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London to Aberdeen train: LNER

I'm looking at the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) to get from London to Aberdeen. LNER has many recent negative reviews on Trip Advisor since it took over from Virgin. Most of the complaints have to do with the comfort of the seats and cars. Has anyone had a recent experience, good or bad, with LNER, on this route or another? Thanks.

Posted by
2483 posts

First, you don’t have a choice only LNER do this route. Second, thousands of people travel each day without complaint. LNER are introducing new Azuma trains on their services. The seats in standard class are more spacious but shall we say firmer -though not uncomfortable.

I wouldn’t be put off by the negative reviews. Some people just moan.

Posted by
6113 posts

Overnight trains are hideous and you aren’t likely to get much sleep. When I have travelled up to Aberdeen from London on business, I always fly, which is quicker than taking the train, even allowing for transfer times to and from the airport.

Posted by
18 posts

Badger, thanks. Unfortunately, that overnighter does not run on Saturdays, and that is THE day I must go from London to Aberdeen.

Jennifer, thanks. I am considering flying as well.

Posted by
6177 posts

Unless you are very much in a hurry, the train is my recommendation. It's not the most scenic route in Europe, but there are some nice parts, especially north of Newcastle. And even if I haven't tried their new trains, the seats will probably be a lot more comfortable than any airline seat.

Posted by
18 posts

Many thanks to everyone for your responses. As it turns out, I will experience both plane and train on this trip. I decided to fly from London to Aberdeen, which will place me in Aberdeen a good 5 hours before the train. And then after spending time in that corner of Scotland, I will board the train for subsequent travels through Scotland and England.

Posted by
6177 posts

I decided to fly from London to Aberdeen, which will place me in
Aberdeen a good 5 hours before the train.

London to Aberdeen takes 6:50 by train, so you are saying that you have found a flight that will take you from London to Aberdeen in 1:50? Sorry, but the Concorde has been retired.

Posted by
18 posts

Not sure what you mean. The flight is 1 hour and 35 minutes. The train trip is 7+ hours. It's all good. I'm happy.

Posted by
18 posts

Ah. I failed to write that I am flying into London first, and on the same day will then fly to Aberdeen from the same airport.

I've opted for this plan instead of traveling into London to catch a train to Aberdeen.

By flying, I will arrive in Aberdeen much earlier than I would on the train.

Posted by
6177 posts

Ah. I failed to write that I am flying into London first, and on the same day will then fly to Aberdeen from the same airport.

That is something completely different. I think most of assumed that the trip started in the city.