Help! I need a crash course in the 'do's and don'ts' and 'how-to's' of using the trains here in the UK!!

Question

What are the tips and things to watch out for--for someone who knows nothing about them. How do I search for a good fare and know about changing trains etc. This includes the trips into London as well as trips up into Scotland. ANY real help is appreciated as I have guests coming and need to know what I'm doing! *L* Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

As soon as you get to the station check all screens for train times/destinations/platforms.

Get there early.

Check paper and electronic reservations on seats when you board.

Ask other travellers or railworkers whether you are on the correct train......this is invaluable!

If you get delayed find the waiting room (almost all stations have one), get a cuppa and wait in comfort, rather than on the platform.

Happy Travelling!

Answer 2

Do Not Lean Out Of The Window.

Answer 3

The best tip I can think of is to travel off-peak if you can (after 1000).

Overcrowding is a big problem.

If you can afford it, travel 1st class, especially on long routes (London to Scotland for example).

Answer 4

Most of the ATOC companies have there own websites and you check more precise information from them, as for fares and discounts, try the local station to you, if it is manned, ask the staff there for assistance, try not to go during peak times though.

Answer 5

do not use trains so i would not recomend them

Answer 6

What you need to do is plan out where you are traveling to, how many changes you will be doing & where the changes are.

Here are some helpful links for you to use:

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modalpages/2625.as...

Answer 7

National Rail Enquiries web site will give you train times, connections, journey times, fares etc.

Fares can vary but you can often get good deals by booking in advance.

Some tickets which involve travel on the tube to change trains include the tube fare between Network Rail stations.

If staying in London for any length of time the best deal is to get a zone card, e.g. for a day, price depends on area covered.

Answer 8

There is some good advice given in some of the other answers. Please disregard the obvious idiots. They're brain dead.

Here's my contribution.

British trains are usually too short and so they can get very crowded; they also mostly have automatic doors that close up to 30 seconds before schedulled depatrure time. So don't be tardy getting on board.

The old Hollywood scene where the lovers spend ages on the platform having emotional goodbyes just won't work on a British train.

With respect to the crowding - there may be queues for the toilets on long distance ones - so 'go' before you travel.

Please respect other travellers and don't make loud phone calls. Some inconsiderate Gits always shout or talk loudly into their mobiles.

Most train carriages are non-smoking.

First Class carriages are normally (but not always) at the London end of the train.

You will hardly ever hear a Guard's whistle to announce departure so don't wait for it.

It's often cheaper to travel long distance buy buying tickets for the 'stages' en-route instead of one for the whole journey. This could go horribly wrong for you if you're not careful, so I don't recommend it for first-time rail travellers.

Be ready to disembark as soon as the train stops. They won't wait for you and if you start fumbling for your luggage at the moment it stops you will risk being still on board when it moves off.

Enjoy. Train travel is much more relaxing than driving when it's done well.

If you have to change trains make sure that finding which platform your Connection departs from is the FIRST thing that you do after getting off your previous train.

Answer 9

People have been travelling by train now for over 170 years - you'll soon get used to it. Whilst train companies are keen to fog the issue by selling tickets in advance by internet, most people just go to the ticket office to buy the ticket. If travelling a long distance it MAY be helpful to book well in advance to secure the cheapest fare. But if you don't want to commit yourself, dont worry, just go to the ticket office and ask for the cheapest fare. This will NOT be in the direction of London in the morning rush hour! To plan things in advance go to www.nationalrail.co.uk and use journey planner. Once you have generated the timings for your journey (it will tell you where, if anywhere, you need to change) you can request fares information - this will show all the options. On the train you will find the most space towards the front or rear of the train.

Keep a note of the times of departure of the trains you will be using (off that website) and use those time to guide you to the platform you require. Lists of departures, with the expected plafform numbers, are always advertised somewhere on the station. There will always be staff to ask somewhere, even if only the driver or guard.

One tip, if you are for instance on holiday and making lots of journeys, is to buy a 'rover' ticket. These give you complete freedom of all trains in a certain area (or even the whole country) for a set length of time.  Many options are available - those for Wales are particularly good as they include buses too. They can save a LOT of money and hassle. Don't know where to find this info on the web - try a search on 'railrover' or go to a travel agent.

Answer 10

I don't know much about the route system, but stay safe.

Keep your eye on your bag and make sure it  is, zipped or buttoned closed.

Just because someone is wearing a business suit, doesn't mean you can trust them.

Change carriages if you are left in it with a man on your own.

For the most part, people are lovely and friendly, just be

aware of what is going on around you...

I don't mean to make travel seem unsafe, it's not,  these things will make sure your holiday isn't ruined

Do have a really super time...

Answer 11

As an addition to the above, all Scottish and Anglo-Scottish trains are non- smoking, and ScotRail run  a Sleeper Service from London to Edinburgh, Glasgow & Inverness.

Answer 12

dont break wind loudly on a crowded tube....and if u must let rip ...clench! let it slip out qiuetly, then move along the carrage

Answer 13

after the crash don't scream to loudly as the medics will assume you are OK

Answer 14

The links below are good - I travel to London with my job and I use the train line, national rail sometimes have some good deals.  It can be cheaper to buy 2 single tickets seperately instead of return sometimes They may have info on trains to Scotland I am not sure as I fly if I have to go with work or drive if on holiday.

If you do venture on the underground in London just don't stare - I am always fascinated by some of the commuters they are very distant and some a little freaky!!  The last time I went a guy got on dressed head to toe like Sherlock Holmes!!

Answer 15

try and plan ahead as far as you can, its amazing how many people turn up to a train with no forward planning with connection times or onward journeys

Try to reserve yourself a seat, easier if it a busier train,  saves standing remember you have not paid for a seat only paid to get from your departure destination to your arrival destination

Try looking round for cheaper fares, a lot of companies do have cheap Advance Purchase tickets but this are designated to one train and have no flexibility only in times of disruption

Know the time restrictions for travel in and out of London ask if you are not sure, its better to ask 5 members of staff the same question than not to and get charged more money for your journey.

Most Internet sites nowdays you can book a whole journey and this includes any train changes, times of arrival and departures how many changes needed for that journey, too be on the safe side always ask the Railway staff that's what we are here for.

Food and drink are supplied on board most trains but not all again enquire whether they do and if not take your own supplies, worse thing to be stuck on a long journey with no refreshments.

British Rail does not exist, so different companies have different policies so don't assume that one train company does it they all will

DO have a great time travelling