Virgin Trains and London Euston Help?

Question

Hi guys,

I'm a first time long distance train user and I'm taking the train from Birmingham New Street to London Euston. I will have a medium sized suitcase with me, and from what I've seen of Virgin trains, they don't have space by the seats to put the suitcase down. Do they have any luggage storage areas- and if so, when do you know when to pick your luggage up- I assume by the time they read the name of your stop, you won't have time to pick up the suitcase and walk out in time as the train will move on????.
Also, I will need to take the Underground once I get to London Euston, so I'm just wondering how to get to the London Underground from Euston (is it in the same building or will I have to go outside and cross roads, etc).
Any help would be much appreciated guys. Thanks!
PS. Sorry if some of my questions are silly, but they're all genuine

Answer 1

Don't worry you will have plenty of time to grab your suitcase once they read out the next stop and there is ample storage on most trains, only been with Virgin a couple of times but there was always plenty or storage for a suitcase - normally at the end of each carriage with overhead storage for light luggage. I think Euston may even be the last stop on that line (not 100% sure though) so if so you will have all the time in the world to grab your bag.



With regards to the underground it is very easy to find when you come off the train, in Euston station all platforms come into a big room at the front of the station (follow the crowd) where all of the boards are with train times. The doors out to the street and bus stands are outside these doors, now for the underground you want to go down the stairs to the right of these doors (assuming you are heading out of the doors) but it is very well signposted you can't really miss it. Virgin staff are always happy to help if you are struggling as well.



I am assuming you are going to be a novice or first time tube user as well, so make sure that you plan your route from Euston as you may need to change trains several times onto different lines, if you have an Iphone I used to use an app which planned routes for me telling me exactly where to change which was pretty useful, also be aware that tube routes have a north and south direction so be sure to get on the correct one.





If you are going to Tottenham court road then just jump on the northern line but be sure to get on the train heading SOUTHBOUND. The tubes don't give you much time to get off so be sure to keep track of which stop you need to be off at.



The northern line is the black line if you look at a tube map :)

Answer 2

Luggage storage areas are at the end of the coaches, by the doors. If it's small enough there are overhead racks too.London Euston is the last stop (you'll see why when you get there) so there is plenty of time to get your case and leave the train.



Platforms at Euston lead onto a large concourse and the underground station is in the same building in the centre of the concourse away from the platform. There is the Underground roundel above the entrance which is distinctive. Honestly, Euston is less complicated to navigate than New Street and I say that as a Brummie.



Note that the XX10 trains from New Street start from Wolverhampton but the XX30 and XX50 start from Birmingham so if you need a seat try and avoid the XX10.

Answer 3

No problem, there's space for large luggage near the door at each end of the carriage. You needn't worry about knowing when you reach Euston - apart from the train manager's announcement and the display at the end of the carriage, everybody will get off, since the train can't go any further without running into the buffers!



When you get off the train at Euston, walk towards the front of the train, then up the ramp which leads you onto the main concourse. The Underground station is down the escalators on the far side of the concourse, you don't even have to go outside - down one level to the ticket office, then down another level to the actual Underground station platforms, do be aware which line you want to travel on, and which direction!

Answer 4

When you alight at euston go to the charing cross branch of the northern line and get a train southbound. i e towards morden or kennington