Train from London to Edinburgh??
May 10th, 2010, 09:42 AM
#21
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so I don't think the 3 day Brit Rail Flexipass is the way we want to go. But please tell me if I'm wrong.>
the only way for one trajectory that could be true would be if you want to be fully flexible and pay full fare then the pass could actually be cheaper. But i think at nationalrail.co.uk or eastcoast site, if you can lock yourself into a certain train then that would be the cheapest option.
Q- why not just drive from London to Edinburgh - then you could stop in York or go by Hadrian's Wall, etc. en route if you have more than a day to do it. Or drive up and fly out of Edinburgh as Mimar suggests is possible.
the only way for one trajectory that could be true would be if you want to be fully flexible and pay full fare then the pass could actually be cheaper. But i think at nationalrail.co.uk or eastcoast site, if you can lock yourself into a certain train then that would be the cheapest option.
Q- why not just drive from London to Edinburgh - then you could stop in York or go by Hadrian's Wall, etc. en route if you have more than a day to do it. Or drive up and fly out of Edinburgh as Mimar suggests is possible.
May 10th, 2010, 11:04 AM
#22
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Mimar - we are using credit card miles, not frequent flyer miles. Our credit card company does not allow open jaw, but may others do. I wish we had enough FF flyer miles!
Palenque - I thought of the train as a way to save time. Plus, we would have a car in Edinburgh, where I know we don't want to drive. I thought it would take 2 days to drive. Where would you suggest staying? We would like to see York and Hadrian's wall.
Here is a very tentative timetable that might explain my concerns:
London: 2 days
Edinburgh: 2 days
St. Andrews: 2 days
Highlands: not sure yet how many days; husband is supposed to work where he wants to go
Drive to Snowdonia, Wales for 3 days
MidWales: 2 days
St. David's: 2 days
Abergaveny: 3 days
Then we will probably have another 2 days before we leave from London.
So you see while we have 3 weeks, we are trying to cover a lot of ground. I thought the train might save some time.
If given the choice, my husband would rather see Scotland than England on this trip. I really don't care where we go. There is so much to see!
Do you think we are trying to do too much?
Palenque - I thought of the train as a way to save time. Plus, we would have a car in Edinburgh, where I know we don't want to drive. I thought it would take 2 days to drive. Where would you suggest staying? We would like to see York and Hadrian's wall.
Here is a very tentative timetable that might explain my concerns:
London: 2 days
Edinburgh: 2 days
St. Andrews: 2 days
Highlands: not sure yet how many days; husband is supposed to work where he wants to go
Drive to Snowdonia, Wales for 3 days
MidWales: 2 days
St. David's: 2 days
Abergaveny: 3 days
Then we will probably have another 2 days before we leave from London.
So you see while we have 3 weeks, we are trying to cover a lot of ground. I thought the train might save some time.
If given the choice, my husband would rather see Scotland than England on this trip. I really don't care where we go. There is so much to see!
Do you think we are trying to do too much?
May 10th, 2010, 12:38 PM
#23
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reilly - you already have a full itinerary so taking the train makes sense - esp while in Edinburgh
but in the same vein you may want to return the car in Scotland and take the train to Wales and pick up another car there and return it and take the train back to London
There is a Brit-Rail Drive pass that gives you X number of unlimited train travel days and X number of car days - you return the car at a train station and then pick one up at another station.
but in the same vein you may want to return the car in Scotland and take the train to Wales and pick up another car there and return it and take the train back to London
There is a Brit-Rail Drive pass that gives you X number of unlimited train travel days and X number of car days - you return the car at a train station and then pick one up at another station.
May 10th, 2010, 02:29 PM
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Palenque,
That sounds like a good idea, but when I look up the Brit-Rail Drive pass, it looks like you have a choice of 4 or 8 days of train travel and 2 days of Hertz car rental within a 2-month time period. We need more days with the rental car and fewer with the train.
I have to admit the train travel aspect of this is very confusing for me.
I think I am going to have to do some more research and pin down the areas of Scotland we want to visit. I'm thinking maybe save London for the end. That way we could pick up the rental car when we land in London and start the drive to Edinburgh, picking a place to stay an hour or two out of London.
Its good to have options!
That sounds like a good idea, but when I look up the Brit-Rail Drive pass, it looks like you have a choice of 4 or 8 days of train travel and 2 days of Hertz car rental within a 2-month time period. We need more days with the rental car and fewer with the train.
I have to admit the train travel aspect of this is very confusing for me.
I think I am going to have to do some more research and pin down the areas of Scotland we want to visit. I'm thinking maybe save London for the end. That way we could pick up the rental car when we land in London and start the drive to Edinburgh, picking a place to stay an hour or two out of London.
