After years of discussion, various proposals and more than a few delays, the Elizabeth Line in London is set to open to the public on 24th May. What is going on and what to expect? Well, here are more than a few thoughts, assumptions and darn good guesses. Show me a two-minute guide. Geoff Marshall is here explaining it for you. Why are there three lines? When will … [Read more...]

Izy - the "slower" and "lower cost" service operated by Thalys is to cease services on the 10th of July 2022, ending six years of operations. Izzy currently operates services between Paris Gare du Nord and Brussels Midi. Instead of using high-speed lines that connect Paris and Brussels together, they chose to operate on the conventional railway lines - … [Read more...]

One of the last major regulatory hurdles for the opening of the Elizabeth Line/Crossrail has been cleared, with the Office of Rail and Road delivering final authorisation for the line to be opened. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has issued approvals for all the Elizabeth line stations – with the exception of Bond Street – confirming the stations and … [Read more...]

In 20 days' time, The Elizabeth Line - or CrossRail will do something it hasn't ever done before - it will carry fare-paying passengers fo the first time as the new line is set to open. Time to put the Purple Trains into the use they were built for - Class 345 Elizabeth Line train at London Paddington - Image, Economy Class and Beyond  Transport for London (TfL) … [Read more...]

We’re barrelling towards the Early Spring Bank Holiday - or another chance for a long weekend by jumping on a train and heading off somewhere. As usual, is that a good idea?  Good luck getting a train out of Euston Station for a start - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. Whilst the majority of the network, there are major pinch points that will be shut - including … [Read more...]

Avanti West Coast - the operator of intercity services on the West Coast Main Line - has unveiled the first of the long-anticipated refurbishment of its Pendolino (Class 390) fleet. First class seats  The refurbishment of the Pendolino fleet is part of a £117 million upgrade programme that should add further capacity to the trains, as well as an updated … [Read more...]

As we barrel head-first into the long Easter Weekend, here is a reminder that if you're planning to access airports in the London area by rail there are major changes due to engineering work. It goes without saying if you're planning to head to Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted, you will need to allow extra time for your journey. Good luck this weekend - you're … [Read more...]

As we come up to the Easter Weekend and Bank Holidays in the United Kingdom, no doubt a lot of people are planning their journeys to where they need to be, whilst trying to avoid the high price of petrol and diesel. Well, it seems the Rail Industry is proceeding with its usual "It's Easter - no one travels during this period" attitude, with multiple closures on trunk routes, … [Read more...]

When I was travelling back from Chicago, I was in a position where I needed to get home (as 1) BA couldn't find a stand for the aircraft I was on and 2) I had missed the coach I wanted to take home). Now, there are many ways to travel, but one of the ways of cutting costs are Advance Purchase Rail Tickets - the idea is very much like airplane tickets (you choose a train that … [Read more...]

It seems that traffic is picking up enough that Gatwick Express - the operator of the direct train between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport is set to return from the 3rd of April.   Gatwick Express service passing Clapham Junction - Image, Economy Class and Beyond Services were first suspended on 30 March 2020 as the pandemic took hold and passenger numbers at the … [Read more...]