BritRail Blog, Get Your British Rail Pass information

jerry K  on June 4th, 2009

As someone who knows more about British literature than about British geography, I would be interested in information about itineraries that would offer a chance to visit sites relating to literary luminaries. Shakespeare, of course, comes readily to mind. But would it be feasible to combine a trip to Stratford on Avon with, say, Dover Beach or other places connected to Matthew Arnold.
I’d also like to be able to take a virtual tour of a first-class and tourist-class train car.

Sandy Ross  on June 4th, 2009

Very easy to navigate and very tourist friendly.

Fraser Barton  on June 4th, 2009

I am a Canadian contemplating a vacation to Britain. I found it difficult to determine what each pass or promotion actually covered. I would suggest that should I were to click on (eg) Great Britain Heritage Pass that it provide for me, at that time, a description of what it was that I now was on the way to buying. Another item was that I would like to know clearly as to whether I was being quoted prices in my currency, C$, or in GBP. There is no notation to that effect.
Thanks
F. Barton

mpollack  on June 5th, 2009

Extremely user friendly; easy to read formats and very helpful quick links

Joan  on June 5th, 2009

Some computers are slow, and so on the first page to lead there should be few graphics, and just the types of railway passes and their prices, with a link on each to go to for booking. This would make the site more accessible to those of us who have old, wooden computers. Thanks, Joan

diane  on June 5th, 2009

Always a pleasure to receive the newest BritRail newsletter, and to navigate around the BritRail website. Lovely pictures, easy to understand the links and special features, and I like the link to promotions and such. I’ve traveled with a BritRail pass several times and it’s really the best way to go!

Nancy Curry  on June 6th, 2009

My family and I visited the UK for the Christmas holidays and were able to use the BritRail pass and attractions entry very easily, and saved a lot of money which we then promptly spent on other memorable experiences there together like the theatre, lovely meals and even more attractions. In terms of the website, it seems a bit ‘plain Jane’; could you add live links to the attractions/locales, only for information and not to allow navigation away from your home page?

jackie  on June 6th, 2009

I would like to find out about BRITRAIL FLEXIPASS
but the site will not give me information about this option. Please HELP

lynda bell  on June 6th, 2009

Very nice ,very informative,lovely to get every month. I enjoy reading about new places to visit. I visit the u.k about 2 times a year & always us Britrail to get arround

R. Symington  on June 6th, 2009

Well layed out and informative

Annie  on June 6th, 2009

Love the new site. I found it easy to use. I still have problems with the trip planner – but that is some of my fault (not knowing what station to pick and such). The site is improved from last year!

Mary  on June 6th, 2009

Your site is pleasant to view without clutter. I like the ‘plan you trip’ and it is very user friendly. I would change the ‘view posts’ link to include the ability to post. It actually took me longer to find this part then some people would spend. But I love the site and am glad it is cleaner and better organized than what I used previously to plan my trip to England and Scotland.

Robert Brock  on June 6th, 2009

I like the new site. It’s like your train service flexible, easy to travel around in. I can’t wait to be there on the 30th of June to take the train to Saint Andrews. I enjoy your train more than I enjoy the plane. It’s my second trip and I can’t wait. Thanks BritBril, Robert Brock from San Diego

Cally  on June 6th, 2009

- I like the fact there is a website.
- It would be nice to see suggested itineraries.
- I only knew about the website and Britrail because I found your book at the library for 2009.

Alan  on June 6th, 2009

Great new site. It looks attractive, tastefully colorful, authoritative and and is convenient. I have a couple of small suggestions and/or corrections:
On the page referencing travel to and from the UK by Air, Sea. etc. a Southampton connection entry would be useful for those who still arrive by liner. Also, on the page listing the Off Peak fares for the Rail passes, the year dates need updating. (It’s not 2007 anymore). Thanks for the great site. I will use it eagerly this coming year as my wife and I plan our anniversary rail trip around the UK.

Gams  on June 6th, 2009

I have used BritRail in the past as I often visit relatives and friends in UK.

It’s now easier for me to plan my trips around UK with everything I need on one great internet site. The site is easy to navigate and now I’ve planned to go to places I’d never heard of before.

Thanks for making it so easy.

ninette vitale  on June 6th, 2009

I just finished a weeks trip through England and Wales with a consecutive rail pass. I wish your new website was up just a little sooner…it’s great. The trip planner and route timetables would have been a real help.

