London Underground - I am pathetic

[OffToThatPlace]

This is probably going to sound pathetic but I soon need to make a journey where the fastest and quickest option is by train and tube. It's been a few years since I last used the tube and I'm a bit worried about taking this route especially as I will have a (small) suitcase with Mr.

If I take this route it will be from Hammersmith to London Bridge on a Sunday lunchtime.

I am worried about using escalators especially with a suitcase and also about how busy it might be.

Does anyone know if there are lifts at Hammersmith and London Bridge? Also how busy it might be on Sunday lunchtime?

I feel so pathetic for even worrying about this as I used to regularly use the tube without any fear Think my confidence has faded since moving away from the London area and rarely using trains these days.

If you look on the TfL web site it tells you what facilities each station has. There are also maps online that show exactly where the lifts and escalators are.

There are lifts at Hammersmith.

I think there are lifts at London Bridge too.

If not, it's actually quite easy to get a suitcase and yourself on the escalator.

Is it a wheely suitcase?

I find them fine on escalators if you wheel it on first, quickly take the step after for yourself. Neat and quick.

As a former Londoner, we can be a tiny teeny whincy bit completely judgemental about tourists being slow so I apologise.

There are definitely lifts at London Bridge. London is never quiet - but (assuming no major events), Sunday is generally quieter.

We're pretty tolerant on Sundays though.

So OP I think your best bet is District line to Westminster and then Jubilee round to London Bridge.

Whatever you do, don't be tempted by the Piccadilly to Green Park and then changing at the Jubilee there unless you really like walking underground, it's a massive walk!

Yep, wheely suitcase is easier. Suitcase in left hand, right hand out to grab the hand rail, wheel it on as you step on, grab rail with right hand and right the suitcase, if necessary, with left. More complicated to type than do!

Even if it's not a wheeled one, you'll be fine, there's usually a bit of travelling across a flat surface before the escalator dips down or up. That gives time to sort yourself and case out.

Yes it is a wheely suitcase.

It's the downward escalators I fear most on the LU, so would be happier in a lift.

No need to apologise - I remember how it used to be regularly using the tube when I lived just outside of London!

However you can’t get a direct tube from Hammersmith to London Bridge - you will need to change at some point (or walk across London Bridge from Monument?). Only the Northern Line and Jubilee line at London Bridge.

Definitely follow Jassy's route. Apart from not having to walk half a mile between lines, Westminster's really well set up for lifts.

@JassyRadlett thank you for the advice!

Agree with @JassyRadlett - and there are lifts at Westminster too!

download the CityMapper app and it can give you routes & timing including step-free

It's the downward escalators I fear most on the LU, so would be happier in a lift.

I'm trying to remember what I used to do with these. I think I face the wrong way. With the suitcase uphill IYSWIM. Or maybe sideways. I don't like it below me.

But yes, lifts are probably a bit easier.

I second this. I always find it really helpful.

Westminster is one of my favourite stations, it's just so well thought through.

All the best op

You might like to check for weekend line closures too. My teenage son had a tube transfer between trains the other weekend, on a Saturday, and had to contend with getting to London and discovering the line he was planning to use wasn't operating and he had to rethink. (he'd not done such a complicated journey before and actually agreed to keep me updated en route)

I agree that down escalators are trickier than up with a suitcase. However, I haven't ever found a small wheelie suitcase much bother on them, just have them close before getting on the escalator, step on confidently and pull it behind you, then turn and settle it on the step above you. Getting off is straightforward.

(I did have fun and games last summer doing a London transfer with a large suitcase, two teenagers, two violins and sundry other bags between us. Hadn't thought about planning from the escalator point of view. But we survived :) )

@Hawkins003 thank you, that's very kind of you.

Your welcome, you'll get there, master it step by step, then hopefully it will increase your confidence and ability, some times we have to pick ourselves up, and rebuild our skills, abilities so we can be better and in theory wiser too.

And please use the wide gates for entry and exit. They are there for a reason for thing slime prams and people with suitcases. Dont attempt to use the normal ones, amount of people I see get stuck!

The wide gates usually at either end of the Gateline

Use TfL journey planner on the day just in case of closures etc. Currently advising

Depart Hammersmith (Dist & Picc Line) Underground Station
District line to Westminster - Journey time:16 min
Depart Westminster via Jubilee line to London Bridge
Jubilee line to London Bridge - Journey time: 4 min

@CherrySocks thank you, that is very helpful.

@OffToThatPlace @MrsTerryPratchett

Yes a lift at Hammersmith. Never travel to London Bridge

I do the opposite of Mrs TP. With a wheeled suitcase I get on first hauling the case after me. This is the way I have always done it. It works for me. Of course it may take some getting used to but I would do this quite regularly.

OP Not pathetic, brave to ask for help if it's too challenging for you xx

This isn't helpful if you're trying to avoid escalators BUT it is my favourite tube hack. If you need to change at Green Park don't follow the 90 mile trek through the corridors. Take the escalator up to the exit and then take another straight down to the line you're after. Saves about a year of your life each time.