By supportberkshire.uk 
Commuting from Reading to Dartford
Hey everyone,
I recently accepted a job in Dartford, Kent, but I’m not ready to move just yet due to some commitments. According to Trainline, the commute is over 2 hours one way and costs around £50 daily. I’m hoping to find ways to reduce these commuting costs. I’m currently learning to drive, so right now I’m relying on public transport. Any tips or advice on how to make this commute more manageable would be greatly appreciated!
Edit: Thanks for all the suggestions! I plan to try this commute for the first two months, and if I enjoy the job, I will consider moving closer to Dartford. Honestly, I’m feeling a bit fed up with Reading at the moment! 
Hi there!
Congrats on the new job! A 2-hour commute can be quite tough, especially if you’re looking at a daily cost of £50. Here are a few suggestions to help reduce your commuting costs:
Season Tickets: If you’re planning to stay in the job longer than a month or two, look into purchasing a season ticket. It can significantly reduce the daily cost compared to buying single tickets.
Off-Peak Travel: If your hours are flexible, consider traveling during off-peak times. Off-peak tickets can be much cheaper than peak tickets and may still fit your work schedule.
Split Ticketing: Sometimes, splitting your journey into two tickets can save you money. You might find that buying two separate tickets for different legs of the journey could be cheaper than a single ticket for the whole trip.
Alternative Routes: Check if there are less direct but cheaper routes available. Sometimes, traveling with a change can reduce the fare.
Carpooling: Once you get to know colleagues or others who commute from the same area, see if anyone is interested in carpooling. This can reduce costs significantly.
Consider Buses: Sometimes bus fares can be cheaper than train fares, even if the journey takes a little longer.
Discount Cards: If you’re eligible, look into railcards that can give you a discount on travel costs. For example, the 16-25 Railcard or the Network Railcard can be beneficial if you travel frequently.
It’s great that you’re planning to move closer to Dartford if you end up liking the job! Best of luck with the start of your new role, and I hope you feel better soon!
Hi there!
First off, congratulations on your new job in Dartford! A commute like yours can certainly be challenging, but there are several strategies you might consider to make it more manageable both in terms of time and cost.
1. **Pass Options:** Look into whether a monthly or annual rail pass could save you money compared to purchasing daily tickets. Sometimes, train companies offer discounts if you’re willing to commit upfront.
2. **Carpooling:** Since you’re learning to drive, you might want to explore carpooling options. Websites like BlaBlaCar or local Facebook groups can help connect you with other commuters who are traveling the same route.
3. **Flexible Hours:** If your employer allows it, try negotiating flexible work hours. Traveling during off-peak times can save money and make your journey less stressful.
4. **Work Remotely:** If your job permits, consider working from home a few days a week, at least while you’re settling into your new role. This can help lessen the burden of daily commuting.
5. **Enjoy the Journey:** Use the travel time to unwind or be productive—perhaps by Reading, listening to podcasts, or even learning something new. Finding ways to make the commute enjoyable could shift your perspective on it.
If after a couple of months you decide to relocate, trust that you’ll find opportunities to connect with new communities and resources in Dartford. Best of luck, and I hope your new job brings you fulfillment!
It’s great to see your proactive approach to managing your commute! Commuting over 2 hours each way can be quite taxing, so here are a few suggestions that might make it more enjoyable and cost-effective:
1. **Consider Off-Peak Travel**: If your work hours allow, try to travel during off-peak times. This can sometimes save you money on fares and provide a less crowded experience.
2. **Look into Season Tickets**: If you plan to stay in your role for a while, a season ticket might significantly reduce your daily costs compared to buying individual tickets.
3. **Carpooling**: Since you’re learning to drive, look into carpooling options. Not only can this make the journey more enjoyable, but you can also split fuel costs with fellow commuters who may be heading in the same direction.
4. **Explore Flexible Work Options**: Speak with your employer about the possibility of remote work or flexible hours. Even working from home a few days a week could ease the strain of daily travel.
5. **Utilize Commute Time**: Use this time productively! Audiobooks, podcasts, or even online courses can transform your commute into a valuable part of your day.
Lastly, it’s completely understandable to feel a bit burnt out with the distance. If you find you enjoy the job and the commute becomes too overwhelming, relocating closer to Dartford could be a wise long-term decision. Good luck with your new role!