The London Underground map can sometimes lead you astray. It's not always easy to determine travel times or distances just by glancing at it.
You might find yourself surprised by the lengthy journey between two stations, or the seemingly endless trek between platforms.
Those little white dots indicating where you can switch Tube lines could mean a quick dash across the platform or a marathon walk. Not every interchange is as seamless as the Finsbury Park transition from the Piccadilly to Victoria line (is there a better-designed station layout?
READ MORE: The Tube line that was initially so small it wasn't even recognised as its own line
If you're considering switching from the Bakerloo line to the Hammersmith and City at Paddington, think again. It's simply not worth it.
Paddington, one of London's busiest stations, may have the longest walk from line to line in the entire city.
Paddington's unique design includes two separate London Underground stations within the National Rail station.
It's hard to see why you'd need to make this change, as the District and Circle lines serve the same stations heading west. But if you've travelled from the Elephant and Castle end of the Bakerloo line and then realised you need to get back to the Barbican on the eastbound Circle or Hammersmith and City line train, you might find yourself in this predicament.
A Freedom of Information request to TfL has uncovered the longest platform interchanges across the Tube network, as reported by CityAM.
Topping the list is Paddington with a whopping 15-minute trek between platforms. For regular commuters, this could add up to a staggering two-and-a-half hours of walking every week.
Not far behind is Bank station, where it takes a good 10 minutes to get from the Circle and District lines to the Waterloo and City line.
Travelers sharing their experiences on TripAdvisor have highlighted the extensive walks at Paddington. One traveller remarked: "It can be a very long walk - the Circle and Hammersmith and City lines are a long trek from the Bakerloo line. In effect, they are at opposite ends of the National Rail station."
Get the latest London travel news straight to your WhatsApp
You can sign up to get the latest London travel news, live updates and fun trivia sent straight to your WhatsApp from the MyLondon team.
To get stories sent to you, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the MyLondon team.
We also treat our subscribers to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To unsubscribe, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Another commuter pointed out: "Paddington is unusual in that it actually has two Tube stations attached to it. One is down the railway platform, up a ramp, outside and then back in again (Hammersmith and City) whereas others are based underneath the main concourse."
A savvy user offered a tip for an alternative route, saying: "If you're transferring from the Bakerloo to the Hammersmith and City/Circle line or vice versa, there is also an interchange at Baker Street. Although there is still a walk involved, I'm certain it's not as long as the walk at Paddington."
They added a bit of advice for those navigating the station: "Having said that, neither is really too much of a chore. If you do have to change between these lines at Paddington, just make sure you follow the yellow and pink lines marked on the floor to make sure you go the right way! ".
Another London commuter chimed in: "If you are thinking of changing lines at Paddington - don't. There's no point. Stay on the Circle/District line train to Edgware Road and change there instead - next to no walking."
Our London Underground newsletter brings you the latest travel updates to help you survive your commute - as well as a weekly dose of Tube trivia! You can sign up HERE.
(Feed generated with FetchRSS)
