Reply to: New work - Drive or Take train

[rdglad]

In the evening you have to go Croydon->Victoria->Paddington->Reading though.

The train from Reading to Clapham in the morning will probably be reasonably pleasant as it starts at Reading so presumably you can easily get a seat. This may involve arriving at Reading station 15 mins before the train leaves though.

Thanks to everyone who replied.

In the evening, why not same route?
17:26 East Croydon [ECR] to Clapham Junction [CLJ] 17:35
17:45 Clapham Junction [CLJ] to Reading [RDG] 19:00

[Freamon]

Leaving From To Arriving
07:24 Reading [RDG] Clapham Junction [CLJ] 08:32
08:43 Clapham Junction [CLJ] East Croydon [ECR] 08:52

an hour and 28 min

In the evening you have to go Croydon->Victoria->Paddington->Reading though.

The train from Reading to Clapham in the morning will probably be reasonably pleasant as it starts at Reading so presumably you can easily get a seat. This may involve arriving at Reading station 15 mins before the train leaves though.

[d000hg]

Are you only 17 or just acquired a UK driving licence?

Loads of people don't learn to drive at 17...

Drive.

You'll never get better if you don't do it.

That is true, but 3 hours driving every day on busy roads with a job to do is just giving stress you don't need.

If you can get a seat on the train, far and away the best option. You can USE the time - read or do some work or even sleep.

I would be very strongly trying to justify the expense of a 1st-class season/monthly ticket in your shoes.

Good point about being able to go out for a beer too.

[SueEllen]

Have been doing the long commute from Wolverton to Richmond for 2 months now. Finished a local gig in MK in August. I tried driving but after 3 days I gave up, it felt like it had been 3 years not 3 days! The M4 into London is extremly frustrating.

Try going on the M25 towards Heathrow and you will be sucidal.

BTW I don't.

[Bagpuss]

Drive.

You'll never get better if you don't do it.

-better +worse

It's a real nasty journey

[Signo_cypher]

So realistically you are looking at a +2hour commute each way, 20 hours a week! - does anyone else here do that kind of number? I think I'd rather stay local

Have been doing the long commute from Wolverton to Richmond for 2 months now. Finished a local gig in MK in August. I tried driving but after 3 days I gave up, it felt like it had been 3 years not 3 days! The M4 into London is extremly frustrating.

The train is better as I can catch up on TV and movies downloaded to my iphone, read paper, listen to music, nap and if really bored think about life in general.

[cojak]

Always train for me unless it's really not feasible...

[EternalOptimist]

So realistically you are looking at a +2hour commute each way, 20 hours a week! - does anyone else here do that kind of number? I think I'd rather stay local

you can put up with almost anything, provided its temporary. The thought of doing it for three months or longer would be a bit of a downer

[TheFaQQer]

Would you suggest me to drive or take train for new work? You advice please!

Drive.

You'll never get better if you don't do it.

[NervousRexx]

Have 1hr 15min train journey to Manchester - power nap on way in and always get a seat. Client 5 mins from station so not too bad. Beats driving. Overall commute 1hr 30mins.

[Mich the Tester]

So realistically you are looking at a +2hour commute each way, 20 hours a week! - does anyone else here do that kind of number? I think I'd rather stay local

I did it for a while as a permie, but having gone freelance and discovered tax deductible hotel rooms and restaurant bills, never again.

[Spacecadet]

So realistically you are looking at a +2hour commute each way, 20 hours a week! - does anyone else here do that kind of number? I think I'd rather stay local

I did for my first contract. I had meant to stay away but didn't find anywhere in time.
The drive wasn't too bad though - it took as long as it did due to the distance not bad traffic

[Troll]

Isn't the South East awful for traffic at rush hour?

Yes

[rdglad]

Travel by Leaving From To Arriving
07:09 Reading [RDG] Clapham Junction [CLJ] 08:22
08:38 Clapham Junction [CLJ] East Croydon [ECR] 08:48

Leaving From To Arriving
07:24 Reading [RDG] Clapham Junction [CLJ] 08:32
08:43 Clapham Junction [CLJ] East Croydon [ECR] 08:52

an hour and 28 min

[Troll]

So realistically you are looking at a +2hour commute each way, 20 hours a week! - does anyone else here do that kind of number? I think I'd rather stay local