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Drive or not ? 175 miles

35 replies

LadyGillingham · 10/07/2025 19:43

I’m going up north to see a friend. My 9yr old wants to go with me. He gets along wit her 10yr old twins - so all good there. It’s a 2 night trip. I’m in Surrey. Train tickets are expensive so I booked tickets on FlixBus. £35 for the two of us, return :) Great, but I realise door to door this will be 6 hours!! I can drive in about 4hours incl breaks. By the time I get to London and board the bus, I’ll be half way there if I drive.

Shall I just drive? Or will I hate it half way through? It’s supposed to be very hot tomorrow - i cannot makeup my mind.

My friend doesn’t drive, so it’ll be handy to have to car to go on meals out etc. she gets by well without a car - buses and trams.

OP posts:
DappledThings · 10/07/2025 19:55

That's about the same journey as I make to my parents. It's a fairly long drive but nothing crazy. No reason not to.

Katykaty11 · 10/07/2025 19:54

I don't love driving but I can do 2 hour blocks with short breaks. Car sounds more comfortable and convenient.

Sirzy · 10/07/2025 19:51

Drive without a doubt. That trip on a coach sounds a nightmare!

RandomWordsThrownTogether · 10/07/2025 19:49

We drive a similar distance to see the in laws with a 3.5year old. Tips would be to leave early as it’s less hot in the early morning and pick a half way spot to have a break from driving, some food and in our case we try and find some place with a playground. It is exhausting but completely doable! Make sure to load a movie onto a device for your kid to cut it down a bit. Benefit of the bus would be that you can snooze, watch a movie etc… but 6 hours is a long time on a bus.

Merrilydancing · 10/07/2025 19:48

Drive as that way you will have full control over the car temperature.

Hatty65 · 10/07/2025 19:46

Drive. It's much more convenient.

Azandme · 10/07/2025 19:46

I'd always drive.

DD and I have had some epic road trips, since she was very small.

RhaenysRocks · 10/07/2025 19:46

I'd do that without even thinking about it and frequently do but I know driving is one of those things that are a big deal for some. Take snacks, have a playlist and sone car games and stop whenever you feel like it.

Noseynoo · 10/07/2025 19:45

Drive

ConstitutionHill · 10/07/2025 19:45

If you can get the money for the bus tickets back then surely you would drive, why not?

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