Reply to: Anyone weekly commute by train, Crewe to Euston?

[scooterscot]

I do 1st class Glasgow to Edinburgh every day on that service. A few of the staff are pretty tidy, the new lemon curd biscuits are top class and you get real toilets as well with flushing water.

It's like the Orient Express compared to the Scotrail service out of Queen's Street.

mmmm agree,...

[Fred Bloggs]

Thanks again for the advice. I think I'd have to get the 8.00am train from Crewe hence peak time travel. Doesn't seem to come cheaper than £100 single ticket even in advance. Could probably get early afternoon train back on a Friday I think for maybe £35-ish. I'll be negotiating this week, the potential job is Brentford. If it comes off I'll be looking for cheap digs next.

[minestrone]

Off topic but worth a mention I though, wifi was available on 1st class GNER service (Edinburgh to London) (1-2 years ago) and the seats were well comfortable, someone would come round keeping your tea level to the brim, in the china cup I might add.

I do 1st class Glasgow to Edinburgh every day on that service. A few of the staff are pretty tidy, the new lemon curd biscuits are top class and you get real toilets as well with flushing water.

It's like the Orient Express compared to the Scotrail service out of Queen's Street.

[Pogle]

Off topic but worth a mention I though, wifi was available on 1st class GNER service (Edinburgh to London) (1-2 years ago) and the seats were well comfortable, someone would come round keeping your tea level to the brim, in the china cup I might add.

The first great western 1st class is truly a step backwards. The leather seats are some of the most uncomfortable (probably for easy cleaning I thought), wifi not available, and you still have to go the restaurant with your 1st class ticket to get a cardboard cup of hot water with separate tea bag. Worst of all the ticket was a good 50% more than the GNER, I though at that price I'd get a foot massage.

I used to travel to London from Manchester regularly on Virgin trains. I always booked in advance and avoided peak times (if possible) and as a consequence was able to travel 1st class all the time. Its lovely, lots of coffee and a snack/breakfast and on the return leg usually a few vodka and tonics. I found it very relaxing >hic<
Also you can go and sit in the first class lounge in Manchester or Euston - which is great if you're early for your train, someone will make you a cuppa and as much snack food as you can stuff in your handbag.
The lounges have free WiFi, but I'm not sure about the trains.

[Bagpuss]

Only benefit to first class on virgin is the space and slightly more comfy seats (no leather). For a city based contract it's less stressful, quicker and cheaper than driving

[Fred Bloggs]

Buy a helicopter.

£60 an hour won't support the cost I'm afraid

[dinker]

Buy a helicopter.

[scooterscot]

Off topic but worth a mention I though, wifi was available on 1st class GNER service (Edinburgh to London) (1-2 years ago) and the seats were well comfortable, someone would come round keeping your tea level to the brim, in the china cup I might add.

The first great western 1st class is truly a step backwards. The leather seats are some of the most uncomfortable (probably for easy cleaning I thought), wifi not available, and you still have to go the restaurant with your 1st class ticket to get a cardboard cup of hot water with separate tea bag. Worst of all the ticket was a good 50% more than the GNER, I though at that price I'd get a foot massage.

[Fred Bloggs]

Thanks a lot for the tips, if I can haggle a good rate I might give it a go.

[Pickle2]

Supposedly rolled out by end of 2008

this is great news as i cant get a 3g signal in those new trains.

[Bagpuss]

Are you sure? On virgin trains!? Is this something new? Ive only ever seen it on the east coast mainline.

Supposedly rolled out by end of 2008

[Cyberman]

As above, singles are much cheaper, check on trainline, sometimes first class is heavily discounted too. It's a very fast journey now, quickest trains are about 1hr 40 and the trains are modern (pendolino). It's not too busy, i,e, everyone is usually seated, when you book you get a reserved seat. You also get wireless internet. If I were working in the city I would do it all the time, bit more of a pain if you want to join up to other rail services

Looks like the Tory privatisation of rail services is working a treat !!

[Pickle2]

You also get wireless internet.

Are you sure? On virgin trains!? Is this something new? Ive only ever seen it on the east coast mainline.

[Bagpuss]

As above, singles are much cheaper, check on trainline, sometimes first class is heavily discounted too. It's a very fast journey now, quickest trains are about 1hr 40 and the trains are modern (pendolino). It's not too busy, i,e, everyone is usually seated, when you book you get a reserved seat. You also get wireless internet. If I were working in the city I would do it all the time, bit more of a pain if you want to join up to other rail services

[thunderlizard]

I've done the Friday trip a few times. Now that there's 3 trains per hour it's less packed. You should be able to get a seat - especially if you book one in advance and show up with 10-15 minutes to spare so you can claim it!

If you can book a few weeks in advance you should be able to get an Advance standard class single for about £15-35, or first class for about £35-70