BritRail
Tips on traveling by train in Great Britain

Reservations Policy and Advice

Trains in Britain run extremely frequently and it is therefore perfectly acceptable to 'turn up and go'. Indeed, this is what we advise. You don't book road space when you rent a car and you need not book a seat on a train in advance! It should be noted that British trains are very different from American trains or European TGV style trains where a reservation and preplanning is necessary. In Britain, frequency is the key and the big difference making touring so easy.

Seat reservations in First Class are even less likely to be needed, as it is seldom crowded.

Are there times when it is advisable to reserve a seat?
Whilst we advise maximum flexibility there are some occasions when we do advise reservations.

  1. Peak time on long haul trains just before Christmas, around Easter, and Summer Saturdays to the West Country. Like most people, Brits enjoy their weekends so Friday afternoons, especially out of London can be busy, particularly in Standard Class.
  2. In First Class, should you be taking a very early morning business train (say before 9 am) from Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle etc.
  3. If you are traveling on a long journey in a small group, particularly if you are traveling from London to Scotland.
How to make Seat Reservations
  1. Before you go: Seat reservations can be made at time of booking for $10 US per person, per train.
  2. 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.

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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.

As regards 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 3312

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