Great Britain

About Rail Travel in Great Britain

Trains as we know them were invented in Britain in the 1820s. And although it still has one of the world’s more dense networks, the system itself has been thoroughly modernized. Today’s British rails are highly efficient, traveling at speeds up to 160 mph. Moreover, the trains run frequently (one every 15 minutes on main lines), and offer impressive on-board service. First class is worth the extra.

It’s also worth considering train travel for quick day trips out of London. Why not explore Stonehenge, Stratford-upon-Avon, or Bath? And a speedy 186 mph ride on Eurostar through Kent takes you to the engineering wonder Channel Tunnel (or “Chunnel” to the locals) and then Paris in just about two hours. Brussels or Lille are even closer and make great day trips from London. Both are culture-rich and delightful.

A longer and lovely landscaped rail ride from London journeys to the Lake District in Northern England (with a shopping stop at Penrith). This is one of England’s most visually stunning regions, perfect for a day or two of hiking. You can even spend the night in a haunted caste! If that peaceful, easy feeling is more your style, then settle back, relax, and enjoy the cozy rail ride to Edinburgh. It’s the most popular train trip in Britain from London.

Reservations are not required on British trains, so you can board any train as long as you have a valid ticket or pass.

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