I have just a few questions I hope can get answered concerning train rides from Edinburgh to London:

-What are the trains like? Are there seperate compartments? Are all trains running between Edinburgh and London sleeper trains? If so, do you share a sleeping compartment with other travelers?

-How long is the train journey from Edinburgh to London?

-How are seats arranged in the train? Are they assigned, or do you sit anywhere, as in a commuter train? Do the seats resemble a commuter train in that they are benches (or two chairs) facing each other seperated by space or a table, or are they more like bus seats, facing the front of the train?

-What do you do if you're traveling with large luggage?


It's quite a lot to ask, but I'd like a full response, if anyone's willing. Thank you!

Not all trains are the same. And since it's only about 4 hours from Edinburgh to London - few trains are sleepers (I think only one that leaves about 11 at night).

And the seat configurations depends on what type of train you take and what class of travel. (I have seen mostly cars with all seats facing in the same direction, but also some with 4 seats facing each other and a small drop-down table in between.

Traveling with large luggage is not a good idea - since you need to get it on and off the train (often up several steep, narrow steps) and often onto overhead racks. (Some trains have a luggage space at the end of the car - but if you use that bring a lock so you can secure it to something - to make sure it doesn;t depart at an intermediate stop.)

There are three main train operators in the Edinburgh to London route.

Fastest and most frequent is the GNER service down the East Coast Main Line. Trains at top of every hour during the day, and also at :30 during AM and PM "rush". Trains take around 4:30, give or take 15 minutes, depending on stops. I believe the northbound 3pm takes 4:12, and is the fastest.

Virgin trains run from Edinburgh down the West Coast Main Line to London Euston. Not many direct trains, as Virgin's main service is Southwest to Scotland and Euston to NE England. The few direct trains take about 5:20. There's little reason to take Virgin as their trainsets are more cramped (though newer), and service less reliable.

The third option is the once daily Caledonian Sleeper run by First ScotRail to London Euston. Departs 11:40p, arrives 7:16a.

You've got good answers about the trains -- but &quot;<i>-What do you do if you're traveling with large luggage? </i>&quot;

How large?? Traveling on trains w/ a lot of, or large luggage, is a real pain. You have to schlep it yourself through the stations and up and down on/off the trains. But large luggage is a pain most everywhere - not just on trains.

You can reserve seats, and on busy services reservation may be advised or even required. On services where no reservation is required, you can sit where you can find a space, or if it's unexpectedly busy you might find yourself standing.

www.nationalrail.co.uk for all the options.

you dont say when you are travelling but book as soon as you can(up to 90 days before travell)so you can get the most economical tickets.A reservation will be included. go to GNER site to book and you can pick the tickets up in London before you travel at a ticket machine but only with the credit card you reserved with. you enter the booking number given and the tickets are printed right there.if you need a british post code you can use mine dl1 2jb

Sorry I meant you can pick the tickets up in Edinburgh (Waverley station)