Navigating the Metro or Tube in London
Obviously, there's no way to fully understand a particular experience unless, one has gone through it themselves. However, I'm here to give you a snippet and perhaps, prepare you to some degree of what to expect. Here's my take on finding your way around the metro.
You know how you prepare all you can before a trip and once you make it to your destination, there are just some things that you can't plan head of time? Well, for me, that would be learning how to navigate through the tube in Europe. Seriously, I am the worst in finding my way around the metro in Europe (particularly London). I've been there 3 times now and I still get lost.
Although, I may have figured out the problem. In U.S. I'm used to looking at a map that indicates where you are with a mark stating "You Are Here" (see link below). Then, usually there's a particular color or sign that you see leading you through the path. In London, it's not as clear cut.
Before heading to the metro, I usually map out my itinerary and I try to remember ahead of time the name of the station and of course, the chosen destination (or, screenshot your route and pull it up once you're at the station). Once I get to the metro, the maps will have all of the routes color coded and I try to match my itinerary to it. It sounds simple but, honestly after going through those tunnels with people coming in and out or moving from different directions makes navigating the tube quite confusing; also, not to mention carrying a luggage through multiple stairs in a crowded narrow route is simply annoying. I definitely learned to pack light or considered the type of luggage I would carrying. I always say, if, I can't lift the luggage for more than 2 minutes then, I've overpacked.
Now, each country is obviously different but, remember London is all about zones. You'll need to "top up" your oyster card to about 30 pounds for all access to each zones. I emphasize "all" because when you are adding money to the oyster card you get about 6 different options on the machine. In France, after getting out of the Eurorail the machine we bought our train tickets for had about 8-10 different options; 1 for bus routes, 1 for certain routes, 1 for trains, etc. and they were all in French!
Also, note that there's a different ticket for each time you're out of the city. For example, we stayed in Harpenden during our trip in England and we wanted to go to Paris. Well, since Harpenden is outside of London, we needed a ticket from Harpenden to London and an oyster card if, we need to switch trains within London to get to the train station and catch the Eurorail for Paris. In summary, we would need 3 tickets total, Harpenden + Oyster Card + Eurorail Pass. Did I loose you yet?
Anyway, once you have money in your oyster card, you can go through the barriers and scan it to enter. You should be able to see the amount you have left on the card OR check on the same machine you "topped up" your oyster card in (see the videos below).
After you enter, you'll go through narrow tunnels or long escalators with tonze of people. Look for signs and remember where you're going because you'll move pretty quickly. Also, the tunnel will eventually split to either north, south, east and west. Be prepared to remember which way you want to go. Sometimes, they won't have a map available :/
Paris
I thought this sign was helpful because the lighting changes as you pass through each stops. It made it easy to tell where you were heading. In London, it won't be interactive.
Left or Right?
sortie = exit
If, all else fail, make sure you're with a friend or someone who has a better direction intuition than you. Let's face it, 2 heads is better than 1.
Interesting bit:
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