NancyMiller  on June 6th, 2009

the Timetables dropdown menu for departing station didn’t include London Paddington separately – when I picked an itinerary on the Tickets and Reservations page from Paddington to Bodmin Parkway leaving at 2345, the next page said ” ,: was added to your cart
” and an empty space below showed Recommended Products (presumably a seat or sleeper reservation) – then when I clicked on Checkout, and then on Seat & Sleeper Reservations, I was taken back to the main page. Clicking on the link What is a Sleeper? gave no info on Cornwall trains

macjackson  on June 6th, 2009

Vast improvement, some areas could still use clearer one-click-to-full-details feature. I do like the Point To Point option, very useful to help plan this year’s trip.

twestjr  on June 7th, 2009

The BritRailweb site is better now because it makes makes it easier to get to and understand the various passes available. I have used BritRail passes many times over the last 10 years
and enjoy seeing England and Scotland on the train.

Fred  on June 7th, 2009

User friendly easy to navigate,good for toerists like me!

conny  on June 7th, 2009

We have visited England 7 times the last 2 years, fell really in love with the country…
Since I don’t like an aeroplane, we travel a lot by train…
Your site (the previous one also) keeps us still wanting to come back and visit more …

geemoney  on June 7th, 2009

Very nice and very easy to navigate and use. Thanks

Ontarian  on June 7th, 2009

The new BritRail site has many options at the home page but they are easy to see and you can instantly make the right choices for what you are looking for.
I especially like the top left get your pass box and the mid right box where you can get the rail map and timetables.
thanks for simplifying all of the options!

scottie  on June 7th, 2009

The information on the home page of the website takes me right where I want to go. Very good. Also good information on different discounts, promotions. I’m planning my next (train) trip to Great-Britain and I can find everything I need, on you website. When I go on vacation, in fact I go three times, the first time when I’m planning the journey, than the journey itself and finally when I come home and put my pictures and souvenirs in a photo album. Keep up the good work!

diderica  on June 7th, 2009

I was looking for information to travel around in Britain with my teenage children this summer. we are from the netherlands. Your site is very informative. I could easily find the information I needed. Suggestions: some more photo’s about trains, and places to visit.

Luke  on June 7th, 2009

The site is great and very easy to navigate. So much better than the confusing site that Amtrak runs here in the states. I’m visiting the UK in the fall and have been able to plan the majority of my trip from your timetables. Thanks.

Megan  on June 7th, 2009

I am going to come to see the UK in the fall and am very excited about riding the train. Is there an old fashioned overnight train with a sleeper car? I always wanted to ride like Harry Potter to Hogwarts.
<3 Meggie

Barb from Langley Canada  on June 7th, 2009

We always enjoy reading about all the passes, we check frequently and Love reading about all the places Britrail goes. I was luck one year and you had a promotion which was for each Britrail passenger one UK resident could travel free. Well, we going to England to visit an aunt and uncle and we purchased the passes and received the free passes for my aunt and uncle and they were thrilled to travel with us on a four day pass, they could not believe they were free and were very skeptical until the train conductor said enjoy your trip and they settled back as we went to Lands End and several other wonderful places you go. Thanks so much – Barb from Langley BC

PS Will you be having such a wonderful promotion again, we are travling back to England in September of 2009 to see my aunt and uncle once more.

Emma  on June 7th, 2009

I am planning a trip around Britain using the railway and am finding the interactive timetable a fantastic help with making my plans! This website is clear and very user friendly to someone who’s never been to Great Britain. Thank you.

deceks7  on June 7th, 2009

The new site is cleaner. Wish there was a means to look at a map and click origin and destination and determine time tables. When planning my visit to the UK this past Christmas that would have made planning alternate itineraries a bit easier. You could also allow to sort on shortest time, fewest stops, or departure time.

I loved the BritRail pass I had for my daughter and myself. From using the Heathrow Express, the comfort in the first class cabin that you made so affordable for visitors, to the very courteous staff that assisted us all through our trips, we found the BritRail pass to be a great value.

louise  on June 7th, 2009

i would like some offers on hotels and trips to paris on eurostar otherwise very good. i have used britrail passes many times & really like them.

Ken  on June 8th, 2009

Can easily can the train timetable of UK trains and get my products of what I want.

