Upcoming trip to England
Jun 13th, 2007, 10:26 AM
#22
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no not small but i've changed there several times and it's usually from one platform to an adjoining one - small in terms that it's not a Paddington type behemoth station with dozens and dozens of tracks.
Jun 13th, 2007, 10:49 AM
#24
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http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
click on the "stations & destinations" tabs for station info.
As for picking up tickets - use the "fasticket" option. It's all explained - including what you need to bring and how & where you can pick them up - on the various booking websites
click on the "stations & destinations" tabs for station info.
As for picking up tickets - use the "fasticket" option. It's all explained - including what you need to bring and how & where you can pick them up - on the various booking websites
Jun 14th, 2007, 05:05 AM
#25
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RE: Train Gatwick Airport to Bristol change at reading station. It appears that there are less than ten (10) minutes to change trains at Reading Station. Is this enough time to get luggage over to the platform and get on the train for Bristol???
It seems to me that 8 minutes may not be enough time to make the connection? or is it just a short distance from where you come into the station from Gatwick to where you pick up the connection to Bristol???
Everyone has been most helpful on this site. I am so glad I found it?
Thank you for your feedback and help with our trip.
Now, can anyone answer my question above?
It seems to me that 8 minutes may not be enough time to make the connection? or is it just a short distance from where you come into the station from Gatwick to where you pick up the connection to Bristol???
Everyone has been most helpful on this site. I am so glad I found it?
Thank you for your feedback and help with our trip.
Now, can anyone answer my question above?
Jun 14th, 2007, 06:13 AM
#26
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8 mins will be more than enough if the Gatwick train is on time - about a 70%-80% chance it seems from 'on-time' figures for many UK rail lines.But don't worry there are probably two trains an hour or at least hourly Reading-Bristol trains so if miss go to station cafe, sip some tea, eat a crumpet, etc. Be sure to buy a thru ticket at Gatwick so you don't have to buy a ticket at Reading.
Jun 14th, 2007, 06:39 AM
#27
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Signage at Reading leavesa a lot to be desired.
The Gatwick train arrives and leaves at platform 4A or 4B. Trains to Bristol usually leave from platform 4.
Walk to the front of the train after you've got off, turn right and platform 4 is about 10 feet in front of you. No steps. Longest it can possibly take is 30 seconds (the Gatwick train is hardly ever more than three carriages). I've caught the connection when the incoming Bristol train had actually arrived in the station.
In the other direction, trains from Bristol usually arrive at Platform 5, which means either steps over the platform to 4A/B or lifts. The lift's tricky to find (though, once you've spotted it, the "lift" icon really couldn't be plainer), and the platform's often very crowded. Allow: oh, at least 3 minutes.
The Gatwick train arrives and leaves at platform 4A or 4B. Trains to Bristol usually leave from platform 4.
Walk to the front of the train after you've got off, turn right and platform 4 is about 10 feet in front of you. No steps. Longest it can possibly take is 30 seconds (the Gatwick train is hardly ever more than three carriages). I've caught the connection when the incoming Bristol train had actually arrived in the station.
In the other direction, trains from Bristol usually arrive at Platform 5, which means either steps over the platform to 4A/B or lifts. The lift's tricky to find (though, once you've spotted it, the "lift" icon really couldn't be plainer), and the platform's often very crowded. Allow: oh, at least 3 minutes.
Jun 14th, 2007, 06:40 AM
#28
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I thank you once again for all your assistance re: Gatwick via Reading to Bristol train service.
I am going to purchase the least expensive tickets and they are by far much more economical than the bus tickets (to be honest).
They say no refunds/exchanges, etc., but if for any reason we don't get our connection, I am sure we they will be accommodating -- it is out of our control, right?
Any comments regarding driving from Bristol to Llangollen in one day, then on to Chester/Liverpool the next. Is the drive hectic? I was thinking of leaving early a.m. from Kidderminster where we will stay overnight with friends.
I have debated the train bristol to chester, rent car to Llangollen back to Chester visit with friends then back on Train to Birmingham to see family, then back on train to Bristol.
It looks like it would be easier to rent a car in Bristol, reaquaint myself with opposite side driving and make our way to Llangollen this way.
Taking the train is going to be around 4 - 5 hours by the time we get to the station, etc. from Bristol to Chester. I still have to rent a car for 3 days to get around Llangollen and Chester/Southport areas. Overall, time, train fares for 2 and getting from train station to each location i.e. Eisteddfod in Llangollen, family in Kidderminster and Birmingham areas and Chester/Southport, we are going to have the run around travelling by train, I think? Any comments/suggestions.
I know that ten years ago my husband and I rented a car and drove to Llangollen and then on to Chester. The drive was most hectic to get to Llangollen with all the tour buses on the narrow road. However, it looks like there is a more direct route once we get to Kidderminster. I don't know what route we took ten years ago, but I can assure you it was indeed the scenic route. As lovely as it was, the traffic was hectic when people wanted to pass and the buses almost clipped our side mirrors off.
