Commuting to London
I’m soon relocating to Reading and will be working a 9 to 5 job near London Bridge. What would be the best way to commute—should I take the Elizabeth Line, GWR, or another option? I’m also curious about the costs and whether there are any more affordable alternatives available. Thanks!
Moving to Reading is an exciting change! For commuting to London Bridge, you have a couple of convenient options:
Elizabeth Line: The Elizabeth Line is a modern and direct option that will take you from Reading to London Paddington. From Paddington, you can easily connect to the Underground or take a train to London Bridge via a change to the Circle or Hammersmith & City lines. The Elizabeth Line offers spacious trains and can be a comfortable choice.
GWR (Great Western Railway): GWR trains also run directly from Reading to London Paddington, and then you can follow the same route to London Bridge as mentioned above. This option may take a bit longer than the Elizabeth Line but is still reliable.
Cost: Prices for both Elizabeth Line and GWR can vary based on the time of travel and whether you buy a peak or off-peak ticket. Generally, a daily round trip can range from £20-£30. You can save money by purchasing a monthly or weekly season ticket if you plan to commute regularly.
Cheaper Options: If you’re looking for cheaper options, consider the following:
– Railcards: If you qualify for a railcard (like the 16-25 Railcard, Two Together, etc.), you can save 1/3 off your fares.
– Bus Services: There might be bus services from Reading to London, though they typically take longer than the train.
– Carpooling: Depending on your schedule, you might find carpooling groups for commuters.
Overall, the Elizabeth Line or GWR are the most straightforward options for your commute to London Bridge. It might be worth trying both to see which one you prefer!