15 UK Train Travel Mistakes to Avoid (From a Rail Expert!)
Video Overview & Insights
🚆 Planning to travel by train in the UK? Do not get caught out. After 25+ years working in the UK rail industry, I have seen every train travel mistake there is and in this video I am sharing the 15 most common mistakes first-time visitors make and exactly how to avoid them. Whether you are planning a quick day trip or a scenic multi-day rail adventure, these insider tips will help you save time, save money, avoid stress and travel like a pro.
2026 I thought it would be a good idea to vlog travel around on trains ❤
📚 Helpful resources mentioned in this video:
📖 Guide to UK Train Travel eBook – Everything you need to plan your perfect UK train trip: https://essentials.uktravelplanning.com/uk-train-travel-guide
How to reserve a seat on.trainline app when you book a ticket
💬 1:1 Train Itinerary Consultation with Doug – Get personalised help for your journey: https://uktravelplanning.com/uk-train-travel-consultations/
🎧 UK Travel Planning Podcast – More UK rail tips and destination inspiration: https://uktravelplanning.com/uk-travel-planning-podcast-2/
I purchased the train travel guide and it’s fabulous! Listening to your podcasts has also been an extremely beneficial; so many valuable resources. We will be traveling may of 2027 and I’m so glad I started learning with you both.
🔗 Other useful UK train resources:
🚉 Trainline – Check timetables, compare fares and book UK train tickets: https://prf.hn/click/camref:1011l7Ajm
Doug, Thank you for all your expertise to help plan my train trip to Glasgow and love your ebook!
🎫 BritRail Pass – Flexible rail travel across the UK for international visitors: https://www.acprail.com/#a_aid=UKTP
📱 National Rail Enquiries – Official live train times, service updates and station info: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Nice video but it's absolutely ridiculous that a) a ticket doesn't guarantee you a seat, b) there are different prices for the same class journey and c) you should think about getting somewhere a day ahead in case the train doesn't !
🎯 More UK Train Travel videos:
🚆 How to Travel from London to Edinburgh by Train – https://youtu.be/MA_S7T2WYv0?si=lLxhRyvYsukx_VWc
You missed out RealTrainTimes which is an amazing site to help track trains (knowing you know the route) but typing in the station you are leaving from, it will have in the detailed version platform and each time stop en-route giving the most accurate times during a service journey. It also gives any platform alterations prior to the train arriving if delayed for example.
Being someone who's never had a driving licence nor passport (shocking I know in my 50th year on this planet) public transport is the only way to get around and just doing just simple research always helps. Booking 12 weeks in advance will also save money, infact, 12 weeks is when most train companies will release their early discounted ticket options. With National Rail, you can print off personalised timetables for your Journey especially for the London areas as I have found out recently.
🚆 Caledonian Sleeper Review – https://youtu.be/kP4iwX-A3L8?si=ApjWWmlUDAxf990k
🚆 https://youtu.be/slPnVENnrC0?si=6Fx2R3TigFavQ5Oj
Great concise and practical advice. Nice that we get to see a face to the equivalent podcast episode. :) It would be nice to have links to some of the train apps/websites that were mentioned.
💡 Have you ever made one of these UK train mistakes? Comment below. I would love to hear your story. Like this video if it helped you, subscribe for more UK rail and travel tips every week, and plan your UK trip with us at https://uktravelplanning.com
#UKTrainTravel #TrainTravelTips #UKRail
Perfect video especially for first time travelers, Doug! My mistake made- albeit impossible to avoid this past trip- was booking a Sunday train on a BANK HOLIDAY (horror of horrors)- however, knowing I had to book on a Sunday, I also had plan B and plan C prepared should my route be cancelled, late, delayed...etc. I also took especial note planning my trip forward from the train station (came in handy in Whitby most notably!). Looking forward to your next video! Highly reommend your book as well.