To get the Tube to work on Friday

[JADS]

I have been working from home for the last 3 weeks, but unfortunately I need to go in on Friday. I could drive and parking is free at the moment, but it will take me nearly 1 hour and I have to drive through the centre of London. The Tube is only slightly longer.

I'm a confident driver when in comes to motorways, country lanes and suburbia. The idea of driving in that there London scares the living shit out of me.

Then again the Tube is germ ridden at the best of times.

I don't know what's best. Has it been quieter?

Well I'd get the tube.
My friend who is working in town says it's empty.

Drive. I used to love driving through the city at the weekends when it was quiet. I should imagine it will be the similar on Friday.

I also used to lurve driving through London but I imagine a first time will have less lurve.

That sounded a lot different than I thought it would 😂

I live in central London, the roads are very very quiet.
I drove to south London last week (essential shopping, mini Waitrose and Tesco express can get a bit limited) - it was busier outside of London (for me, that's anything beyond zone 1) was a lot busier, although still tons quieter than normal.

Of you are not a confident driver you shouldn’t be driving full stop. Driving in London is no worse than driving anywhere else.

If*

Definitely drive. That leaves the Tube for those who have to use it and gives you more protection.

Roads in central London are really quiet at the moment. Put your mind at rest by setting the journey on your phone or sat nav and research where you are going in advance. I often use street view in Google maps to see where I need to go when walking or driving somewhere new.

I.am the opposite. Happily drive through London but hated motorway driving for years.

Use a sat Nav. My sense of direction is terrible but this is.my lifesaver

Do you have to take the tube, could you use an above-ground train and then walk or cycle?

I'd not want to drive because everyone will think they own the road (even more than usual). I'd say the risk of an accident far outweighs the risk of catching something. Wear something over your face on the train, use your elbow to press buttons and keep your distance from people. Do you have to go in for a certain time, could you go in a bit later after the rush hour?

I’m a true tube fan but I’d drive. In fact I’ve found driving through central London a lot easier than driving around many other smaller cities or larger towns. Everywhere is v clearly sign-posted and generally slower moving but now it will be really quiet. Go for it.

Dh just told me the congestion charge is still in force.

Get the train. Forget the tube. Drive to somewhere you can pick up a proper train and the chances are you'll have a carriage to yourself.

Even when the traffic is busy, driving in London is largely a matter of driving slowly behind the car in front, and really not that scary.

Instead of listening to you DH @cologne4711 you could have taken 3 seconds to confirm that the congestion charge isn’t in force-
details here
Definitely drive @JADS

I’m in zone 1. Roads are very quiet. I can’t imagine anywhere that you’d normally get a tube to and from is going to take you an hour at the moment.

Please drive. Driving in London is so easy. Even when it’s quieter, the roads don’t move quickly so you’ve plenty of time to make sure you’re in the right lanes. Honestly, it’s just the anxiety of it that is stopping you, the reality is so simple.

Uber is still operating as an alternative if you don’t want to drive yourself. Sharing a car with just one other person that way as opposed to a tube/train with more people.

People keep on saying road were quiet, they freaking aren't. Not in London. We had to drive last week and partner drove to work yesterday and roads were pretty hectic both days.

Thank you for the virtual kick up the arse. I drove. I left home at 6.30 and it was really pleasant. Driving home wasn't so fun. Apparantly London driving wankers are late risers.

Thanks to all those that advised checking for a straight route - it took me 50 minutes rather 45, but it was worth it.

So glad you managed to do this as it made it an easier journey for you.