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

vacheron

I find driving enjoyable. Far more than train travel. So it would always be the car for me unless there was a REALLY significant cost advantage.

Take as much baggage as you like, combine other chores / activities, change your plans half way home, don't need to check times or wait for ages if you need to arrive or leave the office early or late, can get somewhere far quicker if there is a family emergency, nobody in your personal space, less risk of losing posessions or having them stolen, can have the tempreature exactly how you want it, and can open a window if you want … etc. etc.

Newbie_John

Train always for me.

Your car journey is actually car and bike - so very weather dependant. Also car traffic is one the way in and out so that could potentially impact the travel time.

Depending on how much you drive elsewhere, of these 2 days a week - 40 miles one way, thats 8000 miles a year - it could add a lot of wear and tear to your car.

Also not sure of insurance impact - higher mileage, used for commuting rather than "pleasure" it likely adds costs.

Ive been using trains for the past 10 years and stopped going in car to central due to traffic, parking tickets, annoying drivers etc. On the train you just sit down, watch/read something, do some errons.

Anyway, depending on so many factors try each for a month and see what works best.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82103014#Comment_82103014

Don't overlook the luxury of just being able to get in the car at the end of the day and go home.

Although the independence of driving is nice, a lot depends on the actual journey. Rush hour traffic around and into cities can be very slow and frustrating, and not just in London. Also long journeys can be very tiring, especially after a long day.

Also if using the train, you can go out after work with colleagues and friends and not worry about having a drink. Although this socialising is less common with more people WFH nowadays. However for younger people in particular it can be a nice way to get to know colleagues and even help your career a bit.

 

horsewithnoname

having had to commute by public transport for years, I’d say it’s fine when it works, but a massive pain in the rear when it doesn’t turn up is cancelled is packed is boiling hot etc. If I’d had a car and been able to afford to park I’d’ve used a car any day

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82104085#Comment_82104085

Having commuted around the M25 in the past, that was also fine when it worked, but regularly a one hour drive became two and sometimes three…..

horsewithnoname

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82104116#Comment_82104116

true enough. I guess the real answer is; it depends on the journey 😁

Rosa_Damascena

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82103369#Comment_82103369

I like driving a nice vehicle but it would be a stretch to say that any commute is enjoyable with one eye on the time!

I actually barely drive these days for environmental reasons, but then I am lucky enough to be able to walk to most places locally.

Maegi

If you're able to get a seat etc on the train then I'd opt for that as it's much less hassle.

If it is actually meaningfully late, you can do 'delay repay' via the train company website.

Also, you may also need to tell your insurance company as if you didn't include commuting when signing up and plan to use the car regularly.

martindow

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82106176#Comment_82106176

I'm not sure your last point is correct. It's worth checking of course, but I think most, if not all, private insurances cover travel to and from your normal place of work. If you work in a variety of places or are travelling between them it may be different.

Edit 19/08: The above is not correct as comments below show. I'll leave it as it is at it has already been quoted.

victor2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82106493#Comment_82106493

My car insurance (with a large provider) defaults to Social, Domestic and Pleasure only, and commuting to/from work has to be added if you require it.