Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RAIL
information
As baffling as rail travel in Britain can
seem, with so many different train com-
panies, getting information about times
and routes is absurdly simple.
National
Rail Enquiries
is a one-stop shop with
everything you need to know. Go to the
website w
ww.nationalrail.co.uk
and
enter the names of two stations (or
towns) and it will give you a list of
trains, times, and routes. It will also
show you fare options, of which there
can be many, depending on when you
travel and when you book. You can also
get the information by phone
(
&
08457/484-950
in the U.K., or +44
20/7278-5240 from overseas). The site
doesn't actually sell tickets but will con-
nect you to one that does. If you are
able to book in advance,
www.theTrain
line.com
can bring significant savings
on long-distance travel. You can collect
tickets from your departure station. If
you're fortunate,
MegaTrain
(www.mega
train.com) may have a seat on your
route at a big discount.
For Wales, the
Explore Wales Pass
gives unlimited access to all mainline rail
services, and almost every bus. It also gives discounted entry to attractions and
reduced rates at Youth Hostels. The pass costs £84 and gives 4 days of rail travel and
8 days of bus travel. If you're sticking to one part of the country there are South Wales
and North & Mid-Wales Explorer passes that offer the same deal for £57. Children
5 to 15 are half-price, children 4 and under go free. Tickets can be bought at most
rail stations and travel agents throughout Britain, or by calling
&
0870/9000-773.
For information, see
www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk.
Train Travel from London to Principal Cities
TO
20
STATION
TRAINS
DAILY MILES
TRAVEL TIME
Bath
Paddington
25
107
1 hr. 11 min.
Birmingham Euston
Paddington
35
113
1 hr. 37 min.
Bristol
Paddington
46
119
1 hr. 26 min.
Cardiff
Paddington
24
148
2 hr.
Carlisle
Euston
10
299
3 hr. 40 min.
Chester
Euston
16
179
2 hr. 36 min.
Exeter
Paddington
17
174
1 hr. 55 min.
Leeds
King's Cross
19
185
2 hr. 12 min.
Liverpool
Euston
14
193
2 hr. 34 min.
Manchester
Euston
16
180
2 hr. 27 min.
Newcastle
King's Cross
26
268
2 hr. 50 min.
Penzance
Paddington
9
305
5 hr.
Plymouth
Paddington
14
226
2 hr. 35 min.
York
King's Cross
27
188
1 hr. 57 min.
By Bus
In Britain, a long-distance bus is called a “coach,” and buses are local transport.
Coaches are generally the cheapest way to get around the country, but also the slow-
est. Most sizable towns have a bus link with the capital, either direct
