Inverness, bus, Fort William, train, Glasgow
 

On a Thursday in June, we need to travel from Inverness to Glasgow. We thought we'd catch a bus to Fort William and then a train to Glasgow.

The bus arrives at Fort William at 11:05. The train leaves Fort William at 11:40.

Is that cutting things too fine? Are the buses generally on time?

I thought about getting off the bus at Spean Bridge (10:48) and then hopping on the train there (11:56). Would there be any drama with non-reserved seats with this plan? (That is, what happens if the train is full when leaving Fort William?)

Thanks,

Brian

Well TMK you can always hop on those trains as seat reservations are not required and full-fare tickets can be used on any train. See National Rail Enquiries - Official source for UK train times and timetables for schedules and fares and conditions - www.seat61.com has loads of info on British trains - general train info also at BETS-European Rail Experts and www.ricksteves.com. So though all seats can be full you can always climb on I believe. And you can make a seat reservation for a pittance or sometimes free so why not do so? Trains in 2nd class can often be full folks on Fodors say - sometimes first class is less full and may be worth it if just hopping on (if that train has 1st cl as some Scottish ones do not). check National Rail Enquiries - Official source for UK train times and timetables for details.

Why don't you simply take the train from Inverness to Glasgow??? Why are you messing about with Ft William?

It takes about 3.5 hours either without a change or with a change in Perth

We will have previously trained from Edinburgh to Inverness, so will have seen most of that line.

We thought this would be a good way to see a little of the West Highland line.

Worth it, or not?

Brian

Agree with janisj, just take the train from Inverness to Glasgow. Much easier. Pal has provided a number of sites in regard to trains but the only one you really need is National Rail Enquiries - Official source for UK train times and timetables. There are trains without changes and several which require a change. Should be easy enough to get one without change.

The West Highland Line is very scenic and worth it IMO. The bus station in Fort William is close to the rail station and with 35 minutes shouldn’t be a problem. If you buy a ticket in advance for Spean Bridge to Glasgow you won’t have a problem. There is no first class on the West Highland route. If you have a ticket no need for seat reservation as they are automatically assigned when you purchase your ticket. Reallly up to you as to getting on at Fort William or Spean Bridge.

>>Are the buses generally on time?<<

Buses face the same issues as cars. They are 'generally' on time, but the road is just 2 lanes so a wreck or road construction or anything could delay the bus. If your point is to get to Glasgow w/i a specific window of time, take the train Inverness > Glasgow. If you want to sight see and don't mind delays - take that round about route.

Makes sense to me.

By taking train from Ft William to Glasow the train tracks right the the famous Rannioch Moor, often called one of Europe's most unique and desolate natural areas - the main rail way Inverness to Perth to Glasgow does not - and to me well worth it:

https://www.google.com/search?q=rann...w=1253&bih=615

Pal, the OP is aware of the difference and that’s why they asked about bus/ train connections at Fort William. BTW it’s Rannoch Moor .

Yes but not sure and was answering janis' query why did they not just take the more direct main train lines.

>>Yes but not sure and was answering janis' query<<

I think bmck pretty clearly answered my 'query' himself . . .

www.bahn.de/en says those are 2nd class only trains and 'reservations optional' - so I would book a seat to insure a seat. Do it when you buy your ticket.

Isn’t that what I said in my post? Maybe I missed something here.

PQ just like to see his name in lights ;)

Thanks for all your advice.

I think we'll take the bus/train option and change at Spean Bridge to get a little more transfer time up our sleeve.

BTW, how is "Spean" pronounced? Speen? Spain?

Thanks again

It’s pronounce almost as if there’s two syllables Spe...ann but just plain Spean works fine. No one will correct you. There are several shops there that include a woolen shop, a very nice shop that sells soaps and similar items and a whisky shop. Also the Bridge Cafe. It’s a pleasant place to spend some time while waiting for train.