UK TRAIN TRAVEL FOR 1ST TIMERS | How to Take Trains in England, Scotland & Wales (Step by Step!)
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- Опубликовано: 31 май 2024
- New to taking trains in the UK? Not sure how to get the best deal on UK train tickets or how to navigate the stress of UK train stations? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know so that you can conquer the UK train system with confidence!
Be sure to read the written version of this guide for MANY more details & tips: happytowander.com/uk-train-tr...
In this video I mention Trainline, which I think is a great search tool and very convenient for keeping tickets together if you're booking a lot of trains. I use them all the time and don't mind the small booking fee for the better UX and convenience: happytowander.com/trainline
BUT do know the cheapest option will almost always be to book directly with the train operator!
Another alternative is TrainPal, which I haven't yet personally used but I'll be trying them out when I return to the UK this Spring: happytowander.com/trainpal They've given me a code to share with you - HAPPYTOWANDER for 33% off Railcards & 5% off for EUR/UK rail tickets for new customers and 2% off for existing customers so in this case it might be cheaper than booking directly. Let me know if you use the code and I hope it helps!
00:00 INTRODUCTION
00:47 A BRIEF INTRO TO THE UK RAIL SYSTEM
1:42 TYPES OF TRAINS IN THE UK
2:50 STEP BY STEP HOW TO TAKE TRAINS IN THE UK (INTRO)
2:54 1) DECIDE IF TRAINS ARE THE RIGHT CHOICE
4:22 2) BUY TRAIN TICKETS
6:16 RAILCARD VS NO RAILCARD
7:05 TICKETS VS RAILPASSES
8:18 ADVANCE VS. ANYTIME VS. OFF-PEAK
10:17 SPLIT TICKETS
10:54 1ST VS STANDARD CLASS
11:41 RESERVED VS. UNRESERVED SEATS
12:34 3) BUY SNACKS BEFORE YOUR TRIP
13:26 4) ARRIVE AT THE STATION
14:38 5) GET TO THE PLATFORM
15:50 6) FIND THE RIGHT CARRIAGE
16:35 7) FIND YOUR SEAT
17:27 8) GET COMFY & ENJOY THE JOURNEY
18:12 9) DISEMBARK
HELPFUL LINKS
➡️ (Best Price) Official National Rail Booking Site: www.nationalrail.co.uk/
➡️ (Easiest Interface) Trainline {affiliate link}: happytowander.com/trainline
➡️ (Nice UX with no Booking Fees) TrainPal {affiliate link}: happytowander.com/trainpal Use code HAPPYTOWANDER for 33% off Railcards & 5% off for EUR/UK rail tickets for new customers and 2% off for existing customers
➡️ (Best for Comparing Trains w/ Other Modes of Transport) Omio {affiliate link}: happytowander.com/omio
WATCH NEXT - MORE UK TRAVEL VIDEOS:
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CHRISTINA'S TRAVEL GEAR
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➡️ Where I search flights: www.google.com/travel/flights
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I hope you enjoy this guide on how to take trains in the UK! I cover lots of topics from how to get the best deals on UK train tickets, how seat reservations work on UK trains, how to find the right platform and train carriage, amenities and perks of UK trains, 1st vs standard class on UK trains, the difference between different types of UK trains, and more.
Hey everyone!! Hope you enjoy this week's video about UK train travel. Let me know if you have any questions, and as usual check out the written version for more details/tips: happytowander.com/uk-train-travel-guide/
In this video I mention Trainline, which I think is a great search tool and very convenient for keeping tickets together if you're booking a lot of trains. I use them all the time and don't mind the small booking fee for the better UX and convenience: {affiliate link} happytowander.com/trainline
BUT do know the cheapest option will almost always be to book directly with the train operator!
Another alternative is TrainPal, which I haven't yet personally used but I'll be trying them out when I return to the UK this Spring: {affiliate link} happytowander.com/trainpal They've given me a code to share with you - HAPPYTOWANDER for 33% off Railcards & 5% off for EUR/UK rail tickets for new customers and 2% off for existing customers so in this case it might be cheaper than booking directly. Let me know if you use the code and I hope it helps!
When are you going to cover the Northern rail services, which is responsible for taking people to work everyday?
Quick Question: Can you get a pass that will allow you to use any train at anytime, anywhere in the UK for a period of only 2-weeks?
@@peterbarrett5402 Quick Answer 😅🤣🤣
I have 4 big bags, are they allow us to take all of them ?
feels stupid to say but this helped me as a british person
LOL😂! Tourists can also buy it for saving🥺 and I also know a cheaper channel😎
don't feel stupid , British rail is the most confusing system in Europe.
