Questions about my journey from Liverpool to Euston

[trainophile]

I have just impulsively booked a birthday treat for myself and husband - a day trip from Liverpool Lime Street to St Pancras, changing onto the Underground at Euston.

First time we will have travelled First Class, albeit on Advance tickets. I ticked the "View" option and have been allocated Coach J, seats 02 and 05. On checking the plan I can see these are individual facing table seats, which is great, but not sure whether they are by a window as the plan doesn't show windows. Will be most disappointed if we are by a wall, as that defeats most of the point of going.

Does anyone know if these seats do have a view, and if not would there be any way of getting them changed now that I have finalised the purchase?

Also another question - would we be allowed to exit the station at Euston or do we have to adhere to the scheduled Underground connection time?

Hope I'm in the right forum, please move if not.

 

[craigwilson]

As they're not marked up as "limited visibility", I think you sould be OK. The more spaced-out seating in FC means most seats have a view out of a window.

 

[MCR247]

All first class seats are by windows except two in Coach H I believe. The seating plan does show windows in the sense that any blue seat has no view and so is by a pillar

 

[Kt]

Hi I can't help with the seating query, however if you are a good walker there is no need to get on the underground as it is only one stop (well Kings Cross).

It takes about 10/15 mins to walk to St Pancras from Euston depending on how quick a walker you are.

Take a left out of the station onto Eversholt Street, then left again down to the zebra crossing by the Prince Arthur pub cross the crossing then walk straight down Phoenix Road pretty much directly to the entrance to St Pancras.

I prefer it but only as I am not a fan of the underground, its much more refreshing and spacious!

Alternatively you could walk down Euston Road, much busier but alot more to see especially if you want to take in the hustle and bustle of London.

(I forgot to mention you can leave and return to Euston anytime, the underground is down the escalator in the middle of the concourse. Your ticket will let you get on any tube)

Hope this helps!

 

[MCR247]

By the type you've walked to and from the underground stations, you might as well have walked to St Pancras

 

[Kt]

That too!

 

[trainophile]

Thanks so much everyone. I've just had another look and spotted the legend at the bottom of the plan, and as our seats aren't blue it looks like we're okay for a window . It'll be dark on the way back, but that can't be helped!

Thanks also for the tip about walking rather than using the Underground - I was wondering if, as our ticket destination will say St Pancras, would it be classed as ending short if we were to attempt to leave at Euston? (Sorry I know nothing about transport in London so sort of assumed the Underground was accessed without leaving Euston... wrong? )

Yet another question - reason for wanting to see St Pancras is because we'd like to see the Eurostar terminal. Is this possible without tickets to travel on it?

 

[Kt]

Your welcome... No not at all, you can leave Euston as soon as you arrive, the underground portion of the journey is separate to national rail journeys, use of the underground is just incorporated in your ticket.

You have to go through the barriers first anyway, before you get to the concourse where the Victoria and Northern line underground is. There is another underground line on Euston Rd (Euston Square) a few mins outside from Euston for connections to other places, they would never be able to enforce such a thing even if they would ever want to.

Not a clue about the Eurostar terminal sorry, although I'm sure someone will know!

 

[MCR247]

You can see the platforms from the EMT platforms 1-4 but you can't actually get onto the Eurostar platforms without going through departures & security (with a ticket!). Sorry

 

[tsr]

Yet another question - reason for wanting to see St Pancras is because we'd like to see the Eurostar terminal. Is this possible without tickets to travel on it?

If you head up to the East Midlands Trains platforms, you will be in the same grand, overarching trainshed as the Eurostar terminal, and there is only a 7-or-8-foot-high glass partition separating the MML and HS1 platforms. It is possible to stand right next to this partition on the upper-level EMT concourse, and you will have a wonderful view of the immense, airy void and the roof above. However, you probably won't see much of the furthest E* platforms (which are not at all spectacular - trust me: I've used them!) if there is a train in the nearest platform, if you see what I mean.

The Eurostar checkin facilities and even the departure lounge are nowhere near as spectacular as many people mysteriously think they are, so you are missing almost nothing by not having a E* ticket!

 

[snail]

You'll probably find all the reserved seats in J grouped together at the end of the train. If it's quiet there will be no problem sitting at a larger table at the other end of the coach.

As for the Eurostar terminal, you can access the shops in the undercroft and walk around the train shed. Forget the tube, walk along Euston Road so you can see St Pancras's best feature - its exterior. When you cross the road after the British Library walk up the access road to the hotel and carry on past the hotel entrance (you should have a quick look inside the lobby though, it's very nice). Turn left through the archway and you are in the trainshed with the Eurostar trains directly in front of you.

 

[trainophile]

You are all (euro)stars! Thanks so much for taking the time and trouble to answer all my queries.

Really looking forward to it now, although it isn't until the end of Feb. Just a bit annoyed as I had an afterthought and discovered that if I'd booked from Southport, to include the Southport to Lime St leg, instead of getting that separately, I would have saved us around a fiver! Ah well, can't win 'em all, and I'm sure First Class travellers don't lose sleep over a fiver .

