When you have to endure long train commutes on a daily basis there’s really only two things you can do to improve the situation (short of moving which isn’t usually an option):
- Try and make the journey feel as quick as possible
- To be as comfortable as possible
If you can do both of these, even the longer daily trips can seem to pass by really quite fast. But unfortunately there’s also a range of issues beyond our control which also leave us with little choice but to endure a long, uncomfortable journey.
The good news is there are some very easy things you can try which will not only shave some time off your commute, but also make it a far more pleasant experience.
1. Pre-Purchase Your Ticket Online
Where possible, pre-purchase your tickets or travel passes online. Physical machines can be slow, are prone to going out of order and usually have giant queues waiting to use them.
How many times have you seen someone at the machine, watching their train depart as the machine won’t spit out their ticket?
Don’t be that person!
Buying a ticket online is also usually cheaper with various discounts available for buying your estimated time in advance.
2. Use A Timetable App
Most train companies have their own timetable apps for phones and tablets. These apps let you:
- Have access to the most current train schedules.
- Properly plan your commute from start to finish.
- Allow you to know what time your train arrives at a particular station (great if you’re meeting someone or have to pick someone up).
- Stay on top of any disruptions, cancellations or changes which might impact your travel time.
3. Pick A Carriage Which Aligns With The Train Station Exits
Getting caught in the crush to exit the train is not only frustrating but can add serious delays to your overall commute time.
But not if you’re in exit pole position!
Pick your train carriage so that it aligns with your chosen exit point. Be ready to get off the moment the train stops.
Sometimes it’s worth moving to the doors a station or two in advance to secure a good position – the difference can mean a speedy exit onto a near empty platform and getting to the escalator’s before the horde.
I shave a whopping 5-10 minutes from my overall train trip by doing this. The best thing is it works in both directions!
4. Choose A Carriage Or Train Where Seats Are Guaranteed
On longer commutes, the need for comfort can outweigh the need for speed. Not getting a seat on a long train commute can be a nightmare so it’s worth making an effort to ensure you do.
If you’re having trouble getting a seat, try the following:
- Examine different carriages: People tend to gravitate towards the same carriages, over-crowding them. There’s usually always a few carriages which are far less crowded with ample seating.
- Consider different train options: Sometimes you have the choice between Express or Stopping All Stations trains. The Express is faster, but that slower Stopping All Stations train might just be the difference between a comfortable trip or being back in that sardine can.
- Experiment with different times: The train that runs before or after yours might be considerably less packed.
- Try different stations: If you drive to the station, try going one station further down the line – you might be surprised at how many more seats are available!
5. Break Up The Commute Distance By Driving Part Of The Way
Even with a seat, sitting on a train for long periods can be extremely uncomfortable. With limited leg room and freedom of movement, it can just plain suck!
Short of moving house we can’t physically reduce the distance between home and work but we can mix it up.
Consider driving for part of the distance.
The car can:
- Often be more comfortable than the train.
- Reduces impact of train cancellations where you need to get home via alternate means (ie an Uber).
- Can make the overall journey feel shorter by breaking it into smaller stages.
- Makes it easy to stop and get things on the way home (ie bread!)
On the flipside:
- Carparks can be very difficult to get near train stations.
- You might be forgoing a seat as you’ll be on a fuller train carriage.
6. Stand For Some Of The Journey
If you’re like me, by the end of an hour long train trip you can be suffering from stiff neck, back and shoulders. When you finally step off the train it’s like you’re suddenly old and decrepit!
While it’s always a battle for me against laziness, I’ve found that when I do stand for part of the journey it can drastically reduce the aches.
In fact, the longer you stand the better it is for your body in general.
While standing for an hour long trip is not recommended, standing for the last 10-15-20 minutes can make a big difference to how you feel.
Hopefully by now you’ve picked up at least a few ways to improve your own daily commute. If you have some tips of your own please share them in a comment below! Be also sure to check out our 16 TRAIN COMMUTING ESSENTIALS YOU NEED IN 2020
