Driving Commute from West Kent to east London

[Bluecake19]

Hi all

I’ve just started a new job near Whitechapel/shadwell and I live in north west Kent. The commute via public transport is taking me nearly two hours each way and can involve multiple changes depending on delays during each part of my journey. It’s also very inflexible, because if I leave work late, I can be waiting for 20-30 min for the next train train of an already long journey.

I’ve started thinking about driving in to somewhere on overground or dlr line and taking public transport from there. My initial research looks like it might be quicker. Has anyone done this or has any advice?

Thanks!

Edited by Bluecake19 on Wednesday 12th February 13:19

Edited by Bluecake19 on Wednesday 12th February 13:20

[Type R Tom]

I work in the east end but unless you can find someone's drive (websites available) it will be impossible to park on street.

What route are you doing? Ebbsfleet to Stratford then DLR not possible?

Where do you live? Cycling not possible?

[Bluecake19]

Thanks for your response. I will be looking into renting someone’s drive.

I live on the sole street line, so at the moment taking train to Victoria, changing at Denmark hill for the overground then walk to office. Have also tried going straight to Victoria then district line. Have had a lot of issues with trains running late so missing connections for the first route.

Hmm I hadn’t thought about driving to ebbsfleet though and taking the train from there. Thanks for the suggestion. It does look much faster but only thing is I’d have to pay for high speed line and parking. It’s definitely worth considering.

Not overly keen to cycle, as I’ve never really cycled on main roads before. However I could consider it it if driving doesn’t work out. Main issue would be where to store the bike I guess.

Edited by Bluecake19 on Wednesday 12th February 14:42

[Type R Tom]

Another possible, if you get up really early, is to park here

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.4606676,0.076727...

Falconwood line goes to stations you could change from, there are some other stations in south east london you could try too but many will have parking restrictions.

I don't know what time you start but I'm going through the tunnel at 0615 and 1530 most days and it's still quite congested, you may find the driving time is the same as the train if you work 9 - 5. The blackwall tunnel is horrible! I'm luck to have parking and car share which helps.