Bonnie on a Virgin train from London to Glasgow
UK trains are now operated by a number of private companies. Virgin trains are especially nice.
We flew into London in June and traveled throughout Scotland by rail using First Class Britrail Flexi passes (valid for 3 days of travel within two months, we got an extra day on a promotion available in May). The two passes cost about $360 each and must be purchased and received in the USA before departure.
One of the advantages of a rail pass is flexibility. If plans change, you can easily adjust. Also traveling at peak times is much more expensive with individual tickets or if booked on the day of travel. For example: a first-class peak-time ticket from London to Glasgow would have cost about $350 if we had booked on the day of travel.
On the first day of travel on your pass, visit the ticket office at the train station with your Passport to have your pass validated before you board the train.
Reservations cost a few pounds if booked online. We easily booked our reservations without charge in person at train stations. All of the trains we traveled on had empty seats and none required reservations. Most people seemed to be traveling without them.
We we enjoyed the First Class “posh” table seating, free wifi and the complimentary beverage service, but observed that Standard Class carriages also had some table seating and perfectly acceptable accommodations.
Limit your luggage to a carry-on sized wheeled case that you can lift and a personal item. Train connections can be tight and luggage racks are limited. You will have to lift your case when boarding and disembarking from the train. Bulky purchases can be shipped directly home.
For more excellent European and UK rail travel advice visit: http://www.seat61.com/