It's one thing to drive on a familiar side of the car, etc., but once you start driving on the opposite side and in unfamiliar territory, nerves become a bit rattled.
I drive miles and miles every day here, but I am familiar with the roads, highways, etc.
What do you suggest?
Again, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
I am leaning towards renting a car because I will also need to get around in South Wales while staying in Bristol.
I am going to purchase the least expensive tickets and they are by far much more economical than the bus tickets (to be honest).
They say no refunds/exchanges, etc., but if for any reason we don't get our connection, I am sure we they will be accommodating -- it is out of our control, right?
Any comments regarding driving from Bristol to Llangollen in one day, then on to Chester/Liverpool the next. Is the drive hectic? I was thinking of leaving early a.m. from Kidderminster where we will stay overnight with friends.
I have debated the train bristol to chester, rent car to Llangollen back to Chester visit with friends then back on Train to Birmingham to see family, then back on train to Bristol.
It looks like it would be easier to rent a car in Bristol, reaquaint myself with opposite side driving and make our way to Llangollen this way.
Taking the train is going to be around 4 - 5 hours by the time we get to the station, etc. from Bristol to Chester. I still have to rent a car for 3 days to get around Llangollen and Chester/Southport areas. Overall, time, train fares for 2 and getting from train station to each location i.e. Eisteddfod in Llangollen, family in Kidderminster and Birmingham areas and Chester/Southport, we are going to have the run around travelling by train, I think? Any comments/suggestions.
I know that ten years ago my husband and I rented a car and drove to Llangollen and then on to Chester. The drive was most hectic to get to Llangollen with all the tour buses on the narrow road. However, it looks like there is a more direct route once we get to Kidderminster. I don't know what route we took ten years ago, but I can assure you it was indeed the scenic route. As lovely as it was, the traffic was hectic when people wanted to pass and the buses almost clipped our side mirrors off.
It's one thing to drive on a familiar side of the car, etc., but once you start driving on the opposite side and in unfamiliar territory, nerves become a bit rattled.
I drive miles and miles every day here, but I am familiar with the roads, highways, etc.
What do you suggest?
Again, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
I am leaning towards renting a car because I will also need to get around in South Wales while staying in Bristol.
Jun 14th, 2007, 06:47 AM
#29
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Hey its me again, of course, right!!!
Want to book the following and don't see any option on the website for National Rail to do this ticketing:
From Gatwick Airport to Bristol one day and returning
Bristol to London (Paddington/Victoria) stations.
I don't want/need to get back to Gatwick until we are departing from the airport, finally.
I know that I can take the Gatwick express from central ldn when we are departing.
I would like to save some money and purchase a return ticket on the train, but I need to end my journey in central ldn where I am staying for several days to tour. I leave 5-7 days later out of ldn for Gatwick.
How can I reserve my tickets on-line. Where is the option to end your return journey somewhere else???
Thanks again.
Need to reserve this today if at all possible. Will wait to hear back.
Want to book the following and don't see any option on the website for National Rail to do this ticketing:
From Gatwick Airport to Bristol one day and returning
Bristol to London (Paddington/Victoria) stations.
I don't want/need to get back to Gatwick until we are departing from the airport, finally.
I know that I can take the Gatwick express from central ldn when we are departing.
I would like to save some money and purchase a return ticket on the train, but I need to end my journey in central ldn where I am staying for several days to tour. I leave 5-7 days later out of ldn for Gatwick.
How can I reserve my tickets on-line. Where is the option to end your return journey somewhere else???
Thanks again.
Need to reserve this today if at all possible. Will wait to hear back.
Jun 14th, 2007, 07:15 AM
#30
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This is a wonderful site. Just found it and have been provided with such great advice,directions, etc. It truly makes our journey much easier, less stressful (and vacations should be stress free, right).
What can I say but Tres Bien, thanks so very much. Happy Trails everyone
What can I say but Tres Bien, thanks so very much. Happy Trails everyone
Jun 14th, 2007, 07:34 AM
#31
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There's no option to end your journey somewhere else without booking each leg separately. That might be your cheapest option.
A Gatwick-Bristol-London-Gatwick journey involves at least two companies: First Great Wertern between the London area and Bristol, and one of several between central London and Gatwick. So you need to cost two options:
- A return ticket Reading-Bristol, with singles from Gatwick to Reading, Reading to Paddington and wherever's convenient to Gatwick by whichever operator you want. Gatwick Express is the priciest operator between London and Gatwick. Play with options at the fares section of nationalrail.co.uk
- Individual single tickets for each leg, using BOTH single fares quoted at nationalrail and those you cross check for the First Great Western legs at www.firstminutefares.co.uk
A Gatwick-Bristol-London-Gatwick journey involves at least two companies: First Great Wertern between the London area and Bristol, and one of several between central London and Gatwick. So you need to cost two options:
- A return ticket Reading-Bristol, with singles from Gatwick to Reading, Reading to Paddington and wherever's convenient to Gatwick by whichever operator you want. Gatwick Express is the priciest operator between London and Gatwick. Play with options at the fares section of nationalrail.co.uk
- Individual single tickets for each leg, using BOTH single fares quoted at nationalrail and those you cross check for the First Great Western legs at www.firstminutefares.co.uk
Jun 14th, 2007, 09:03 AM
#33
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<A Gatwick-Bristol-London-Gatwick journey involves at least two companies: First Great Wertern between the London area and Bristol, and one of several between central London and Gatwick. So you need to cost two options
gt;
and on and on - the problem is that you have to track down two cheap hard to get perhaps tickets and then have them coordinate at Reading so you don't wait there all day for the change from one rail line to another, etc.
