According to statistics put forth by Wikipedia, the North Acton Tube Station witnessed a phenomenal 5.47 million entries and exits in 2013! And, if the trends are to be kept in perspective, the number has only headed northwards in 2014. This popularity can be attributed to the convenience of commuting the Underground rail system provides to locals and tourists alike. There is a huge residential complex right opposite the station and some of the best budget hotels in Acton are located right beside it. Once you opt for one of these hotels close to the North Acton tube terminal, you can utilize the underground transport system for accessing the whole of London. However, if you are new to the city and haven’t been to a tube terminal here before, the initial experience could be baffling no less. Here are some tips that can help.
Making the best of the Underground
Provided you have chosen one of the best cheap hotels in Acton like Holiday Inn London West, which is situated right beside the North Acton Terminal, the trouble of looking for the nearest station can be done away with. And once you reach a tube station for the first time, here are some guidelines that would help:
- Visit the Information Office: Once you step inside the station, you will find a visitor information office. Just drop in and ask for a free tube map. Remember, this vast transport network comprises eleven lines that have different color coding. And finding your way without a map may seem extremely confusing. However, the confusion is likely to fade away with familiarity, as you become a regular traveler. The entire network is divided into zones with the central line being Zone 1.
- The Tube does NOT ply 24 Hours a Day: The trains operate from 5:00 am till about 00:30 at night on weekdays and from 7:30 am to 22:30 at night on Saturdays. Luckily, most major attractions would be within walking distance of a tube terminal. Peak hours see a whole lot of rush. So, as a tourist, the best thing to do is take the train after 9:30 am from Monday to Friday. It is also important to keep in mind that the transport system is an old one and it requires periodic maintenance every weekend. These engineering works attribute to partial or complete closures of certain sections.
- Drinking and Smoking NOT Allowed: Drinking and smoking are banned on the tube and this makes it a pleasant experience for travelers. In fact, smoking is prohibited in extended public areas like platforms and bus stations as well. So make sure you keep your cigarettes at home.
- Always stand on the Right: Although there isn’t a written rule here, you need to always stand on the right on a London escalator. Locals here do not appreciate deviations from the common norm and it is always better to stick to the unspoken laws and avoid disruptions.
You can also seek information from the travel desk at the cheap hotel in Acton you have checked in into. Most of these hotels close to the North Acton tube are manned by extremely friendly staff members, who are always ready to lend a helping hand.