In this article, you'll learn the following:
There are many benefits to commuting to work, whether you’re a first-time commuter or a seasoned pro, from increased well-being to improved fitness. And with trains being one of the safest, most time-efficient travel methods, commuting by rail is an ideal choice.
Read on to learn about the benefits of commuting by train, including how travelling with South Western Railway can make your commute as enjoyable as possible.
Boosts your well-being
Commuting by car can be stressful, but travelling to work by train is proven to benefit your mental health – so long as you use your time wisely.
A study at UCL found that almost half of train commuters saw an improvement in their mental health, productivity, motivation and work/life balance compared to when they worked from home.
Train travel avoids the congested roads and parking hassles that come with commuting by car, and since you don’t have to focus on driving, you can put your energy into preparing for the day ahead. On your commute home, you have time to unwind and switch off after a busy day.
Provides entertainment and "me time"
From getting ahead with work to relaxing and switching off, commuting gives you time – something we never seem to have enough of. During their morning commute, many people motivate themselves with podcasts or engage in work admin tasks, then relax and wind down with music, shows, or by chatting with other commuters on the journey home. Here are some ways you can make the most of your commute:
- Listen to a podcast. There’s a podcast for every mood, whether you want business advice or something more lighthearted. Just remember to bring your headphones so others don’t have to listen! Take a look at our complete list of commuter must-haves.
- Get ahead with work. Many people use their commute for work admin, like replying to emails, checking schedules and sorting through online files. Completing your admin tasks first thing in the morning lifts a load off your shoulders, allowing for a productive day. Connect to our onboard Wi-Fi, and you’re good to go!
- Listen to music. Studies show that listening to music boosts happiness, reduces anxiety and lifts your mood, so enjoying some tunes is the perfect way to begin or end your day.
- Enjoy breakfast on the go. Instead of skipping breakfast or bolting a quick cereal bar down before a meeting, why not take your time and enjoy breakfast on your commute? Overnight oats, healthy breakfast wraps and porridge oat bars are just a few things you can enjoy from the comfort of your train seat.
- Watch a show. Watching an online show from your phone is a fantastic way to enjoy some ‘me time.’ Make sure you download any shows you want to watch before your commute.
- Chat with other commuters. Some commuters don’t appreciate chit-chat on the train. But if you’re travelling with colleagues, it’s a great time to learn more about them and build a rapport outside of work.
Time efficient
Did you know that your daily train commute could save you time? The average train speed is between 60 and 65 miles per hour – and with no traffic jams, red lights, or slow vehicles to get stuck behind, you’ll be at your destination before you know it.
By comparison, commuting on the roads can take much longer. If you’ve ever been stuck on the motorway after a traffic accident, you’ll know what we’re talking about. Commuting into London? Learn how to save time by travelling from one of these top commuter towns.
You could save money
There are plenty of ways to save money when travelling by train. You won’t have to worry about petrol and parking costs, or low emission zone charges commonly found in cities. Here are some ways you can secure cheap train tickets on your daily commute:
- Use a Railcard. Travelling with a Railcard could save you up to 1/3 on train travel. There are plenty of Railcards for different ages and situations, so it’s easy to find one that works for you.
- Purchase GroupSave tickets. If you’re travelling with 3 to 9 colleagues (including yourself), GroupSave tickets can help you save up to 34%.
- Book early. With tickets going on sale as early as 12 weeks in advance, find the best deal with advance tickets. You can save up to 50% on your fare!
- Buy a season ticket. If you commute regularly by train, season tickets are a fantastic option. With weekly, monthly, monthly plus and annual options, find a ticket that best suits you and enjoy the savings.
- Travel off-peak. It’s not always possible to travel off-peak. However, if your work has flexible start/finish times or your hours are outside the standard 9 – 5, keep costs low and travel off-peak. If you’re travelling to London Waterloo, trains arriving after 10:00 are off-peak. Leaving times and prices vary, so check before you book.
Improves your fitness
Commuting by train instead of a car can improve your fitness since you’ll have more opportunities to exercise. If you live near a station, save on parking or taxi costs and walk there instead.
Once your train arrives at your destination, you’ll likely have to walk to your place of work. You’ll feel better physically; getting out in the fresh air can also benefit your mental health!
One of the safest modes of transport
Rail travel is one of the safest modes of transport compared to cars, boats and planes. Trains have multiple safety features and advanced technology that keeps customer safety at an all-time high. The chance of a fatal accident is much lower.
When driving, you share roads with many other drivers, causing a certain level of unpredictability. Trains, however, follow set schedules and run on tracks, providing a stable surface no matter the weather. Railroad employees attend regular safety training sessions and follow strict safety rules and regulations.
Your safety is our utmost priority when travelling with South Western Railway. Read our tips on staying safe for more information.
If you’re travelling for business, let us handle your business travel needs. Save with season or flexi season tickets if you take the same route regularly, or consider a Smart Card to keep your tickets together.