etc. etc. etc. - all this work and then have non-rrefundable non-changeable tickets when an England Railpass would make it oh so easy:
8-straight day England pass would be $265 p.p. - covers Gatwick Express as well as every rail line in England - or about 130 pounds
or a 4-day unlimited travel out of 2 mo period for $235 each or about 115 pounds.
While you may not be traveling enough to make the pass pay off monetarily you may not lose much and gain so much freedom and travail by tracking down those cheaper fares.
And if you have kids under 16, they get a free pass to match yours.
And if more in your Party then the Party Pass gives the 3rd thru 9th folks on that pass 50% off what the first two pay.
And Nov-Feb all passes are Off=Peak, meaning they're reduced 25%.
So i advise folks to always consider the pass and benefits, especially with families and 'parties' of more than two.
Sometimes to save a few quid just ain't worth it IMO.
Passes only sold in UK at BTA office in central London but at price significantly more than in US when i checked in Jan 07 - no other place so if need one buy in your home country before leaving. In USA i always recommend BETS www.budgeteuropetravel.com for their expertise and lack of mailing fees unlike many agents. Or BritRail.com though i think has mailing fees.
gt;and on and on - the problem is that you have to track down two cheap hard to get perhaps tickets and then have them coordinate at Reading so you don't wait there all day for the change from one rail line to another, etc.
etc. etc. etc. - all this work and then have non-rrefundable non-changeable tickets when an England Railpass would make it oh so easy:
8-straight day England pass would be $265 p.p. - covers Gatwick Express as well as every rail line in England - or about 130 pounds
or a 4-day unlimited travel out of 2 mo period for $235 each or about 115 pounds.
While you may not be traveling enough to make the pass pay off monetarily you may not lose much and gain so much freedom and travail by tracking down those cheaper fares.
And if you have kids under 16, they get a free pass to match yours.
And if more in your Party then the Party Pass gives the 3rd thru 9th folks on that pass 50% off what the first two pay.
And Nov-Feb all passes are Off=Peak, meaning they're reduced 25%.
So i advise folks to always consider the pass and benefits, especially with families and 'parties' of more than two.
Sometimes to save a few quid just ain't worth it IMO.
Passes only sold in UK at BTA office in central London but at price significantly more than in US when i checked in Jan 07 - no other place so if need one buy in your home country before leaving. In USA i always recommend BETS www.budgeteuropetravel.com for their expertise and lack of mailing fees unlike many agents. Or BritRail.com though i think has mailing fees.
Jun 17th, 2007, 04:48 AM
#34
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What about traveling to Scotland overnight ? I have no idea of the price but may be cheaper than a hotel room and something a bit different.
http://www.seat61.com/CaledonianSleepers.htm
http://www.seat61.com/CaledonianSleepers.htm
Jun 17th, 2007, 06:39 AM
#35
Not sure if this helps on the train ticket thing but I use www.thetrainonline.co.uk and rather than order the ticket I have them held at a mainline station ticket machine "Fast ticket" then when I get there I just push in my credit card and they are printed there and then. Same concept seems to work in a lot of western european train systems ie Italy
Jun 18th, 2007, 06:52 AM
#36
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I have done the Caledonia Sleeper overnight trains and found them to be amongst the very best i've been on in literally hundreds of overnight trains in Europe. If going round trip to Scotland i'd consider taking one way at night - if one way then i'd go in the day as the scenery, above Newcastle, is absolutely smashing - seaside views, etc.
Jun 19th, 2007, 08:52 AM
#37
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<We would like to move out of London after about 6 days and go farther north (I, for one, would like to see York; we'd both like to see Edinburgh.) However, if that's going to be impossible or make us skimp, we're flexible.>
we're flexible - that's the beauty of the BritRail pass - total flexibility to take any train any time - walkup prices for Edinburgh trains (4.5 hrs from London) can be astronomical - so if you really want flexibility to change your mind and head north look strongly at the pass. If you don't ned flexibility than online discounts ahead of time is the best bet usually.
we're flexible - that's the beauty of the BritRail pass - total flexibility to take any train any time - walkup prices for Edinburgh trains (4.5 hrs from London) can be astronomical - so if you really want flexibility to change your mind and head north look strongly at the pass. If you don't ned flexibility than online discounts ahead of time is the best bet usually.
Jun 21st, 2007, 02:18 AM
#39
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For flexible accommodation costing around £100 for two per night you may ant to look at www.wolseylodges.com
