London to bath by train
 

I will be taking the train from London to Bath Nov. 17. have you any advise?? Is the schedule dependable now??

You can find real-time train schedule updates (delays, closings, etc.) here: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/realtime/fs_realtime.htm <BR> <BR>As far as I can see, there doesn't appear to be any indication of current problems on the lines between London and Bath. Nonetheless, I understand that rail travelers have been told to expect generally longer travel times over the next few weeks as the national rail service inspects the lines.

There are lots and lots of trains to Bath from Paddington station. I suggest you just go to the station and catch the next one. As I recall, they leave almost hourly. I haven't heard that the trains are that much delayed because of the weather conditions recently. I'm sure you'll get there easily.

Really appreciate the update and traveling advise. Our son is a traffic engineer in the U.S. and especially interested in the trains.

Good advice - the trains are fast and frequent, but to just turn up and go can cost you dear. Instead, go to www.thetrainline.com for information and ticket booking. They can post the tickets to your hotel or another address in the U K, perhaps even abroad, or you can pick them up from Paddington Station (where the trains to Bath depart from.) Bargains are to be had, so book early. If you do not manage it via the web, phone 08457 484950 when you get here for train infor. and 08457 222333 for booking. Both are cheap, local rate calls, so you could do them from a call box. Even by booking ahead by one day and adhering to the restrictions you can save a lot. <BR>There are delays at the moment caused by emergency track work after (yet another) train crash. The weather has caused flooding and that is a problem too.

Just returned from England. Took the train south to Penzance, and went thru Bath. NO trouble that far, but had to get off the train (forget the little town) and on a bus, to be bussed around a wash out. Then reconnected to the train on a little train. All in all, we got there early, with a minimum of inconvenience. Saw lots and lots of flooded fields and homes. Do not not the exact status of the floods as of today but be flexible. Came home from Penzance and they had repaired the washout portion of track, but sections of the route seemed very unstable and the train slowed down almost to a crawl, and listed from side to side (creepy) thus making our arrival in Reading, (where we changed for Gatwick) very late, and we missed our connection. However, we did get to Gatwick about 1 1/2 hour behind schedule. The British are very good about coping, and I shouldn't worry about the trains, just be able to adjust and wait. Many trains going north were cancelled. Calling ahead is no use, and the lines are clogged. Best bet is to just go to the station.