Wow, You really put some work in here. I think the rail companys should employ you. You understand there systems better than there own staff.
I’m English and about to travel 🧳 4 hours 30 mins up north and watched your video to learn how to get a long distance train . Thanks . ❤
Me too! Really useful information, plus I got a 5% discount on train tickets with code, which greatly saved my budget
I think so too!BTW you can get a discount now❤
Exceptional details for first timers. Thankyou
Thanks for sharing. Saving a bit on travel is always good!
This is so thorough and well-done!
Me too! Really useful information, plus I got a 5% discount on train tickets with code, which greatly saved my budget
Couldn't agree more! But I somehow got a better price ❤❤
So very informative and useful for my upcoming first trip to the UK in March! I appreciate your insight and firsthand knowledge.
How was your trip and experience on the train??
Yet another highly informative and useful video Christina, with a lot of topics and options covered. Loved this one. The many times I've been in the UK as a visitor, train travel has always been reliable, safe and cost effective. I've never really had a bsd train experience. So all the information you provide here, is wonderful and timely. Great job.
I think so too! 😮Very useful information! And recently I got a 5% discount on train tickets with code, which greatly saved my budget! If anyone needs a cheap ticket too can contact me 😊
Yessss! Detailed and clear expression🙏 Thx for ur devotion😘 I tried the app mentioned by comments section, amazingly it is 💥super save🤩
Thanks, very helpful. Thank goodness bathrooms are available onboard 😊
As someone who's been driving in the UK for 35 years, there's no way that I would drive into London. Hire cars are fine if you're in the countryside outside the big cities, but not a good choice within a conurbation.
EDIT: if you're travelling on local lines, Anytime tickets are sometimes the only ticket available. Also, local Anytime tickets are often not excessively expensive (unlike on long-distance trains).
With Off-peak tickets, you really need to check the rules for when they're not valid. For instance, from the same station you can have different periods of validity for different destinations. So for instance, a Leeds to Skipton Off-peak day return is valid after 09:30, but not in the evening peak between 16:00 and 18:30, but a Leeds to Settle (a station a bit further down the line) Off-peak is valid any time from 09:00 with no evening peak black-out. And some trains from Leeds serve both Skipton and Settle!
Day return tickets (where the return journey has to be made the same day as the outward journey) are often not much more expensive than the equivalent single, so you save a lot by using these if you're having a day trip out.
Many local trains don't have first class.
A tip if travelling on TransPennine, especially between Manchester and Leeds: a LOT of reservations often aren't used, because the trains run several times per hour, and passengers can get an earlier train than expected. So if you see a seat reserved from an earlier station that isn't occupied, you will probably be OK to sit on it (unless the passenger has gone to the loo).
It’s really useful and help me know about more details about how to traveling.
Thank u so much for telling us these😮 These bloggers taught me a lot and once learned how to buy a railcard cheaper❤
You can also try Trainpal with RT777E ❤
I just found a 5% off code for uk railcards a few days ago 🎉 just let me know if u need it
Very helpful video, thank you!
I think so too!BTW we can get 5% off on train tickets now😊
Thanks for great information
This is so so useful. Thank you. I am new to the UK
I am new here too, and i got a great way to save money from my friends, if u need, I can share
I just found a 5% off code for uk railcards a few days ago 🎉 just let me know if u need it
Thank you for mentioning to use the whole platform when boarding. Often people just crowd around the station entrance causing hassle.
Thank you. Very helpful👍🏼
Very informative thank you! We are planning a trip to the UK next year and looking into using the trains. This was very helpful 😊
There is also a supplementary suggestion, pay more attention to the recent promotions of British Railways, which can help you save money.
@@code-on-Trip-app thank you for the suggestion 🙂
I just found a 5% off code for uk railcards a few days ago 🎉 just let me know if u need it
Thank you, you're a star. 👏
I love this video it’s very useful for me, and I have found a useful discount for train tickets❤
You can also try Trainpal RC777E
I love trains this time, I love the rails on which they travel this is two, I also shot reviews this is three,I liked the seats at the beginning of the video,I like
Best video ever I subscribe by the way keep up the good work ❤😊
yeah, it helps me a lot😃and i got a great discount from my friends, if u need, I can share
This video helps me a lot!! Last time, my friends told me a way to get bigger discounts for rail trips.
I heard a very cheap way to buy
I too have found a significant discount!
Railcard is very easy to use in the UK. If you don't apply for a card, you can also use the latest discount separately.
