Crossing Britain by Train

London
For many Americans, whether traveling for business or pleasure, the most natural mode of transport would be by car. In Europe and the United Kingdom people are equally accustomed, whether commuting or on vacation, to opt for trains, as there is an extensive and efficient network. Great Britain is about two thirds the size of California or approximately one third larger than the New England area of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, and while you may be tempted to drive, a better way to see the country is by rail. This allows all the luxury of looking out of a window and viewing the countryside without the stress of driving on the wrong side of the road.

However, advance planning pays off, as at least five different rail companies operate the train systems. For the best train guide I highly recommend '2005 Britain by BritRail' (Globe Pequot Press, $17.95). Up to date on fares, schedules and pass options, it will help you navigate the train routes through the country. It does not include hotel information, but makes useful suggestions about quaint bed and breakfasts, recommends interesting walks and provides helpful factual details about major UK rail destinations. I endorse their suggestion 'take half the clothes and twice the money' as the dollar is currently experiencing a low rate of exchange against the pound sterling. For specific information about rail passes a good starting point is to call 877-RailPass. The advantage of purchasing these passes in this country not only means you pay in dollars but you can allocate your budget to meet your travel needs. A particularly useful service for travelers flying into London's Heathrow is the express train to Paddington Station. This is the fastest downtown connection from all terminals, taking about 25 minutes and costing around $15. Paddington historically was the London base for the Great Western Railway and still serves routes through the west of England.

One important detail to research is which London station you need to use for your journey. Trains running to the south of England usually start from Waterloo or Victoria, for the northwest and midlands, Euston, and for the northeast but also midlands, King's Cross and St. Pancras. Currently St. Pancras is undergoing renovation, but it has not affected train schedules. On my trip from St. Pancras to Nottingham the afternoon train was full so reservations are advisable depending on the time of day.

Charing Cross Station is London's rail terminal for services to Folkestone, Hastings, Dover and other ports, as well as the Hoverspeed services to the French coast. Liverpool Street Station, one of the oldest rail terminals in London, has recently undergone a $300 million renovation and is the gateway for rail connections to the Netherlands, Northern Germany and Scandinavia. Trains depart from Liverpool Street to Harwich where passengers then embark on ferries. On most train services there is a choice between standard class, which most people book, and first class, which offers complimentary food, beverages, newspapers, and perhaps most important of all on long journeys, more comfortable seating. Coaches are provided with internet access so the business traveler can hook up, and some corporates are already using the train journey for their meeting space. Some coaches are specifically designated mobile-free, meaning no cell phones.

For long distances such as London to Edinburgh high-speed rail can now shrink the journey to four hours with trains traveling close to a hundred miles an hour. Similar services known as InterCity also operate to York, Liverpool and other major UK destinations. For answers about booking tickets or details about journey planning call 877.724.5727.