Tim’s Top Tips for Olympic Travel

Written by Tim Barnes-Clay // July 24, 2012 // TRAVEL

AS WE get ready for the London 2012 Olympic Games, BSF contributor, Tim Barnes-Clay, offers smart travel tips for all those affected this summer.

With thousands of people descending upon the capital, planned road closures, public transport delays and overcrowding; the majority of journeys in and around London will be affected throughout July and August. So, for an easy way into the Games take Tim’s useful travel advice:

1. Free pass – all those lucky enough to have tickets to the Olympic Games this summer receive a free travel card for zones 1-9 to get to and from the event

2. Try two wheels – take advantage of the cycle hire scheme and get from A to B quickly and easily, leaving your bike at one of the hundreds of docking stations.

3. Fuel efficiency – lift sharing is a great way of saving petrol and reducing the number of cars on the road; whenever you can, share a journey with family or friends

4. Private parking – people all over London are renting out their drives and parking spaces, so secure your spot rather than queuing for public car parks. Try www.parkatmyhouse.co.uk or www.rentduringthegames.co.uk for details

5.  Head in the clouds – steer clear of busy roads and travel on the new Emirates Air Line cable cars, which runs from Greenwich to the Royal Docks

6.  Cruise control – take to the water and get into the Games via a river taxi on the Thames. Visit www.thamesclippers.com or www.citycruises.com for schedules and prices

7.  Stay in lane – look out for the dedicated Games lanes for officials and athletes driving to events. Using these lanes, which have started opening now, could result in a fine

8. Trouble on the tube – check the www.getaheadofthegames.com website for tube closures and up-to-the-minute travel updates during the Games

Tim comments: “This summer is a really exciting time for the UK, however, our transport systems are going to be under a huge amount of strain. Planning your trip before you set off will make sure you see the very best parts of London during the Games while avoiding unnecessary hardship.”