely your best bet.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Though I would expect early morning.

If you are arriving at King's Cross after about 0930 (by which time the rush hour is starting to die down), then a Circle Line train to Westminster (via Liverpool Street) (Journey time = 26 mins) would still be my choice. Also, the Circle Line is, in my opinion, more accessible, being just below street level.

 

[WestCountry]

Don't worry, you'll be fine

I'm the same age as you, (and I know sometimes that really doesn't mean much) but I've been from Nottingham - London before and done a travelcard bash on my own without any trouble

Have a good time anyways

I'm also about the same age, and I'd agree that there's no problem - KGX is far better than most of the major stations I've been to, although it does get crowded in and around rush hour.
Have a good trip

 

[Yew]

Last time I went to STP, they where giving out cigarettes outside KGX (like fake ones of some sort, maybe full of parsley?) Shows you what a shady kind of place it is

Dont worry though, it will be full of staff and usually a few police. If you are struggling finding the underground stations then ask one of the staff. Remember, if you see eurostar you have gone too far!

 

[HST Power]

Well thank you very much to everyone who replied! I learnt some interesting things, and most importantly, everything that was said was relevant, helpful and constructive to my journey. Thank you.

Having read the advice, I'm starting to reconsider my arrangements. It does appear that it would be better to go via the Victoria Line, and change trains at Green Park. Though if I was to do that, wouldn't it make more sense to get off at Finsbury Park? Some friends of mine go into Charing Cross and get off at Finsbury, thus avoiding Kings Cross, as you can quicker trains from there anyway. Having consulted my map, it does appear that philjo is correct and taking the city line would mean busier conditions, as it runs right through central London.

On the 'shady types' front, I have been reassured, though I was merely going by the words of my mother who used to travel on a similar route every day and during peak rush hour to.

Don't believe the Daily Mail that wants you to fear for your life everywhere you go

It's right wing isn't it? Did I mention I was a guest of the Tories?

 

[amcluesent]

>Did I mention I was a guest of the Tories?<

Best not mention you used public transport then!

Are you on FCC? If so, it could make sense to change at Finsbury Park for the Victoria line and avoid the usual crush at KGX (and the closure at rush hour of one "down" escalator meaning a long walk via the Northern Line ticket hall). The tube will still be busy though - do move inside the carriage!

If you do Finsbury park, your best bet is Victoria Line to Green Park, get on the 1st carriage to exit by the same door for ease of change.

At Green Park, change to Jubilee southbound around the middle of the train, and exit by the opposite door to leave the station - there's many exits from Westminster so choose the best for your meeting.

The tube will be v.hot, so take a bottle of water.

 

[HST Power]

I will leave the 'Tory on public transport' debate for another day.

Though yes, unfortunately I am on FCC. Unfortunately.

I have two more questions. Firstly (please forgive me if this a stupid one, but I honestly do not know) do trains on the tube divide like on the mainline? Basically, when they say 'to go to A, get into the first three coaches, to get to B, get into the last three coaches' is what I mean. Is that why I've been advised to go to the first coach and the middle, or is that because of convenience when I change? I hope I don't sound ridiculous!

Finally, is it far to the Houses of Parliament from the station?

 

[YorkshireBear]

I will leave the 'Tory on public transport' debate for another day.

Though yes, unfortunately I am on FCC. Unfortunately.

I have two more questions. Firstly (please forgive me if this a stupid one, but I honestly do not know) do trains on the tube divide like on the mainline? Basically, when they say 'to go to A, get into the first three coaches, to get to B, get into the last three coaches' is what I mean. Is that why I've been advised to go to the first coach and the middle, or is that because of convenience when I change? I hope I don't sound ridiculous!

Finally, is it far to the Houses of Parliament from the station?

Anywhere in central london is enar enough walking distance to a tube station so dont worry about that.....

Im not aware of london underground doing this but obviously correct me if i am wrong. I thought doinh stuff like that would limit capcity in tunnels.

 

[b0b]

Alternatively if the weather if good & you have time get the FCC thameslink service from St Pancras low level platforms to Blackfriars & walk by the river along the embankment.

That is a great idea, especially if you haven't been in London before, the walk along the river is a ton of fun..

 

[jon0844]

Last time I went to STP, they where giving out cigarettes outside KGX (like fake ones of some sort, maybe full of parsley?) Shows you what a shady kind of place it is

I am a not sure they're giving them out. More like trying to sell the electronic ones you can smoke anywhere.

Sent from my Sony Ericsson Xperia arc via Tapatalk.

 

[transportphoto]

... why I've been advised to go to the first coach and the middle, or is that because of convenience when I change? I hope I don't sound ridiculous!

That is purley because of ease of change \ exit. AFAIAA tube trains don't divide mid service

HTH
TP

 

[HST Power]

That is purley because of ease of change \ exit. AFAIAA tube trains don't divide mid service

HTH
TP

Thanks very much for the clarification. I'm beginning to get a much better understanding of the Underground. Thank you everyone.

 

[ainsworth74]

Finally, is it far to the Houses of Parliament from the station?

Depending on which exit you use out of Westminster station you can either be across the street from the HoP or even beside the HoP! Don't worry though there are plenty of signs and even I think a map of the exits at Westminster station.

 

[amcluesent]

Yep, Londoners like to save seconds from their journey time by choosing a carriage which is best for exit. Also saves pushing along the platform!

There's only one exit from Westminster on the S/W side of Parliament Sq beside HoP. But as soon as you appear above ground at Westminster, you'll see where you are!

If you have time, afterwards you could walk up Whitehall past the Treasury, #10 and the Cenotaph to Trafalgar Sq and the National Gallery then get the tube back to Kings Cross from Charing Cross on the Bakerloo, changing at Oxford Circus onto Victoria. That could be done in 1hr easily, more if you went inside the Gallery of course.

Or leave HoP and cross the river over Westminster Bridge and walk along the South Bank past the London Eye, Royal Festival Hall, Oxo Tower to Tate Modern then cross the 'bouncy bridge' to St Pauls looking down river to Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf in Docklands. Then goto City Thameslink station for Thamelink to St Pancras Intl. and have a look around the Eurostar terminal/refurbished St Pancras Renaissance hotel then walk to KGX for the train home. That's more a 3hr itinerary.

 

[HST Power]

Yep, Londoners like to save seconds from their journey time by choosing a carriage which is best for exit. Also saves pushing along the platform!

There's only one exit from Westminster on the S/W side of Parliament Sq beside HoP. But as soon as you appear above ground at Westminster, you'll see where you are!

I am guilty as charged on the 'best carriage for exit' charge. I do it all the time. There's just something strangely fulfilling about picking that carriage that ends up by the steps!

Westminster Station sounds (dare I say it) not to bad to exit. I think once I've made my changes I'll be fine. I'm going to consider whether to go via Finsbury Park or Kings Cross, if anyone else can help me with make my choice that would be great.

Thanks to everyone for the help.

 

[class377man]

If the fast train you mention in the OP stops at Finsbury Park anyway then change there. If changing at Finsbury means getting a slower train from where you're starting then just get the faster one to King's Cross.

 

[HST Power]

If the fast train you mention in the OP stops at Finsbury Park anyway then change there. If changing at Finsbury means getting a slower train from where you're starting then just get the faster one to King's Cross.

My station has very good fast service, there's a fair deal on offer. I think in early morning, there's a non-stopper to Kings Cross, proceeded five minutes later by a train heading to Kings Cross stopping at Stevenage, Welwyn and Finsbury Park, which isn't to bad.

 

[amcluesent]

BTW, never make eye contact with Londoners or try to strike up a conversation on public transport. This would only confuse them!