I have ordered tickets for Lion King on a Friday night 7:30 p.m. How long would it take to get to the Lyceum theatre if I leave from Victoria Station at 6 p.m. Would I still get the rush hour tube traffic? Would a taxi be a better idea? How much would a cab cost?

I'd take the tube. The lyceum is fairly near both the Covent Garden and Temple tube stations.

But I assume you'll want to eat something before the show. Why not just go earlier to Covent Garden and eat a pre-theatre meal and then walk the short distance over to the Lyceum . . . .

Half an hour door to door by tube, and about eight pounds by taxi.

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It's a pleasant half hour walk.

Tubes around the West End on Fridays stay busy from mid afternoon till they close. Millions of us live with it every day and are still here to tell the story.

None of us would take a taxi at that time unless it was raining or we had a ton of luggage. We'd like to spend our time in the pubs or watching a film. Sitting in traffic watching the meter tick up to a week's mortgage is few people's idea of a Friday night out.

I appreciate the advice and information. I do anticipate that the traffic would make for an expensive and slow taxi ride, however wanted to get the estimate. Probably best to go to Covent Garden ahead of time. It just depends on how much rushing around I've done that day and did want to return to hotel to freshen up and rest a bit. Thanks!

It'd probably be more convenient than the tube to take a number 11 bus, which stops on the Strand practically outside the Lyceum.

...exept I avoid buses at that time of night, as traffic can put them at a standstill.

In the rush hour, the tube is the only way to get anywhere in a guaranteed amount of time. It may be packed, you will probably have to stand, but the rush hour tubes don't get stuck in traffic.

I second the idea of walking, it's much more pleasant, you won't arrive looking like you've been dragged under a hedge backwards, and you will get to see more of London.

The tube is quite ghastly an affair, as our most of the people I see coming out of stations. Buses are more pleasant, but as stated they are prone to getting stuck in traffic. Walk and be independent, and stick two fingers up at red Ken.

I don't mind walking so if the weather is good perhaps we'll walk. I did think we'd catch the #11 bus back from the theatre to Victoria area after the show. Thanks again.