Originally Posted by
Pa Kettle
Always very helpful. Thanks. I think I've decided on the following with regard to Kings Cross > Edinburgh and Edinburgh > Inverness:
First class from Kings Cross to EDI - $211 advanced purchase on Virgin East Coast.
First class from EDI to INV - $90 advanced purchase on Virgin East Coast.
I did take a look at the rest of the trip using the Spirit of Scotland travel pass. We would just need the four days in eight version. BritRail was showing this as costing $424 booked in the US. Looks like ScotRail has a better deal at about $197, unless this is per person. Then the difference is neglible. I'm assuming that since they can't send anything to a US-based address, this would mean that we'd have to buy one at Kings Cross when we arrived in London?
If the Virgin East Coast First Class amount is for 2 people, then USD211 (about GBP75 each) is a par amount. Bargains are harder to come by in peak summer season.
USD424 for 2x 4in8 Spirit of Scotland passes is about GBP150 each, which is in linewhat you'd expect to pay overseas when the UK retail price is GBP139.
You can buy this at any UK station, and if you're staying at the Great Northern you are mid-way between Kings Cross and St Pancras stations. It is worth popping over to St Pancras anyway : it is a magnificent station, well worth a visit in its own right.