Need help cutting down cost of train commute

gsyed1120

Hi there, I just started a new job in central London and I naively didn't expect the cost of commuting to be so high. I'm going from Watford Junction to Euston during peak times. The only way I can think of to reduce the cost is to buy a season pass or go during off-peak times. I'm currently paying nearly £20 a day, which is just crazy. Would really appreciate your help!

Cornucopia

A Weekly Season Ticket from Watford J to Euston is £77.70 (£15.50 per day).

That's the most obvious option - note that it is a point to point season ticket, not a Travelcard, which would be £89.20.

If you have more time for a more complicated solution, a Weekly Travelcard from Watford J to Zone 2 is £60.20pw (£12/day), and this includes buses throughout London including Zone 1. So you could get the Train to South Hampstead, and it's a short walk from there to pick up buses 13 or 113 to Baker Street (short walk to Euston).

If you can start your journey at Watford station on the Metropolitan Line instead of Watford Junction, this is in Zone 7, and the Weekly Travelcard is £67.70 (£13.54/day).

dirtycredit

Can you get a season ticket loan from your work for a 12 month season ticket? You're in a lucky position because you can get to work and completely avoid the expensive tube!

12 Months is £3,108.00 £6.69 per journey so £13.38 per day.

Andy_L

Travel off-peak
Compressed hours (eg work 5 days hours as 4 long days)

Watford Junction is on the oyster network so using a credit card will get you weekly capping (and possibly cash back) which is about the same as a season ticket anyway, depending on how often you go into London other than for work

martindow

Don't know how much it would help but Watford High Street is in zone 8 as opposed to Watford Junction in Z9. Presumably this would be slightly cheaper.

CarolynRach

This might be a big no-no but would it make a difference if you cycled part of the journey to cut down the time spent on the train and therefore the fare? Maybe not... just an idea!