Richard Whitehead  on June 8th, 2009

I have used the britrail pass on a number of occasions and would not arrive in the UK without one.Travelling is easy and the pass appears to be readly accepted by all operators Travel into and arround London on First Capital Connect links most of the mainline terminii with a little walking.An excellent product for those domiciled outside the UK

Stephen Norton  on June 8th, 2009

We are very disappointed.
The free day of travel when buying a three day flexi pass looked great to us. We tried to buy on-line ( two adults and one child ) but at one of the final screens there is an input field for the child’s age which was pre-entered as “12″ and we could not change to our son’s actual age of 14. ( we assume that the accuracy of documents is important for validation and security purposes ) We tried several times on several days and then…oops, sorry, the free day of travel offer had expired. This means roughly an additional $150 cost to us for the same number of travel days.
And…we still are unable to purchase our passes on-line as the age field for our son still cannot be changed.
Please help. We want to buy the passes, and we want to make sure there is no problem with the passes once we get to Britain and try to use them.

angela  on June 8th, 2009

Hi Stephen,

The “Book Your Pass” box on the home page is being updated to rectify the default age of 12.

To book your passes, while having the option to enter your son’s age of 14, please go to https://booking.britrail.com This can also be reached by using the top menu – passes – and selecting the pass you would like to purchase.

If you had contacted us, by phone or the Contact Us form, it would have been our pleasure to have addressed this prior to the promotion deadline 8 days ago.

Vicky77  on June 8th, 2009

Easy to navigate and loaded with useful information.

Casey  on June 8th, 2009

I have heared British Passed a few hours ago, and log on have a look, and I found that the website gives me a perfect guide to travel in the UK, I like it very much, and advice my friends who are going to the UK come here firstly!

Brie  on June 8th, 2009

I would love more help with trip planning. Perhaps more sample itineraries would be helpful. Also, I am puzzled by which stop in Worcester to choose, so perhaps a description or map right on the page as I choose station-to-station itineraries.

Great site, though. A pleasure to use.

celia  on June 9th, 2009

I’m a Chinese student who’s going to visit UK in the summer. The new website is easy to navigate and features are obvious. I’m just wondering why all the passes have to be booked so long ahead, such as 180 days.

fghdrhzrtj  on June 9th, 2009

wow,truly amazing . i loved london thanx to britraIL
there the best

angela  on June 9th, 2009

Hi Celia,

You can book passes UP TO 180 days in advance but passes do not have to be booked 180 days in advance. You only need to book earlier enough to allow for shipping so that your passes arrive before your departure for the UK.

Juan Diego  on June 9th, 2009

Brit Rail, what a great site!

Jen  on June 10th, 2009

I’m planning a trip in December and just love how useful this site has been. The maps, and suggested itineraries make planning so much easier. I especially love the “Hub Cities” section showing you the times from central cities to nearby attractions. Good job guys, an extremely useful and easily navigated site.

bethiow  on June 10th, 2009

I found the website to be user-friendly. The home page has some great information. I especially like the promotions and discounts section. The passes section is also very easy to navigate. Plug the info in and you get a list of passes. I did have to go back and figure out why the Eurail pass owners got a lower rate. The map of stops is great, I think that should be a category with the timetables under the plan your trip section. Overall, this site is great.

Liz K  on June 10th, 2009

The site is very easy to use. My only suggestion would be to have a link directly from the different passes to explain how they work rather than having to go back and forth to tabs and then do a lot of scrolling.

Beth  on June 11th, 2009

Sure, I’d like to win a BritRail pass! Your newsletter is very helpful. Thanks.

Bev Diehl  on June 11th, 2009

I have found the site easy to use and very informational; however, as I am planning an October trip, I was not aware of the timetables limitation. As well, when I was seeking information about passes and point-to-point fares, I did not find the senior category included. The same for sleepers, which may be due to the fact that those are not available. Thanks for the notice of the strike. I appreciate your asking what we think.
BD

Larry  on June 11th, 2009

What a wonderful website! I am able to plan my entire trip from city to city and know ahead of time what the costs will be. A perfect way to waste less time waiting for the trains. It’s been 20 years since I’ve been to the UK, wish this website existed then!

Daniel  on June 12th, 2009

Hi,

I get alot of “this URL does not excist” when navigating in the BritPass section. I am traveling from Norway to Birmingham in 2 weeks and want to order a travelpass for theis jurney. Other than the URL-problems, the site is very nice by the way, easy to navigate and easy to understand.

Ashwin Fichadiya  on June 12th, 2009

I saw the web site. It is quite good and very informative. However, there can be some improvement made.

