What’s Victoria Coach station like? Can a reasonably savvy 14 year old manage a coach change there without getting overwhelmed/lost/abducted by aliens?

[TheBramley]

I’ve never been there so I don’t know what it’s like, but how difficult can it be to get off one coach and onto another? She’s a bright kid but nervous about ‘getting something wrong’ and hasn’t really had to navigate anything other than local buses thus far. I could do the first half if she insists, but it seems a bit daft.

Loads of buses back then, I was thinking of more anti social behaviour these days .

@MissRoseDurward I’ll be honest, I’ve driven for everywhere for decades, so some London transport recommendations start to sound like witchcraft and incantations, but I’ll have a stab at it on the app… (gulps)

I remember in the eighties loads of beggars. I think the bus station is better now.

Actually,that's very true,it's all coming back to me now,it's been a while 😂

It's not the nicest place' I would accompany a 14yo

2 million more people.. more traffic, more buses, more trains. If she knew London it’d be better but Victoria coach station is still a bit grim, in several ways.

From experience, would say fine during the day time. Not so late at night or in the early hours (lots of long distance coaches set off very late).

East Kent to Southampton she’s definitely better going by train

I use Victoria coach station a lot and it is confusing if you’re not used to it

yes absolutely,
Also the train is quicker and safer - not so many weirdos

I used that bus station a million times when I lived in London, everytime I lost my bearings leaving the departures (no idea how!). Get city mapper or something so she knows exactly how to get from the arrivals hall to the departure hall, then just ask someone if necessary for help.

My dc did it at 15 without issue btw, now that many years ago, the coach was preferable to the underground which would have involved a change of tube as well partly due to luggage. The following year for speed she took the train (was being reimbursed so cost not a factor) and returned to using the coach because train is a faff!

I find Victoria coach station each, not sure why grown adults here would be confused, just look for your gate like an airport

I was using public transport solo all over London from the age of twelve, and I've never had any problems navigating it at all. She'll be fine.

I'm fairly sure that 30-40 years ago buses arrived/departed from the same building. Much easier.

I am sure it would be fine. It is super chaotic there and busy though. Imagine a central London bus stop X 50. Its like that. It is not like an airport, its just like a crazy giant bus stop.

Depends on the child. Need to ask the driver as it isnt always clear what coaches are going where.

If you can go with then obviously it is better.

Can she not go by train up to Victoria and change to Waterloo? My 13 yr old has done a similar journey fairly regularly solo.

Would the other option to be available to call her when she gets there, and walk her through it on the phone? Not quite as disruptive as having to take her all the way up there, but less scary than her doing it without you being there to help?

Perhaps I should rephrase the question?

What would be the least daunting way to get from East Kent to Southampton for an inexperienced traveller?

I drive everywhere these days but when I do have to go to London I’m happy that I’ll be able to figure it out as I go along because I’ve done it so many times in the past. She’s scared of unknown unknowns and that’s reasonable.

NOoooo no phone in hands at Victoria ! anyway we have decided this young lady should be travelling by train

No way would I allow my DD who is also 14 to do this by herself.

Train to Waterloo east, walk across the bridge to Waterloo and get the train to Southampton

If she were mine, I would do this too.

The number 11 bus goes from Victoria Coach station and also London Victoria rail station (a short walk away) to Waterloo, for the train. She'd need to use a bank card or send off for a visitor Oyster card with money preloaded to touch in and out on the 11 bus.

While in Victoria I recommend having a mooch around Eccleston Yards particularly the very Instagrammable 'Biscuiteers' for fancy iced biscuits, they also do (quite expensive... £95pp) biscuit-icing classes. Not open on Mondays though.

Jo

I wouldn't have any qualms about it at all.

This.

It is a nicer journey and while they may be a couple of pick pockets at Waterloo they tend to only target people buying tickets.