A colleague has to travel from Leeds to London to arrive promptly for 15:00 on a Friday.
Said colleague is keen to drive, but I've suggested NOT taking car into central London - drive to a tube with easy parking then let the train take the strain.
So if you're coming down the M1, which tubes have good parking? Or would a BR further out be better? Or wouldn't the M1 be best choice on a Fri afternoon?
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Naturally it depends where your colleague has to be. I've always used Borehamwood but that would be worse than useless for some parts.
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Train all the way into London would surely be faster.
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Sorry, just knocked a cup of tea all over the keyboard I'm laughing that much. Either get the train the whole way, and expect to pay the better part of £300 to get there and back, or take a taxi. He could drive and park, but you're never guaranteed a space at a near-London station and he then has to worry about the car.
Or drive all the way and try desperately to find somewhere in Central London to dump the car.
Update:
Yep, just checked on the National Rail website, and First Class will cost £334 return. Then he'll either need a day ticket for the tube or a cab through central London. Alternatively, he can fly from Leeds Bradford to Gatwick for about £70 and then get the Gatwick Express.
I pink fluffy dice hate the UK's public transport system. Sure, he could get it for £90 return if he booked 16 years in advance and promises to travel outside of peak times, weekends, Mondays, Fridays, and changes 4 times. But it's not the point.
ATTENTION GOVERNMENT OVERLORDS: this is why the motorways are jammed solid most rush hours.
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Just over 2hrs by train much easier go off peak cheaper & i love public transport especially train companies as i work for one.!
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>> ATTENTION GOVERNMENT OVERLORDS: this is why the motorways are jammed solid most rush hours.
>>
Alfa Floor you're making the assumption anyone who gives a damn or makes a difference is reading this and or gives a sh17.
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>> >> ATTENTION GOVERNMENT OVERLORDS: this is why the motorways are jammed solid most rush hours.
>> >>
>> Alfa Floor you're making the assumption anyone who gives a damn or makes a difference
>> is reading this and or gives a sh17.
>>
I thought they're watching everything we do?
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they do, but they dont have to listen.
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>> Either get the train the whole way, and expect to pay the better part of £300 to get there and back
At that time of day it is off peak though. And they don't need to travel first class do they? They probably couldn't claim that back. I know we aren't allowed to travel first class. And using taxis in London is frowned upon these days.
And off peak return could get you from Leeds to Kings Cross for £145 this Friday. If returning after 18:30 then it could be had for £83.70 but then you get restrictions. Yes first class is £334.
We'd be encouraged to not drive these days too. Flying is a hassle because it needs approving for quite a lot of flights.
Last edited by: rtj70 on Thu 9 Sep 10 at 00:28
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I much prefer cars to trains, but in this case - assuming city centre to city centre - the train has the edge. If your colleague can book well in advance, (s)he can get a return ticket at a good price.
If the starting point is nearer the M1 or M62 or M621 than to Leeds Central station, then the car might be a better option. Visit www.thetube.com and it will tell you which stations have car parks.
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Thanks so far...
This is someone going for a job interview near Holborn and paying out of their own pocket, and therefore not flush. And it's this week (tomorrow). Return time prob not a problem but arrival time is fixed. Thanks for the link to the tube parking.
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In the circumstances I would suggest that if he can find a reasonable rail fare at this point that would be his best option, I find Qjump useful. They would be more likely to arrive relaxed and have time to prepare.
If driving is a must then I think the M1 wouldn't be too bad towards London but would leave plenty of time. Alternatives for parking:
Luton Airport Parkway; Close to airport J of M1, secure parking and fairly fast train to St Pancras and a couple of stops on the tube to Holborn.
Cricklewood railway station, close to the end of the M1, Ive always found on street parking available then suburban train to St Pancras. Lower cost than Opt 1
Slightly naughty park at Brent Cross signposted from the end of the M1, Easy walk to the tube then underground to Holborn, its a fairly slow journey to the centre,
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Following advice above, colleague has now booked a return on the train for £89. Thanks to all for the tips.
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I wouldnt employ him. Anyone who needs advice from a bunch like us is unemployable.
Last edited by: Zero on Thu 9 Sep 10 at 09:14
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Hi Style_less
I find your endless, prolific, non-stop posting quite overwhelming.
Isn't there something else you could be doing?
Have a break!
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He's joking BTW. Just in case poor style_less gets put off.
Tho having no style, he should be used to it!
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Hehe - style-less, take no notice of 'em. they are the local regular wind up merchants.
Thanks for the help and keep coming back!
(btw note I have a wand = moderator)
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For those who wish to take up similar journey in future:
Stanmore (Jubilee line) is just outside M1 J4. It has a very large car park.
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Watford Junction would be another possibility for a cross over to rail. Large car park, reasonable off peak fares and around 20mins from Euston. .
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Leeds to London on a Friday afternoon - ....
