Sydenham Hill

[CCSA]

Wondering if anyone has experience of using the Sydenham Hill train during rush hour e.g. 6.30-8 in the AM and 5.30-7 in the evenings? Or trains on the same line e.g. from West Dulwich or Penge East?

Looking at a flat / house in the area with OH and wondering how busy the transport into town will be.

Thanks

[CCSA]

Great thanks for all input everyone.

As mentioned less worried about seats (not had one of those in about 3 years on the fast trains out of Richmond where we are currently!).

Just don't want to find a situation like e.g. Wandsworth Town where it seems to be pretty much impossible to get on any train unless you're out at the crack of sparrows.

[Peyia]

Yes trains are packed in rush hour, I don't think that was the main question. It's helpful to mention at what point on the line does it get impossible to get on the train etc.

Agree with Plateofcrumbs, l would be nervous to arrive alone at that station very late at night. Not a bad area but isolated.

[LBOCS2]

(But everyone always got on).

[LBOCS2]

No chance of a rush hour seat from
Sydenham Hill to Victoria, but I always got one at about 8.15/25 from Penge East.

[Plateofcrumbs]

Oh and if you are catching a train home from Victoria they are busy (will always be standing) but not really horrendous.

[Plateofcrumbs]

Depends on the train as there are a few routes going through SH. The Thameslinks get packed out as there aren't that many of them, although a SH you generally still get on without any difficulty (by Herne Hill it can be a bit of a jostle). On the Victoria trains you still have a fair chance of a seat at SH.

It's a cute station although if you're alone late at night it can feel a bit 'cut off.

[bibbitybobbityyhat]

All of the trains in all of South East London and all of the rest of London are packed in rush hour.

[CCSA]

Thanks Peyia - sounds good. Seems like just about any transport into town is packed after after 8am anyway!

[Peyia]

My H commutes into Victoria on that line. Gets on at kent house which is a few stops before Sydenham hill.

He always gets on, after 8:00 the trains get very packed so catches the earlier ones. He rarely gets a seat unless he's travelling home from Victoria and legs it when the train arrives. He says it's a good service. When things do go Pete Tong there are loads of other stations that you can get to within that area.

Good luck with the house hunt!