Fly Virgin: 2h 8mins

Having used the train (albeit not Virgin) on numerous occasions of late from Scotland to London, I’ve sampled:

1) NO louts on board
2) Inexpensive fares when compared to BA
3) No douchebag security goons
4) No waiting for ages to engage with aforementioned goons
5) No drunks
6) No expensive cab fare at the other end as I am in central London
7) A fast and relaxing way from Scotland to London
8) Good on-board service with nice staff

But then I tend to base my findings on real life experience, not make-believe.

Rgds.
AOTG.

AllOverTheGaff – 17/06/2013 09:59 GMT

+1

My experience of train travel matches yours. I tend to use the east coast services more than the west coast ones and overall I find East Coast more pleasant than Virgin.

I’ve yet to buy a ticket in first that is more expensive than BA apart from one bought at very short notice where I think Virgin mugged me.

BA/VS MAN-LHR Expensive fares, drunken louts and expensive taxis at each end.

Going by Virgin Trains…buy a through advance purchase ticket in F from your destination to your destination, no expensive fares, no drunken louts, no expensive taxis, plus free wifi, a quiet relaxing ride, a very comfy seat, wall to wall tea or coffee and a pleasant snack. A great 2.08 hrs journey…every 20 mins. Also, on Virgin trains I have never heard an announcement saying ” sorry for the delay due to the late inbound aircraft” which happens on most flights…and is so irritating…(I know the inbound aircraft was late, that is why we are late!!!)

AllOverTheGaff – 17/06/2013 10:43 GMT

Couldn’t agree more. I just wish East Coast would be allowed to continue operating as they are. After all they are a public sector company generating a profit which has to be a good thing for public finances. The idea of First Group or Virgin getting their hands on the service makes me shudder.

It’s not broken so it shouldn’t be fixed!

@ AllOverTheGaff – 17/06/2013 10:43 GMT

Except if you’re connecting onwards through LHR, what’s not to choose the train these days?

The service standards on both the East and West coast mainline services have improved immeasurably in recent years with newer carriages, improved at seat-catering, faster journey times and decent (advance purchase rather than “show up and travel”) fares. Take in some seriously agreeable views afforded on both routes and it’s pretty much a no-brainer.

I really cannot remember when I last encountered unbearable yobbishness – even returning from Manchester on the same train as travelling Chelsea fans who’d been to Old Trafford. The latter were awesomely knowledgeable about the game – a genuine learning experience! As with most occasions in life, show some interest in others and what they know and who knows what one might learn oneself.

@ Henkel.Trocken – 17/06/2013 11:06 GMT

Don’t collapse in shock but +1….!!!

@ VintageKrug – 17/06/2013 12:52 GMT

I find that that it’s hen/stag party participants who are the most raucous these days. And that’s before Canucklad’s experiences between PIK and the Balearics….

Who was it that said “youth in wasted on the young…”?

It looks like I’m showing my age…. 🙂

This is a timely topic as am currently onboard East Coast, heading from Leeds to Kings X and enjoying the fine onboard service.

The train I’m in one of the 30 year old ex-BR HSTs which East Coast has extensively refurbished.

One further saving to be made (besides the ones mentioned above) is the fact that you avoid paying APD (which is charged per domestic sector) when travelling by train.