UK Trains
UK trains link all Britain from London to Oxford, Glasgow to Edinburg and Cardiff to Birmingham etc.
- London - Edinburgh: 04:19
- Book early, save up to 60%
- Book up to 60 days in advance
- E-ticket
- High Speed trains
Overview
UK Trains
The United Kingdom is place of great contrasts. From the capital London the rail network spreads out across three different countries reaching up to the dramatic mountains in Scotland to the small towns and villages in Wales and past farmland and busy cities and into the quiet of the lakes and rolling hills of England. London is at the centre of the UK rail network. It has no less than 14 train stations. The 23 different train operators cover every major city and town from East to West and North to South. Although not all of the trains are high speed, there’s something romantic about soaking up the countryside as you sit comfortably, looking out of the window with a cup of tea. Booking tickets on so many different operators can be tricky so why not get your tickets here? Rail Europe partners with the UK rail network to offer the cheapest prices and a choice of tickets to suit you.
Practical information
Print @ Station
Go to a self-service ticket machine and enter your reference to retrieve your ticket. Skip shipping fees.
- UK Trains tickets are open for booking 60 days ahead.
- Get the lowest prices by booking early and don’t wait until the last minute as cheaper seats sell the fastest.
- Opt for off-peak trains when you have to travel short notice. They are more affordable than morning and evening trains along with those running on holiday eves, Friday and Sunday afternoon.
A class apart
Classes of service
| First class | Second class | |
|---|---|---|
| Snacks and beverages Whenever you feel peckish, you can buy something on board to eat or drink. | ||
| WiFi Internet Enjoy the freedom to read your emails, surf and listen to online music thanks to the wireless internet on board certain trains. | ||
| Power sockets Ideal to plug your laptop, phone or any electronic device from your seat. |
Reviews & ratings UK Trains
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Value for moneyConvenience2nd class adequate | Paul o. | 2016/11/25
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Value for moneyConvenienceEnjoyable trip to Edinburgh | Heather r. | 2016/11/10
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Value for moneyConvenienceGreat train to Edinburgh | Michael John Francis f. | 2016/10/28
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Value for moneyConvenienceComfortable | Leo Michael s. | 2016/10/26
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Value for moneyConvenienceKings Cross - Edinburgh | Elizabetj d. | 2016/10/22
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Easy peasy | . | 2016/10/17
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Value for moneyConvenienceGreat trip-but packed train | Fiona m. | 2016/10/16
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Value for moneyConvenienceCheltenham Spa to Paddington | Ross d. | 2016/10/13
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Value for moneyConvenienceSmooth and Expensive | Jill k. | 2016/10/10
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Value for moneyHappy Traveller | Dianne s. | 2016/09/29
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FAQ's
Common Questions, Simple Answers
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Q. Can I bring food and drinks on board?
A. Of course you can! Eating and drinking are permitted on all European trains.
You will also have the option to purchase food and drinks if the train you’re traveling on offers food services.
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Q. I have a question about my Rail Europe Gift Card. Who should I contact?
A. Just send us a message on our Contact Us page and we will respond to you via email within 24 to 48 hours.
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Q. Do I need to make a reservation if I’m traveling with a rail pass on an overnight train?
A. Yes. Even with your rail pass, you will need to make a reservation on any overnight train. Reservations are required for sleeping compartments, couchettes, and seats. Depending on where you’re traveling, the guidelines of the specific train and/or the type of rail pass you have, you may be entitled to purchase a reservation in place of a full price ticket.
You can search for overnight reservations directly on our website - just be sure to select the "I have a rail pass" option. -
Q. How can I book an itinerary with multiple cities?
A. Our website makes booking multi-city journeys very easy!
Simply enter the cities you plan to depart from, arrive to, and your travel dates. Our system will then search the database to provide the best matching schedules.
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Q. What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class on the Trenitalia (Italy) train?
A. First class on the Italian day train offers large, comfortable reclining seats, and Bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase. (on major routes)
Second class on the Italian day train offers generous legroom and Bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase. (on major routes)
Frecciarossa high-speed trains offer four levels of service, accommodating all travel budgets. Choose from Executive, Business, Premium, and Standard class.
In Executive class, you’ll indulge in luxury and comfort including lounge access at the station, dedicated car with just 8 luxurious reclining leather seats, convenient meeting area to conduct business, gourmet meal served at your seat, open bar, and more.
Business class also provides an upgraded level of service with plush leather reclining seats, welcome drink & snack, and platform check-in.
In Premium class you’ll experience the services of 1st class in a 2nd class seat, including a welcome drink & snack, sleek leather seating, and more.
Lastly, Economy class is a budget-friendly 2nd class seat, offering a comfortable reclining cloth seat.
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Q. Are there ATMs on board?
A. While there are ATMs located in most major European train stations, there are none on the trains themselves.
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Q. Can I choose a specific seat on a train when making my reservation?
A. At this time, it’s not possible to choose a specific seat on our website when booking a reservation.
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Q. Can I request preferences for assigning my seat, such as a forward facing seat, a window, or an aisle?
A. You can make a request for seat locations on the train for some trains, the option will be presented to you when you select a specific train ticket fare. Seat selections cannot be guaranteed, but will be taken into consideration when the reservation is completed. If confirming a seat preference is essential, please contact us prior to booking using the Contact Us page.
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Q. I recently saw a fare on your website that I can’t find anymore. Why?
A. Just like airfares, train fares fluctuate over time. In most cases, the fare you’re quoted on our website is based on current availability at the time of your request. It’s possible that the fare quoted to you has sold out and become unavailable. However, know that the new fare you see on our website is always the cheapest fare offered, based on current availability.
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Q. What types of sleeping compartments or accommodations are available on overnight trains?
A. There are Second class, First class, and on some overnight trains, Premier class accommodations.
In Second class, you can relax in a reclining seat, a ‘couchette’ that is a shared compartment with up to 6 beds, or a compartment with 3 to 4 beds.
In First class, you’ll share a more relaxing locking compartment with one or two beds and a wash basin in the compartment.
Lastly, on some trains, you can book a Premier class ticket for a great night of sleep with private, lockable accommodations for one or two, a private shower and toilet, and includes breakfast and on some trans, dinner.
Sleeping accommodations vary by train type and by route. Be sure to read the product details for the overnight train you’re interested in to see what that train offers in each class of service.