1. It does not give the details of who can get Flexi Euro pass and who can get just Flexi pass.
2. The prices are not upfront known
3. Advantages of each type of pass and price comparison table will help buyer make a quick decision.
4. How can we get Eurostar discount is not clear specially if you are buying Eurostar ticket online

Regards

Ashwin Fichadiya

DCH  on June 13th, 2009

When traveling, we like to try to focus on the history, people, sights, etc. that a place has to offer. We enjoy setting our own pace and, so, prepackaged tours don’t usually work well for us but we like to try to broaden our range with each trip. Your sight makes it very easy to understand the special options available, and how to get to locations throughout England . . . very impressive.

Judy  on June 14th, 2009

Love your new site. What progress you’ve made since we first visited the UK in 1989 and had to order by looking at a booklet and purchasing tickets by phone. We are now retired and bringing our grandchildren -one at a time- to introduce them to the wonders of travel. The sleeper trains work well and they love the experience. Since we also try to visit Cornwall/Devon at least once each year, we’ve found the Flexipass much better than point-to-point tickets. We learn more with each trip and you keep improving. Keep up the good work!

Keglerbill  on June 14th, 2009

I found it very easy to navigate. Went right where I wanted each time. Planning a trip to London later in the summer and am looking forward to using BritRail.

Best regards,

Marge  on June 14th, 2009

Nice website! Easy to find what I was looking for. Thanks much.

Mark M  on June 14th, 2009

Very easy to navigate and the prices are very competitive compared to the trainline – I could not find easy access to information on the protection plan however. regards, Mark M.

Hamish Hall  on June 15th, 2009

I have just found out from a third party that one can request help with their luggage when having to go up and down a flight of stairs to get from one train track to another. Something worth letting folk know. One of our thoughts about taking a train from Ayr to Diss along the eastern side of the UK is how are we, at the age of seventy-five, going to manage our luggage from one train to another — the luggage being more than one bag as we are from Arizona.

Mr. and Mrs Hall

Graham  on June 15th, 2009

I found the flexi pass an exiting prospect,the web site also let me start planning.

Wariya I.  on June 15th, 2009

User friendly and very helpful quick links.

Peter  on June 15th, 2009

Other than the problem I mention above the site is very easy to find your way around. One thing that might be a useful addition (I can’t seem to find any mention of it) is how exactly a flexi-pass works in practical terms – do you have to stamp it at a station before you board your first train of the day, what sort of trains is it perhaps wise to reserve seats on, etc.

angela  on June 15th, 2009

Hi Peter,

Please refer to FAQ –
How do I validate my BritRail Pass?

Passes are issued open dated and must be validated within six months from the date of issue and prior to the first day of use. To validate a rail pass, present it along with your passport to the Railway official at the station of departure.

At this time, the first and the last day of validity of the pass as well as the passport number is entered and the passenger must sign the pass.

In the case of a Flexipass, the passenger must also enter the date of travel each day before he/she boards the first train of the day.

Magnum182  on June 15th, 2009

I like the site. Living in the USA it is great to find out quickly hat I need in the way of Rail Passes and how much it costs in dollars! Great job. the site is very attractive too.

Magnum182  on June 15th, 2009

Great job BritRail

Magnum182  on June 15th, 2009

I like the site. Living in the USA it is great to find out quickly hat I need in the way of Rail Passes and how much it costs in dollars! Great job. The site is very attractive too.
My only question is regarding this blog form. Whose website are you asking for?

Eric Cheang  on June 16th, 2009

I tried without success to book a couple of senior passes in your booking website. I am sure it must be some teething trouble with your webpage. Would appreciate rectification please.
Other than this problem, it was easy to navigate.

.jac.  on June 16th, 2009

I must confess: I received assistance from a real live person — but the web-site was invaluable in prepping for the conversation.

Jeff R  on June 16th, 2009

It took a bit longer to navigate the site due to the new format but it seems to be pretty straight forward to use. I would like to see more pictures of trains, the tornado for instance. and perhaps links to steam train days out or direct bookings on these special journeys.

LarryA  on June 18th, 2009

I really like the redesign of the site! Snappy and well-thought-out! Easy to use, even for an American like me!

mobro  on June 19th, 2009

Hi. I’m going to the UK from Canada this summer. I think that when you click on a pass-type the next window should describe what that pass involves before taking you to the booking. Or better still a full window/table highlighting comparing the pass types.

Also not sure after you make a purchase what happens to the pass. Is it mailed or is it available for pick up on arrival? Maybe put that one in the FAQs.

Also I had difficulty finding the PDF map of the rail network. I kept looking in the pull down menus and it took a while to notice it below on the right. Maybe you should put it in the ‘planning your trip’ pull down menu as well as the current location.

