Coming to the Smoke

[Deleted member 26715]

I have to get to Gatwick tonight to catch a flight in the morning, need a bit of local advise please. I'm coming down on the train & get into King's Cross & then have to get to Victoria. The ticket includes the underground ticket, looking at the map is it simply get off the train, find the entrance to King's cross tube & get on the Blue Line, get off at Victoria? I'll have a suitcase & the bike in a bag is it likely to be fairly easy, I arrive at 19:35 & have 40 minutes to get across.

Alan...

 

[ianrauk]

Basically yes.
Only a few stops so will take 15 minutes max.
The Victoria line is usually very quick, but also very busy.
You may get a few tut's with your luggage and bike but just ignore.

 

[Beebo]

You will need to use the large gates at the tube barriers, usually on either side, there should be an attendant nearby to help. Make sure you have your ticket ready, as no one likes standing behind someone with a big bag who is fiddling around for a ticket.
I hate the tube, and I know my way around quite well, good luck! Just console yourself with the fact that millions of people are stuck doing this every day, the idiots.
The tube is every man for himself, so dont expect any help. 99% of peole know exactly where to go and will be head down, no eye contact. May sure you are on the right of the escalator, dont block the whole thing with your stuff as lots of people will want to walk quickly dont the left hand side.
The worst of rush hour will be over by then, so it shouldnt be too bad.

 

[Aperitif]

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/SME/html/NRE_KGX/plan.html
Roll over the plan to see photos - for amusement mostly! The tube entrance is indicated. Sure, it'll be a bit busy as Ian says but it's a direct train - 4 or 5 stops? Easy peasy!
Here's Victoria too!
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/SME/html/NRE_VIC/plan.html
Bon voyage!

 

[Deleted member 26715]

Thanks Guys, I really want to take the bike with me, but can't decide if it's too much hassle dragging it across London, I'm away for 3 weeks, but logically will only get to ride it the middle week, as next week is a training course & the last week a convention.

Alan...

 

[rich p]

You'll already have paid for it to go on the plane though, non?

 

[Deleted member 26715]

You'll already have paid for it to go on the plane though, non?

No it goes free, Virgin Atlantic, I have an internal US flight which the company will pick up the tab on, but I'll pay that at the airport if I take it.

Alan..

 

[Beebo]

will they let you take a full size bike on the tube? even in a bag?
I dont know the answer, maybe others do. But I would hate for you to get stuck.

 

[Paulus]

will they let you take a full size bike on the tube? even in a bag?
I dont know the answer, maybe others do. But I would hate for you to get stuck.

Yes, The only restriction is on a complete bike. They are not allowed on deep tube lines at all, in tunnel sections, unless it is a folding bike, folded.

 

[Tim Hall]

Alternatively walk across the concourse at Kings Cross to St Pancras. Take the lift to platforms A and B and get a First Capital Connect service to Gatwick. Good points: Misses out the excitement of battling on the tube with all your luggage. Bad points: This might not be an option if your rail ticket for the Victoria portion is for the Gatwick Express.

 

[Headgardener]

[QUOTE 2862121, member: 259"]Kings Cross to Victoria's a quick bike ride down and as said, you're not in rush hour. Good luck with the suitcase though![/quote]
If the bike takes panniers chuck the suitcase away and cycle as Mort suggests.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Wear everything you're taking and ride the bike, if you still can.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

On the train it's running late which gives less time to get across town, bike is with me, next installment in just over an hour either to say I missed the Gatwick express or I'm on it

Alan..

 

[Fnaar]

Good luck

 

[Deleted member 26715]

Wheyhey I'm on the Gatwick Express bit balls u in Victoria got sent to wrong platorm first. All the way over to 19 to come back to 14

Thanks chaps, I'll have ride in the sun for you all.

Alan...