Scheduled to arrive LHR at 9:20AM on a Saturday this October and was planning to take the tube to Kings Cross and then the train to Edinburgh. I've read a couple messages that recommend having a reservation for these trains (will be using first class flexipass), but I have no way of knowing how late the plane will be, how long to clear customs, etc, which really makes it next to impossible to book a reservation. Are the trains to London/York/Edinburgh normally packed in first class on Saturdays. thanks.

Can't speak for that line, I usually travel on the Virgin west coast service, but my guess is that it will be similar.

The train will probably have the same number of 1st and 2nd class carriages as it does during the week (Probably 3-4 first class to 5-6 economy class)

Its ususally quiet economical to travel first class at the weekends - the reason being that hardly any business men travel then. Whenever I've travelled first class at the weekend, there's hardly been anyone in. Just after Christmas I had the whole carriage to my self travelling out of London. I'd turn up and risk it.

It will probably take at least an hour to get out of heathrow, customs et al.

1) You can then take the heathrow express to Paddington and then catch the tube directly (circle line) to Kings Cross. Circle line to Kings Cross was very erratic last summer, with the line being closed most weekends and replaced by a bus service. Whilst the heathrow express is undoubtably the quickest way, by the time you've changed trains at Paddington and waited for the Circle line it will be easier to go for the following-

2) take the tube from heathrow all the way to Kings Cross - this will be the cheapest way - and will take probably an hour.

If you have loads of luggage or have mobility problems avoid the tube.

Taxi's will be very expensive.

I usually recommend taking the train to Edinburgh -- but in this case it is really a LOT more complicated and takes more time. Collect your luggage, train and tube or tube to Kings Cross, catch the train and 4+ hours later you are in Edinburgh.

OR - don't collect your luggage (because you checked it through), walk the short distance over to terminal 1, get on a plane and 50 minutes later you are in Edinburgh.

From central London taking the traim make more sense - but from LHR flying is a LOT easier.

Would agree with janis. The trip across London will be a big big hassle.

As its a weekend you can be sure that there will be an additional delay built into the timetable to allow for engineering works at the weekend, this is done so the train theoretically arrives on time although it can take 50% longer than during the week. Last time I came back at the weekend the train got me home after 3 and a 1/4 hours - on time. It only takes 2 hours during the week.

Airfares I beginning to get more competitive and the weekends rates should be comparable to a first class rail ticket.

Good point about the lack of business travelers on the weekend PJ.
Janis - I'm a real train fan, just can't pass up that 4 hour ride across the countryside! I fly every week for work, so the train ride will be a relief.
Thanks for the replys.

Be sure to have lunch in the restaurant car on the train. The food's pretty good, especially when you consider the tiny space in which it's prepared, and the entire experience is very pleasant.

Did you consider taking the plane to Edinburgh? I was in London last month, went to Edinburgh for the day and it took me 1 hr-10 min to get there on Easyjet. I've heard the trains sometime are delayed and don't run on time. Took the express bus from the airport for $10 round trip. I was originally going to take the train and people here talked me out of it and I'm glad.

First class is usually largely empty at weekends, as others have already explained. It's an interesting journey with views of Durham and the Northumberland coast, amongst other things. The station in Edinburgh is right in the centre of the city. Others have pointed out the possibility of trains being delayed, but their punctuality is almost certainly better than most airlines'.

Although flying to Edinburgh would be quicker, I can't pass up the opportunity for the long train ride. Hope I stay awake for the entire trip, after flying all night from Miami.

I was just curious how crowded first class will be on a Monday from London to Edinburgh in June? I will be taking the train myself on that day around 8:30 or 9 in the morning.

Crowded and v v expensive. But I'd be suprised if there wasn't a seat as it will get into London past the rush hour.