Commuting from Oxted / Hurst Green

[123123user]

I am looking to move with my family to Oxted / Hurst Green area, and am interested to know (in a non-Covid 19 wordl) if commuters are likely to get a seat at either station between 7.45 - 8.30am in the morning.

And, how about on the way back from London to Oxted between 5pm - 6.30pm.

Is anyone able to share their commuting experiences? Thank you in advance!

We're just bumping this thread for the OP.

Not a chance in the morning I’m afraid. You could get one on the way back if you are waiting at the station before the train arrives.

Caterham is 10 mins away and is the beginning/end of the line so always get a seat in the morning.

Actually thinking about it you might do occasionally but I wouldn’t rely on it. By Upper Warlingham there are rarely any seats left.

Hi OP!

I get on this train at Riddlesdown or Sanderstead which are a few stops further up the line in to London, and I get a seat 99% of the time (unless it's short formed for whatever reason).

You'll find most of the free seats in carriages 10 - 12 as a few of the stations on this line have short platforms and these carriage doors don't open at every stop. I get the 8:06 in to Victoria, but I'm sure it'd be the same on the London Bridge service too...

Hmm very different experience to Namechange!
But I've been getting on this train at Riddlesdown or Sanderstead every morning for over 5 years and maybe have to stand one a month if that...

I get on at coach 9 as thats the last one which fits in the platform, and if there are no seats there then I walk up through the train to coaches 10 - 12 and get a seat...

@emcero1 I'll have to try the end carriages : ) I usually get on one towards the front.

Ahh okay! I get off at Clapham to change so being down the end is fine, if I went all the way to Victoria I'm not sure how much I'd enjoy the walk to the barriers the other end - but I think having a seats wins over a shorter walk!

The earlier morning Uckfield line trains are pretty busy but at the time you are looking I should think you would be okay (in the morning and once the school kids get off at Oxted!). I almost always get a seat. I think the East Grinstead line trains are longer as well (you get the benefit of both options from Hurst Green and Oxted).

Thank you everyone. Sounds like people have mixed experiences getting a seat. It’s a tricky one as we can’t test it out right now or probably for a while due to CV!