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train reservations

My 5 sisters and myself will be travelling through the UK in late August and into September. We have bought a Brit Rail Party Pass. Will it be necessary to get reservations? I see that some trains don't even take reservations, but I know that some do. What times of day are considered "rush hour" and should be avoided? We will be travelling to Canterbury, Kings Lynn, York and up into
Scotland. Thanks for your help.

Posted by
5311 posts

There are very few trains where reservations are compulsory.

As a rule of thumb trains are less crowded from about 9am to 4pm Monday to Thursday. Friday to Sunday is more even. Local events can override this of course.

Even if they aren't required you might find them beneficial for convenience, particularly on longer distance journeys to ensure you are travelling together, or if you are not joining at the start of the train's route, where if you arrive there early enough there would be enough unreserved seats. From your description I'd say that was York to Edinburgh in particular. I doubt there would be much need to reserve to Canterbury or Kings Lynn.