London to Inverness train cancelled for January
Feb 3, 2024, 8:09 pm
#16
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: UA MP, NW WP, AA
Posts: 719
Yes; LNER is the only company that operates direct trains between Inverness and London.
You could also take an LNER or Scotrail train to Edinburgh and change there to an Avanti West Coast train to London, but there are few advantages to that unless the price is significantly lower. Much better to settle in to the train at Inverness and let it take you all the way.
To add to my previous point about first class vs. standard. Many, if not most, standard seats are airline-style, and not ideal for families or for gazing out of the window. In first class you are much more likely to have four seats arranged around a table (and, if there are more than 4 of you, another two seats facing each other across a table on the other side of the aisle).
You could also take an LNER or Scotrail train to Edinburgh and change there to an Avanti West Coast train to London, but there are few advantages to that unless the price is significantly lower. Much better to settle in to the train at Inverness and let it take you all the way.
To add to my previous point about first class vs. standard. Many, if not most, standard seats are airline-style, and not ideal for families or for gazing out of the window. In first class you are much more likely to have four seats arranged around a table (and, if there are more than 4 of you, another two seats facing each other across a table on the other side of the aisle).
Feb 4, 2024, 4:04 am
#17
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Vale of Glamorgan
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Avanti trains take the so-called "west coast" route to London, whereas LNER takes the east coast. The west coast line is scenic through the Scottish lowlands, and again as it passes through the Lake District of England. After that, it's pretty uninteresting, though quite pleasant. I think the east coast route is scenic for a similar length of time, along the coasts of Scotland and Northumberland to Newcastle and York.
But don't get hung up on the scenic aspect: this isn't Switzerland, and you shouldn't raise your expectations.
Just think of it as a nice way to travel, with something to look at out of the window.I'd say that if you're starting in Edinburgh then LNER is probably the best, as it's faster, and if you're starting from Glasgow then Avanti is the one to choose. You can save a lot of money by buying Advance tickets, although they tie you to a specific train and there's a high penalty for changing them. And, as mentioned previously, a family railcard (or, perhaps, the Two Together railcard, depending on how old your family is) will save you 34% on train fares.
Mar 8, 2024, 8:28 am
#19
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Mar 8, 2024, 8:30 am
#20
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If First Class fares are reasonable definitely do that with LNER.
Between London and Inverness you get at least two hot meals, plus desserts, snacks and free drinks (inc. alcohol!).
In fact between London and Edinburgh I was offered a third meal! Possibly because the train sector to Inverness had been cancelled
Between London and Inverness you get at least two hot meals, plus desserts, snacks and free drinks (inc. alcohol!).
In fact between London and Edinburgh I was offered a third meal! Possibly because the train sector to Inverness had been cancelled
Last edited by Sealink; Mar 9, 2024 at 5:13 am
Mar 8, 2024, 8:43 am
#21
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Location: Bridport, Dorset
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I'd also add that Avanti West Coast is a basket case at the moment, with multiple cancellations daily.
This is today, for trains leaving from now and tomorrow
This is today, for trains leaving from now and tomorrow
Last edited by Sealink; Mar 8, 2024 at 8:52 am
Mar 12, 2024, 2:39 pm
#24
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Mar 13, 2024, 7:53 am
#25
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Just logged in today, 12 cancellations as well as 5 this morning.
The point I was trying to make was probably lost, that AWC currently aren't reliable. If you are on holiday (as the OP was) the last thing you want is a cancelled train and a rush to the next one where seat reservations are lost etc.