An increasing number of rail-air links are being introduced throughout the UK and mainland Europe – see our piece on rail-air.
The latest effort comes from train firm London Northwestern, which is offering special fares, available all day every day, which must be booked online through traintoplanesaver.co.uk.
Tickets must be bought for the day of travel but no specific train time is needed.
The ability to buy a simple flat fare for travel at any time is especially important for business people who may often have to travel at peak hours when rail fares are expensive.
Currently this is believed to be the only rail initiative of its type in the UK.
Business Traveller checked the one-way fares to Birmingham airport’s train station for travel from 1500 on Wednesday, including peak times, and the following rates were shown:
From London Euston £12, Watford Junction £10, Milton Keynes £8, Rugby £5 and Coventry £2.
These prices represent a considerable saving on peak hour prices.
For example, for yesterday’s peak period London Northwestern was charging £26 one-way to Birmingham International from London Euston, while Avanti West Coast demanded no less than £92.
Note that on the busy mainline linking London Euston with Birmingham International/New Street these special fares are offered only by London Northwestern through the special website.
They are not available with operator Avanti West Coast.
Finally, note that when taking a train to the airport it’s always best to allow plenty of time for the journey.
