Take the National Express! (National Express East Coast)

Member Name: twingkelingstar

Product:	National Express East Coast
Date:	04/04/08 (1378 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: prompt, enjoyable journey with nice views!!!

Disadvantages: not being able to book journeys more than 3 months in advance

I have just returned from my 5 day trip to Scotland (vising the parents). I booked my ticket via First Scotrail and the train was a National Express East Coast service. I have travelled with this company before and have had no real complaints.

I purchased my ticket online 2 months before travelling. I have a "Young persons rail card" which did cut the costs of my train tickets. The earlier you book your tickets, the better the price is. I paid £31.40 and this was a return from London Kings Cross to Edinbugh with my young persons railcard discount. I think without the young persons rail card the price would have been £55 (£27.50 each way). They don't charge you a booking fee either! The website is really easy to use.

(http://www.firstgroup.com/scotrail/)

The only problemo with it, is that you can only book journeys up to 3 months in advance - but I suppose this is about average after comparing the time span with other rail companies. You also need to register with the website when you book your tickets. So that means you do recieve the odd news letter. But to be honest I actually find the newsletters quite interesting as they are usually telling you about discounts they have on specific routes. eg. half price London to Glasgow tickets - BARGAIN!

Tickets
I recieved my tickets via post within 3 days of booking my tickets online. Inside the envelope the tickets came in a blue papered shiney wallet that said "first scotrail" on the front - very thoughtful as it kept my tickets in one place and also it wasn't hard to miss in my bag when I was rummaging for it to show my tickets. I also I'm the worst "looser" in the world - I'd loose my head if it wasn't screwed on properly. And I am pleased to tell you - there was no loosing of these tickets!

National Express train.
The food and drinks cart wasn't spectacular - but it had things that were needed. eg. sandwiches, crisps, chocolate, wines, beers and spirits. I had a glass chilled glass of white wine on my way up which was delightful - I did consider having another but it was 9am and the first one had went straight to my head. (I also had to bear in mind I was meeting my mother at the other end - I don't think it would have went down too well if I came off the train utterly hammered.) They also had a buffet in another part of the train which unfortunately I didn't visit - so I am unable to comment on value for money on that. However I did see 4 American guys come back from it with baguettes and ciabatta the size of themselves and the smell was mouth watering. Again really good banter with the train staff here as well. A lady accross from me accidently poured a cup of coca cola all over herself when she knocked her cup over (I did struggle to contain myself as she was utterly decorated from head to foot in coke - white blouse and grey skirt included......... she yelped "Oh dash it!") The steward was happy to replace the coke and handed her lots of tissues and blamed it on the driver for sudden slamming of breaks - even though we all knew it was the lady's fault for trying to read the newspaper on top of the cup.

WHEN YOU BOARD
Each seat in your carriage has its own number. From 1 - 76. On both my journeys I had an odd number. The odd numbers are window seats and even numbers next to the aisle. I was quite pleased with my luck of the draw in having window seats, but you can make a preference at no extra cost if you's definately like one over the other. The members of the on-board staff were really helpful and happy to assist me as I came onboard the train with an enormous case (I know I was only going for 5 days but..basically im going camping and backpacking in Greece for a few months - i have never camped in my life so i had a tent in the suitcase to get father dear to "show me the ropes" on how to put the damn thing up - I digress). There wasn't a huge amount of room on the train for luggage which was a bit of a pain, but as I said, the staff were really helpful and they put my heavy case up and took it down for me when I need to leave.
The train ticket staff only asked for my ticket once which was fab as it meant that I wasn't constantly being pestered and woken up by someone wanting to check I was on the right seat etc.

Space
All of the trains have space for at least two wheel chairs but I read somewhere that they cannot accommodate wheelchairs that exceed 120cm in length x 75cm in width. I have quite long legs and I found the leg room fine. I had quite a bit of space so I wasn't crippled at the end of my journey.

Extras
I know onboard they also have a quiet, peaceful area in the Quiet Carriage. It's at the end of the train, with the least through-traffic, so I would imagine there would be minimal disturbance. eg. no phone calls, electrical equipment on silent and chat with consideration. I wasn't in this carriage.
Wireless internet access was free of charge and is on all National Express East Coast trains in both Standard and First Class and in all National Express East Coast First Class lounges.
The technology combines broadband satellite and multiple mobile data connections to ensure continuous service along the entire East Coast route. The system automatically chooses the best connection in the area, which means the session stays uninterrupted throughout the journey, even in tunnels!!!!!!!!

To get connected to the National Express WiFi service all you have to do is:
Click on the pop-up that should appear in the bottom right of your screen
Click to connect to the 'nxecwifi' network Launch your internet browser and enter www.nationalexpresswifi.train and hey presto.
There was also a User Guide to download if you needed any help to get online.

TOILETS
I used them on both my journeys to and from Scotland and they were totally fine. Not smelly at all. Hardly a loo you'd find at buckingham palace or the ritz but for a trains standard? They were great!

I really enjoyed my train journey and thats saying something because I am quite impatient and not the best at sitting still. It was well worth the money, prompt and efficient and the staff were really pleasant.

Summary: great service!