Thinking of going on a UK holiday by train?
Whilst the UK is smaller than many countries, its rail network is vast. Not to mention that for the inexperienced UK traveller or train traveller, there are quite a number of areas that can prove a challenge.
The Benefits OF UK Train Travel For Holidays
Eco-friendly – One of the most beneficial things about train travel is it’s one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel. Apart from cycling, walking…etc. It is believed that train travel emits 75% less greenhouse gases than travelling by car.
Fewer Delays – Another benefit of train travel is it’s unlikely you will get hit by any delays, unlike your odds on busy motorways, especially at peak times, or entering large cities.
Less Stress – If you are having to drive to your holiday destination, it’s likely you won’t get to relax and enjoy the journey as you’ll be too busy driving, navigating and generally stressing about it. Whereas travelling by train, all you have to worry about is getting on and off at the right stops. You can simply sit back and enjoy the view from your comfortable seat. You might even get food and drink brought to you if your journey is long enough.
Faster Travel – Lastly train travel is much quicker than travelling by car. Generally trains have a much more direct route and can go at much higher speeds, meaning your trip is likely to take less time.
Related Post – Things Every First Time Traveller Should Know
Here are some tips for UK train travel, whether you’re an experienced traveller, or it’s your first time on a train.
Check Your Departure Station Carefully
Sometimes stations can have similar sounding names or it isn’t immediately obvious which platform you will be departing from. Check from which station and platform you are departing from well before your trip in order to prepare.
For example, you might have ravelled from this station before, but from a different platform. Say you went from platform one last time and know where it is and how to get there, yet this time you’re leaving from platform two. However, don’t be surprised if platforms one and two actually aren’t next to each other, or close at all in fact. Sometimes they could be on other ends of the station, or in different buildings entirely.
Book Your Train Tickets Well In Advance
When you decide to travel by train, train tickets can get quite expensive. Especially if they’re bought right before your departure. You’ll find better deals if you book them well in advance.
You may also find it easier to reserve a seat when you travel by train, since they can get pretty crowded during peak times. This is also something you need to be aware of. Train times often change, possibly due to delays so you need to keep an eye on your train time well before you depart.
Look For Deals And Discounts On UK Train Tickets
If you’re looking to travel to popular destinations, check to see if you can find any deals or discounts before buying a ticket. By booking in advance and searching for special deals on popular routes such as to London or Brighton you may be able to find much cheaper train line tickets.
Some tickets enable passengers to travel outside of so-called peak times, which reduces the price you’ll have to spend on tickets. The best way to do this is to look on a website such as train line to get the times of your desired train and see if you can find cheaper tickets elsewhere.
Get A Railcard
If you travel frequently, a railcard will save you a lot of money. Depending on the type of card you apply for, you could save approximately 1/3 of your ticket price. Railcards may offer special discounts for travellers who are under the age of 25 or for students, so make sure to find out if you can benefit from getting one.
Take Advantage Of Group Travel Discounts
If you travel with co-workers or friends by train regularly, consider getting a group discount. You can then all buy a ticket together and save money.
Most train travel companies will offer this group discount, but if not, it’s worth emailing them to see if you can get a discount that way instead. Just don’t be pushy! It’s OK to ask once, but don’t pester them.
Leave Ample Time To Get To The Station
Travelling by train doesn’t have to be stressful but can be quite comfortable. Give yourself enough time to get to the station, even if you get stuck in traffic. Taking things slowly will help you enjoy your travel.
Train travel can be easy if you know how to plan your rail trip. The UK is only small which means that you normally won’t travel very far to reach your destination.
Where would you love to go on your UK train holiday?
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