WesternLancer
Veteran Member
- Joined
- 12 Apr 2019
- Messages
- 14,944
Hi all - not sure if this is best in trip reports or more of a specific question about ticketing - but here goes - all thoughts about varied aspects of it are welcome
I'm planning a few days in Scotland and intend do use a Spirit of Scotland Rover / pass to travel on the HSTs that operate the I7C services. I want to use the rover so if there are diagrame changes to eg 170s I can just change my plans and travel on a different HST service whenever possible.
I'll have to travel on weekdays and I'll be based in Glasgow for this.
Routes:
I reckon I can easily work out the routes and times of the HSTs via the info on the Scotrail website that lists the services they are supposed to operate, (https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/stations-and-facilities/on-train-catering) the indication on the column headings on the pdf Timetables, and of course on the day by checking Real Time Trains for what set is allocated to a train service
I'd like to cover as much route mileage as I can, enjoying the scenery and also the trains.
But I would be interested if there are particular HST operated services that take a more unusual route than others that it is worth knowing about? I would then try to work that into my plan
Also anywhere in particular that people might recommend to break a journey on a route for an hour or so (eg good pub or cafe at or adjacent a station for example) - even if continuing in the same direction - either to sample another set, or just stretch legs and get a bit of fresh air
Ticket:
Spirit of Scotland looks like a Std class only pass?
However, I see the 1st class carriages look like the superb ex GWR 1st class seating and I'd like to enjoy that on at least some of the runs
What are the standard class carriage interiors like comfort wise? EG seating comfort, table seats and their alignment with windows etc?
is there a buffet catering trolley in Standard class? (some of the runs would be quite long ones so likely to want some refreshment potentially)
The 1st class 'food' offer with ticket looks basic to say the least. I'm OK with that so long as I know what to expect and can thus plan accordingly for food to have with me when I board
How busy do the services get? - eg at peak times would they be packed or even at peak times is there plenty of seating available (should reservations be made if desired or is not worth the bother?)
Upgrading to 1st class
The Scotrail website says you can do this for £15. Presumably that is OK for a Spirit of Scotland ticket holder?
www.scotrail.co.uk
I assume this is like a weekend first style upgrade that you pay on board - is that correct?
But an upgrade that is available on any train any day of the week - is that correct?
Is it per journey or per train (I mean if you were travelling Glasgow to Aberdeen, got on and paid £15, but then broke your journey for an hour in Perth say, rejoining a later HST, would you then pay another £15? (£30 total) But if you stayed on the same train all the way from Glasgow to Aberdeen you would only pay £15 total)
all responses gratefully received, including answers to questions I have not thought of asking!
I'm planning a few days in Scotland and intend do use a Spirit of Scotland Rover / pass to travel on the HSTs that operate the I7C services. I want to use the rover so if there are diagrame changes to eg 170s I can just change my plans and travel on a different HST service whenever possible.
I'll have to travel on weekdays and I'll be based in Glasgow for this.
Routes:
I reckon I can easily work out the routes and times of the HSTs via the info on the Scotrail website that lists the services they are supposed to operate, (https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/stations-and-facilities/on-train-catering) the indication on the column headings on the pdf Timetables, and of course on the day by checking Real Time Trains for what set is allocated to a train service
I'd like to cover as much route mileage as I can, enjoying the scenery and also the trains.
But I would be interested if there are particular HST operated services that take a more unusual route than others that it is worth knowing about? I would then try to work that into my plan
Also anywhere in particular that people might recommend to break a journey on a route for an hour or so (eg good pub or cafe at or adjacent a station for example) - even if continuing in the same direction - either to sample another set, or just stretch legs and get a bit of fresh air
Ticket:
Spirit of Scotland looks like a Std class only pass?
However, I see the 1st class carriages look like the superb ex GWR 1st class seating and I'd like to enjoy that on at least some of the runs
What are the standard class carriage interiors like comfort wise? EG seating comfort, table seats and their alignment with windows etc?
is there a buffet catering trolley in Standard class? (some of the runs would be quite long ones so likely to want some refreshment potentially)
The 1st class 'food' offer with ticket looks basic to say the least. I'm OK with that so long as I know what to expect and can thus plan accordingly for food to have with me when I board
How busy do the services get? - eg at peak times would they be packed or even at peak times is there plenty of seating available (should reservations be made if desired or is not worth the bother?)
Upgrading to 1st class
The Scotrail website says you can do this for £15. Presumably that is OK for a Spirit of Scotland ticket holder?
First Class Train Tickets
When you next travel with us between Scotland's cities, make it a First Class train ticket and enjoy First Class rail travel in style.Whether you’re travelling for work or leisure, a seat in First Class gives you quieter surroundings, a comfier seat and more space to get on with your day, which...
www.scotrail.co.uk
I assume this is like a weekend first style upgrade that you pay on board - is that correct?
But an upgrade that is available on any train any day of the week - is that correct?
Is it per journey or per train (I mean if you were travelling Glasgow to Aberdeen, got on and paid £15, but then broke your journey for an hour in Perth say, rejoining a later HST, would you then pay another £15? (£30 total) But if you stayed on the same train all the way from Glasgow to Aberdeen you would only pay £15 total)
all responses gratefully received, including answers to questions I have not thought of asking!
