Expert: Michael - 5/9/2007

Question
I need to travel from Gatwick to Middlesbrough [actually, Wynyard Hall near there] and prefer to do it either by rail or bus. Can you advise me of sources giving information about schedules and fares?

Answer
Hello Paul

Thanks for your question.
There are a few options for you for travel by coach or train, and fortunately a few rather useful websites for you too.

Firstly, the government has produced a national travel journey planner. You can access it at www.transportdirect.info
At that site you can enter your exact starting point and end point - ideally using Post Code - and it will recommend options for you using your preferred modes of transport at the time of day when you're travelling. It reports on buses, trains and even planes & car journeys. It does not, however, have fare details on it.

If you decide to travel by coach, then the key website for your attention is www.nationalexpress.co.uk - National Express is the national coach carrier service.
If you decide to travel by train, then all train timetables and fares are accessible through www.thetrainline.co.uk
On both of these two sites, you can also order tickets online in advance.

I hope this is useful information for you - enjoy your stay in the UK.

Michael