Its good to have options!
May 10th, 2010, 04:22 PM
#25
"you may want to return the car in Scotland and take the train to Wales and pick up another car there and return it and take the train back to London"
Unless you get a super bargain fare for a train/car package, the above would probably be a bad idea. Short-term car rentals cost more per day than full weeks or longer. In fact a 4 day rental can cost more than a 7 or 8 day period.
For your itinerary, the most economical option would probably be picking up a car when leaving Edinburgh and dropping it at LHR before your last 2 days in London (or after wherever else you go)
Unless you get a super bargain fare for a train/car package, the above would probably be a bad idea. Short-term car rentals cost more per day than full weeks or longer. In fact a 4 day rental can cost more than a 7 or 8 day period.
For your itinerary, the most economical option would probably be picking up a car when leaving Edinburgh and dropping it at LHR before your last 2 days in London (or after wherever else you go)
May 10th, 2010, 06:21 PM
#26
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Now that we have decided to stay in Edinburgh, does anyone have any accomodation suggestions?
I am pleased to recommend the B&B Ardgowan House at 1 Lady Road. It's about a 10-15 minute bus ride from the center. £45 per night single. Good traditional breakfast. The owner is Graham, an excellent host. He will teach you how to pronounce Edinburgh after you get it wrong. Parking in front.
From my notebook here are some eating tips:
Lunch somewhere near the B&B but on a different road, the Robin's Nest for a fine burger and ale. £4.95.
Dinner at North Bridge Bar at Scottsman Hotel. "A tasting of the sea" is an excellent mixed platter. With a St. Andrew's ale, £21.
Lunch at The Living Room. Moules and a pint of Kroenenberg. Not bad. £11.95.
Dinner at Maison Bleue on Victoria Street. Venison medallions with half bottle of Chile cab. Succulent. Perfect. £25.
I also did the open top bus tour (couldn't understand a word of the Scott), took a bus out to Roslyn Chapel (very dilapidated but interesting), and had a pint in Deacon Brodie's Tavern. The Deacon is reputed to be the real life Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Interesting mural on the wall. The Deacon was hanged.
On leaving for York I checked at the lost and found office in the station. My fedora had not been turned in. I don't expect to ever see it again, and in fact had forgotten all about it until this thread came up. I also lost my umbrella in a taxi and a credit card in Edinburgh. I've never had such bad luck in a city before. Other than that, Edinburgh is a marvelous city as you all know. I hadn't been there for almost 20 years. At that time I had dinner at the Witchery. I peeked in the door for a few minutes and had a chat with the staff. It is still a most beautiful restaurant, but I passed this time.
I am pleased to recommend the B&B Ardgowan House at 1 Lady Road. It's about a 10-15 minute bus ride from the center. £45 per night single. Good traditional breakfast. The owner is Graham, an excellent host. He will teach you how to pronounce Edinburgh after you get it wrong. Parking in front.
From my notebook here are some eating tips:
Lunch somewhere near the B&B but on a different road, the Robin's Nest for a fine burger and ale. £4.95.
Dinner at North Bridge Bar at Scottsman Hotel. "A tasting of the sea" is an excellent mixed platter. With a St. Andrew's ale, £21.
Lunch at The Living Room. Moules and a pint of Kroenenberg. Not bad. £11.95.
Dinner at Maison Bleue on Victoria Street. Venison medallions with half bottle of Chile cab. Succulent. Perfect. £25.
I also did the open top bus tour (couldn't understand a word of the Scott), took a bus out to Roslyn Chapel (very dilapidated but interesting), and had a pint in Deacon Brodie's Tavern. The Deacon is reputed to be the real life Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Interesting mural on the wall. The Deacon was hanged.
On leaving for York I checked at the lost and found office in the station. My fedora had not been turned in. I don't expect to ever see it again, and in fact had forgotten all about it until this thread came up. I also lost my umbrella in a taxi and a credit card in Edinburgh. I've never had such bad luck in a city before. Other than that, Edinburgh is a marvelous city as you all know. I hadn't been there for almost 20 years. At that time I had dinner at the Witchery. I peeked in the door for a few minutes and had a chat with the staff. It is still a most beautiful restaurant, but I passed this time.
May 11th, 2010, 06:35 AM
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Unless you get a super bargain fare for a train/car package, the above would probably be a bad idea. Short-term car rentals cost more per day than full weeks or longer. In fact a 4 day rental can cost more than a 7 or 8 day period>
Well IMO the BritRail/Drive package is a true bargain - unlimited days of train travel - just show up at station and hop any train and a few days of car rental here and some there - it is a great deal for folks wishing to drive in areas conducive to driving but to do long tedious drives - and as janis aptly points out usually renting a car for a few days can be as expensive as a week - so this make the rail and drive package a great deal for folks wishing to do just that.
