British
railways were once the laughing stock of
European rail travel. But they have now
been privatised and 25 different companies
now compete for their share of the market.
This has seen an improvement in both service
and facilities. Competitive routes like
those connecting London, Birmingham, Liverpool
and Manchester have seen the most changes
with trains offering meal and drink services,
business class lounges and flexible ticketing.
New routes have also opened to give passengers
more options. In particular there are more
options for getting to airports like Gatwick
in London.
TICKETS
Usually if you buy a ticket for one service
and another company's train arrives earlier,
that train will accept your ticket. However
it is always a good idea to check whether
your ticket is operator-specific, as some
train operators such as Gatwick Express
will only accept their own tickets.
Call 0845 748 4950 for timetable and general
rail enquires for any of the train companies
or check out UK Railways on the Net (http://www.rail.co.uk).
Check out the links below for other companies.
RAIL PASSES
BackpackEngland offer passes through Europrail
and Rail Connection to destinations in Europe.
The Eurail pass is considered by many as
the best option for travelling through Europe.
It is especially good for those with limited
time. There are 15, 21, 30 and 60 day passes
available and prices vary depending on the
countries chosen for travel. Discounts are
available for those under 26 years. Make
sure you buy your pass before you leave
for Europe. Also remember that rail passes
do not guarantee seats on trains. Europrail
(www.europrail.net)
offers Euro and other European passes. Click
on the blue icon above to get a pass or
more information. Rail connection provides
passes for all over Europe including the
Eurail pass. Make sure you buy your pass
before you leave for Europe. Also remember
that rail passes do not guarantee seats
on trains. You still need to book the seats
ahead of time as trains are often crowded.
Rail Connection www.railconnection.com
has more details on the Eurail pass. Europrail
www.europrail.net
offers Eurail and other European passes.
There are also other options for travelling
on English trains.
Britrail Classic
The original Britrail pass is valid on most
train services in England, Scotland and
Wales. It offers unlimited travel on participating
services within the validity of the pass.
Youth fares are available for those aged
16-25. There are various time passes available
starting at 4 days and rising incrementally
to 30 days. Britrail passes are not sold
within the UK. But you can order this pass
online.
Britrail Flexipass
This pass is similar to the Britrail pass,
except your travel is restricted to a specified
number of travel days within a two month
period. It has 4 days, 8 days and 15 days
options. This pass is not available within
the UK. You can order this pass online.
Britrail England Pass
This is similar to the Britrail Classic
pass but it does not include travel in Scotland
or Wales. It is a more affordable option
if you're only travelling in England. There
are 4, 8, 15, 22 and 30 day passes. Britrail
passes are not sold within the UK. You can
order this pass online.
Britrail England Flexipass
This pass is similar to the Britrail England
Pass. You are restricted to a specified
number of travel days within a two month
period eg. 4, 8 and 15 days. This pass is
not available within the UK. You can order
this pass online.
Britrail Southeast (Days Out from London)
Similar to the Britrail Flexipass, except
it is limited to southeast England including
London, Cambridge and Oxford. There are
2, 4 & 7 day passes available. This
pass is not available in the UK. You can
order this pass online.
BritRail Pass + Ireland
Similar to the BritRail Flexipass allowing
a set number of travel days within a longer
period, eg 5 and 10 days in one month. This
pass is valid in England, Wales, Scotland
and also Northern Ireland and the Republic
of Ireland. The BritRail Pass + Ireland
includes return ferry service between Great
Britain and Ireland. You can order this
pass online.
Freedom of Scotland
This pass is good for train travel on ScotRail
and Strathclyde Passenger Transport services
and all scheduled GNER and Virgin Trains
within Scotland, including services to Carlisle
and Berwick-upon-Tweed. The pass also includes
ferry travel on all Caledonian MacBrayne
ferries and Strathclyde Passenger Transport
ferries, selected Citylink bus services
and all Glasgow underground services. The
pass also entitles the holder to discounted
travel on P&O ferries to the Orkney
and Shetland Islands. This pass is also
available in Great Britain. You can order
this pass online.
YOUR ADVICE
It's not worth falsifying dates on your
Eurail pass or even writing it in pencil.
Ours were confiscated! Fortunately we got
them back in the morning but it was a close
shave. (Martha, Australia)
