Wivelsfield Conundrum

[LDP]

I am a newbie to this forum and I can see you are all knowledgeable people.

I am about to make the decision of a lifetime and move away from the relative security of Surrey (Many train options, short hop to tube etc) and set up home in Burgess Hill/Wivelsfield.

My question is for those of you who travel into London from these two stations in the morning peak (around 0700-0730). I am looking at using FCC into City Thameslink on the 0720 but do I stand any chance of ever sitting down on this train? Is it more likely that I am better off getting a Southern service in London Bridge/Victoria?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[thelem]

I've not used that particular train, but I used to be a regular commutter on the 08.16 and 08.36 FCC from Brighton, which still had a few seats available at Wivelsfield. Since then both trains have been strengthened (from 4 to 8 and 8 to 12 coaches respectively) and further strengthening to 12 coaches is likely. You won't get a table to yourself, but I'd have thought you'll be able to get a seat.

 

[paul1609]

I am a newbie to this forum and I can see you are all knowledgeable people.

I am about to make the decision of a lifetime and move away from the relative security of Surrey (Many train options, short hop to tube etc) and set up home in Burgess Hill/Wivelsfield.

My question is for those of you who travel into London from these two stations in the morning peak (around 0700-0730). I am looking at using FCC into City Thameslink on the 0720 but do I stand any chance of ever sitting down on this train? Is it more likely that I am better off getting a Southern service in London Bridge/Victoria?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

From Burgess Hill avoid anything that has originated from the west Coastway, some are standing from Shoreham by Sea, most are standing from Hove.

 

[N Levers]

The 07.08 wivelsfield to london bridge (06.24 ex Eastbourne) is 12 cars and always has free seats at wivelsfield. Beware this train is the one that is most often shortformed or cancelled in my experience though.

I echo the previous comments about avoiding trains from the west coastway.