When on a long train journey where you have to make a changeover?

Question

are the trains trusted to get you there on time? I am looking to book a ticket but there is only a 9min time difference between arriving and departing. Do you think I will make it on time knowing the UK's train reliability?

Answer 1

Not a hope in h**l. Its the UK train service, not switzerland.

Answer 2

No its too short a time change over plus they never hold connections for a late running train! better to take more time and have a chill out rather than rushing! Trust me i am a signaller i know what goes on!

Answer 3

I would say yes, especially if one train is timetabled by Network Rail to link with the other train that you are talking about

Answer 4

Actually they are getting more punctual these days, but yes I like to have at least 20 mins...my daughter visits us by train and I think there was a similar 9min difference and it wasn't a problem...depends if its the last train of the day....and if you miss it you've had it.

Answer 5

Maybe, maybe not

Answer 6

The trains are quite good on keeping to time,but you will have to be quick ,and run for your connection if it's a couple of minute's late.

Answer 7

hi

i travel by train alot and if the train you are going to catch is part of the journey..a connecting train..the train will wait till the other gets there . if the first train is delayed the second will wait although you will have to get from one to the other in 9 minutes once you arrive in the station.

Answer 8

forget it angel cake! il give you a ride anytime for free!

Answer 9

catch an earlier train. 9 minutes is not worth trustng over. plus changing can take ages especially if its big and you don't know it

Answer 10

that's cutting it really fine isn't it? even if you arrive on time, can you get off safely, find the right platform, get up the stairs and down the other side? it would be safer to plan on taking the next train

this assumes you're talking about the trains in england, switzerland would be a different matter..........

Answer 11

It'll depend on how far you have to walk between one platform and the other.   You can more or less guarantee the connection won't leave early but you can't guarantee the first train will arrive on time.  I'd be inclined to opt for another time/train if at all possible.

Answer 12

Yes, it's very likely that you'll make it on time.

Answer 13

Sorry Shonsay but when I get a train changeover in UK I am never 100% sure but when in Europe I am much more hopeful ... However, I do not wish to put a downer on your plans.  I have caught connections in UK many times that have got me to my destination on time.  BUT there have been a few exceptions.  the UK train system is not the most reliable.  We seem to get held up by the simplest of things.  I have travelled by train around Europe, USA etc with very few problems.

Answer 14

If there are trains every hour and it's free to catch the next one, then go for it.  But if it's the sort of train you don't want to miss, leave yourself at least an hour.   That covers train delays, luggage hassles, getting lost in the terminal (which can be nearly as big as an airport, depending) or impromptu shopping at kiosks in the station.

In the USA, the wise Amtrak rider pads by 10% of the train's total running time (from its origin), plus about 30 minutes spare.  On the other hand, Amtrak will hold trains for other late trains.  UK won't, I don't believe.