Why do UK train tickets crossing London include the underground, but Paris ones don't for the metro?
When buying a UK train ticket, if one of the allowed routes for it involves changing stations in London, then then the route on the ticket will be printed with a dagger (†; described in publications as a "Maltese cross"). The ticket will then allow you to (at no extra charge) use the London Underground to travel between the stations on your cross-London transfer.
In France, when buying a train ticket which requires a cross-Paris transfer, you are issued with one ticket from the origin to the first Paris station, then a second from the other Paris station to your destination. The ticket is not valid on the RER or metro, and you therefore have to buy an additional ticket on arrival to get you across Paris. (Or walk, but that's only practical in a handful of cases)
What is the reason why the UK system manages to include the cross-London transfer in its tickets, while the French one doesn't for cross-Paris ones?
Best Answer
History. When the railways were first built in the 1840s parliament wouldn't allow them to build in the city center. The underground was the solution for how to get between one station and another (as well as how to commute in London).
So historically through tickets between different companies using different main London terminii included the connecting tube ticket. When the railway was nationalised this was continued. Since people expect it, it has survived the privatisation.
Pictures about "Why do UK train tickets crossing London include the underground, but Paris ones don't for the metro?"
Is tube included in train ticket?
If you are making one single or return journey and your destination is a London Underground (the Tube) or DLR station you are recommended to purchase a 'through' ticket from your starting station. This will allow you to use the same ticket to continue your journey by Tube and/or DLR once you have arrived in London.Does London Any include underground?
Yes. If you need to use the London Underground (the tube) to complete your journey, we'll package up the cost of your Overground and Underground tickets for you. You can then select a ticket to that underground zone, i.e. Edinburgh to London Underground Zone 1.Is the train from Paris to London Underground?
Eurostar is the service that allows you to catch a train from London to Paris and beyond. There's a sea in the way, of course, but Eurostar dives under it, using the 31-mile Channel Tunnel. Work on the tunnel began in 1988, and it was finally opened for business in 1994, costing \xa34.6 billion.Does train from London to Paris go underwater?
Yes, trains from London to Paris travel underwater. In fact, the Channel Tunnel (or Chunnel, as it's sometimes known), is just over 31 miles in length and is the longest continuous underwater tunnel in the world.How to Ride the London Tube
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Ash @ModernAfflatus, vectors icon, A Koolshooter, Samson Katt