I am planning the first overseas vacation for my family of 5 in London next summer. I have decided that renting an apartment for the week is more economical than multiple hotel rooms. I have my eye on a flat in Greenwich (just across from the Cutty Sark DLR station). My only question is whether the transportation options into central London are really as convenient, rapid and economical (with Oyster Card) as the owner claims. There are other apartment options closer to all the tourist sites, but they are either much smaller or much pricier. Does anyone have an opinion? Thanks!
Posted by
Dallas
1022 posts
I can't comment about public transport from Greenwich as I've not used it and it's been several years since we visited there. I can say that I've always been happier staying near the center of a city where much is within walking distance or a short ride via bus or tube. Greenwich is a pleasant town, but I wouldn't make it a base for a week in London; it's pretty far out even if transport is good. Check the cheaper hotels around Victoria Station such as the Winchester which has family rooms.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, United States
96 posts
Hi Ann. I think you're very smart to rent an apartment. My family of four (two teen boys) plus two grandparents rented an apartment in South Kensington last summer. We saved money over hotel rooms, and enjoyed having a real "home" to come back to after the day's sightseeing. You might check it out, number 413866 at homeaway holiday rentals web site. Feel free to PM me if you would like more details.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
It is much more convenient to be on a tube line (preferably within the Circle line route) as Tubes are much more frequent (generally every 5-10 minutes) than trains. When I was last in London Greenwich was not on a Tube line that I recall. Especially if this is your first visit where you will want to be closer to all the tourist sights. If you are really considering Greenwich, findout from the owner how close are you to transportatin (presumably train)(what station) and how frequent are the trains. there are people on this site who can check that. Also what station in London services Greenwich. Preferably you will want to be somewhere you can go back to your digs in the afternoon and go out again to London at night (sightseeing; theatre; dinner, whatever)
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
I have the Tube Map for December 2009. It looks like Greenwich is located at the border between zones 2 and 3. If it is included in zone 2, the Oyster should be a convenient/economical way to travel. The DLR (light rail) is shown servicing this area. The line runs to Tower Gateway (London Tower) and Bank (downtown London). Depending on how often the trains run, Greenwich to London could be a fairly quick trip. Go to tfl.gov.uk for more details. Given your requirements, I think the Greenwich apartment sounds good.
Posted by
Tipton, Iowa
332 posts
Cutty Sark DLR is in Zones 2 and 3. Transportation options are convenient and rapid and no more expensive than from more central locations. Journey times may average 10 minutes longer than if you were staying within the Circle Line. The trip in from the airport will be longer.
Posted by
OP
Williamsburg, VA, USA
11 posts
Thanks a lot for everyone's rapid input. I appreciate all the expertise. It sounds like staying in Greenwich is a viable option. Another related question...Does anyone know when the construction is expected to be finally completed on the Jubilee Underground line?
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
According to the Transport for London website a new completion date for the entire works on the Jubilee Line has yet to be set. ....... http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/10142.aspx
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33766 posts
Not sure if your last question, about the work on the Jubilee Line is about the current (frequent, especially on weekends) engineering work to enhance the Line, or if you might be looking at an old map of the Underground from when the Line terminated at Charing Cross and the Jubilee Line Extension (JLE) to the the Isle of Dogs and Stratford was still under construction. If the latter, the JLE has been running for several years now -=- the works as on Linda's URL are to improve it later at the expense of weekend and sometimes night pain now. -=-=-=- Do realise that the DLR (Dockland Light Railway) is >>much<< slower than the tube. The only other fast way from Greenwich is main line railways.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33766 posts
22 minutes Greenwich Station (several minutes walk from Cutty Sark) to Charing Cross Station, or several minutes DLR to Canary Wharf then Jubilee Line to the City....
Posted by
Brangwin, Wa, USA
349 posts
There are many routes to the city- There is a bus that goes from Greenwich to Russel Square in 15 minutes during off periods I am sure over 30 most busy times . This means it cross the Strand , covent garden the Eye, Bermondsey Market , across the river from the tower, The bus will be a good route for areas of interest