One more suggestion. Under the topic ‘How do I get there?’ I was expecting to input any location in Britain and get an itinerary instead of just a list of troublesome destination/station names.

Thanks for having this blog. Hope my suggestions help.

Maureen
Toronto, Canada

keppers  on June 20th, 2009

Never got a chance to see the old site. But the redesign has a great simple layout, is really easy to read and I like the the pictures on the bar at the top. Makes me want to be on a train already. But it could be handy to have a link to timetables with the fares so we can compare the value of the rail passes. Also a map with stations on it would be really handy.

Cheryl Adair  on June 20th, 2009

Your site is easy to find travel options and prices. However, a detailed map for the different passes would be very beneficial to those who do not know where the various cities are located.

Luckylr  on June 20th, 2009

The format is great. Very easy to navigate. Compared to other travel sites displaying similar information this one was much easier to use. My only gripe is that the information on the discount for Eurail pass holders is limited. I would specifically like to know if any Eurail pass qualifies for the dicount or only a certain one?

Stephen  on June 20th, 2009

Site is very easy visually but not so easy to navigate. I am visiting London from Canada and would like a combined rail/underground pass.
I entered the info for a Britrail pass on the first page (excellent choice) but as a family of 2 children, 2 youth and 1 adult the choices was too excessive and did not allow the addition of the underground tickets.
In a nutshell, the surface is great but the inner workings need some attention.

Elaine  on June 21st, 2009

Wow so much to offer – I am a British Citizen living in USA – traveling to visit family in the UK with my American children and husband. Looking to travel to London and Stonehenge via train from Bolton – London……this site has so much to offer. Great site – lot’s of choices……just hoping its all as easy as you make it look
Hoping to impress these Americans with our great transit/train system.

Katie  on June 21st, 2009

I visited this site 2 months ago and was put off because I found it all very confusing. The new site is mush easier to navigate. I can instantly see what the passes offer and feel more confident in selecting he right product. I would like to have a rail route map available so, particularly for the London plus pass, I can see exactly where the limits are.

camilla  on June 21st, 2009

Just checked out the site for the first time ever. Very easy to find everything I needed. Can’t wait to travel soon!

Betty Craig  on June 22nd, 2009

As one who used a fifteen day BritRail Pass in 2006, I like all the additions you have added to your web site. We are planning to return to Great Britian in 2010, and will surely use your new and approved web site. Thank you for upgrading.
Betty June 2009

Patrisha  on June 23rd, 2009

Hy
I work in a travel agency in Switzerland. We have clients who want to visit Cornwall, so I have to check different things about trains in GB. The site is very easy to understand. I found everything what I was looking for. And everything works…great! The most important things are on the frontpage so I found it very easy to navigate.

LeAnn  on June 23rd, 2009

The website is very attractive and easy to use. It mades the purchase of passes a fast, non-stressful experience.

Peter  on June 23rd, 2009

I’ve just ordered by all Britain pass for a family (of four) holiday this summer. Everything was clear, easy to follow and quickly arranged. Compliments for the sight, I look forawrd to the arrival of the tickets soon. Many thanks.

Beulah  on June 24th, 2009

Great if one already has specific plans and simply wants tickets. For the pass options, I’d prefer a “master” list that not only defines but gives prices so one can compare flex prices with consecutive, for instance, without ordering a ticket (even tentatively).

ewbankc  on June 24th, 2009

I’ve purchased BritRail passes before and thought the old site was possible to navigate. But this new site looks better and seems easier to access all the information; I don’t have to click as many links to get to where I am going. I like it.

MAPoladian  on June 24th, 2009

I was able to plan my daughters trip from Scotland to Cambridge easily. It was clear where to enter the information on her travel, and the links were easy to use. The site made me feel that her travel would be safe and secure.

MCH  on June 25th, 2009

I like the visual aspect of the site. It was interesting and easy on the eyes. However, not knowing exactly how the rail system works in Britian, I was a little unsure which kind of ticket would be the best for me. For instance, I thought the Flexipass would be fine, but then I read that the Point-to-Point allows riders to get off at stops before the final destination. Maybe a little more information for new visitors would be helpful.

willygodfrey  on June 25th, 2009

very user friendly for someone from the states!

Catherine Audet  on June 25th, 2009

The homepage looks very inviting. Really like the timetables look up, very helpful for planning. I would like more detail on the difference between each of the passes, this is somewhat confusing. There is a helpful map showing which areas are covered by the pass. If you print this out your need a magnifying glass to read it. I have one. Maybe you intend people to zoom in on screen.

