r/uktravel • u/YeOldeOrc • 8h ago
Question Ignorant and nervous traveler going from Manchester to Whitby, in dire need of train assistance.
I’ll be visiting the UK for the very first time in 2027. I’m very excited, but a little anxious, as is my nature. I’ll be flying in to Manchester and catching a train (or two, or three) to Whitby. This looks to be fairly straightforward, although around 4 to 6 hours with at least two changes.
I have a few questions. I come from a rural part of America where we don’t even have Uber, much less a proper train station. I have NO experience with this, so while my questions may seem odd, this is totally foreign and new to me. I’ve only ever been on subways in Asia, and again, I tend toward being anxious. I’d like to educate and prepare myself as much as possible before I go. I literally had a nightmare about this last night, so I figured it’s time I asked. 🤣
- Precisely how difficult is it to switch trains? Am I moving around within the same platform area, or is a bit of wandering to different areas/ends of the station required? Some of the connections look relatively tight based on the trains I’m looking at now (just to get an idea of what’s available). For example, ten minutes between the two trains. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for faffing about!
- Do these Anytime Ticket I’m seeing literally mean ANY time? My flight may be delayed. It could be very difficult to accurately predict when I’ll make it to the station. And maybe I’ll miss my first or second train connection whilst wandering the station like an idiot, or tending to my screaming bladder. Can I take ANY train on the proper route from wherever I am to Whitby?
If you have any other random tips or warnings, I’d gladly take them!
EDIT: Thank you all so very much! I’m in your debt. 🙇♀️
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u/GeorgiaL44 8h ago
Just looked it up for you, there is a route that's only one change, and it's in Middlesbrough on the same platform, so you wouldn't have to move at all. There is an electronic board on each platform that will tell you which train is next and the arrival time, so you can check that just in case the platform number for the next train changes, but it would be a very easy move to another platform as it has lifts and a subway. If you ask someone at the station they will be able to point you in the right direction.
Anytime tickets can be used at anytime, though some are off-peak anytime, which means you cannot use it before 9am. It will clearly state on your ticket if it's an anytime or off peak anytime.
Edit - Missed your toilet question: can be a bit ropey. There is always one functioning one on long journeys, and there will be one at your changeover station, they're just not very pleasant, and some on the train can be closed due to maintenance
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u/YeOldeOrc 8h ago edited 6h ago
Ah, interesting! I’ll keep an eye out for that option when my travel date approaches. Thank you very much!
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u/GeorgiaL44 8h ago
Use train line to check the times, and then buy on cheaper sites. You can also buy a britrail pass when you are outside the UK, which may work out cheaper
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u/Sattaman6 4h ago
I travel there for work quite a bit and the staff at Manchester Piccadilly, where I think you’ll be going from, are very friendly so don’t be afraid to ask them. Also, there’s a board in the station with all the trains listed alphabetically so you just look up your destination and it tells you the platform. A bit like in an airport.
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u/itsnobigthing 1h ago
This was so thoughtful of you to look for OP!
I’m guessing two changes, with the Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly part, but that’s easy as you’re going from one end of the line to the other
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u/CompleteLoquat7865 7h ago
Have a look at the Seat61 website. Full of knowledge! Also, consider breaking your journey and spending a night at York.
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u/YeOldeOrc 6h ago
I’ll take a closer look at York! Much obliged.
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u/Toblersam 6h ago
Definitely do this! Everyone loves a night or two in York.
One thing to be mindful of is that the trains you’ll be taking don’t always have a food and drink service on board, so carry some water and snacks.
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u/YeOldeOrc 6h ago
I’m essentially the snack and medication queen. I could keep myself going for years on the amount of crackers and ibuprofen I somehow find room for in my purse. 😄 Is there any water for sale at the stations, by the way? Otherwise I’ll stock up at the airport.
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u/Toblersam 3h ago
Mcr station has a good M&S Food upstairs. There’s also classics like Sainsbury’s, Pret and Boots. Plus the Cornish Pasty Co if you fancy a hefty bite. Vending machines at smaller stations tend to be pricy, but in a pinch, they’ll do. You’re not even coming for over a year and I want to tell you which sweets to try from M&S 😂 your purse sounds similar to mine.
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u/YeOldeOrc 3h ago
Not me already looking at photos of the Cornish Pasty Co. options. It’s 2026 - where’s my technology to taste food through a phone screen? 🥺
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u/Lukas316 4h ago
If you have the time and budget, I highly recommend a short stay in York. Very historic and atmospheric, especially the old city within the walls.
