In episode 157 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug uncover the 15 most common mistakes travellers make when navigating the UK by train and how to avoid them. Drawing on Doug’s extensive experience working in the UK rail industry and their work helping thousands of travellers via consultations, their dedicated UK Train Travel Tips private Facebook group, and their comprehensive ebook, they share practical advice for a smoother, stress-free UK rail adventure.
Tracy and Doug explore issues ranging from unreliable Sunday travel and ticket confusion to the pitfalls of overpacking and not utilising some of the excellent train apps available.
The episode provides actionable solutions for each mistake, along with insider tips on seat reservations, utilising assistive services, and planning onward travel, empowering listeners to travel smarter on UK railways.
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Complete Guide to UK Train Travel written by Doug Collins
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Episode 157 – Show Notes
What you’ll learn in this episode
- The 15 most common UK train travel mistakes—and how to avoid each one.
- Why travelling on Sunday on UK trains is risky and how to minimise disruption.
- The importance of getting reliable advice from rail experts versus random online sources.
- Tips for travelling with manageable luggage and making use of Left Luggage facilities.
- How to book and benefit from Passenger Assist if you need mobility help.
- Understanding UK ticket types, BritRail passes, and Railcards (including who can buy them).
- Why and how to reserve seats on long-distance journeys.
- Essential UK train apps and how to use them to your advantage.
- Managing food, drink, and luggage security while travelling by train.
- Planning connections, transfers, and onward journeys from train stations.
- Why not to rely solely on onboard Wi-Fi—and how to stay connected.
- The risks of booking same-day long train journeys and flights, and smarter alternatives.
- Finding the best train routes for your itinerary, not just the fastest.
- How to ensure you have enough time for train connections, especially in big stations.
- Where to access resources and personalised help for UK rail travel planning.
UK places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
🇬🇧 London
The UK capital, and a central hub for most train journeys and is home to major stations like King’s Cross, Waterloo, Victoria, and Euston.
🌆 Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital features as a common departure and arrival point for long-distance train routes.
🚉 York
A historic city and a popular stopover on the East Coast Main Line between London and Edinburgh.
🏞️ Lake District
A picturesque region accessible via the West Coast Main Line – a scenic rail journey suggestion.
🏰 Highclere Castle (“Downton Abbey”)
A famous stately home that travellers often reach via train to Newbury, with onward connections.
🚆 BritRail Pass
A flexible pass for unlimited train travel across Great Britain, handy for foreign visitors. Read more about BritRail Passes.
💳 National Railcards
Discount cards that offer up to a third off train travel; available in types like Senior, Two Together, and Family & Friends, accessible for international visitors too.
🍽️ Marks & Spencer (M&S), WHSmith
Popular food and drink spots in train stations to stock up before a journey.
🛅 Left Luggage
A service at stations (and hotels) for storing bags – a useful hack when travelling light.
🚇 National Rail Enquiries, Trainline, TfL Go
Essential train and transit apps/websites for live timetables, ticketing, and journey planning.
🔒 Passenger Assist
A free service for travellers needing extra assistance, like help with boarding, luggage, or mobility.
🕑 Train Connections
Planning for enough time between trains, especially at busy stations or during complex transfers.
📅 Sunday Service
Train schedules are reduced and more prone to engineering works or delays, which is best avoided if possible for long journeys.
Related content on UK Travel Planning and London Travel Planning
Podcasts
- Episode #151 – Essential UK Train Travel Tips + Q&A
- Episode #145 – Exploring Scotland by Train: Edinburgh to Inverness by train
- Episode #43 – Unravelling the mysteries of train travel in the UK
Articles
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