Well IMO the BritRail/Drive package is a true bargain - unlimited days of train travel - just show up at station and hop any train and a few days of car rental here and some there - it is a great deal for folks wishing to drive in areas conducive to driving but to do long tedious drives - and as janis aptly points out usually renting a car for a few days can be as expensive as a week - so this make the rail and drive package a great deal for folks wishing to do just that.
May 11th, 2010, 08:38 AM
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Hi there
Weighing in a bit late here, but you still have planning time!
The last couple of trips to the UK we used BritRail Flexi passes, and because we are seniors, we get a great rate for first class. Now we are spoiled, and much prefer that experience! As other posters have said, if you buy point to point train tickets, the sooner the better -- prices only go up if you wait. Downside is that you are then locked in to a specific train route and time, whereas a pass allows you flexibility to use however you wish. Once you finalize timing, you can go ahead and reserve a seat. For long distances, it's definitely more relaxing to sit back on the train and enjoy the view than to wrestle with driving on the left, etc. I must say we were surprised to see how crowded the trains were when we walked through the carriages -- we were glad to have more room in first...
I did a trip report after our trip to Scotland: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...long-tr.cfm?25
Had a fantastic trip, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Took the overnight train to Inverness, drove up to far north Scotland then down the west coast. Ended up in Edinburgh where we stayed at a fab B&B: 2 Cambridge Street http://www.aboutscotland.com/edin/cambridge.html. Not cheap, but a great place. (AboutScotland website was very helpful for planning, too.)
Weighing in a bit late here, but you still have planning time!
The last couple of trips to the UK we used BritRail Flexi passes, and because we are seniors, we get a great rate for first class. Now we are spoiled, and much prefer that experience! As other posters have said, if you buy point to point train tickets, the sooner the better -- prices only go up if you wait. Downside is that you are then locked in to a specific train route and time, whereas a pass allows you flexibility to use however you wish. Once you finalize timing, you can go ahead and reserve a seat. For long distances, it's definitely more relaxing to sit back on the train and enjoy the view than to wrestle with driving on the left, etc. I must say we were surprised to see how crowded the trains were when we walked through the carriages -- we were glad to have more room in first...
I did a trip report after our trip to Scotland: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...long-tr.cfm?25
Had a fantastic trip, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Took the overnight train to Inverness, drove up to far north Scotland then down the west coast. Ended up in Edinburgh where we stayed at a fab B&B: 2 Cambridge Street http://www.aboutscotland.com/edin/cambridge.html. Not cheap, but a great place. (AboutScotland website was very helpful for planning, too.)
May 11th, 2010, 09:34 AM
#29
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For example the rail/drive package for Britain costs, p.p. for two people traveling together $359 p.p. and gives you as a base 4 days unlimited rail travel over a two-month period and two days of Hertz car rental - all taxes and fees included - you add on extra car days at $59/day per car and you can pick up and return at zillions of rail stations - use a few days here - take the train to relocated - avoiding heavy fuel charges and long tiring drives.
For someone like the OP - take the train to Edinburgh - pick up car - take train to Wales - pick up car and take train back to London - there is a 4th day on the pass to be used for day trips from London or just to take the airport express trains.
Not a bad deal it seems for someone wishing to drive in far-removed places but not doing long drives in between
For someone like the OP - take the train to Edinburgh - pick up car - take train to Wales - pick up car and take train back to London - there is a 4th day on the pass to be used for day trips from London or just to take the airport express trains.
Not a bad deal it seems for someone wishing to drive in far-removed places but not doing long drives in between
May 11th, 2010, 10:03 AM
#30
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More options! I love it!
SB_Travl - your trip report was really interesting and got me thinking about taking the overnight train to Inverness instead. How long was your entire trip? I'm going to print out your report for reference. Thanks for the link.
Palenque - I am still looking into the rail/drive package. I am not sure when we would use the train v. using the car. My original thought was to rent the car in Edinburgh and return it in London, but SB_Travel has me thinking of taking the overnight train to Inverness... At what point would you suggest taking the train in Scotland to get to other points in Scotland and/or Wales? Are there other overnight trains?
Thanks to everyone. Hopefully one day I can make a decision!
SB_Travl - your trip report was really interesting and got me thinking about taking the overnight train to Inverness instead. How long was your entire trip? I'm going to print out your report for reference. Thanks for the link.
