Location Transport

London from Bedford/Milton Keynes?

We are planning to spend a day out in London from Bedford or Milton Keynes. I have been looking at public transport fares and I found for 2 adults and 2 children it would be 55 GBP for the train and 36 GBP for the bus. Wouldn't be cheaper to go by car and even pay for a car park? Is there anywhere to park for free or at cheap rates in/near London?

Public Comments

1. yes it would definitely be cheaper to go by car and there are plenty of car parks which charge low fares such as £2 to park, enjoy your day out!
2. Is there not a cheap day return available? It used to be you could travel after the rush hour at a cheaper rate. If you go by car the fuel would probably be cheaper but there is the London Congestion Charge if you go too close, maybe look for an out of town shopping mall where you can park free and get a tube into London.
3. It certainly wouldn't be cheaper by car when you add parking costs and the time wasted in traffic congestion. If you buy a Family Railcard which costs £24 per year and is valid throughout the national rail system after 09-30am weekdays, anytime weekends/bank holidays the adults in your party will get a one third discount and the children 66% discount.
4. My advice would be to drive from Bedford or Milton Keynes to London, and find a tube station with a carpark. Most stations with car parks are located on the outskirts, so you won't have to go far to find one. I would suggest coming down the M1 towards the M25, head eastbound towards Brentwood, and from the M1 turn off, about 10 miles later you'll see sign posts for "Waltham Abbey - Loughton". Get off here, and follow signs for Loughton. You can then park your car for about £2 a day in their safe carpark, walk into the tube station and get the central line into the city centre. Remember, Zone 1-9 Travelcards for adults are £7.50, and for the accompanying children, travelcards are £1. See links below. Alternativally, use a different car park. Its totally up to you! I'm just providing details of what we've done before.