The site is easy to navigate and interesting. Thanks for the extra free day on the Flexi pass.

Catherine Audet

Emma_w  on June 26th, 2009

The nicest mode to visit England.This is very good for the tourists.

mbiggs  on June 26th, 2009

One good point about the site, also a good selling point is that people who have never traveled on UK trains, see the price difference between first and standard class would like to know the incentives for traveling first class. EG more leg room,complimentary refreshments more comfortable seating. There is nothing that states advantages and incentives for traveling first class.

IreneDunne  on June 27th, 2009

Positives: Nice new appearance; I think I can now book directly with BritRail from the State without being closed out–
Negatives: Have been unable after hours on the site to actually book what I want–I have not been able to do so. While I believe that I may be a bit sensitive as today I turned 60, I still am offended that I am now labeled a “non-adult”. Last night when I was still 59 I was able to book a standard fare ticket–today since I am 60, I find that is not possible. I can’t believe this is intended. However, with all today’s security requirements I assume I cannot lie about my age and claim to be an “adult”. As it turns out this time I had decided as I am traveling in the busy summer season to pay the extra and take advantage of my new “Senior” status. Reaching this decision however, took hours as their was no easy way to compare types of passess, classes, and options. It is necessary to start to book each type. After hours I finally saw the FAQ at the bottom of the website and it answers some of my questions–I had looked at the top options and not finding it had assumed you had no such section. However, it still did not have answers to all my questions–how is the pass delivered, can I pick it up at the train station–having now gone to checkout, the answer is apparently with a delivery charge depending on time and one can’t pick it up at a station. I am uncertain about the answer to my 2nd question which is when you take a sleeper that leaves before midnight and you get off the train the next morning, does that count as two days for flex pass purposes? And finally and most frustratingly the reason I still have not tried to finalize my purchase, is that on at least two occasions when I was navigating the site to comparison shop I was given the option of purchasing a theft or loss of ticket protection–and I can’t find that option the last few times I have tried to purchase. I will try again. I hope these are taken as constructive criticisms even if I am not doing it in the fashion you want to enter your promotion.

IreneDunne  on June 27th, 2009

Success!I succeeded in booking what I wanted from the “States”. In order to buy “rail guard protection” you can’t proceed from the “Book your Pass” section in the upper left corner. Instead you must click on “passes”, select, and then go to Purchase.

Marjolein Cleij  on June 27th, 2009

Yes, your website has very much improved with (some) timetables and trip suggestions and looks appetizing.
Sadly, probabely due to an unknown error in my computer, it is for me impossible to work on the tickets booking engine, because the calender can’t be moved. I had no problems on the “old” website.
But I have already discussed this with you.

Marjolein from the Netherlands

KokashWood  on June 27th, 2009

Wow! Great change and easier to navigate. I can look at both Flexipass and Consecutive and compare prices. Save to assume prices are better in the winter season even for Seniors. I wasn’t sure if the Seniors were classified as “Non-Adults”. Sort of amusing! I would like to see more promotions and discounts. We loved traveling by train in the winter season. The site is much easier! Thanks.

Adrian R  on June 28th, 2009

When you mention in regards to the london pass it “will contain 2 extra coupons valid on..[railway extresses” it would be good to know how much this reduces the price of those tickets.

Also the trip planner does not seem to work really well as I got a few blank results, such as from Heathrow to Ely.

John  on June 28th, 2009

Visually lovely site with great potential.

I was unable to book a flexipass with senior discount. There is a box to click for adults up to 59 years, but no senior indication. Should be easy to fix.

Pinkatronica  on June 28th, 2009

A more detailed section regarding how to use the britrail card would be appreciated. One the Travel Cuts web site, I saw that the Heathrow/Paddington Express counts as a full day on the pass, but I didn’t see this information on the britrail site. This affects the value of the pass.

MarcusH  on June 28th, 2009

The new britrail website is great! There are lots of good information and the order process is very easy. Just one thing: I can’t find any information about the “Rail Pass Safeguard Plan”. It’s offered in the shopping cart at check-out, but I can’t find anything about it on the website. It sounds useful and interesting, but there are nowhere information about the terms and conditions of the “Rail Pass Safeguard Plan”. I think most of the customers don’t order it, cause they don’t know what it is… including me!

Derek Good  on June 28th, 2009

An excellent site. The final stop in planning a trip in southern england

KL  on June 28th, 2009

Well this comment will likely not win me the prize, but I found the Interactive Map on the Journey Planner non functional. Therefore I could not really test this feature.

