Route advice over Thames E London

[Gooner Mad Dog]

Hi folks have been commuting Walthamstow to Westminster for over 18 months. I have pending new job , new route Walthamstow to Charlton and most importantly advice on best river crossing options?
thanks Steve

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

There are 4 options: Greenwich Foot Tunnel, that gondola thing from Excel centre to N Greenwich (fun but expensive), the Woolwich ferry. Finally, there's the foot tunnel at Woolwich. You will probably end up with a choice between Greenwich foot tunnel or the ferry depending on which part of Charlton you'll be working at. So probably it will be the ferry - it's free, bikes go to the front and get off first (before they set the lorries on you) but you might change it according to wind direction.

 

[AnythingButVanilla]

I've only ever used the ferry which is fine when it's running well and you're not in any hurry to be anywhere (I'm sure it runs to a timetable but I've never needed to find that out) or the Greenwich foot tunnel. Using the tunnel last week when the lifts were off at both ends was a nightmare as the stairs were mobbed and there didn't seem to be enough space for anyone to pass on them when bikes were being carried.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

As ABV says, when the lifts in the Greenwich tunnel aren't working, the stairs are a nightmare (probably worse for you as the bulk of cyclists will be travelling in the opposite direction and there isn't room for 2 bikes to pass except at the slightly wider parts at the landings). When the lifts are in action, it's fine.
The ferry usually runs as a pair. I'm not sure of the operation times but, as it carries a lot of freight, it probably starts pretty early on weekday mornings and will operate until at least 8pm.

Ooh look, a timetable:
Woolwich ferry

The Woolwich ferry is a free service operating between Woolwich and North Woolwich, linking the north and south circular roads across the Thames.
Normal ferry schedule

The ferry service operates every 5 to 10 minutes. Here is the normal ferry schedule:
Monday to Friday

• 6.10am to 8pm (two-boat service)
• Last boat from South to North 7.45pm

Saturday and public holidays

• 6.10am to 8pm (one-boat service)
• Last boat from South to North 7.45pm

Sunday

• 11.30am to 7.30pm, one boat (15-minute service)
• Last trip South - North 7.15pm

 

[Gooner Mad Dog]

OK thanks for advice bikers, am investigating options you have kindly suggested, safe rides!