Seat Reservations
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Trains in Britain run very frequently. Routes to/from London have at least one train an hour throughout the day in nearly every case and often more, especially to popular tourist destinations. |
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It is therefore perfectly acceptable to ‘turn up and go’ - most people do! Indeed, this is what we advise and suggest. Our BritRail Pass products and fares allow for this type of flexibility. |
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| linger in London, explore for longer in Edinburgh, get curious in Chester. The choice is yours. Your plans can be as structured as you wish. A touring vacation with a BritRail Pass means that you can plan general itineraries or routes and still make last minute changes – if it is raining in London it probably isn’t in Norwich! You don’t book road space when you rent a car and you need not book a seat on a train in advance!
Are there times when I need a reservation?
Whilst we advise maximum flexibility there are some occasions when we do advise reservations:
Peak times on long haul trains during holidays and on Summer Saturdays to the West Country. Like most people, Brits enjoy their weekends so Friday afternoons can also be busy especially out of London, particularly in Standard Class.
If you are travelling on a long journey in a small group, particularly if you are travelling from London to Scotland.
In First Class should you be taking a very early morning business train (say before 9am) from Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, or Newcastle.
If you are travelling out of London during the evening rush hour.
How to make Seat Reservations
- Before you go: Seat reservations can be made at time of booking for $10 USD, $14 CAD per person, per train.
- Whilst in the UK: Up to 2 hours before departure of the train reservations can be made at no cost at most stations, upon presentation of a BritRail Pass or BritRail Point to Point ticket.
What is the difference between First and Standard Class
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First Class has larger seats, more space both for you and your baggage.
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First Class carriages are usually less crowded and have picture windows.
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On many routes First Class offer extras, including free tea and coffee. Some routes even offer free snacks and newspapers. Certain long haul routes have table or buffet service meal too. It is normally very good and comparable to airline 'first class'.
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The decor and ambiance is very pleasant - frequently leaving one disappointed that the train has arrived.
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Most commuter routes radiating from the big cities have First Class accommodation. Here the benefit is space on busy rush hour trains.
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First Class is always at the London end of the platform (i.e. no long walk at the London terminal!)
Rail Travel for Disabled Passengers
- The Railways of Britain welcome disabled traveling and are committed to making widespread improvements to stations and trains to make travel easier.
- In regard to assistance, the Railways of Britain ask persons needing assistance to contact the local station or Train Operating Company (TOC). If you are unsure as to the number of the station or the TOC to contact, please contact National Rail Enquiries when in the UK on 0345 48 49 50. They will be able to give you contact information for the station and particular TOC.
- GNER which operates the London to Edinburgh route via York has a special number to call once in the UK for assistance 08457 225 444.
- Advance notice of 24 hours will be very helpful in arranging the proper assistance. If the journey is cancelled please advise the Station.
- Crossing London: London Transport operates a special service called StationLink utilizing buses with low access floors, ramps etc. between all the main London Terminals.
- For details contact: Unit for Disabled Passengers, London Transport 172 Buckingham Palace Road London, SW1 9TN Tel UK (0)171 918 331
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