Where to drive to for Kings Cross?

[pearandsausage]

I'm due to be in London tomorrow around the Kings Cross area but am 35w pregnant and dreading the sweaty train/tube (weather forecast looks cooler but 27c in London will still feel pretty warm!)

I'm considering driving down from Glos/Wilts borders so I can blast myself with aircon most of the way - has anyone got any suggestions of useful overground stations? Have considered Reading (a real shame the Elizabeth Line isn't out there yet as it has aircon) but wondered if I'm missing a trick.

Thanks!

Reading, Maidenhead, Slough could all work and you can then get a train or the Elizabeth line in, but you will then have to change at Paddington and get on the tube at least some of the way - the new-ish Circle/Hammersmith and City line trains are fairly well air-con'd though (wont be ice-y cold but probably bearable) and outside of rush hour won't be particularly full. Or I guess you could get an uber or taxi from there.

Call me mad, but you could also drive in all the way if you really can't face the tube at all, obviously traffic will be bad from when you get off the westway onwards but predictably so so if you allow enough time for your journey you'll be fine, you'll have to pay congestion charge and for parking but if you look on JustPark or similar there are affordable, reservable options. I wouldn't do it myself but my ILs drive around central London all the time so some people do!

I’d consider just driving all the way in.

If not, then the Hertfordshire line out through Enfield is OK.

@pearandsausage I agree to driving all the way and paying for all day parking in a car park

If they are running, the Bedford- St pancras and Hatfield/Welwyn - King's Cross trains are air conditioned. I've used them recently and been quite chilly, even in 30° weather!

Ah @maxelly I thought the Elizabeth line wasn't working at all from reading - hadn't realised it was but just had to change at Paddington.

Quite chilly sounds like a dream today @miserablecat!

If it was the weekend I wouldn't think twice about driving all the way in...will have a google at the route and where I might park @maxelly @MsFrenchie @amummyy thanks!

If you are literally at KK station there’s a car park in St Pancras off York Way. It’s not cheap but is very convenient.

If you are OK saying a bit more precisely where you need to be people may have other suggestions.

Would Westfield Stratford be too out of the way? You can get the fast train from Stratford international to St Pancras which takes about 7 minutes.

I would drive the whole way and pay for parking. Otherwise Westfield Stratford for parking.

From gloss/wilts I’d park at Westfield Shepherd’s Bush not Stratford.

It’s at the opposite side of London road the OP and the car park is not next to the station. I’d not recommend this route.

I would go round to Luton and get the train straight in to at Pancras from there. It's a nice air conditioned train usually get a seat even in rush hour.

It’s at the opposite side of London road the OP and the car park is not next to the station. I’d not recommend this route.

Makes sense that it is too far out of the way so not suitable for OP, however, if you park in the right carpark (ground floor next to Waitrose) it's a very short walk to Stratford International.

Actually looking at your route probably makes more sense to park in St Albans

I had to drive into C London a few times during pregnancy - would recommend the Just Park app, you can pay in advance and it’s usually pretty good for finding a space (and often in secure car parks etc)

The route in from the M40 is really straightforward so I would drive in. Its just a straight line really. It can get conjested but it's not to bad- it's the only route I'm happy to drive in London!

You could try to park near Regents Park/ Baker Street and get a cab.

Thanks all I think the answer is to drive. It's usually 50/50 if I go M4/M25 or M40 if I'm heading that way but good to know it's an easy route from the M40 @Movinghouseatlast.

Got to go for blood tests first thing so trying to anticipate what time I'll leave and book parking via just park...thanks all for the tip, it's fairly reasonably priced!

The Luton to St Pancreas trains were cancelled today, and they've only said they may be running tomorrow. So I'd recommend avoiding this route as it might not work.

If you're on m40/a40 you could get off and park at Uxbridge, Hillingdon, Ruislip, which are all close to the a40 junctions. I believe they all have station car parks, although no idea how busy they get. Uxbridge is right by the shopping center so could potentially park there.
Then get on the Metropolitan line - it's overground until Finchley Road and really well vented.

Don't forget the congestion charge op. £15

Thanks all - trip postponed - colleagues in Manchester/Liverpool's trains have been cancelled so will try again next week. Think I'll still drive though so will be glad of all this advice!