Time to take the train again

Train comfort has moved on since the age of steam. Booking tickets is easier than ever using online systems, and there are fare options to suit everyone.

The Golden Age of Steam may be long behind us, and Dr Beeching may have reduced the UK rail network, but train comfort has certainly moved on and the price of petrol is driving many of us off the roads. So, it’s time to take the train again!

One of the biggest leaps forward with rail travel is the ability to book tickets quickly, simply and conveniently: online.

There are usually a range of fare options including:

•       Peak

•       Off-peak

•       Flexible travel times

•       Business travel

•       First class

Obviously prices vary with the fare options, each of which offers different flexibility, comfort or times.

Once you’ve booked your rail tickets you can take your time to make arrangements for your journey. We’re all so used to travelling by car on crowded roads – most of the time getting nowhere slowly – that we’ve forgotten that trains mostly run on time and get you to your destination in peace and comfort – and without being shouted and gesticulated at by drivers of other vehicles!

Settle down into your seat (often you can book a seat), pack your bags onto the overhead compartments, between the seats, or in luggage areas, and relax.

What will choose to do?

Watch the countryside go by? Read a book or a newspaper? Listen to your MP3 player? Watch a DVD on your personal player (with headphones of course)? Or chat with your fellow passengers over a drink, a snack or a meal?

No longer are trains made up of draughty and rattling carriages as they used to be. These days they are sealed and air-conditioned. Put your face towards the rain-slashed window, but don’t feel the wet and cold; feel the warmth instead.

Save your car, your stress and your petrol money. Book your family some rail tickets and relax on the train.