Expert: Alun Hill MCIJ - 7/16/2008

Question
Hi alun,

can you help me I getting the train from Dundee Scotland to Gatwick in September, My ticket says from Dundee to Gatwick airport on National Express East Coast and all valid connections does this mean it will cover my underground cost? which underground do i want to take to get to victoria from kings cross?

Answer
Allen, hi - you'll be pleased to know that this is one of the easiest questions I've had to answer!

Your ticket will have a mark like a "dagger" on it (obscure, I accept!) which means it's validated to open the ticket gates on the underground - if you can't spot it easily, let me know and I'll see if I can find a picture of it!

It's an easy journey from Kings Cross to Victoria - take the Victoria line (light blue on the map) direct - there's no changes.

Signposting is very clear at each end.

At each end of your tube journey, you just put your ticket in the slot at the front of the ticket barrier - it will pop up on top - and when  you take it out, the barrier will open. Easy!

One additional point, if I may!

Do make sure that you're sitting on the left hand side of the train as you set off south.

You'll get a fabulous view of the Firth of Forth as you go over the wonderful Forth bridge, just north of Edinburgh, and get a view of the city itself as you enter Edinburgh.

Better yet, as you cross over the border into England, you'll see the wonderfully empty coastline of Northumbria, get a high level view of Newcastle as you cross the River Tyne on leaving Newcastle - and then at Durham, you look DOWN on the Cathedral and Castle. Nowhere else in the world can you do that! (The line is on a very high embankment here!)

Then as you slow for York, you'll see the Minster - and if you're interested in trains, one of the best railway museums in the world is on your left.

Enjoy - and come back if I can help further, please!

Happy to help!

Alun Hill MCIJ
Editor, http://www.IsLondonExpensive.com