Central London to Kingston with no trains running

[RubyRedBoots]

Hello,

Any London folk about?

Can I ask how to get from central London to Kingston (this Saturday) without the trains running (strike action)??

TIA

If you look up the TfL site it will tell you but it will be buses or a combination of tubes and buses. There are loads of buses linking Kingston to central London

Tube to Wimbledon then bus would be the quickest.

Just be aware that during last Saturday's rail strike traffic was gridlocked and tube stations shut early without notice. It was carnage. So be prepared for your journey to take much longer than usual and be disrupted.

Hmmm. Wondering if I should just stay in the same hotel in central London to avoid this then

Get the District Line to Wimbledon then the 57 bus to Kingston.

Or district line to Richmond then 65 bus to kingston

I know Richmond. Is the bus stop for the Kingston bus outside of the station?

And, can I use my Oyster card on the bus?

As PP said the 65 from Richmond is wicker than from Wimbledon. It's a prettier journey too 😊

Yes the bus stop is outside the station, on the same side. And you can use your oyster on the bus 🙂

Alternatively - there are still some trains running to Surbiton, which is much closer than Wimbledon or Richmond. You could then get a bus or taxi from Surbiton.

Southwestern Railway website has the reduced timetable.

I'll go for the 65 bus. I know Richmond so I think that's my best option.

Daft question about Oyster cards but I don't normally use buses in London. Do I tap in when getting on the bus and then tap off when getting off?

You just tap the Oyster card when getting on the bus.

No - you just tap in as you get on. It deducts a flat rate regardless of how long you stay on the bus.

You can also use your contactless debit or credit card instead of the Oyster card if you want. Works the same way and costs the same - tap in for bus, tap in and out for tube.

Does the 371 from Richmond stop at Kingston train station?

Stops close I think - by the bus station. It’s a longer route than 65 though.

Having caught a bus from Richmond station today - they’re likely to be packed. Be prepared to squeeze.

I got there...eventually!

That's good you made it. Did it take ages?