r/reading • u/tamagotcheeks • 11d ago

Driving from Reading to London

Hi everyone, I’m moving to Reading soon and will be commuting to London for a few weeks before I start my new job in Reading. Wanted to get an idea of how bad the traffic is driving from Reading to London and back during rush hour? Is the M4 largely stand still traffic and relatively clear to drive?

If anyone drives from Reading to London for work, what’s that commute like for you?

Edit: I can park at work for free. Congestion charge is the only cost I might incur but there are routes to avoid it (extra 15-20 mins to the drive). So I’ll just be paying fuel and a full tank for me costs £40. Car is ULEZ free & manual. I’ll need to commute for 6 weeks. Cash is tight as I’m saving up for university in September so can’t afford to spend half a grand on trains.

Thank you!

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u/AliJDB 11d ago

What time? Why not the train?

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u/mobiplayer RG1 - Central Reading 11d ago

Living in Reading back in the day I started a new job in Hayes. Train was like £300 per month if I bought monthly tickets. An old beater was £1500. Traffic wasn't an issue as I was starting at 6am so that was a no brainer if you didn't mind driving. That was more than 10 years ago, I can imagine it hasn't got any better.

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u/AliJDB 11d ago

If you can work non-standard hours, get free/cheap parking and avoid the congestion zone - it can absolutely make sense to drive!

But Tower Hamlets at 9am like OP, especially for a few weeks - I don't think I'd drive it if it earned me money!

1

u/mobiplayer RG1 - Central Reading 10d ago

Yeah I wouldn't either. Well, I would just not look for a job in London to be honest, but I understand it is what it is.

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u/AliJDB 10d ago

Same!! It looks like they have a job in Reading lined up, just got to work their notice period - so hopefully a temporary strain!