London to Birmingham

[maniacmartin]

Hi,

My other half needs to make an off-peak period return journey from London to Birmingham soon, but cannot commit to specific times, so we are planning to get a London Midlands only or Chiltern Trains only ticket to keep the price down.

Can anyone advise on which of these TOCs is most likely give the most comfortable ride (Ideally quiet enough to read books on the train)?

 

[Rich McLean]

Hi,

My other half needs to make an off-peak period return journey from London to Birmingham soon, but cannot commit to specific times, so we are planning to get a London Midlands only or Chiltern Trains only ticket to keep the price down.

Can anyone advise on which of these TOCs is most likely give the most comfortable ride (Ideally quiet enough to read books on the train)?

Chiltern, every time, especially if it's a Loco Hauled service. It's also quicker the London Midland

 

[MidnightFlyer]

I'd say Chiltern all day long perosnally, they tend to be slightly quieter and a lot quicker than London Midland (with less stops too), plus their Class 168 (Clubmans) are a lot more comfortable than a LM 350/2, which tend to haunt Euston-New St trains alongside the better 350/1s. Also, the 168s have a Quiet Zone and plug sockets at each seat, and an at-seat trolley on the fast trains midweek too.

 

[howittpie]

100% Chiltern are quicker than LM you also get free wifi and at certain times of day a trolley service. I wouldn't say Chiltern are quiet every train I have been on recently has been busy.

 

[trentside]

I'd also favour Chiltern over London Midland. I find the trains (both 67+MK3s and 168s) to be more comfortable than the 350/2s usually used by London Midland. I prefer the scenery along the Chiltern route too.

 

[telstarbox]

There is a handy website called 'Brum2London' which shows the specific trains that the various ticket types are valid on - you may find a Super Off Peak covers your travel needs.

See - http://traintimes.org.uk/brum2london/

 

[Lad Brookes]

Thanks to the lack of a morning restriction on the Super Off Peak out of Marylebone, Chiltern can be cheaper at times, as well as quicker and more comfortable than LM.

 

[VTPreston_Tez]

I agree - while the LM trains are barable the Chiltern services are much more luxurious and judging by the others quicker.

 

[Bald Rick]

I went Chiltern from Marylebone to Moor St last Friday just after lunch, and barely got a seat. So it does get busy.

 

[sprinterguy]

I went Chiltern from Marylebone to Moor St last Friday just after lunch, and barely got a seat. So it does get busy.

Even most of the evening trains seem to be full and even standing during the week, particularly on Fridays. If Chiltern actually succeed in attracting many passengers off the West Coast, they're going to have to get some longer trains!

 

[Bald Rick]

Even most of the evening trains seem to be full and even standing during the week, particularly on Fridays. If Chiltern actually succeed in attracting many passengers off the West Coast, they're going to have to get some longer trains!

They have succeeded in attracting passengers off the West Coast. But suspect they might just sell fewer of the cheapest tickets before buying more trains though.

 

[Morden Via CHX]

Chiltern every day