Avanti West Coast reliability EDI-BHM at the moment?

[ejstubbs]

Is there a web site where you can easily look up a TOC's recent reliability stats? In particular Avanti West Coast.

The reason I ask is that we're contemplating a short break down to Birmingham from Edinburgh in the next couple of weeks. The seemingly obvious way to do it would be using the direct Avanti West Coast Edinburgh to Euston service. But I have my doubts as to how reliable that service is likely to be (not including strike days, obviously). Is Avanti still prone to last-minute cancellations? Being bumped at short notice on to a train for which we don't have a reserved seat wouldn't go down well with the missus (or me, for that matter).

Another option might be LNER/CrossCountry. The journey time is comparable but the advance fares look quite high - and with CC involved I suspect that leg would be no more likely to run reliably.

Long distance buses don't seem to be a realistic option, with a nine hour journey time.

According to Google Maps, driving time would be roughly comparable with the train. But I'd really prefer to avoid that if possible; it's not a very relaxing way to start or end a leisure trip.

 

[Bletchleyite]

You could look at a few days' worth on Realtime Trains, though sadly it doesn't let you filter by destination more than a day ago.

 

[alistairlees]

Look at recenttraintimes.co.uk

 

[mp01]

An alternative might be to get the TransPennine Express that departs about 40 minutes before the Avanti service. Change anywhere between Carlisle and Preston for the next train to Crewe and then on to whatever train comes first for Birmingham. You might end up on the Edinburgh service anyway, but with the Glasgow to Euston train stopping additionally at Crewe at the moment you have more options in case something goes wrong. I'm guessing the west coast route would be cheaper than cross-country.

 

[Bletchleyite]

An alternative might be to get the TransPennine Express that departs about 40 minutes before the Avanti service. Change anywhere between Carlisle and Preston for the next train to Crewe and then on to whatever train comes first for Birmingham. You might end up on the Edinburgh service anyway, but with the Glasgow to Euston train stopping additionally at Crewe at the moment you have more options in case something goes wrong. I'm guessing the west coast route would be cheaper than cross-country.

While Avanti isn't wonderful, TPE's services are far less reliable on this route, unfortunately.

I dislike XC with a passion, but this may be the most reliable way to do it. That or fly if anyone still flies that route.

 

[mp01]

While Avanti isn't wonderful, TPE's services are far less reliable on this route, unfortunately.

I dislike XC with a passion, but this may be the most reliable way to do it. That or fly if anyone still flies that route.

I agree with the TPE point in general but seems better this week (I went for that option yesterday). It's perhaps really only something that can be determined on the day as if the TPE is running at least you can get far enough south to increase available options.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I agree with the TPE point in general but seems better this week (I went for that option yesterday). It's perhaps really only something that can be determined on the day as if the TPE is running at least you can get far enough south to increase available options.

Unless going via Manchester there aren't many options. The only direct services connecting Preston and Crewe are the two Avanti services per hour. The only likely outcome of going part-way (unless as I said via Manchester) is less chance of a seat.