Yeah! recently I also got a code for buying railcard and got a 5%discount,it’s so cool, if anyone need it can contact me too😊 ~
@@ziyizhao2143Hey! I have a question. Is it necessary to have a Railcard or can I just buy a ticket on my phone? I'm going to Scotland for a week and I hope It's ok to just have a e-ticket. What do you think? 😊
I would also advise looking into other schemes that may not always be well publicised look for things like rail and sail. and also look for if bus-plus would be worth while for your planned journey.
Brits love to hate our railways, and it's true that there is a lot to be improved. However, our safety is world class, trains are broadly on time when compared to European neighbours, and they cover most of the country: there's a lot to love. The main issue honestly is price (and a lack of true High Speed rail!)
I think so too! 😮While recently I got a 5% discount on train tickets with code, which greatly saved my budget! If anyone needs a cheap ticket too can contact me 😊
Couldn't agree more! But I somehow got a better price ❤
I just found a 5% off code for uk railcards a few days ago 🎉
I love and hate Europe. I was fascinated by the stunning scenery and rich history, but I was overwhelmed by the high cost. I think trainpal's discount coupon saved me.
I love traveling in Europe, especially when I can save on train travel😅
Absolutely brilliant presentation.Me and my wife are visiting the UK for three plus weeks and plan to use our multiple rail passes very efficiently.We are a senior couple from India and plan to criss cross the mainland countries and try to see as many diverse cities and towns as possible.The big advantage of travelling by train in Britain is that most of the main stations are located in historic town centers and one needs just a couple of hours to alight and see a few fascinating sights by walking and get back on the train easily for the next journey.
Great experience ! And I want to share my travel tips with you. I found an amazing deal for European train tickets with a 5% discount! It works for tickets all across Europe! If there is any need can contact me I’d like to share 😊
Train will be faster and has more scenery on the way🥹 and with discount the price will be affordable as well😂
Love this video. Taking train from Southampton to Birmingham to connect with Edinburgh. Worried about the connection in Birmingham if there is one. First timers with rail travel.
The deal with split tickets as I understand it (I'm a railway worker but as with all things British, it's complicated) is: it's to do with the way that responsibility for setting fares was divided up when British Rail was privatised in the mid 1990s. E.g., company 1 has responsibility for setting the fare between station A and station C, whilst company 2 has responsibility for setting the fare between stations A and B, and between stations B and C, even if both companies' trains stop at station B on their way. As such the fare from A to C bought in one transaction may be different from the sum of the fares from A to B and B to C. Why? As with all things British, it's complicated.
Some intercity train have a coach or part of a coach unreserved LNER is coach c
British trains have preferential conditions, trainpal can receive up to 5% discount.
One thing worth noting if your journey involves a ferry within Scotland you can get a combined train and ferry ticket. Also of note it is sometimes cheaper to buy your train ticket through ScotRail or LNER due to promos. Split ticketing can be fun it is possible to go from Glasgow central to London Euston for £4.50
I heard that there is a promotion recently. If you plan to go, you can pay attention to it. After all, train tickets are quite expensive.
@@code-on-Trip-app Depends on how you define expensive. Glasgow Central to Charing Cross is only £1.75 single or £1.80 return with no peak fares
That is very elaborate👍 Plus Europe rail ticket now has a discount😮
Very informative video but I would have liked more information about navigating the platforms, since that is the step in the journey I find most daunting.
Exactly
Do not rely on train catering. Dining service is mostly on some trains with First Class.
I'm going to be staying in London but will have to take a train to Euston for the Harry Potter studio tour and another train (lumo) to go to Edinburgh for a few days.
Great video! And I want to share my travel tips with you guys. I found an amazing deal for European train tickets with a 5% discount! It works for tickets all across Europe!
Exellence!!!
This video is excellent and exactly what I needed to prepare for my UK train trip. It does confirm my fears though, that the UK train travel options are overwhelming and confusing. 😂 Anyway, I'll now have a go at the National Rail website.
Actually there is a more useful and helpful APP you can get cheaper tickets…
@HanWang-co5iw I ended up using Trainline and the prices seemed reasonable to me. Thanks for the input.
U can compare the price through some of the paltforms to find the cheapest one🤔
I just found a 5% off code for uk railcards a few days ago 🎉 just let me know if u need it
London Overground is not independent of National Rail - it's is part of it. It's just also part of Transport for London.
Great video but just to say there are no trains (aside from Sleeper trains) on which a reservation is mandatory. While train companies will definitely encourage you to reserve a seat there are ALWAYS seats available for passengers without reservations - for example those with flexible tickets.
