Anyone commute Reading to Basingstoke?

[Riknos]

Hi guys,

Odd one I know, but wondering if anyone here commutes from central Reading, to central Basingstoke for work?

I'm considering taking a role in Basingstoke, but it involves going right into the heart of town, and I live in the centre of Reading (Tilehurst road ) so was just wondering what the traffic is like on this route around the usual kind of start times of 8-9 ish and finishing 4.30-6.30 ish? How long does it take people etc? I did the journey earlier today at about 10am for the interview and it wasn't too bad, but I have no idea how bad it gets at peak times.

I can't trial run the route myself due to work.

Thanks for any help!

Edited by Riknos on Friday 6th December 03:32

[QuantumTokoloshi]

I use to work in Reading and commute from Basingstoke, you will need to be up with the early birds to avoid the parking lot that is the A33 after 8:00, alternatively go through Mortimer, but both ways get very busy at peak times after 7: 30 or so. It is a single lane road for half its length, so any problems, and it backs up quicker than a toilet at a curry festival.

It use to take me 1/2 hour from the Alton side of Basingstoke to Winnersh, but that was at 7 in the morning.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Isn't that a 1-stop train trip?

[wilbo83]

I used to work in chineham on the outskirts of Basingstoke and that used to take less than 30 minutes from Lower Earley. The A33 is always moving once you get over junction 11, I can't comment on traffic right in Basingstoke town though.

[james_gt3rs]

Outside of the summer holidays I reckon the train would be a better option. Don't commute there myself, but the A33 is a procession at the best of times.

[Puggit]

Definitely for the train. Either the stopping shuttle or X-country with no stops.

Took the x-country yesterday and 2/3 of the train was doing that trip!

Driving that route is painful

[scott15]

I live in Reading too. My brother works in Basingstoke and drove some days, but the traffic was horrendous. He catches the train every day now instead, not only because of the traffic, but because he also wrote his car off

He only did the commute once between 7-8, an he said it was awful, the rest of the times he done it, it was when he was on a late shift, so would leave at 10.30am.

Train is definitely the best way for you.

[Riknos]

Thanks for all the responses guys!

Yes, I thought the train would be the best option. Unfortunately it means I'm not sure what to do with my car then!

[gruffalo]

One option that I use most days is down the A33 to the bottom of the dual carrageway and then turn left and go down the Hook Rd, fork right just after the leather bottle follow to the end turn left past Tynney Hall hotel straight over at the cross roads to the A30, misses all the A33 traffic out and is a lovely drive through the lanes in the summer.