Signed up for the Best of Scotland in 13 days tour end of July 2025. Thinking of flying SEA to LHR and spending a few days in London to play tourist. Then taking a train from central London to Glasgow to join the RS tour. Has anyone else done this? Recommendations for starting point, route, type of train or class of service? Cost is not a consideration, just wanting a memorable and comfortable train trip.
Posted by
UK
773 posts
Avanti West Coast from London Euston to Glasgow. I’d choose First Class for this journey. Standard class is perfectly acceptable but First Class is nicer. Takes about 4.5 hours.
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/train-times/london-euston/glasgow-central
Book Advance tickets for best value. Note: I don’t just mean booking in advance, but booking a specific type of ticket in advance called Advance. These are only valid on a specific train, and come with seat reservations.
You could alternatively book various other kinds of tickets with more flexibility, such as Off-Peak or Anytime. These still come with a seat reservation if you catch the specific time train that you nominate, but you can also use them on other time trains if you miss that one (but you’ll need to find an unbooked seat as your reservation won’t be valid).
Hope that makes sense. Pricing is complicated but the train itself is simple and comfortable.
Posted by
Lake District, England
8187 posts
On a trip to Glasgow you usually get 2 meals in 1st class, plus intermediate snack service- because the crew always changes at Preston. So a first meal out of Euston, and another beyond Preston.
Plus you get another good feed in the First Class lounge at Euston!
And free alcohol each time as well unless it's before 10am. Plus unlimited soft drinks and tea/coffee/water.
This video will show you what it's like- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_DlI72aOnA
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34047 posts
on the same route is the Caledonian Sleeper https://www.sleeper.scot/ which leaves Euston after 10pm and arrives at Glasgow around 7:30 in the morning.
Various levels of comfort, with cabins offering en-suite shower/toilet rooms or shared in the hall near the room, including breakfast or not, with access to the Euston First Class lounge prior for most.
Railcards are honoured on most levels, not on the top level, and prices are dynamic. All new cars.
Posted by
Lynnwood
294 posts
We did this going the opposite way, Scotland tour to London, and just loved it. You are on the right track! (ha ha) We bought advance tickets, first class, and were treated really well. It was a relaxing way to mellow out between the bustle of the tour and the bustle of London.