 

[VauxhallandI]

Be sure to pop into the Great Eastern Hotel, the bar is the old ticket office and leads directly in to the upper platform level the others are talking of.

As you come along he Euston Road the entrance is up the ramp and through the big arch in the middle of the old building. The bar is through to the right, I had a lovely breakfast there one morning. Unfortunately I was going to Corby and not Paris.

 

[trainophile]

Thanks John. Keep the suggestions coming folks, and I'll make a list of what's do-able in the six hours we'll have there. Won't have time for everything, but if we like it we'll do it again, and possibly stay overnight next time.

What's the dress code for First Class, if you are tourists not business types?

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Just a point - if you want to view the Eurostars then as long as it's not a wet day you'll get a better view from the far end of the South Eastern High Speed platforms that you will from the EMT platforms; the staff are usually good at allowing access for the purpose as well.

 

[craigwilson]

No dress code for first class - anything that would be appropriate in the outside world is just as appropriate in first class!

 

[trainophile]

Just coming back to acknowledge the last two posts last night, as I had gone to bed. Thanks again everyone, picked up the tickets today and I'm really excited now.

Just need to work out whether we can fit in a London Eye experience while we're there. I don't know how far it is from Euston.

The tickets read From Liverpool Stns to UI London. Presumably the UI is the Underground bit? Does that give unlimited use of the Underground all day? There's no mention of St Pancras on the tickets so presumably we could go anywhere?

Oh and I was wondering whether someone could kindly explain Oyster cards to me. Can you get one for one day only? Where do you get them from? Is it true that buses don't accept cash now so you have to have an Oyster to use them?

 

[MidnightFlyer]

The London Eye is about 2.5 miles from Euston: the closest Tube station I think is Waterloo, which is available direct on the Northern line Charing Cross branch at Euston, or from Kings Cross St Pancras, taking the Victoria line to Oxford Circus, then the Bakerloo to Waterloo. As always on a weekend, check for engineering works though. Alternatively, it's a 45 minute walk from Euston (I'd guess about the same ex-St Pancras too), but my knowledge of London buses is almost non-existant, so I'll leave that to someone else.

As for Oyster, a lot of answers can be found here - http://www.oyster-rail.org.uk/.

 

[Manchester77]

You'll have a great time London's a fascinating place.

When were last in London we were planning to go on the London Eye but the queues were ridiculous. If you to do it pre-book it to avoid silly queues. We were there March 2011 and it was like that. I'd recommend as an alternative to see the sites, the duck tour. You pre book it and the stop is opposite the slug and lettuce near Waterloo. It does the sites and then drives into the river showing the sites from a different perspective.

To get to Waterloo (for London Eye and Duck Tour) from Euston take southbound northern line via Charing Cross to Waterloo (destination Kennington)

 

[island]

Just need to work out whether we can fit in a London Eye experience while we're there. I don't know how far it is from Euston.

It's near Waterloo, which is perhaps 15 minutes from Euston by underground. Follow signs for the South Bank when you get to Waterloo, then when you exit the station take a right and walk along the road for a short distance, after which you will see the London Eye on your right.

Buy your London Eye tickets online in advance at www.londoneye.com to save some time queueing up. Bear in mind that security searches are in operation on entry to the London Eye and most of the things you can't take on planes are prohibited (although bottled drinks are allowed).

The tickets read From Liverpool Stns to UI London. Presumably the UI is the Underground bit?

It's U1 rather than UI, but yes.

Does that give unlimited use of the Underground all day?

No. You can make one journey from Euston to anywhere in zone 1 on the outbound ticket, and one journey from anywhere in zone 1 to Euston on the return ticket. Those tickets often don't work the Underground ticket barrier, but just show it to the attendant and you will be let through.

There's no mention of St Pancras on the tickets so presumably we could go anywhere?

Yes, anywhere in zone 1, but only one journey on each ticket.

Oh and I was wondering whether someone could kindly explain Oyster cards to me.

OK, I'll have a go.

Can you get one for one day only?

Sort of. Oyster cards are valid indefinitely. When you buy one you pay a £5 deposit and put at least £5 of pre-pay credit (or a weekly or longer Travelcard, but that won't be you) on it. Having bought one you can keep it and use it next time you get to London, and add more credit from time to time as and when you need it. But if you don't want to keep the card, you can get a refund from any London Underground ticket office as long as you have £5 or less credit on it. If you have over £5 credit you can still get a refund, although it's a bit of a faff and they might post you out a cheque rather than giving you the refund on the spot.

Where do you get them from?

Any London Underground ticket office, London Travel Information office, convenience stores where you see the Oyster sign, selected National Rail ticket offices (including Euston London Midland office), online at www.tfl.gov.uk (allow around a week for delivery), at London City Airport DLR station, and probably a few other places.

Is it true that buses don't accept cash now so you have to have an Oyster to use them?

