Expert: Alun Hill MCIJ - 3/3/2011

Question
Hello again. We are settling on the BritRail Flexi pass for 3 day travel. It seems to be slightly cheaper than booking the trains online through the National Railway. I've been told by both Rail Europe and Brit Rail that most people opt not to reserve their seats since there is usually space available and often times, the trains don't even take reservations. I was wondering though, if the days we are taking a train might end up being busier than usual due to Easter or Easter break and the Royal Wedding with people wanting to travel at that time. Do you think it might be best to reserve a seat on any of these legs for the following dates or do you think we'll be safe to just wait until we get to London on April 14 and deal with reserving seats at that time? I was told that by reserving at the train station there is no charge.

We will go to Blaenau ffestiniog from London on April 18 (Monday before Easter)

The next leg is from Blaenau ffestiniog to Stirling on April 22 (Good Friday)

And finally, our return to London on April 26 (3 days before the Royal Wedding)

I took your suggestion and we booked a tour with Evan Evans on Sunday April 17.

Thanks for all your help!

Answer
Actually, our trains are busier now than at any time in the last 50 years, so I'm not sure why you were advised against reserving seats.

Friday 22nd will also be one of the busiest days of the year for travel, second only to Xmas.

As this is also a free service, I'd hate you to be standing for many hours!

I would personally never risk this - and I travel constantly on these services.

As soon as you can, please go to London Euston station (ideally - though other large stations can do this) taking your pass with you and reserve your seats - asking to be sat together, please.
You can also do this at the RailEurope offices, just off Piccadilly Circus, although this does get very busy - especially the time you're here!

(You're unlikely to be able to reserve to / from Blaenau, incidentally, but these trains are less busy, but you can reserve London to / from Warrington, and then from Scotland back to Englsnd.

I do hope all goes well - if I can help further, just let me know please.

And enjoy Stonehenge - magical place!


Alun Hill, MCIJ