London Travel Mate

FACILITIES FOR THE COMMUTERS ON LONDON TRAINS

TRAVEL INFORMATION ON THE MOVE

National Rail Enquiries now offers information service to customers on the move, our website is viewable on handheld devices and they provide text based and phone based self-service information. All these channels are updated simultaneously and in real time, so you are guaranteed the latest information regardless of how you choose to access it London Travel Mate.

Train Tracker™ : TrainTracker™ can be accessed by calling 0871 200 49 50 TrainTracker™ offers live arrival / departure board information over the phone. TrainTracker™:

MOTORAIL SERVICES:

Motorail is a summer-only service operated by First Great Western for customers to take their car on-board with them, thus avoiding a long car journey.

SLEEPER SERVICES:

Sleepers enable you to make long distance journeys while having a relaxing night's sleep. Five Sleeper routes link London Euston with most principal business and holiday locations in Scotland. Sleepers have full air-conditioning and fingertip temperature control. Each cabin has wall-to-wall carpet, mirror, shaver sockets, drinking water - as well as hot water for the washbasin, and a comfortable bed.

ROOM SERVICE:

Steward(ess) service is available at the touch of a button throughout the journey. In the morning, pre-arranged morning calls will be given with complimentary morning newspaper, orange juice, croissant, preserve and tea or coffee in single berth cabins, or tea or coffee and biscuits in 2 berth cabins.

LOUNGE CARS

The Lounge Car offers a pleasant relaxing atmosphere in which to unwind before a night's rest. A full range of drinks, snacks and meals are available. Hot and continental breakfasts are served in the morning.

ANIMALS

Animals may be conveyed if properly labelled and muzzled, and in suitable containers, in the parcels accommodation on payment of the appropriate charge.

INFORMATON FOR BUSINESS TRAVELLERS

Business Inclusive Tickets - Tickets (often First Class) are available for selected journeys that combine travel with features such as car parking, meals/refreshments and travel in London Underground Zone One.

ON-BOARD WIFI AND CHARGER/POWER OUTLETS ON TRAINS

(for selected routes only)

Many routes on the UK mainland rail system have facilities on-board trains to assist you with your journey. On board Wi-Fi and charger/power outlets for laptop computers are examples of this.

LUGGAGE:

Customers may take up to three items of personal luggage free of charge; this includes two large items (such as suitcases or rucksacks) and one item of smaller hand luggage (such as a briefcase). Excess luggage and certain more bulky items may be carried, subject to available space, at an extra charge.

INFORMATION FOR DISABLED PASSENGERS:

Arrangements can be made for disabled passengers. They can usually arrange for staff to meet you at your departure station, accompany you to the train and see you safely on board. Similar arrangements can be made at your destination station and other stations if you need to change trains.

FAMILIES AND GROUPS:

Groups of passengers whether in a family or not can all benefit from a range of discounts and promotions that National Rail can offer.

Before we end this topic let us give you some information on the ticketing system:Individual ticketsThese are available at a confusing array of options and the more expensive tickets can sometimes cost the same as a multi-day rail pass.Standard Single TicketA standard single ticket is valid for travel anytime on the date shown on the ticket.Open ReturnAn open return is valid for travel anytime up to one calendar month from the ticket date.Day ReturnA day return is valid for one return journey with travel anytime on the date shown on the ticket.Cheap Day Return*A cheap day return is similar to a day return, but with cheaper fares. On some journeys there are restrictions on times that you can travel (you usually have to travel outside peak hours).Saver Retun*Similar to a cheap day return but you can usually make the return trip up to one month after your outward journey.SuperSaver RetunThis is a cheaper alternative to the Saver Return. These tickets are only available on some routes and can only be used to travel on off-peak days.Network AwayBreakThis type of ticket is available on some routes in southeastern England. Network AwayBreak tickets are valid for outward travel on the date shown on the ticket with the return journey within five days. There are usually restrictions prohibiting travel at peak times on weekdays.SuperAdvanceLimited numbers of SuperAdvance tickets are available on selected routes. These tickets must be booked by 6pm on the day before travel and are restricted to London Travel Mate only on the date and train shown on the ticket. Super Advance tickets are available as both single and return tickets; the return voyage must be within one month of the outward journey. This type of ticket includes free compulsory seat reservations for both outbound and return journeys.APEXLimited numbers of APEX (Advance Purchase Excursion) tickets are available on selected routes. These tickets must be booked at least one week before travel. APEX tickets are available as both single and return tickets; the return voyage must be within one month of the outward journey. This type of ticket includes free compulsory seat reservations for both outbound and return journeys.Travel Passes

The biggest drawbacks about British trains are the high prices and the fact that the Eurail pass isn't valid here. However there is a large selection of other travel passes available that make train travel a much more affordable travel option than buying individual tickets. These include the BritRail passes and the more restricted Ranger and Rover tickets London Travel Mate.

So to end it all Trains can be a rewarding, relaxing and, if you book in advance, good value way to travel round Britain. Lots of different companies run services in Britain so start by contacting National Rail (Tel: 08705 484950; outside UK +44 1332 387601). It’s a helpful, centralised service that provides timetable and fare information.

- On some journeys there are restrictions on times that you can travel (you usually have to travel outside peak hours).

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