Expert: Alun Hill MCIJ - 7/2/2008

Question
QUESTION: hi, im from the north east of england and ive never travelled to london before alone. i have no clue what to do when arrivng at kings cross. i want to travel to waterloo. do you know what kind of ticket i will have to purchase and where i make this purchase? any other tips would also be welcome! thankyou for your time.
Rebecca

ANSWER: Rebecca, I'm very happy to help.

Actually, you shouldn't need an extra ticket, as you can have your rail ticket to Kings Cross include the underground ticket to Waterloo (indeed, if you are catching another train at Waterloo, you can include this journey, too, which will be cheaper than buying separate tickets.

If you've already bought your ticket and not included the underground, just follow the signs (and the crowds!) to the Underground, and buy a Zone 1 single ticket at £4 from a machine (they take cash and cards) - there is a ticket office but the queues are often very lengthy.

You put your ticket in the slot on the right of the barrier - just watch what everyone else does - take the ticket back as the gate opens and head towards the Piccadilly Line (coloured dark blue on the map) - take a train to Leicester Square (it's 4 stops).

Change there to the Northern Line (coloured black on the map) and travel 3 stops to Waterloo.

As you leave the Underground here, the ticket barrier will take your ticket again, but this time will keep it.

Alternatively, you can cross the Euston Road, at the front of Kings Cross and take a 59 bus from the bus stop marked "D". You must buy a ticket from the machine at the bus stop (£2 - exact change required).
This bus will take you direct to Waterloo.

I do hope this helps, but do come back to me if there's anything else I can help with - you can also look at my website Is London Expensive, listed below.

Very happy to help!

Alun Hill MCIJ

Editor. http://www.IsLondonExpensive.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi just a quick follow up. i think i know the answer to this one im just checking..when comng home im getting a bus to victoria, can i just stay on the victoria line up to kings cross without changing? and also what type of ticket will i need for this journey? thankyou for your time.
Rebecca.

Answer
Yes, you just take the Victoria line direct to Kings Cross - it's light blue on the tube map.

You'll just need a zone 1 single, at £4 - again, best to use the machines - they're marked with a button that says "zone 1 single £4" so it's really easy - best to have 4 one pound coins if you can in case they're short of change - it happens!

Hold tight on the Victoria line if you're standing - the trains are automatic and accelerate very fast!

Happy to help - anytime!

Alun