Need advice: Surrey -> London

WonderBerry

Hi MSE community

I have moved to UK 1 year ago and I have been living quite central for this year. I have purchased myself season ticket from TFL for zone 1-2 and that perfectly suited my needs. Now it's time to buy a new one and at the same time I am moving to Surrey (very close to Surbiton train station). I am trying to work out cost-efficient way to commute to City. So far all I can think of is getting to the train station by bus, then take a train to Waterloo and then tube to work. Surbiton train station is Zone 6, whereas Zone 1-6 season ticket is 2400 pounds (compared to my current ticket price of 1200 pounds :undecided )

Any tips would be appreciated!

djpailo

There are a few contactless cards which give discounted travel with PAYG. It might work out cheaper than buying a travelcard. You might consider going to Vauxhall instead and taking a bus/ walking. We need to know what tube station you alight at..

Santander offer 3% cashback on travel.
TSB has 5% on contactless up to £100.

Loading a NationalRail card on Oyster gives some discounts:
https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/adult-discounts-and-concessions/railcards

yorkie2

djpailo wrote: »

There are a few contactless cards which give discounted travel with PAYG.

Discounts? Do tell me more...

djpailo wrote: »

It might work out cheaper than buying a travelcard.

I don't see how it is going to be cheaper.

djpailo wrote: »

You might consider going to Vauxhall instead and taking a bus/ walking. We need to know what tube station you alight at..

True, but the journey time increase is going to be horrendous! It could be quadrupling the commute time, or more.

djpailo wrote: »

Santander offer 3% cashback on travel.

I can't find that mentioned at http://www.santander.co.uk/uk/contactless-payments; where are the details?

djpailo wrote: »

TSB has 5% on contactless up to £100.

This commute is going to reach £100 very quickly indeed, so that's £5 saving and nothing more.

djpailo wrote: »

Loading a NationalRail card on Oyster gives some discounts:
https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/adult-discounts-and-concessions/railcards

A Railcard discount? Not at peak times (unless you have a disabled railcard) and not everyone is eligible for a Railcard...

WonderBerry

Thank you for your input - will go through, however member below has made pretty strong points.

WonderBerry

That is strong points you did.
Can you think of any other ways for me to cut costs on this route?

Thanks

Kite2010

One thing to remember if you try and board a train at Surbiton during the peaks, apart from the services from Hampton Court you will probably be standing