We will be traveling throughout England and Wales for 2 weeks in June. Does the Brit Rail pass allow you to ride most trains around England, or is it just a tourist train?
Posted by
2599 posts
It is certainly not a tourist train but entitles you to use the main rail network - but check the small print for any restrictions. However, the pass is not exactly cheap and you should try and have some idea of where you wish to go before deciding whether it is worth the outlay. For short trips - you will often find that buy on the day is your cheapest and most convenient option. However, for longer journeys, buying in advance can offer big savings but does tie you down to specific trains. (Avoid busy times such as Fridays between 3 and 7pm for cheapest tickets). The cheap 'Advance' fares normally appear about 11 weeks ahead.
Different companies run the trains but you can buy tickets between any 2 points on the rail network. Timetables change in early May though usually, the changes are not great. www.nationalrail.co.uk will have details of schedules & fares. Try it out & see how much journeys cost on the day / tomorrow (paying 'today') and for 10 weeks ahead. Click 'details' for change points.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
BritRail passes cover all regular trains operated by 25 or so railway operators around the country. What's not covered (but you get a small discount) are narrow-gauge steam trains on "heritage" railways. See info and heritage link at http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/britain-rail-passes.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Laura, that's incorrect and you need to change the website. Only a minority of heritage trains in Britain are narrow gauge, most are standard gauge lines that were closed in the sixties and are now preserved.
OP, if you are interested in heritage railways, tell me what areas of the country you'll be visiting and I can make some recommendations.