I am going to London for the first time next week and the train situation has me very confused.
We have first class BritRail passes. The plan is to go from London Paddington to Liverpool on the 1st of October and from Liverpool to Edinburgh on the 2nd. I cannot find any trains for either route on those dates. I see that there is a train strike on the 1st. I could go to Liverpool on the 30th of September, but still can't get to Edinburgh on the 2nd. Are all trains on strike or only certain companies? Do the strikes continue to the 2nd? How can I get there?
I have looked at the seat61 website and it confuses me as well. I actually just learned that the tube and the train are two different things (so embarrassed). Thanks for any advice.
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2600 posts
Trains from London to Liverpool depart from London Euston. You should travel on 30th September due to the strike on 1 Oct.
On 2 Oct there is an amended timetable for trains between Liverpool and Edinburgh. You can find out more here https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/travel-updates/temporary-timetable-amendments
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thank you. I will check that out.
Posted by
2599 posts
Although you are not paying as you have Britrail Pass, you may find using this site easier for finding out what trains are running:>https://www.traintickets.com/?/
If you are really stuck for getting from London (Euston) to Liverpool you could try going London (Paddington) to Newport (south Wales) and then with Transport for Wales from Newport to Chester & Merseyrail or TfW for the final bit into Liverpool. Of course, this is a MUCH longer route.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5466 posts
As 1 October includes an ASLEF strike (drivers) there will be very little running at all on the affected rail companies.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
I guess I will go to Liverpool on the 30th. I just need to get to Edinburgh on the 2nd. I've never done train travel. It's much more stressful that I thought. :)
Posted by
2599 posts
Usually rail travel is not stressful. The problem at the moment is all these strikes - for which they must give 2 weeks notice.
Posted by
Freedonia
16413 posts
The official train site for the UK is http:/www.nationalrail.co.uk
This is kept up to date with what is available, cancellations for that day, etc. It's better for problems on day of travel than a third party site.
I have gone from Manchester to Edinburgh a couple of times. (The Liverpool trains to Edinburgh pass through Manchester.)
Unfortunately, the rail lines going north from Liverpool are messed up. Transpenine Express is the direct train line but they are about as reliable as a politician's promise. My suggestion is book as early a train as possible and be prepared for diversions and changes along the way. If your train is canceled, and you are rerouted, your pass will cover it. There will be station staff on the tracks to help and send you in the right direction.
However, you may get lucky and have no problems at all.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thank you!
Posted by
2599 posts
You do not go via Manchester to get from Liverpool to Edinburgh. Go to https://www.traintickets.com/?/ and put in for LIV > EDB and you will find the route and timings. The reason why I have quoted this website is because it shows people that in many cases they can split the ticket to get reductions in the full fare which appears on the national rail website = assuming they don’t have a Britrail Pass. (In many cases, the Britrail Pass works out more expensive that paying for tickets).
Posted by
Freedonia
16413 posts
TPE has now modified its schedule and is no longer offering direct train from Liverpool to Edinburgh on Oct 2.
You have a Britrail pass. You don't need to deal with third party apps to plan multiple change trips to save a few pounds. Stick with http://www.nationalrail.co.uk for updates or go directly to the train operators website. They will be up to date especially on the day of travel when you may need updated information.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thanks for letting me know, and for the link. I'm trying to readjust my plans.