Can you get a seat on the train from Audley End, Witham or Chelmsford?

[hg1970]

Hi there

I'm planning to move out of London and commute and trying to find stations where I can definitely get a seat on the train in the morning.

Stations I've heard are good for getting a seat on the train are Audley End, Witham and Chelmsford -- can anyone confirm this is so?

Any other suggestions in Essex gratefully received. I've heard Manningtree and Colchester are good

I'm looking to travel between 7 and 8

I used to commute from Chelmsford to London and getting a seat was a bit hit and miss .

Thanks Strawberrynose. I had heard good things about Chelmsford commutes but I will have to think again re somewhere else in Essex

Pretty sure you'd be ok from Witham. Just a bit further out, say White or Black Notley on the Braintree branch would definitely be ok also as the train only starts at Braintree.

Audley End is pretty much the last stop on the Camb/Liv St line where you will get a seat. I would say you'll get one 99.5% of the time; the only times you won't tend to be if the trains are buggered and some have been cancelled/massively delayed at morning peak as that crams a few more on at Cambridge and Whittlesford but you'll almost always be fine.

Don't forget with Audley End that you'll have to get there as it's out of town from Saffron Walden - you can cycle or get a bus but the bus will add 20 mins or so onto the journey depending on where in town you get it from. Cycling is better now they've had a go at sorting out a cycle lane. Parking is £7.30 a day I think, not sure what it works out at on a season basis as I only commute a couple of days a week.

Thank you!

Colchester is easier to get a seat than chelmsford in my experience.

Hi, I commute from witham and never have to stand unless the trains are screwed :/ ...... it's definitely easier than Chelmsford which is indeed quite hit and miss because it's a much, much busier station

I wouldn't head for the notleysbas they are on the Braintree branch line and whilst you'd definitely get a seat the trains are less frequent and if there is any trouble in the mainline you often find the branch line services are cancelled