No. Most buses accept cash payments (and from some time next year they all will), although the fare is quite a bit higher (£2.30 going up to £2.40 on Wednesday for cash as opposed to £1.35 going up to £1.40 for Oyster). You can use a contactless credit or debit card to pay on buses now as well, at the Oyster rate. In central London you currently cannot pay cash on certain bus routes (where the route number is displayed on a yellow background at the stop), and must pay using a ticket machine next to the stop instead. These machines don't give change and are being phased out soon.

You can also purchase a Travelcard if you like, which will give unlimited use of all London buses, plus trains, underground, and DLR within the chosen zones, and trams unless you choose only zones 1-2, for one day. You can buy this at any staffed station nationwide, at most ticket vending machines in the London zones, or from your train manager on your train into London. The cost varies depending on the zones you choose and whether you want peak-time validity (i.e. before 0930).

 

[snail]

You can get 2 for 1 on London Eye by showing your train tickets. Linky here... http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/london-eye

The U1 on your ticket allows you one Underground journey within Zone 1. An Oyster card or day travelcard is worth getting as fares are much lower than the cash equivalents (you save £1 on bus journeys and more on tube fares). There is a £5 deposit for the Oyster card but you can either get this back at the end of the day from an LU ticket office or just keep the card and use it next time you are in London. Credit doesn't expire.

EDIT: Cross posted with Island, who explained getting around much better than me, but missed the London Eye offer!

 

[trainophile]

Phew, that's absolutely brilliant, thanks again all of you. I will be printing this thread out to take with me.

Excellent link to the 2for1 Eye offer, I'd have been mad if I'd found out afterwards!

Just one (hopefully) final question... will my husband be able to use his Herefordshire Council "senior" bus pass on the buses? They seem to be valid in other parts of the country but I'm not sure whether London has its own rules.

 

[lincolnshire]

Think you will find bus passes are valid anywhere in England, Not valid in Wales or Scotland and they can,t use ours in England I do belive,

 

[island]

If it has the red rose symbol I think it's fine.

 

[trainophile]

Oh no, more questions... I know I'll wear out my welcome shortly .

(1) Been reading a blog about Virgin First Class, and according to the blogger they serve a full evening meal in First Class if the journey's service starts before 1900. Our return journey leaves Euston at 1907. Does this mean there is no food provided at all?

http://www.jamesrbrindle.com/articl...st-class-not-as-expensive-as-youd-think.htm/2

Let’s talk meal service for a minute which was a confusing point and what started me thinking about this post anyway. Virgin’s site states that on services before 10:00am you’ll get a full hot breakfast, between 10:00 and 11:00am you’ll get a light breakfast then until 16:00 you get a sandwich/salad snack and from 17:00 to 19:00 a hot evening meal.

(2) I understand we can use the First Class lounge at LIV (presumably also at Euston). Are there toilets available in these lounges? Worth getting there early to make the most of the facilities, and avoid paying 30p at LIV!

Right, now I'm off to pester the good people on the Fares board ...

 

[dvboy]

There are toilets in the lounge at Euston. Cant speak for liv

 

[Paule23]

Oh no, more questions... I know I'll wear out my welcome shortly .

(1) Been reading a blog about Virgin First Class, and according to the blogger they serve a full evening meal in First Class if the journey's service starts before 1900. Our return journey leaves Euston at 1907. Does this mean there is no food provided at all?

You will still get some food, just not the hot meal you would get if you left before 1900. Generally sandwiches, crisps etc although they sometimes have a cold pie or,pasta meal. Ask for a honeycomb chocolate, they are scummy. Enjoy your trip.

 

[trainophile]

Thanks again folks.

Been Googling some reviews and I'm a bit apprehensive now - many remark on the stinky toilets, and our seats are right next to one. Must remember to take a perfume spray!

Also one traveller mentioned that on the ex-LIV train he was on, ALL the toilets went out of service around Crewe hock: . Not much good when your destination is Euston. Don't think I'll be partaking of the free hot drinks after all .

 

[MCR247]

Don't listen to internet reviews.

99% of people only write reviews when things go wrong. When the journey goes 'ok' they won't think anything of it and will carry on with their lives, and if it was 'excellent' they may tell some friends/family about their amazing train journey but it won't even cross their mind to write a glowing review.

For example, did you write a review about your last train journey that was ok? Train left on time, arrived on time and well it was really amazing, but there was nothing wrong with it?

Think about tomorrow, out of these, which scenario would most likely leave you writing a review:
a) ended up having every fault from all of the reviews
b) Was ok, pretty much what you were expecting
c) Was excellent, amazing service, definitely value for money and left a lasting impression on you

 

[trainophile]

True. I know online reviewers tend to be a self-selecting genre, although I would say there are also one or two excellent reviews countering the majority of negative ones, at least on the website I was reading.

I'm not going until the end of Feb so plenty of time to try to ignore all the potential concerns. Although my husband is currently reading January's Modern Railways mag, and even in there the subject of Virgin's infamous smelly loos is mentioned! Apparently train upgrades are planned, to include a resolution to this problem, but I imagine it will be a while yet until this happens.