Also, how busy does Barking get at rush hour? I have event tickets for a place a few stops away and I don't want to be late. :(
This is dead easy. Even the tube ticket machines dispense Oystercards now - all part of the master plan to close tube ticket offices completely. So you can just get one at Barking, and ask one of the staff if the machine is confusing you. Or get one at any local shop that shows it is an Oyster Ticket Stop. Generally these will be newsagents. There's no need to order one by post.
It'll be busy at rush hour but trains are frequent, and it's just wise to allow plenty of time. Oyster also works for the National Rail trains going into London, so don't forget that possibility. The heavy rush hour traffic is mostly into London in the morning, and coming back in the evening. So if the event you want to go to is in the opposite direction to that, it won't be as bad as you think!
Top tip for future trips - keep your Oystercard for coming to London again. It never expires as it's not a ticket, it's an electronic purse for travel money. Ever since the price rise in January, Oyster is even cheaper compared with a 1 day Travelcard than it used to be.
You can buy one at Barking Station or the many small shops in Barking displaying the blue Oyster sign. Don't forget as well as the Underground District Line which makes rather slow progress into central London, the station is served by frequent National Rail trains taking just a few miniutes to reach London Fenchurch Street (near Tower Hill). Also London Overground trains run from Barking across North London to areas like Camden
Oyster Cards are valid on trains, the DLR and buses in the Greater London area as well as the Underground
All forms of transport are very busy during the morning and evening rush hours
www.tfl.gov.uk
www.nationalrail.co.uk
Barking is a busy station, but plenty of trains - overground to Fenchurch St, and underground services through the city.. Shops outside the station for Oyster cards.
Many stations no longer have ticket offices, they will all be closed eventually. Check to see if there is still an office at Barking.
Rush hour will be very busy.
