[Anonymous]

[MarcusUK]

Tried out the return part of a York – London day return, with Grand Central Trains, a Co that runs approx 5 trains weekdays from Kings X to Sunderland.

Had seen these train occasionally speeding through N Ldn, and they looked very smart compared to East Coast services.

The last train from York to London Kings X from leaves at 19.11. The advantage of this (coming in from Sunderland), is that it carries on non stop to London, and takes 1hr 55 minutes, so one of the fastest services on this sector.

Booking ahead for 4 persons, over 3 is classed as a “Small group” so you get a good 30% discount! (This was booked via the East Coast website.
The fare in Standard Class, was £10.95 each, very decent, and half the cost to East Coast Services, one of which ran 15 minutes earlier but was not non stop..

The train arrived at York on time, but was clearly very swish on the outside, but one of the original Intercity 125 trains! It may have been painted on the outside but was more or less original inside, with no structural changes. The seats were quite low set, and the journey a little more bumpy and rickety that other trains on that route. However, the seating was low set, giving the carriage a spacious feel, and the table seats of four, equal space of legroom to the earlier East Coast 1st Class carriage we took that day.

No refreshment service coming along, but a buffet car to collect from, but we had chosen some good foods to bring with us for this later eve trip back to London.

Train Manager was OK, and a regular collection of rubbish from another staff member, otherwise no other service or staff contacts.

The train ran to time, and it was fast, and comfortable and a great price each one way. Though the service was minimal (East coast offer a trolley service in standard), it was good to take a rapid non stop service, and good value for money. The train or carriages really could ddo with some updating though!

Still, did its job, and speedily returned four of us back on time.
Always worth a check for the low fare and non stop service London to York, where-as many other East Coast services, either stop, or are V busy travelling non-stop, then going onto Scotland.

Interesting to take an alternative once more.

[Author]

Posts