Holiday Essentials > Train

Advantages: Trains, ticket prices, friendly staff, efficient service - need I go on
Disadvantages: Could have more lines and a catering trolley on board trains

...company who operates under the Northern Ireland Transport umbrella company, called Translink, has gone from strength to strength as they are truly providing a great 21st Century transport service; although a consistent stream of future investment is still needed to expand the network further. Let's look at some statistics: In the past five years, expecially with the introduction of new trains, passenger numbers have increased by as much as 60 percent ...
...if the railway lines in Northern Ireland were to expand again into once used territory - i.e. Armagh, Comber and Co. Tyrone, however, it is only a matter of time before this happens. Now we have local government, our local politicians are recognising the need for major transport development in the future. However, N I Railways must ensure that for the short term anyhow (the next 7 to 10 years), that they keep all existing lines and assets, and develop ... Read review

Advantages: Paris Nord train station is well situated and convenient
Disadvantages: unreliable online booking service, high prices, poor customer service

I would not recommend Eurostar to anyone who values good customer service, value for money or reliability. I was looking forward to my journey having heard good things from friends and family. Having booked my tickets online a few weeks in advance and received instructions to collect my tickets at the train station on the day of travel, I did this and was then told my credit card hadn't been debited and the tickets had been cancelled just days before ...
...even a simple apology from Eurostar have been in vain, so I urge you to consider flying. While Eurostar might be good for those who encounter no problems, from my experience and from what I've read of others, if you have a complaint you can kiss away any hope of compensation or sympathy from the so called "customer-service" staff. In my opinion the complaints system is a complete joke. While I concede the location of the train is more convenient ... Read review

Advantages: no driving anyone around the bend
Disadvantages: small delay

...I decided to travel with First Great Western on a day trip to Cardiff, simple because of convience. We didn't want the hassle of driving ( because of raising fuel costs and we wanted to have a good pub lunch wiv beers, well I did) My partner check out the times of departures, arrival and prices on the net and found nagivating their web-site easy. Sitting next to her while she found these details was far easier then her navigating from car positions. ...
...to go the building society first to get the fare out, so wasn't arriving early) However, the train was delayed by 20 minutes. I didn't think that too bad but then not really in any great hurry to go shopping. The train was actually only 15mins late. The tickets were only £15.10 for a day return so definately cheaper than taking the car. When we got on the train it was really comfortable, clean and well presented. There was a combination of seating ... Read review

Advantages: Good rolling stock, helpful staff on the train, prices
Disadvantages: Grumpy staff at ticket offices

I have to travel quite a lot in my job all over Scotland, North of England, Ireland & sometimes the south of England. Just like any other company I have a strict budget to keep to for traveling & for accommodation & I have to find the most cost effective methods. Around 80% of my traveling is by car with the remaining 20% by train, plane or ferry. Travelling in modern day Britain is no fun, by car it isn't long before your stuck in a traffic jam, ...
...I can't even remember that last time I completed a journey of more than 50 miles without seeing road works & if that's not bad enough I have to dodge the maniacs on the road, the speed cameras, the bus lane cameras, box junction cameras, the speed humps & the pot holes. By air isn't much better, after the airline companies screw me for the ticket, plus the cost of booking a seat, plus the cost of using a credit card, plus the cost of taking luggage ... Read review

Advantages: Quick, regular services, comfort
Disadvantages: Expensive

...versa. About the Heathrow Express: The Service was launched in 1998 and ten years later is still going strong. The trains run from early (around 5am) in the morning until late (just before midnight) generally every 15 minutes. Tickets: There are various ways to buy tickets. You can book online, buy at the ticket office or machine, or even buy on the train for a £2 surcharge. Prices: The Express is not cheap. For example: the cheapest return fare ...
...can get big discounts. Heathrow airport workers get a 50% discount when they show an ID pass-obviously a big bonus for me! Onboard: Express Class is pretty good-well when you are paying £1 a minute you expect it to be! The trains are all new looking and clean inside which is a bonus. There is also air-conditioning and I love how the train floor is level with the platform so you don't have any problems with any luggage. There is also ample space ... Read review