Travel from ED to Old St

[Ant]

Have just been told this morning that my work will be relocating to Old St in 5 weeks' time. I'm just off Gray's Inn Road at the moment, and that already feels like a trek from ED - the bus journey this morning took a little over 1.5 hours.

Is there anyone else who does this journey? I'd rather avoid the train if possible, as it'd eat up too much of my tiny publishing salary.

Perhaps the time has come to get a bike, or perhaps a scooter.

[Bleep]

40 to London Bridge and a brisk 20 min walk and you're there.

[mockney piers]

I'd echo bleep's advice (there's a really rubbish in joke for computer spods there I'm sure).

Possible alternative, a combination of little fold away bike thing and monthly return from Denmark hill to Blackfriars should set you back very little.

[david_carnell]

It's a bit off topic 'coz its a different destination, but could someone recommend the most efficient and/or cost effective way of getting from East Dulwich (I move to Oakhurst Grove next month) to St Thomas' Hospital next to Waterloo Station.

Thanks.

[LostThePlot]

Ant,

I'd suggest getting a bike, though for the benefit of your cow-orkers, make sure you have a shower at the far end!

I use to cycle ED to St Pauls every day, and it really does set you up, having arrived, then showering and getting to your desk nice and clean and relaxed!

As well as the bus lanes there are cycle routes, so chances of death are much reduced. Try www.tfl.go.uk for a cycling planner. It'll probably take about 30 mins if you're reasonably fit on a decent bike.

E

[Ant]

David, ED to Waterloo is easy: 176 all the way!

I've asked whether there are showers in the new building - still waiting for the answer. And secure storage for bikes too. If both boxes are ticked then I'll be very tempted to go for that option.

[david_carnell]

Ant

Thanks for that. Any idea how long the 176 takes in rush hour(s) on average?

Cheers.

[Asset]

you could easily be looking at an hour for the 176 journey in rush hour. bike would take me 30 mins, mr Asset does it in about 20 (but he wears lycra, although does stop at red lights)

[Ted Max]

Yep, Mrs Max takes the 176 and allows an hour for that exact journey. Hope you enjoy ED, David.

[david_carnell]

Blimey, an hour! I moving from deepest, darkest Surrey to try and cut my commute and instead it will be longer. M train from Epsom goes straight into Waterloo/Victoria/London Bridge in under an hour. It would be alright if I was still in my current job at Victoria as I'd get the train from Peckham Rye or if I was based at Guys Hospital near LB as I could go from ED Stattion but, in the words of Don Cheadle in Oceans 11, this 'nauses fings right up.

Many thanks for the advice though.

Cycling seems tempting. And it's free.

[Huguenot]

Welcome David! Great to see you on board!

The speedy option would be the train from ED to London Bridge (11 mins), go to platform 6 for a train to Waterloo East every 2 mins at rush hour (5 mins).

[Jeremy]

Can't believe someone would move to an area specifically to cut their commute, and not check out the public transport in the area first!

[david_carnell]

Thanks Huguenot. Glad to be here, you all seem a friendly bunch. I'd been keeping an eye on you all before posting - I think it's known as lurking - and recognise intelligence, wit and civility when I see it!

Your option seems pretty good. Hadn't thought of that. Thanks.

[Asset]

The bus takes ages as it has to go down the wonderful Walworth Rd. If there was no traffic it would take about 30 mins.

The train times may seem short but you have to build in the time getting to and from stations, changing platforms and waiting for trains. Cycling will be your quickest option - no contest, with the added benefit of being cheaper, keeps you fit and is evironmentally friendly.

[david_carnell]

Why do I sense you may well be a cyclist yourself Asset? ;-)

I will keep both options open. It may well depend on showering facilities at the other end of the journey.

[Ant]

Any more thoughts on the Old St question?

[Asset]

(tu)

[KateW]

40 bus to London Bridge, change and get either the 48 or 149 from the same stop to the end of Old St.

[Brendan]

I would advise taking the plunge a coughing for a travelcard Ant. Then it?s just train to London bridge and then tube.

I used to use the bus in an effort to save money but found that the stress it was causing me just made me spend more money on beer.

[Ant]

I really don't think I can afford to. A monthly bus pass is bad enough at close to ?60. How much is a travelcard these days - pushing the ?100-mark yet?

[Brendan]

Yeah it is. I'm lucky as I get a lone from work to buy a yearly. If you have to fork out monthly it is a lot.

[mockney piers]

?85 for zones 1 and 2. Does seem to go up at a rate that would shame inflation though.

[Alan Dale]

Ant, If you have a pass rather than oyster then you can afford to use two buses.

185, 176 or 40 to Camberwell Green. 35 to Shoreditch.

[Ant]

I use two buses at the moment. Takes *ages*. But I may have stick with that option given the cost of the alternatives. Still, at least I get to read lots of books that way.

[SeanMacGabhann]

Is it too late to echo the earlier recommendation - 40 to London Bridge (or even further towards Aldgate) and maybe a 15-20 minute walk

I honestly think walking is far preferable than waiting for ANOTHER bus and youget a good head of steam up which relieves tension. I have worked around that area many a time since moving to ED and would always take that route