To save time and effort at this point (3 weeks before trip to UK) I will probably buy a BritRail Pass for myself and my wife rather than try to buy tickets now for trips not yet fixed in my mind. So, how important will reservations be for the following trips: London-Southampton Southampton-Bath Southampton-York York-Glasgow
Glasgow-Edinburgh And, how much do reservations cost above the cost of the pass? We intend to travel "Standard Class" at all times.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33587 posts
In the Uk, most reservations, if available at all, are free or minimal. I don't work on any of those routes so I'm using my general railway knowledge. My answers are for off-peak travel. Don't try to head in the direction of London on trains which will arrive, or connect to arrive in London before 9am work-days, or leaving 3:30 or 4:00 until around 7:30pm. Other than that: London-Southampton - should be fine, not PM peak Southampton-Bath - should be fine Southampton-York - a very long trip - I'd get them. The shortest time is via London, including Waterloo to Kings Cross via Underground (4:20 or so) but for an hour or more you can go via Birmingham (or occasionally there is a direct one) - trains out of Birmingham on Cross Country can be very crowded at all times of day because they are only usually 4 or 5 carriages long, so I definitely would for that segment York-Glasgow - may be fine, probably
Glasgow-Edinburgh - unlikely to be possible Hope that gives a little help, John
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2800 posts
You probably should get online and price the point to point tickets for each trip you want....if you buy them now...it might turn out to be cheaper then the BritRail Pass.