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22 more sneaky tube shortcuts, as suggested by you

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Time Out London contributors
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Last month, we let you in on some sneaky tube hacks from Time Out HQ, because we're nice like that. But we also asked you to share your own Underground shortcuts and it turns out we've barely scratched the surface. Here's what you came up with.

Save time getting from the Victoria Line platforms at King’s Cross up to the overground train station by ignoring the long circuitous tunnel route that is signposted. Just follow the signs for "Way Out: Euston Road" to avoid the crush and save a good three minutes - Blue M, via timeout.com

At Old Street station, when you go down the escalator don't follow the signs to the Northern line. Take first right and the platform entrance is right there. Agata Runowska, via Facebook

If you're getting the central line from Liverpool Street eastbound past Stratford, don't. The national rail services go nearly as frequently, get to Stratford in half the time and are often less crowded. Also, you get a few more minutes of sunlight before getting to Stratford and walking the five paces across to the central line for your onward journey. Adam M, via timeout.com

At Waterloo, if you are arriving on the Northern Line, and want to go to the main concourse where the trains are, take the signposted exit and you will eventually arrive at a T junction. Facing you is a sign telling you to turn left for the trains. Turn right and you will find an escalator to take you there much than from the other direction. Maroussia R, via timeout.com

Some tube platforms have aligned the "mind the gap" signs to where the train doors will be on the platform. Good way to get on the train first. Amal Abid, via Facebook.

At Embankment station on the District Line you can get to the Bakerloo or Northern lines more quickly by going down the no entry in the middle - it cuts out a bit of walking. Gabby E, via timeout.com

The lift at Belsize Park only opens on the opposite side at peak hours (usually 5:30-7). When you enter from the tube any other time, immediately turn around so you're facing the right way. Stacy H, via timeout.com

Vadim Timoshkin

Favoured quick interchanges that generally just involve a saunter of a few steps are Oxford Circus (Bakerloo/Victoria), Mile End (District and Hammersmith & City/Central) and Finsbury Park (Victoria/Piccadilly)... and the other top tip if transferring from the District to the Piccadilly en route to Heathrow with a big suitcase is do it at Barons Court, Hammersmith or Acton Town - your arms will thank you as trying to change at Earls Court or South Kensington is pure MADNESS. James V, via timeout.com

Always get on the northern line northbound Charing Cross branch at the back of the train rather than the front. Coming out of Waterloo it fills up mainly at the front of the train because that's where the entrance is. There are always seats even at busy times. Also for all stations which follow outside stations wait at the point of the train furthest from the covered area at the last station. James Meakin, via Facebook

At Victoria station, if you want to avoid the crowds exiting the Victoria line during rush hour, take the escalators up to the Circle and District line platform instead, then the stairs up to the ticket hall, and continue as normal. Or for extra quietness, take the stairs out of the ticket hall to the bus terminal, and walk across to the station. If you time it well enough that you miss the trains on the Circle and District platforms, it's a lot more pleasant than fighting the crowds at the bottom of the Victoria Line escalators. Harley F, via timeout.com

If you're changing from the Jubilee Line to Piccadilly line at Green Park, it's so much quicker to go up the escalators to the ticket lobby, then back down, rather than following the signposted tunnel route - Blue M, via timeout.com

The trick at Green Park is to not go to the exit where everyone is exiting. Go to the other one and you will see a freestanding sign that says 'No Exit'. Ignore it because that leads to the direct escalator to the other line. Julie McAleer, via Facebook.

And finally, Dami A pulled it out the bag with not one, but TEN sneaky tube hacks:

1. At Hammersmith, when getting the Circle or Hammersmith and City Lines from platform 2 or 3 to platform 1, use the footbridge at the east end of the platform, its a lot easier and quieter and you avoid having to use the busier exits at the western end of the platform.

2. If you're on a Jubilee Line at Canary Wharf and the train terminates at North Greenwich and you need stations between Canning Town and Stratford then use the Canary Wharf platforms to wait as this will save you having to use the exits and concourse to transfer to the eastbound platforms.

Hernán Piñera

3. If travelling to Baker Street, Finchley Road or Wembley Park then use the Metropolitan Line as this bypasses the stations on the Jubilee Line and its faster and usually has more seats. 

4. If you're on the DLR to Stratford on the Stratford International branch then don't change at West Ham as the DLR Stratford International platforms are nearer to the Stratford station main entrance than Jubilee Line platforms and you avoid the stairs and lifts to navigate the station.

5. Outside of rush hour, it's better to change between the Central Line and TfL Rail at Stratford as there are cross platform connections between the two services. However, during rush hour use Liverpool Street as you get a better chance of a seat and you can ensure you're on the right train as some services alternate between Gidea Park and Shenfield and between Maryland and Goodmayes.

6. If you want the Victoria Line at Victoria, go through the westbound Circle and District line platforms and follow the signs to the Victoria Line. 1) It's quicker and you end up in the middle of the Victoria Line platforms where it's quieter and 2) the Eastbound tunnel to the Victoria Line is closed due to station and lift installation works.

7. If you're going between Leicester Square and Covent Garden then it's faster to walk than take the Piccadilly Line.

8. If you're on the Northern Line between Euston and Camden Town, try to get a Bank branch train as these don't stop at Mornington Crescent meaning that you save yourself a few extra minutes.

9. When at Elephant and Castle station use the London Road entrance for the Bakerloo Line and the National Rail entrance for the Northern Line. It might not be the best route but it does save you time on the platform and means you don't miss out on trains. Also the Northern Line ticket hall has just one lift so by using the London Road exit for the Bakerloo Line you save yourself time from having to walk through platforms..

10. If you're at Waterloo East and need the Jubilee Line, don't use Waterloo station as many people do. Instead, go towards the southern end of the platforms and there is a secret entrance to Southwark station, which is a lot quieter and more convenient.

Keen commuter? Here's TfL's secret geographically accurate tube map.

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