Palenque - I am still looking into the rail/drive package. I am not sure when we would use the train v. using the car. My original thought was to rent the car in Edinburgh and return it in London, but SB_Travel has me thinking of taking the overnight train to Inverness... At what point would you suggest taking the train in Scotland to get to other points in Scotland and/or Wales? Are there other overnight trains?
Thanks to everyone. Hopefully one day I can make a decision!
May 11th, 2010, 10:31 AM
#31
If I took the sleeper to I'ness (which would be a great idea) I'd collect a car there and return it in London/LHR.
Or possibly return it in Edinburgh, take a train to Wales and collect a car there. But that would be my 2nd choice because there is so much to see along the route.
"At what point would you suggest taking the train in Scotland to get to other points in Scotland and/or Wales?"
Once you have a car, there is really no place in Scotland where it makes sense to drop a car and substitute a train before collecting another car to see more of Scotland.
Plus, the national chains that allow 1-way rentals are only found in major cities/airports. Inverness, GLA/the city, EDI/the city, etc. Any place else will only have small local companies.
Or possibly return it in Edinburgh, take a train to Wales and collect a car there. But that would be my 2nd choice because there is so much to see along the route.
"At what point would you suggest taking the train in Scotland to get to other points in Scotland and/or Wales?"
Once you have a car, there is really no place in Scotland where it makes sense to drop a car and substitute a train before collecting another car to see more of Scotland.
Plus, the national chains that allow 1-way rentals are only found in major cities/airports. Inverness, GLA/the city, EDI/the city, etc. Any place else will only have small local companies.
May 11th, 2010, 12:09 PM
#32
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I'd take a train perhaps from Inverness via Glasgow to Chester, smack on north Wales doorstep and pick the car up there at the train station.
Like Janis says there is a lot to see and do on the way - like Hadrian's Wall and the fabled Lake District but if you want to go straight thru it could be a fatiguing drive.
Like Janis says there is a lot to see and do on the way - like Hadrian's Wall and the fabled Lake District but if you want to go straight thru it could be a fatiguing drive.
May 11th, 2010, 12:33 PM
#33
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We haven't yet done the Sleeper, but we are scheduled to take it London-Inverness in late June. Departure from Euston Station is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. boarding/9:16 p.m. departure and 8:31 a.m. arrival in Inverness.
At the recommendation of the very helpful phone reservation agent at ScotRail, we are getting a Friends and Family pass, which saved us a considerable sum even if we just use it for this one trip.
At the recommendation of the very helpful phone reservation agent at ScotRail, we are getting a Friends and Family pass, which saved us a considerable sum even if we just use it for this one trip.
May 11th, 2010, 12:39 PM
#34
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Great ideas.
This is what I was thinking. Option one is arrive in London and stay 2 nights. Then overnight train to Inverness, collect the car there, see some areas there and then make our way down through Scotland, England, Wales and back to London. There will be some long drives, but plenty to see along the way.
Second option is taking the sleeper to Edinburgh from London and collect a car there. With this plan, we wouldn't go as far north as Inverness. Certainly St. Andrews and then maybe the area around Arran before heading back to Wales/London?
Although I like the idea of taking a train, we will have our golf clubs and will need to get to a few courses as well. I just think taking a train other than the sleeper would be a little inconvenient for us for this trip. I realize that means a lot of driving, but I guess we will just have to deal with it. Hopefully we will be back.
This is what I was thinking. Option one is arrive in London and stay 2 nights. Then overnight train to Inverness, collect the car there, see some areas there and then make our way down through Scotland, England, Wales and back to London. There will be some long drives, but plenty to see along the way.
Second option is taking the sleeper to Edinburgh from London and collect a car there. With this plan, we wouldn't go as far north as Inverness. Certainly St. Andrews and then maybe the area around Arran before heading back to Wales/London?
Although I like the idea of taking a train, we will have our golf clubs and will need to get to a few courses as well. I just think taking a train other than the sleeper would be a little inconvenient for us for this trip. I realize that means a lot of driving, but I guess we will just have to deal with it. Hopefully we will be back.
May 11th, 2010, 01:08 PM
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Hi reillygee
I think our total trip was just under 3 weeks -- we also visited rellies in Kent and Worcester, and spent the last couple of nights in London. I think we had 12 days in Scotland, because we only stayed a couple of nights in most places. Wish it had been more -- next time, for sure.
I think our total trip was just under 3 weeks -- we also visited rellies in Kent and Worcester, and spent the last couple of nights in London. I think we had 12 days in Scotland, because we only stayed a couple of nights in most places. Wish it had been more -- next time, for sure.
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