Commute from Reading to Dartford
Hello everyone,
I’ve recently accepted a job in Dartford, Kent, but I’m not planning to relocate just yet due to some commitments. According to Trainline, the commute is at least 2 hours each way and costs around £50 daily. I’m hoping to find ways to reduce these costs. Since I’m currently learning to drive, public transport is my only viable option for now. Any advice on making this commute more manageable would be greatly appreciated!
Edit: Thank you all for your suggestions! I plan to give this commute a try for the first couple of months, and if I enjoy the job, I’ll consider moving closer to Dartford. I’m honestly feeling a bit burnt out in Reading right now! 🤒
Hi there!
That sounds like quite a commute! Here are a few suggestions to help reduce your daily costs until you can move closer:
Look for off-peak tickets: If your work hours allow, consider traveling during off-peak times when train fares can be significantly cheaper.
Railcards: If you haven’t already, look into getting a railcard. Depending on your age and circumstances (e.g., 16-25 Railcard, Two Together Railcard), you could save around a third on your train fare.
Split Ticketing: Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy two separate tickets for your journey instead of a single ticket. Websites like Trainline or SplitTicketing.com can help you find cheaper combinations.
Season Tickets: If you’re staying for longer than a couple of months, a weekly or monthly season ticket may be cost-effective.
Consider other stations: Depending on your route, it might be worth checking if there are other nearby stations you could use that are more economical.
Carpooling: Although you mentioned that you’re in the learning phase for driving, you could look for coworkers or others who might be commuting from Reading to Dartford. Carpooling can cut down on fuel and parking costs.
Check for flexible working arrangements: If possible, ask your employer if you could work from home a few days a week to minimize your commute.
I hope these tips help make your commute a bit more manageable! Good luck with the new job, and I hope you feel better soon! 😊