Whether you're a working mum or carting a buggy on public transport, here's our guide to getting around by tube, bus, train and road once this summer's sporting events begin
According to Transport for London (TfL), the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be equivalent to hosting the FA Cup Final, Wimbledon and the London Marathon all at the same time. As well as all the spectators travelling by public transport to the various events, there'll also be tourists taking in the sights. Our mum-friendly guide to travel shows you where to find more info, what you need to consider in advance and how to cope when travelling with a buggy.
Get prepared
London, along with other host areas, will be much busier than usual. Getting around will most likely take a lot longer than normal. A bit of advance planning could make a difference - consider all possible routes and transport options to decide on the easiest. At the very least, you'll be prepared for a longer journey.
Travelling by train
- Times to avoid will be 7am-10am and 4pm-8pm when spectators and tourists will be on the move at the same time as commuters. Consider leaving earlier or later to miss the busiest times. If this isn’t possible, allow extra time for your journey.
- You may find it quicker to use a different route. Check out TfL's hotspot tube map to find alternative routes.
- There are 47 Tube journeys that are walkable in under 10 minutes. That doesn't necessarily mean walking your whole journey, but avoiding or not changing at busy stations will make your journey much easier. Check out this map created by Shortwalk.com to see how long Zone 1 journeys take on foot. You can also plan a walking route with the TfL journey planner.
- You may find you have to wait longer on platforms to get on a train. Carry an extra bottle of water and more snacks for your children - and yourself! At peak times, and at certain stations, it's predicted you may have to wait more than 30 minutes to board a train.
- Even stations that aren't near sporting venues or aren't where lots of people usually change lines could be busy because of tourists - Covent Garden, for example.
Click on the stations below to download TfL's predicted waiting times during the Games:
Travelling by bus
- Some routes and bus stops may be operating differently. For example, some bus routes in London will be affected by road events taking place.
- Where necessary, extra buses will be added on some routes to cater for extra passengers.
- Buses outside of London could also be subject to changes - it's worth checking before you travel.
If you are in an area, or will be travelling to or from an area, that's hosting an Olympic or Paralympic event, check out how you may be affected:
Travelling by car
- During the Games, there will be some changes to how roads operate. At certain times, some areas will be much busier.
- If you're planning to drive, get to grips with the Oylmpic Route Network (ORN). This is a network of roads connecting key venues, accommodation and transport hubs - getaheadofthegames.com has an overview so you can find out more.
- Some roads may be closed due to the Torch Relay and road events.
- Wherever possible, TfL recommends you avoid driving in affected areas. If you need to drive into or through an affected area, allow extra time, particularly during rush hour.
- Be aware that roads in Central London and Greater London locations, such as Richmond, Kingston, Putney, Tower Hamlets and Greenwich, will have restrictions.
- On the plus side, 70% of road journeys in London won't be affected by the Games and there will be a ban on planned roadworks during the Games.
TfL has leaflets to download, highlighting the roads and stations in London boroughs where disruption is expected. Check out how your local area will be affected:
Advice for working mums
If you work in London, you'll need to think about your options for getting to and from work. If you drop off or pick up your children from childcare, remember that journey could also be affected.
Childcare
If your children attend a kids' club during the school holidays, you may have to arrange for someone else to collect them if you can't get there on time. Speak to the people running the club about what happens if you're late to pick up. It may be worth talking to another parent, friend or family member to tee up a 'Plan B' in case you get delayed.
If both you and your partner work, you may want to consider alternating the days you collect your children from holiday club or their childminder.
Although the Olympic Games fall during the school holidays (27 July - 12 August), the Paralympics could run into term time (29 August - 9 September). This might impact on your school run.
Reduce your travel
TfL suggests that if you can reduce non-essential journeys in affected areas, or combine journeys to reduce the number of journeys you make, you can miss the crowds and avoid possible delays.
Leave at a different time
Consider leaving home and work at a different time. Leaving earlier or later to avoid the rush hour will make a big difference to your commute - ideally before 7am or after 11am and before 4pm or after 8pm.
Work from home
Talk to your employer about ways you could work more flexibly, such as changing your hours or working from home. It may not be possible for everyone, but it's worth considering.
Just a few days of flexible working could mean missing the busiest times during the Games.
Take annual leave
Taking annual leave during the Games could be an option.
Travelling with a buggy
We contacted TfL to find out what mums who don't have the option of leaving their buggy at home during the Games should expect.
Buses
A spokesperson for TfL reassured us that during the Games, "Buggies [will be] welcome on all London buses but we ask parents to be considerate of other passengers, folding buggies on busy services or where a wheelchair user needs to travel."
Travelling with a buggy on London buses, TfL asks commuters to consider the following:
- If a bus is busy, and providing there's enough space on board, you'll be allowed to board if you can fold your buggy and store it in the luggage rack.
- Wheelchair users have priority for the wheelchair space and you will be asked to fold your buggy to allow access if necessary.
- Passengers already on the bus won't be asked to disembark to allow room for wheelchair or buggy users. You may have to wait for the next bus.
- When travelling with a buggy, you should be able to board any low-floor bus unless (in the driver's opinion) it is so crowded there's no room for you to travel safely.
- You'll only be asked not to board if absolutely necessary.
- If you have a double buggy, you can get on through the centre door of a dual-door bus. However, you do need to get permission from the driver.
- Folding your buggy before the bus comes will speed things up and make it easier to board.
Trains
TfL gave us its top tips to ensure your journey is safe and enjoyable with a buggy:
- Take care when travelling with a buggy and don’t do anything if you don't feel safe.
- When possible, fold your buggy and always carry it folded on the escalator.
- Ask staff if you need assistance – they may be able to help by carrying your folded buggy while you carry your child.
- Make use of the multi-purpose areas on many Tube trains that provide space for buggies.
- During busy periods, fold your buggy while you're on the train platform. It should reduce your waiting time and let you board the train safely.
- There are wide aisle gates at more than 120 stations to make it easier to travel with a pushchair.
For more info, visit Get Ahead of the Games.
