We know we want to take the train round trip and stop off at York for a day or two. I have read the many posts concerning this but still am confused. The posts mention Great North Eastern (GNER)but their web site says there are 2 changes on this route. We have to change trains? Also the Britrail web site ( I know this is a booking company and not a railroad) gives different times and prices. Do they use a different train system? I love planning trips but this one has me stumped. Thanks for any help.

Hi Susan,
check out this website and you should be able to get the consolidated timetables for all UK trains.
http://www.thetrainline.com

The Britrail site has no authority. Ignore it.

There is, ordinarily, no train change between Edinburgh and London.

But you may be trying dates on the GNER site when there are engineering works planned on the line. For example, there seem to be works bewteen York and Newcastle planned on March 12, and the line owning company - which is State owned - has recently acquired a disgraceful record for failing to communicate this in a timely manner. These works happen most often at weekends, and especially holiday weekends (when fewer people use trains). If you've chosen such a weekend, it's quite likely you'll have to get a bus part way.

Alternatively, you may be simply misunderstanding the timetable, if you're just looking at the general GNER timetable rather than the journey planner. Virtually all trains from London to York stop at least once. That doesn't mean you change trains.

Thank you. On checking further, there is indeed a 13 minute bus ride at Darlington station. Probably not a deal breaker for us.
Is there no first class to Edinburgh? How is the train comfort-wise? We generally enjoy train travel.
Re Britrail, don't we have to go to them if we decide on rail passes?

Unless you are planning several long rail trips, point-to-point tickets are usually less expensive than BritRail passes. If you are going to do a LOT of train travel, BritRail might make sense though.

Yes there is 1st class on most intercity trains - but the extra money really isn't worth it to me. If you are going London > York > Edinburgh you are only going to be on the train for 2+ hours each leg so I wouldn't pay for 1st class. London straight through to Edinburgh (except when there are delays due to works) is a bit over 4 hours.

I've taken that train direct from London to Edinburgh and found it perfectly fine comfort wise in coach.