Car v Train - what would you do in this scenario?

sand_hun

Hi, I started a new job in the next county along. It’s hybrid working, so I only have to be in the office 2 days a week.

If I drive it takes about 1 hour 15 mins. It’s about 40-miles each way. My car is a 1.0 litre petrol (VW Polo). Parking doesn’t cost me anything as I park outside the city and cycle the last mile or so to the office.

If I get the train, a ‘flexi season pass’ allows me 8 flexible days of travel at peak times. I have to use the tickets within a 28-day period. It costs £221.60 which works out to £27.70 for each day of travel.

The train takes longer at 1h, 30 (it involves a change) but in some ways I prefer it as I don’t have the stress of driving - I can read a book, catch up on sleep etc.

What would you choose in this scenario? Car or train?

Emmia

You're not comparing like with like - yes, parking is free, but there's the cost of fuel, insurance, wear and tear on your car etc.

mark_cycling00

Alternatively, if you drove would you be able to eliminate other car journeys by going home via the supermarket, gym, granny etc?

I drive in 2 days a week but do a supermarket shop on one day and stop half way on the other day to do some hill running.

Maybe give the train a go and see how relaxing it actually turns out to be. You might not find it that relaxing, or it may turn out to be really relaxing and a good use of time

Woodstok2000

It would be car for me in that scenario.

That drive is probably using a gallon of fuel each way, so maybe £15. Assuming you would still need the car for other things even if commuting on the train then insurance, VED etc are sunk costs. Wear and tear maybe £1-2 per journey.

8 x £17 is £136, so significantly cheaper plus the added convenience and reduced travel time. I find driving relaxing - sitting in my own bubble, podcasts, music or audio books on.

Johnmcl7

I was in a very similar scenario as I had to travel 60 miles each way to an office three days a week, at the time I had a little 1.1 litre Metro.

Although the train took longer and could be more unpredictable I took it each time. I used to watch TV series or films on the train so the time felt better used and I couldn't face driving through the traffic I'd need to each day. Also the length of commute in addition to a full work day could leave me quite tired so it was safer on the train where it didn't matter if I fell asleep.

sand_hun

@mark_cycling00

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82099930#Comment_82099930

Yes, the car allows me to cut down a gym journey as it's on the way back from work. As for shopping, not really (I tend to do grocery shopping by bike). I have used the train and generally found it more relaxing than driving.

@Woodstok2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82099935#Comment_82099935

You can also listen to podcasts, audio books etc on the train. I don't find driving relaxing - you have to concentrate, even when tired. But I think you're right, it IS significantly cheaper using a car rather than a train for this journey. I wish it was the other way round.

@Johnmcl7

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82099965#Comment_82099965

The tiredness factor is a valid point. Sometimes I feel sleepy when driving back. Plus, on a train you can watch shows, stretch your legs, use the bathroom etc.

daveyjp

If the 40 miles can be covered in a similar time at all times of year, for two days a week I'd drive.

However, if the route is busy at rush hour, with potential problems the train may be an option, but only after considering service levels and reliability over winter.

coupon_underground

There are two things you need to consider: preference and price. The time is about equal once you consider cycling the last mile.

You seem to have the preference of the train, where you can read, sleep, etc over a car ride.

Price wise, the train is the more expensive option. However, there are more things to consider. By my math, you're looking at adding a little over 7k miles to your car annually. You need to consider how much that will increase your car insurance, speed up depriciation (if the vehicle is newer) or maintenance (especially if the vehicle is older).

Personally, I would choose the car if you've got a family and/or are tighter on money. Trains can get delayed and you're stuck to a schedule, rather than being able to come and go as you please. If budget isn't as important and you don't mind the extra travel time, the train sounds like a better fit for you preference wise

Woodstok2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82100153#Comment_82100153

Yep, fair point. I think a lot is going to depend on the commutes involved.

For me, I have a 35 minute drive to work which has relatively light traffic and so the drive is nice and easy. Taking the train involves two packed services with a very tight connection, each about 25-30 minutes and I would very rarely get a seat. That definitely helps swing my decision.

If you had the opposite, so a nightmare car journey or a comfortable train journey, I'd maybe be leaning towards the train even if it is slightly longer/more expensive.

born_again

While not the cheapest, train as you find it more relaxing. But you have to temper that with what happens when there are issues with the trains (delays etc) given the change. Leaving you stuck waiting for the next connection on the way to work. How will they take you being late?

Car wins hands down on convivence, but sometimes a less stress free life is better.

martindow

You do have the luxury of trying both, a month at a time maybe to take advantage of the rail ticket you mention. I think it is not really possible to decide without experiencing them. Provided you found the train reliable enough, it might be a good option in the winter when driving can be less pleasant and the final cycle ride a bit grim if the weather's unkind.