commute from Egham to Gatwick - too far?

[Fernie2]

Relocating to UK and considering international school at Egham (been expat for a while). DH will work at Gatwick - seems a long commute and no public transport alternative to driving. Anyone do it? International school at Cobham bit nearer but they are full. thanks

Erm I personally wouldn't!!!!

I can do Addlestone to Horsham in 50 minutes a bit longer when it's busy to give you an idea. Are you talking independent schools, if so is the prins willem one in West Byfleet secondary?

I don't go on the M25 though to do that run.

I think you would be mad. I allow an hour to get from West Byfleet to Gatwick although can usually do it in less but you would be travelling (at least in the morning) in peak rush-hour. Allowing for drop-off and pick-up, that would be up to four hours per day in the car! I don't think that's sustainable for any length of time. Although the international school will have pupils form a wide area, I don't think you will find many travelling that far so you will severely curtail your child's ability to mix with their friends out of school and you will drive yourself completely mad if you have to attend evening concerts, weekend matches etc at the school as well. Are you looking for primary or secondary? If you are intent on one of these schools, could you not live closer to the school and have your husband commute?

I would investigate the school bus routes. The investigate if you could live close to these, and your husband commute. Do check if places will become available at Cobham too, as there is a lot of fluidity around these places.

If you want to use ACS Egham, I would suggest living on the furthest edge of the school bus route (Woking?) and have DH do the bulk of the commuting.

It is 45 minutes from J13 to Gatwick with no traffic.

Thanks for your comments. Don't worry I'm not talking about the kids doing the commute! the plan would be to live near school and DH do the commute to Gatwick - that was my question: is it too far for him.

In my area (I'm near ACS Egham) people often commute into London and to the South Coast. People can be easily commuting 1.5 hours each way, be that by driving or by train(s).

It will make DH's day a lot longer and quite unpredictable - M25 traffic can be a nightmare at times.

If DH would be at Gatwick Airport, then there is a train that goes from North Camp, Farnborough to Gatwick Airport - takes about an hour.

Do look at the bus routes, as lots of kids do commute in. Also they can do door to door.

Good luck!

It's not the distance that's the problem so much, it's the traffic - which is an utter bitch around there. I personally would not want do it if I were your DH. I am (especially now) a firm believer of a healthy work/life balance and for me that commute would eat into my life far too much.

I walk over the M2d every school day - close to J11, there is more often speed restrictions than not. It's not unusual to see it at standstill.

Friday afternoon from 2.30pm onwared I wouldn't even bother!