Avanti v LNER

[Envoy]

Using Avanti between Edinburgh and Crewe gives the fastest route between Edinburgh and south Wales by changing to TfW. Split ticket at Crewe to considerably lower the price as Cross Country set a ridiculous through price even though you don’t use them. (This puts those who don’t know about the split off travelling by train - the railways are shooting themselves in the foot with an archaic fare structure).

It’s a pity that no direct trains operate between south Wales and Edinburgh via The Marches.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

There were Virgin (West Coast) services to Aberdeen?

I meant west coast in a generic sense, pre-Virgin, running via Coatbridge.
The fag end of that today is the WCML Caledonian Sleeper service via Edinburgh to Aberdeen/Inverness and the former LNER route to Fort William.
The ECML took over most through daytime services in the HST era, but there were still a few WCML services run by XC.
These are now routed via York since Birmingham-Preston-Scotland went to VWC/Avanti and terminated at Edinburgh.

 

[DarloRich]

The views through the Lakes are really really lovely too

unless, like i did on my last trip, some dullard wants the blinds down!

 

[dk1]

If I had to travel from Edinburgh to London I would have to choose Avanti over LNER despite the longer journey times.

This is because LNER do not allow me to use the buffet car whereas Avanti do. And it is a long journey to do without a cup of tea or other refreshment.

I use the cafe bar and at-seat ordering on LNER depending how I feel. I find both excellent.

 

[dk1]

Hull don't do Standard class refreshments, though, and I agree it's throwing away revenue.

HT are recruiting 12 staff right now to reintroduce standard class catering.

 

[rmt4ever]

I use the cafe bar and at-seat ordering on LNER depending how I feel. I find both excellent.

both useless for someone with cash

 

[dk1]

both useless for someone with cash

Time to change then

 

[Kite159]

WCML has better scenery in my eyes. The best option depending on fares is to change at Crewe as there is normally a faster train behind the Edinburgh - Birmingham - London service (which is so slow south of Crewe it gets overtaken by the LNR Trent Valley stopper).

 

[rmt4ever]

Time to change then

No thanks. Next...

 

[dk1]

No thanks. Next...

 

[Peter Mugridge]

If I was travelling between London and Edinburgh or Glasgow, I would choose in order of choice:

Caledonian Sleeper
LNER
Avanti

 

[Mcr Warrior]

If I was travelling between London and Edinburgh or Glasgow, I would choose in order of choice:

Caledonian Sleeper
LNER
Avanti

Would you ever consider using Lumo (to Edinburgh)?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Would you ever consider using Lumo (to Edinburgh)?

Apart from being cheap I'd not massively recommend it. Ryan rail basically.

 

[Eastern Farmer]

I have traveled on both from London to both Edinburgh and Glasgow and there is a reason why most of my trips overall and all trips in the future will be on LNER. I would choose them everyday.

I haven’t got much choice with this one but I wouldn’t even consider any of the OA or local operaters that stop at Grantham which is the closest station to me and always find a way to spend as much time on the LNER service. On the times I have traveled with Avanti I have been looking forward to the journey to end whereas on LNER the journey’s the best bit.

 

[D1537]

If I had to travel from Edinburgh to London I would have to choose Avanti over LNER despite the longer journey times.

This is because LNER do not allow me to use the buffet car whereas Avanti do. And it is a long journey to do without a cup of tea or other refreshment.

For the very small percentage of the population that don't have any plastic method of payment because of their financial/personal situation I have some sympathy.

For those that do have access to them, but refuse to use them because of some conspiracy theory nonsense, I have none.

And for both categories, you can buy refreshments before your journey anyway. If you need a tea, get a flask, fill it with tea that you've made yourself or paid with using cash. It's not rocket science.

 

[J-2739]

Erm, LNER. Is this even a question?!

• Faster
• Nicer trains
• Better dining experience
• None of the tilt (not the fault of the TOC, granted)
• Higher reliability

The WCML would have been more comparable when Virgin were running the show, but now, not a chance.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Would you ever consider using Lumo (to Edinburgh)?

I've used them to Newcastle and back - unfortunately had the same one for haulage both ways three days apart...!!!

Once I've got the other four, I'm not all that likely to ever use them again unless they introduce a specific seat selection feature on the booking system - and yes, I'd be happy to pay an extra fiver or so to be able to use such a feature.

 

[greyman42]

Erm, LNER. Is this even a question?!

• Faster
• Nicer trains
• Better dining experience
• None of the tilt (not the fault of the TOC, granted)
• Higher reliability

The WCML would have been more comparable when Virgin were running the show, but now, not a chance.

The refurbished pendolino's have surely got to be more comfortable?
Otherwise i would agree with the points you have made.

 

[Butts]

Erm, LNER. Is this even a question?!

• Faster
• Nicer trains
• Better dining experience
• None of the tilt (not the fault of the TOC, granted)
• Higher reliability

The WCML would have been more comparable when Virgin were running the show, but now, not a chance.

One area you missed off where Avanti win hands down....

1st Class Lounges