We are planning to take a train from London to Edinburgh (with a stop overnight in Durham). We are going to order Britrail passes before leaving and our travel would begin on a Saturday. Based on the schedule, there are approx. 20 trains going from London to Durham on that first day. I am wondering if I need to make reservation before I leave for England, if I can book them once in London, or if we can get on a train that day without booking ahead if we are flexible with times. Anybody have experience with this?
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
While the odds are in your favor for the train of your choice not being sold out, since you will be traveling on a Saturday it might be a good idea to buy seat reservations. If you will be in London for a few days in advance of travel, buying the reservations when you get to London should be fine. If you want to be extra safe, you can buy them on the BritRail site.
Posted by
Charleston
54 posts
Agree with Tim. Saturday travel is by far the easiest in terms of the trains/planes being empty. Use it as one of your few opportunities to be spontaneous and just show up at the train station when you feel like it.
Posted by
Derry
175 posts
Hi Jessica, you didn't say when you are leaving for Durham/Edinburgh or if the trip is a single or return. The fact is that "East Coast trains" have some pretty nice fares as we speak if you are a few weeks out. Check their site at "www.Eastcoasttrains.co.uk/
You don't require a railcard for these sale prices. I have made reservation on line in the past and I have simply called them for reservation. Both work well. They will send you your tickets via snail mail if you prefer. The "Standard" fare is a very comfortable ride. Durham is beautiful. If you can fit it in I'd stay another night. Enjoy!
Posted by
OP
Peoria
19 posts
Thanks for all of the replies! It definately helps to get feedback from someone with experience. Susan - We are taking a one-way up north and then flying out of Edinburgh. I checked out the website you posted;I didn't find any deals better than the party pass with Britrail, but I will keep checking! We will be in London for five days before heading north, so I am thinking that I will wait until we arrive there to make reservations. Thanks!
Posted by
NC, United States
970 posts
Jessica, if you know the date you will be traveling to Edinburgh, why not pick a time and make reservations as early as possible? Sure, you lose the flexibility of leaving at, say, 9:10am versus 10:10am, but you won't have to worry about something unexpected. I've been on trains that were unexpectedly full of passengers due to a football game, etc.