Commuting from Ashford

[GardenOfEngland]

Can someone please share of how is the experience commuting from ashford to london? Are the trains frequent enough? Does it actually take only 38 minutes as advetised? How much does it cost annually? Do you get seats to sit on during rush hours? Thanks.

I did it 2 years ago while pregnant on the bullet trains.

The trains are actually quite nice so that's not too bad.

They're every half an hour. It probably does take 38 minutes if you get the one that only stops at Stratford. Most stop at ebbsfleet in rush hour though, think it's more like 42 mins.

2 years ago it was just over £7k, but the slower train was £6k. Personally I found travelling just over 80 mins a day as opposed to 3 hours was worth that extra thousand.

I always got a seat, only had to stand a handful of times.

It's very tiring though (but I was of so that may have made it worse)

HTH

hi
i was just about to post the same thing ;) would be very interested to know how people find it. Is there a first class that gives one a better chance of a seat? although if fast trains start at 7k then that sounds pricey enough!
we are looking at villages within 15 mins drive to ashford. is the traffic to and parking at the station ok?

considering the cost of commute and schooling options, i have now chosen tunbridge wells over ashford

Just seen this, you might want to keep all your moving options open. The commute is expensive but reliable and fast, the housing is cheaper in the villages than TW area so you have to factor those prices in as well. The parking is fine- plenty of space in the mornings, you can get an annual ticket.
We had this same dilemma a few years back and by far this is the better side of Kent for secondary schools. There are so many children in TW area and not enough grammar places so even if you pass you are not guaranteed. Whereas this side of Kent has plenty to go around. Of course, this might not apply to you but it's something to consider. Even the primary's have more availability than TW.

Thanks natural blonde, that's where we're at now too, and so are focusing on villages within easy commute to Ashford or Folkestone. You get a lot more for your money in these areas too we feel and the commute seems comparable.

thanks naturalblondeyeahright. no doubt ashford side seems still more affordable. but the grammar schools on the western kent side seem to provide more options and are better ranked and thats why super selective. will do some more research.