If you have a BritRail pass and want to reserve a seat, is there an additional cost? Also how do you go about reserving a seat? Thanks. Great video...
hello i wanted t ask do we get food on transpennine from manchester to edinburgh and are there any halal food options?
Quick Question: Can you get a pass that will allow you to use any train at anytime, anywhere in the UK for a period of only 2-weeks?
I normally avoid Trainline as they charge fees (unless a split ticket will give me a significant savings). I normally book through EMR, Cross Country (for advance tickets due to free changes) or Greater Anglia. I also have a 16_25 railcard and spend over £700 a year on train travel, including with the discount (which would be over ~£900 without). Generally if two advances are slightly cheaper than a return, I still do a peak/offpeak return to give the flexibility. This also applies if an off peak ticket is just less than a peak ticket exceot on weekends.
I also avoid times where the railway is closed due to maintenance works and have to take the bus. Sometimes the barriers dont open when I insert my ticket either because they have to check my railcord or because of other reasons. And don't forget to claim refund in case of delays (delay repay)
Can try TRAINPAL which can give u a special discount😂
I work in Customer Services for a UK Train Operating Company (a TOC).
One piece of advice: AVOID TRAINLINE!!! I have a thousand reasons why but the main one is that when something goes wrong they are hopeless at resolving it. Actually I should say that they are bl@@dy useless!
Your call.
Trains on Uber are better.
Don't suppose you've got a video for London buses? 😁
I’ve been on so many train rides up and down the country especially when going to London. And most of time I’ve experienced good and bad services.
I just found a 5% off code for uk railcards a few days ago 🎉 just let me know if u need it
Might be worth mentioning Eurostar. I know it isn't part of National Rail but it is now the easiest way from London to Paris/Brussels.
You can fly there much faster and cheaper.
Central London to central Paris 2h16 minutes, even less to Central Brussels.
Thank you very much... I even got a better price somehow on trainpal.❤❤🎉🎉
yesss, try 𝒸𝑜𝒹𝑒 ℝ𝕋𝟟𝟟𝟟𝔼.
I was reminiscing about riding local UK country trains, generally open to the outdoors back during my visits around 1975/6 (well before this video hostess was born).
Unfortunately, it would appear that this previous mode of adventuresome travel has mostly been replaced by much more modern, undesirable (imo) closed cars. I loved the old style where I could look out upon the nakedly visible rail bed and keep time with the very audible clickity clack as the train proceeded down the line. It's sad to me that modernism has apparently taken that much more tactile sensation away from truly pleasurable train transport.
Very useful, thanks for sharing ❤❤ BTW I found an even bigger 5% discount on European railroads😂 Save a lot🤩lol
I love using the train but every time I ride a train outside London I have to put in for the delay compensation (a rail company paid me twice for the same delay in cash and railway vouchers)
u r great
I wonder if the Brit rail pass would cover travel to every city in England, they only specify some cities and look confused.
I'm sorry to bother (in case you said it in the video) But is it necessary to have a Railcard? Can't I just have a ticket in my Phone? (Great video Btw ❤) Thank you for answer
Do not use Oyster and contactless for Stansted Airport. Always buy a ticket.
I need some help!!!
I am student coming to the UK and I am trying to see which option is cheaper traveling from Birmingham to Stafford[keele university] daily.
Railcards[16-25] or A seasonal ticket [looking at a monthly plan].
U can use different platforms to compare the price😂 the
Most practical method🧐 and I will introduce Trainpal which has discount these days🤩
I think railcard is better, because you can use it all the time buying the tickets. And buy railcard has the discount with the code.
Interesting video and I’m English but haven’t travelled by train for at least 20 years and that was only on a local service between Huddersfield to Leeds, about 15 miles.
I did travel to Germany from Huddersfield by train as a teenager and used them for a few times to explore the Solingen area.
I’m froom Yorkshire and we are careful with our money, it’s said we’re Scots with the generosity gene removed, so have never thought First Class was worth the money.
On that subject one of your You Tube fellow contributors is doing several videos on First Class travel and if it’s worth the extra money as regards the extras.
He posts as Planes, Trains, Everything, definitely worth a look for you.
LNER no longer sell off peak returns.
Don't use the trainline! They will sell you tickets for trains that don't exist, tickets not valid for the service they say it is. They'll split a journey but will tell you to get on a train that doesn't stop at the split, thus invalidating the ticket. They will charge you a fee if you need a refund and the TOC won't be able to do ANYTHING to help with rebooking.
What apps do you recommend i should use as trainline is the only one that I know.
@@ringoffire4161 Basically, look on the trainline and then book through the TOC directly.