Ih the default setting, London was shown on the map where Kings Lynn is supposed to be.

Typing in the village of Ingleton, Lancs (nearest station: Bentham) did not provide any guidance in suggesting a nearby station such as Bentham or Settle (on the scenic Settle & Carlise Line). The website was non responsive.

The PDF map does show major stations and it appears that the English, Scottish and Wales rail map was drawn according to one cartographic standard, and the Irish according to another–odd juxtaposition.

Oddly, going to any major mapping program (i.e. Google, Multimap, etc.) brings up the village without hitch.

As someone who has purchased over 20 BR Passes of different types, these issues will not dissuade me from other purchases–but since you asked for feedback, this is mine.

Ian MacCowan  on June 29th, 2009

I am visiting the UK on my first overseas trip from Australia during August/September. As a lifelong railfan (61)I am keen to do as much travelling as possible by train. I have found this site most interesting and easy to navigate.

Logan  on June 29th, 2009

Planning our trip to Scotland. I love the map feature. Too bad I missed the extra free day. Will it be extended?

angela  on June 29th, 2009

Hi Adrian R,

For the BritRail London Plus Pass, you are correct that it includes 2 coupons for travel on your choice of Airport Express (Heathrow Express, Stansted Express or Gatwick Express). Perhaps calling them vouchers would be better as they are not coupons for a reduced rate, but cover the full fare.

angela  on June 29th, 2009

Hi mbiggs,

Thank you for your feedback. We will consider additional places we can include information about the benefits about First Class seating but for now please refer to: FAQ – What are the benefits of First Class seating in Britain?

FAQ can be found on the bottom menu of the homepage.

angela  on June 29th, 2009

Hi John,

To book a pass for a senior, you have 2 options. You can use the “Book Your Pass” box on the homepage by entering the number of seniors under Senior 60+. Or you can book your pass by using the tab Passes on the top menu on the homepage. Once you’ve been directed to the Shopping page please enter the number of seniors under No. of NON-adult passengers.

Due to feedback we will consider another way of displaying this.

Gary Smith  on June 29th, 2009

I find the format easy to navigate without distraction and pleasing to the eye.

Derek  on June 30th, 2009

Good site – much better than when I tried to use it 2 months ago.
I’m a little confused about what exactly a Britrail pass is. Is it a voucher I can print out and take to a railway station when I get there, or is it posted to me here in Australia. If the latter, how long does it take to arrive? (I leave in 6 days!)
Also, the ‘Guest Passes’ is not clear. My initial impression was that I would buy a England pass and then buy a Guest pass for the person traveling with me as my guest. However, searching for ’1 adult’ as a guest pass shows no results. So I assume we are both ‘guests’ and I buy two ‘guest’ passes. Depends if you view the ‘guest’ as my guest who is traveling with me, or us both being ‘guests’ of Brit Rail

angela  on June 30th, 2009

Hi Derek,

Thank you for your interest in BritRail! A BritRail Pass is a posted to you and as a resident of Australia there are 2 shipping options you will be prompted to choose from:
Regular Up to 7 Business Days
Priority Up to 3 Business Days

BritRail England Guest Passes allows a friend or relative, residing in Britain, to accompany the traveler (you) by train in Britain. The UK guest passenger must travel with the Pass holder at all times and provide proof of UK residence upon request. UK guest and traveler each get up to 25% off their pass.

If this pass suits you and your UK friend or relative, then shop BritRail England Guest Passes for 2 adults.

wendy  on June 30th, 2009

I have found the new site very easy to navigate and have found lots of information for our trip.

mayhemdiva  on July 1st, 2009

Travelling in december 2009 for one month to UK from Australia this site has made it so easy to plan ahead and purchase all my train and tourist passes on line and work out my itinerary.

Lynn Smith  on July 1st, 2009

Site looks great but the only pass I can get into is the London Pass. I’m after info on the All England, could you please email me details as it only default to London. I will travel to UK 1/9 and would want the pass mainly in the south but to then travel north to Darlington about 10th Sept. Cheers Lynn Smith (I am 60 years old, travelling alone)

angela  on July 2nd, 2009

Hi Lynn,

The BritRail England Passes allow unlimited travel throughout England (up to the borders of Wales and Scotland) on the national rail network of Britain.

You can choose from the Flexi or Consecutive Pass:

BritRail England FlexiPass permits the holder to choose the travel days within the period of validity. Passes are available for 4, 8, 15 days travel in 2 months.

