Hi, we're going to London, coming in early from US, wiped out, and we're hardy but no spring chickens. Would the tube be too much of a hassle? The main problem would be climbing or descending stairs with luggage. I've discovered Russell Square is supposed to have escalators, but is the underground run well, or do the escalators break down a lot? I just don't want to have to mess around more than I have to with little or no sleep. I also don't want to have to spend a lot if I don't have to. Please advise and cheerio!
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5466 posts
Russell Square does not have step free access from platform to street - it has lifts but there are two flights of stairs involved as well at either end. If some of the the lifts are out of order there is a 171-step spiral staircase to negotiate, or a long wait. The nearest accessible station is Kings Cross St Pancras, one more stop.
Posted by
Richmond VA US
5 posts
I did this last year with my 77 year old uncle, and it went fine. Just keep following the signs for the Underground (it takes awhile, but after all the time sitting in the plane it woke us up a bit!)
I believe it's the Piccadilly line that takes you to Russell Square, so you don't need to change trains. I was afraid the trains would be crowded, and of course they were but not horribly so; we were able to maneuver our luggage and keep it with us with no problem.
We got Oyster cards before we left the US, and we were able to use them first thing to get on the tube at Heathrow. I very much recommend the Oyster card; it comes loaded and you can reload if you run out of money. Just a quick tap gets you onto the bus or the tube station.
Have a good trip!
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1869 posts
Each traveler has to make their own decisions about where to save and where to spend when on vacation. The cost for two tube tickets is about 12 pounds, the cost for a cab would be about 60 pounds. (We just got back from London, so that figure is a current cost). We weighed spending an extra 50 pounds versus ruining several days of vacation if one of us tripped and sprained an ankle (also not "spring chickens"). The taxi option won; the extra pounds spent can always be regained by replacing a few restaurant meals with picnics.