With floods of footsteps from people rushing to catch their train, an abundance of train platforms, and the huge frustration that comes with train delays: navigating yourself around an unfamiliar train station can be overwhelming – even more so if you’re travelling solo! But don’t panic, we are here to help you.
Many stations only have a small number of platforms and are relatively easy to navigate; however, we understand that everyone can feel somewhat anxious when navigating new areas which may not help with the combined restraints of being a solo traveller. That said, we have outlined some top tips to help you navigate an unfamiliar train station solo.
Get there early
Whenever you navigate anywhere new, getting there early is always a wise move, and this applies to the entire train travel experience. You should book your tickets early to receive a good price and assure a seat is available for you on the train; likewise, you should collect your tickets early rather than waiting until minutes before the train due to depart. Many tickets can be purchased as readily available e-tickets on your phone nowadays, especially if you book train tickets with national rail.
Anyway, if you’re unsure about a train station, it’s best to get there early so that you can work out which platform you’ll be at and where exactly you will board the train. Doing so will also give you peace of mind in knowing that you won’t miss your train and can allow you to get your bearings for future travel to that particular station.
Ensure you’re at the right station
Departing from London? Well, there’s more than one train station in London, as is the case with many other cities. This tip is where being early plays an integral part. You want to make sure you are at the right station before you navigate your platform; so, check the name of the station listed on your ticket and look for signage around the station to confirm you are 100% in the right place.
Listen/look out for delays and cancellations
So, you’re at the station relatively early; you’ve identified your platform, and eyed up the fresh sandwich shop that serves up good coffee too. Well, it’s a great idea to determine where the station’s departure board is before doing anything else. Unfortunately, train delays are quite common with UK rail travel and all stations are prone to be faced with delays that are bound to cause a wind of frustration for rail travellers. Be prepared and listen out for any announcements and keep checking the departure board to make sure your train isn’t delayed or cancelled.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
People can be helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask someone on the platform you’re standing on if the train is going where you think it is. Uniformed rail personnel are on board to answer any question you can communicate to them.
