Driving from Brighton into North London

ryanverbena

I’ve never driven in the UK, lived here for 13 years and managed to avoid it. Being based in Camden, cars seem more hassle than they are help.

But I have a friend who is wanting to drive up one afternoon (weekday) from Brighton and wondering if anyone has any insider tips? Or is it simply a case of following the SatNav direct? 

boogieman

Satnav will probably get you there with no problems. Check if the car is Ulez compliant though or there’ll be a charge. Also another charge if you go through the Congestion Zone. Frankly if the vehicle isn’t Ulez compliant you might be better off just using the train? 

steven70

Personally, I'd get the train unless there is a good reason otherwise.
Driving into London can be a real stress and parking and the various taxes add up. 

Sporky

I've driven into London enough to not want to do it again - I'd go by train. 

Philly_Q

If they go up the A23 through Streatham I'll wave.

munckee

At least London will seem blissfully cheap for parking charges after the thieving bastards in Brighton.  

Revolutions

Yeah, honestly the best route is train. It’s an easy journey by car, but expect traffic as soon as you get on the A3 by Chessington all the way to Camden. Could take 3hrs+

No satnav should send you via central for Brighton-Camden so should be ok for congestion zone.

roundthebend

Train direct from Brighton to St Pancras.
Driving in London is only fun for masochists 

Jfingers

My Daughter lives in Brighton now and used to live in Camden. I wouldn't drive to either unless you have free parking and a crystal ball about traffic. I'd advise your friend to take the train.

ryanverbena

Thanks for the advice - agree train would be the ticket if it weren't for the fact he's also carrying guitars and amps

Sorry I should have stated that car was the only option

LionAquaLooper

If he's driving during congestion zone charge hours, best to avoid driving through central London. Camden isn't in congestion zone IIRC so best to join north circular rd (A406) clockwise and then exit at Brent Cross towards central London. It's longer but less stoplights and he'll get around congestion zone.

No getting around ULEZ charges though. 

If he's driving outside congestion zone hours then going through central London should be fine. I still hate it though because of all the traffic stops, one way roads, cyclists and pedestrians. 

JerkMoans

Don't stop at red lights.  Carry a gun. 

And a shiv down the sock.

Dominic

For a bit of a relax I always go round M25 and would come into Brent X via M1 turnoff then up to Finchley Road

merlin

+1 for train. You can get to Victoria, London Bridge, St Pancras etc. Unless you're travelling on a Sunday during rail replacement/track maintenance, they will be fine. Quicker, cheaper, more environmentally friendly and unless you have a huge load to carry, then better all round. 

Speaking from plenty of experience as I've been living in Brighton for very nearly 25 years and I've used the train with great regularity, including many commutes when I've played theatre shows. 

Lestratcaster

My mate lives down in Brighton and I'm in West London and usually drive via the M25 and down the A23. It doesn't take too long but it'll be a fucker to drive back the other way and through Central to North London. 

I played a club night in King's Cross once and driving into the city is a nightmare. What should take 40 minutes takes 2 hours as you spend most of it stopping at lights and moving very slowly down long roads.

Then there's parking and all the various charges like CC and ULEZ etc.

RaymondLin

Check ULEZ.
Put in Sat Nav
Add extra 30mins to the time stated

The journey isn't difficult, I've done it several times going to Brighton for a day trip from Richmond area and then back.  I lived in Brighton too, went to Uni there and the train is much preferred. 

The further you get inside London however, the more annoying it gets in the car.  Everything from traffic, speed bumps, cyclists, keep an eye on your mirrors at all times for them.  

LionAquaLooper

From my experience, once in Greater London the easiest route is Brent Cross -> Finchley Road -> Swiss Cottage - Camden Town.  Your mate's satnav might disagree, but satnavs aren't always right

Sporky

Apparently the ticket system for Oxford Street doesn't work, so while the bus drivers will be very angry at you, you don't get a fine.

Handy shortcut. 

scrumhalf

Beware of train screw-ups.

I got to London Bridge on Sunday morning to find no trains running south dur to signal problems, which made getting to Gatwick a load of fun. 

strumjoughlamps

Deffo train, or you could drive to Three Bridges and train the rest.

JerkMoans

Dominic said:

For a bit of a relax I always go round M25 and would come into Brent X via M1 turnoff then up to Finchley Road

Yeah I find the M25 more relaxing than a spa break.