Whats it like to take the train from Edinburgh Waverly to Inverness ?

Question

Next month, I would like to take the train from Edinburgh to Inverness. I have checked with Nationalrail, and (I think) the train I want is the #2 (11:36).

Just curious but;

Are the trains and ticket counters usually crowded, and buying the ticket a "hassle"?

Are there enough chairs for everyone ? (I would hate to have to stand during the entire trip.)

Is there a "dining car", or a "vending car" where one can purchase food and drink ?

Serious answers only please. Thank you.

Answer 1

I would recommend purchasing your tickets in advance with a seat reservation.  That said, reservations are often messed up on the trains so people end up sitting anywhere, but it's better to have a reservation.  Some trains are more crowded than others; for example, a 5pm train on a Friday will be full, but there might be more room on a 12pm train on a Wednesday.  Buy your tickets in advance and you will save money and time.

There are usually enough seats - if you're worried about it, get a reservation and get to the train early.  

There is usually a 'snack bar' available on the train, either on a trolley or in one of the carriages.  Usually you buy the food and eat it at your seat.  (Tip: Request a table when you're making a reservation if you'd like a bit more room.)  Food available includes crisps, various sandwiches, soup, coffee, tea, pop, other drinks, chocolate, etc.  Alcoholic beverages are served on most trips (it is posted if they are not serving) except for 'game days' when alcohol is banned from certain trains because of the football or rugby.

It's an enjoyable train journey to Inverness...very pretty.

Enjoy!

Answer 2

The previous answer about covers it, but...

Don't buy food on the train. It's really overpriced. Get any food you need in the station. In any case, I'd say the journey is dull until Aberdeen, then the scenery picks up.

Sorry - last time I did the journey, the train really did go through Aberdeen. Why, I don't know. Don't castigate me for the rail company's decision.

Answer 3

Well first of all, I'd have to dispute any answers that discuss the scenery in the area of Aberdeen as your train will go nowhere near there!!!  You can go via Aberdeen, but would have to change there and it would take a lot longer (don't worry staff would always assume the logical route). Your route is on the 'Highland Line' and will take you from Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness via Stirling, Perth, Pitlochry  and Aviemore, plus a few others - the route map and other info can be found here:

http://www.firstgroup.com/scotrail/tt/12...

Plenty to see on the way, Stirling Castle (on your left leaving Stirling station) and the Wallace monument (look out on your right immediately after that). Views of the Perth area and then into the Highlands with some great scenery up through Aviemore (ski resorts away on your right), Kingussie and Carrbridge before finally entering Inverness after 3 3/4 hours.

Buying your ticket a week in advance is much cheaper, a day before still cheaper than on the day. Always check the price of two singles as well as the return (mad I know), but if you had to buy on the day you would be fine, there is an unreserved coach and the service starts in Edinburgh so you are getting on with the first passengers. Day time service will not be that crowded, certainly anyone getting on in Edinburgh will have plenty of choice, you wont be standing. Ticket office queues can build up a little, allow 15 minutes just in case (worse case), but all very straightforward - you could even buy from a machine in the concourse. Or buy online and quick collect (or have sent out if booking early enough)

Should be a fairly modern comfortable train, but might be the best of the commuter types or may be a better long distance type. Its just down to chance.

There is unlikley to be a restaurant car, but almost certainly a buffet or vending car, and either way there will also be a trolley. Basic stuff, way better than years ago, but still not great - you might prefer to buy sandwiches etc at the Boots or other outlets in the station, but no need to bring a flask - their drinks are fine and not ridiculously priced.

Enjoy your trip, in terms of which side has the better views, its pros and cons, but I'd probably go for the right hand side as you are facingf out of the station towards the West, assuming you've seen Edinburgh Castle before which will be on your left!!