BritRail England Consecutive Pass is valid for travel on a set number of consecutive days. Passes are available for 4, 8, 15, 22 days or 1 month.

angela  on July 2nd, 2009

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

THANK YOU FOR THE FEEDBACK EVERYONE!

BRITRAIL WILL TAKE ALL YOUR IDEAS INTO CONSIDERATION.

angela  on July 2nd, 2009

THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED! CONGRATULATIONS JUDY!

Donna  on July 10th, 2009

I have tried to usw this site and gotten no where. I would rather speak to an individual and get the information , but can’t foind a phone number to reach you. I am in Canada and would like to get a rail pass for 2 weeks in Scotland, next Jan30to /Feb 13th2010 for my husband age 64 and son 20. This shouldn’t be too hard but I can’t seem to do it. Any help would be appreciated

angela  on July 10th, 2009

Hi Donna,

To speak to a customer service representative please call 1-866-BRITRAIL or fill out the email form on the Contact Us page

http://www.britrail.com/contact-us

Or to book a BritRail Scottish Freedom Pass please go to

https://booking.britrail.com/BritRail_Scottish_Freedom_Pass

vsop  on September 29th, 2009

I wish that they allowed for purchasing the Pass online and then picking up the pass at the station and not requiring it to be shipped, would allow those of us with last minute trips to buy a pass as well as save on shipping.

dresser79  on March 2nd, 2010

It would make life so much easier if there were just one pass you could purchase, and it would cover all of London PLUS the rest of England, Wales and Scotland–much more like the Europass. This is crazy, trying to figure consecutive days, Heathrow passes, underground, overground, buses, tube–Just one Oyster card should cover everything!

angela  on March 2nd, 2010

A BritRail Pass does exactly that – it covers the British rail network throughout England, Scotland and Wales!

A BritRail Pass is also valid on Airport Express trains such as Heathrow Express.

Deciding on consecutive or flexi travel depends on if you want to travel on consecutive days or flexi days. Browse the selection of validities and choose the number of days that best fits your itinerary. Do you want to stay in a city for a few days (Flexi) or be on the move (consecutive)?
http://www.britrail.com/passes/britrail-pass

The only thing you may be interested in, in addition to your BritRail Pass, is a travel card for London’s tube and buses. An Oyster card or London Visitor Travel Card is the most popular option for London city transport.
http://www.britrail.com/extras

Donna  on April 7th, 2011

When I use my britrail pass, do I need to take it to each station and “purchase” a valid ticket with my pass or is the pass considered my ticket? In other words, can I just hop on a train without worry, using my britrail pass?

Fred  on April 8th, 2011

Hi Donna,

Thanks for your question.
With a BritRail Pass, your pass is considered your ticket. The only time you need to go to the station is to activate your pass before you board the very first train of your trip. After that, you can just hop on the train without worry, using your BritRail Pass.
To note, if you have a BritRail Flexi Pass, there will be a select number of boxes on your pass, where you write in the travel date before you board a train on that day.

Jane  on April 26th, 2011

I have used your service for the first time this year, and have booked 16 tickets.They are for a group of Spanish friends who are travelling around the UK with me this summer. We are visiting
6 different towns and cities on out tour, and booking the travel was a bit of a nightmare until I found your website. What a revelation! I booked all my tickets at the same time, just entering the dates, times and number of passengers. It was easy to use, and saved me so much time price matching, finding convenient times, finding any transport to the places we want to visit….. I sent off for the tickets and they arrived at my house in Spain within 5 days (even including the disruptions caused by the Easter weekend). I hope the actual travel goes as smoothly as the purchase and delivery of tickets has done. I will recommend all my Spanish friends to use your website.

One suggestion which you might find helpful: I needed all these tickets because I am travelling between youth hostels in London, Manchester, Scotland etc. Have you thought about teaming up with the YHA so that more people find out about your website? I only came across it by accident, and wouldn’t want others to miss it.

Thank you for providing this easy to use , convenient and cost-effective service.

Terence Echlin  on May 14th, 2011

I used the 3-day Brit Flexipass this spring and it was a complete success! My journeys took me from Cambridge, by way of Birmingham, to Hereford; from Hereford to Edinburgh; from Edinburgh, by way of Glasgow, to London. The trains were all scrupulously punctual, clean, and the service from information clerks was correct and courteous and the stations were clean and tidy. The food/drink service was excellent also. Of course, the weather was excellent and the countryside looked beautiful, and I urge you to consider having observation carriages on some of the routes so travelers can enjoy the views more. A great way to travel and to see Britain. Keep up the good work!