Commuting to Hammersmith: Best Way?

[Simes110]

Dear PH friends,

My work will shortly be taking me to Hammersmith on a daily basis and I need a reliable / swift (i.e the best) way of getting there.

I live in Crowthorne.

I've been considering driving to Richmond and taking the tube the remainder of the way.

Is this an advisable route or is there an alternative?

All help / advice appreciated.

Si.

[james_gt3rs]

The fast train from Reading to Padington? Then tube?

[Simes110]

The problem with that is getting to Reading. I could go from Crowthorne station but then I'd like to drive and at least get some quality car time.

I've done Paddington before and went from Maidenhead, so it's a possibility.

[edc]

If you're going to Richmond will you use the M3 or M4? Neither is that good. The M3 up to the M25 is getting worse by the day and the M4 into town once past the M25 is also pretty bad.

[Simes110]

Yes, M3 was the idea.

I used to work in Hounslow many years ago and the journey was OK back then.

I appreciate it's getting worse. I'm usually a very early starter, though. In the office for 6.30am or thereabouts.

[edc]

You could check the train in from Sunbury as that is just off the M3 and the last train before it turns to A316. having said that, if you have driven that far already and are in by 6.30 why not just carry on driving?

[Simes110]

True. I'd considered that as well.

I just thought the train may be quicker if used part-way.

Then there's getting home again and I have assumed that taking the train out of London would be easier.

Getting in isn't the worry as I know I'll be in early. Getting home 'expediently' is the concern as I don't know what time I'll be leaving work by. That consequently affects the inward trip.

[RichB]

Simes110 said:

The problem with that is getting to Reading. I could go from Crowthorne station but then I'd like to drive and at least get some quality car time.

I've done Paddington before and went from Maidenhead, so it's a possibility.

If you're using the Western line then you would be better of getting off at Ealing Broadway and taking the District to Hammersmith. You'd be off the train sooner and avoid the mad rush at Paddington and the walk to the District platforms is closer at Ealing Bdy.

[Stehpinkler]

In the office for 06:30? Drive it, would be my advice.

I drive from Reading (J11) to Chiswick every day and it's fine.

[RichB]

Stehpinkler said:

In the office for 06:30? Drive it, would be my advice.
I drive from Reading (J11) to Chiswick every day and it's fine.

Bloody hell, I'd missed that it's the night shift. I agree - drive it!

[Ej74]

Sunbury is an option there is a early direct commuter train at 7.45 am or so and foc parking near the station
The other alternative I would suggest is get down the M3 and continue on to Barnes or Morden and park there - again plenty of FOC parking

[Simes110]

Thanks gents!

Looks like driving may well be the way then. Ta!!

[RichB]

Ej74 said:

Barnes or Morden and park there

And then what, walk from Barnes over Hammersmith Bridge?

[Ej74]

Use miracle of public transport and the dedicated bus lane into hammersmith

[RichB]

Ej74 said:

Use miracle of public transport and the dedicated bus lane into hammersmith

Bugger that...

[TigerS6]

Ej74 said:

Barnes or Morden and park there - again plenty of FOC parking

Where in Barnes is there free parking?
I've commuted in from Reading to Hammersmith for the past 4 years... currently park in the kings mall car park at £15-£20 per day depending on how long I am in the office.
afaik Barnes is all zone controlled parking.

I had a stint parking in Harrods village and walked over the bridge, that was good, but our company has given up the leases on the flats we had there, so I'm back at the mall.