Train Travel

Britain's train network is now run by over 20 different private companies. They all work together as 'National Rail' to provide fares, ticketing and passenger information. One website supplies details for all operators and a ticket purchased is valid for the whole journey, irrespective of the company or companies covering the trip.

Train travel UK to anywhere in Europe

For train times & fares visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call National Rail Enquiries on 0845 7 484950 for details for any train journey in Britain. You can also purchase tickets online. Check all details of your trip and then select fares and select a ticket selling website and then 'buy ticket'. Tickets can be collected from any major railway station or posted to a UK address. Purchases can be made 8 or 9 weeks before departure. USA, Canada or Australia customers check agencies selling point to point tickets at a much higher price. The best tip is to buy from a local website and select pick up ticket from the 'FastTicket' machines at major train stations.

TheTrainline.com has now imposed a charge for credit card bookings of #2.00 - the other ticket sellers do not charge for credit card bookings. Other ticket selling sites shown on www.nationalrail.co.uk include www.chilternrailways.co.uk or www.gner.co.uk.

UK rail fares have a reputation for being complicated, but the traintraveller guide will make it simple. If you book in advance (up to 18:00 the day before travel) you can find some great fares available.

Good value one-way fares

London to Edinburgh standard class £12.50 1st class £29.50

London to Glasgow standard class £13.50 1st class £29.50

London to Newcastle standard class £10.00 1st class £29.50

London to Leeds standard class £9.50 1st class £29.50

London to York standard class £9.50 1st class £29.50

London to Sheffield standard class £8 1st class £28.00

London to Manchester standard class £12.50 1st class £28.00

London to Liverpool standard class £12.50 1st class £28.00

London to Oxenholme (Lake District) standard class £16.50 1st class £32.00

These Advance fares are restrictive as they are only valid on the train you've booked, no refunds, limited or no ability to change travel plans once booked. Returns are twice the single. Book early and look for off-peak trains. Although strictly the tickets should be booked by 6.00pm the day before travel, they are often available up to 23:59 the night before.

A live departure board is available on www.nationalrail.co.uk/ldb/ - enter the name of your station and it will show the departures for the next hour or so and if they are on time or not.

Visit www.nationalrail.co.uk and search for 'maps'. London, SouthEast and several regional area maps are also available. An excellent map of the rail network in the UK & Ireland, if avialable from Thomas Cook which shows scenic routes, ferry routes and places of interest.

www.LondonTransport.co.uk is the best place to visit for London Underground, bus, Docklands Light Railway, Croydon Tramlink and other London transport information. www.TheTube.com for London Underground information. www.traintaxi.co.uk is a great place for taxi firms local to each UK railway station.

Local bus times information can be found at www.traveline.org.uk, or call Traveline on 0870 608 2 608. Also check out www.transportdirect.co.uk with information designed to give train, bus, road and air details for any journey within the UK.