@@ringoffire4161I’ve been finding Trains on Uber pretty good, and no booking fees either.
Train line has NEVER let me down and I am a very regular long distance traveller.
@@ringoffire4161 Virgin Trains Ticketing or Uber are great alternatives.
🎉
Hey, I've found a great discount that's much cheaper than usual. If you need to buy tickets, I can help you take advantage of this offer
You mentioned to book early but when do they release tickets because I'm looking to book tickets for august but none are available yet
Usually 12 weeks out, so I would be booking in may.
@@Thatclimbingirl What tickets are released are these the cheapest they will be
@@hardworker8030 They are advanced singles which are the cheapest. However they restrict you to a particular train and time so aren’t flexible at all.
@@Thatclimbingirl I never catch trains so sorry for all the questions. If I catch a train from wales to blackpool and the train arrives late in manchester for the blackpool train can I get on the next blackpool train with the ticket I have
@@hardworker8030 No not for advanced singles, you miss the train for any reason you lose the money and need to buy a new ticket. I would allow at least an hour for connecting trains with an advanced single ticket. For other ticket types like anytime day return or off peak tickets you can just catch whichever train you want within the validity period. For off peak it’s all day at weekends and 9am-5:30pm and then after 6:30 pm during the week but be sure to check the rules as they vary by area.
Very thorough film, I guess aimed at Americans who seem to thrive on anxiety and want spoon-feeding every step and detail when they go anywhere. Minor points - you can't consume alcohol on ScotRail trains at any time (i.e. almost all trains in Scotland). You can also break your journey on anytime or off-peak tickets - here's an example:- if you have an anytime ticket Edinburgh to York, you can get off at say Durham for a couple of hours to explore that lovely city, then continue on a following train.
That train doesn't even beat the chepe train in Chihuahua Mexico
While saying that you can drive from London to Manchester in 4 hours isn't untrue it is far from the fastest way of making the journey as you can do it by train in slightly over 2 hours.
Yeah and it’s cheaper if you buy tickets from TrainPal
Last week, in London, the newly built Elizabeth line, which promised state of the art signalling, new tracks, new power cables, better trains etc broke down and the poor commuters were stuck on a freezing trains and were not told when they will be rescued by those in charge. It's a complete joke.
Which is interesting and made the news as it was an exceptional event. The only time this has occurred. The Elizabeth line is simply amazing.
Another day of chaos on the Elizabeth Line today in the UK 🤣🤣🤣
Fares have gone up in the UK again, same rubbish service, more expensive travel
Another chaotic day on the Elizabeth line.
FIRST
Yay hi!!
Just take a far cheaper flight with Ryanair, Easyjet or BA. Or travel by National Express coach or local bus or Uber or taxi or bicycle or walk!
Intercity? High Speed? Joking, aren't you? 😂😂
The state of UK railtracks are so poor that high-speed travel is not possible.
Due to poverty, the UK had to cancel their true high speed railway project from going to Manchester from Birmingham. As far as when the London to Birmingham high speed project will finish, well, even God doesn't know. It is plagued by poverty and sheer incompetence.
Driving from London to Manchester, 320 km distance, takes FOUR HOURS? Try again. It takes over 4 hours, or even longer during public holidays purely because the highways are a joke. Never-ending roadworks, lane closures, road closures, accidents, broken down cars etc will blight your trip. I guarantee that your trip will be a hellish experience. There's simply too many cars, US style SUVs, heavy diesel trucks, buses and motorcycles taking to these horse and cart highways and these joke highways simply cannot cope with this volume of traffic so you will be made to wait for hours in unnecessary traffic jams and not knowing when you will reach your destination. Simply look up UK traffic news during their public holidays and you will see for yourself. August Bank Holiday traffic news is a prime example. People stuck on the M6 which is a horse and cart route that goes to Manchester is sheer nightmare. Until the UK starts to build new and better highways things will only get worse for any tourist waiting to visit the UK. Be prepared to get stuck in long, long traffic jams. Thinking of taking the train during vacation period? Think again. The railways usually shut down during the crucial holiday periods for what is jokingly described as " upgrade works or engineering works." These works promise " jam tomorrow " or " quicker journey times, a more pleasurable journey." However, no sooner have these upgrades are supposedly finished, usually the very next day you will hear about signal failures, power failures, points failures, overhead power supply problems that will plague your commute to work. Good luck to anyone wishing to visit the UK for touring 😂😂
Can you please help I am traveling to London and Edinburgh also ,so I am there for 8 days should I take these rail passes or standard ticket is better?
Step I is rob a bank.