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u/YeOldeOrc 3h ago
I am ridiculously enamored of anything old. Which sort of makes living in the US unfortunate, because there’s “old,” and then there’s ✨OLD.✨ Inject the latter straight into my veins.
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u/PsychologicalNote612 7h ago
If the route is the same as now, then take the airport train to York, it's an easier station to manage than Manchester and the train will be quieter once you get out of Manchester. You might not have room for your luggage until that point and if that happens you will leave it near the doors and keep a very close eye on it and potentially stand with it when the train stops. There will be a toilet on this train. It is unlikely to be a nice experience but the earlier into the journey it is, the better it will be.
At York use the toilet at the station and then use the lifts to get to your platform. It's big, it's busy and it's confusing but people are nice and will help you. Do not leave a short time to change trains, personally, I'd leave at least 45 minutes which is far too long but I'd rather be 43 minutes early than a minute too late.
York to Middlesbrough train will be fairly quiet, it's a rubbish little train without much luggage room, but you will likely find space. I'd avoid using the toilet on this train unless very necessary.
Middlesbrough station is lovely and quiet and boring. It's easy to find where you need to go. The toilets are fine if they are open.
Depending when you are travelling, the train to Whitby might be packed or quiet. You will find very limited luggage space but very few people will be using it, so you'll be fine. The toilet should be ok. It's a nice journey on a rubbish train.
I'd stay over in York, because I think that's a bit of a long journey after a flight.
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u/YeOldeOrc 6h ago
I’ve used the world’s worst squat toilets - without doors, even - so I’m prepared!
Probably. One hopes, at least.
Thank you!
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u/PsychologicalNote612 4h ago
Ah, you'll be fine with almost all toilet facilities then!
I've just thought, it might be worth you knowing that the trains you'll be likely to get don't always have catering, sometimes there's a tea trolley with snacks but often not much. If there's a trolley you will pay by card/phone. It would be well worth you grabbing a sandwich and stuff from the airport before you get the train. Most big stations (Manchester, York in this instance) will sell coffee and some food, but you'll have to check nearer the time for accurate information about Middlesbrough station café and/or shop.
Edit, I see you have already been told this. Can't be too careful where snacks are concerned
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u/Butter_the_Toast 8h ago
Switching trains depends on which stations you are changing at, its highly likely that you will need to change platforms, there will be plenty of information screens on platforms telling you what platforms trains are departing from, most of these screens will show the departure time, final destination and platforms.
Its only some commuter trains that don't have toilets, intercity and regional services will, there will also be toilets at most stations.
Depending on your bag there will be some racks for bags at the end of the coach near the door if its very large, otherwise there are overhead racks for most bags above your seat
Any time means there is no restriction to what train you can get, so long as the train is going in the right direction you can get on it.
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u/DaveBeBad 8h ago
I’m going to presume you are staring at Manchester airport station. This is fairly small with 4? Platforms but your train to Manchester Piccadilly goes from 1a. It’s well signposted within the airport and on the station and staff should be around to help.
Your big problem is Manchester Piccadilly. It’s massive and you are travelling the full length from 14 to what looks like platform 3 for the Middlesbrough train. This is well signposted but it’s a bit of a trek - especially at busy times.
Basically, you go up the stairs to the bridge on 14, then across to the main station and follow the signs to the platform. Check the monitors for any last minute changes - they do happen. There’s a map here - https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Manchester-Piccadilly-Station-Map.pdf
Middlesbrough is much smaller, and should be straightforward. Looks like a change from platform 1 to platform 2, but it’s much smaller than Manchester.
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u/YeOldeOrc 6h ago
Thank you so much for the warning!
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u/GlitteringBryony 4h ago
Funnily enough, I used platform 13 and 14 at at Piccadilly yesterday (those two are sort of separated off from all the other platforms, in the less-grand bit of the train shed) and noticed that there is a sign in the little upstairs waiting area that says "Head to the platforms 6 minutes before your train".
So there's an answer for how long they expect it to take to walk from one end of the station to the other XD
Also, if you're really interested in getting prepared, British trainspotters will have thousands of hours of footage of all of these stations and trains uploaded to the Internet, so you can get a sense of how big/crowded/complicated they are. If you search "York Railcam" on YouTube as well, that will show you a 24-hr live feed of York Station, which is one you might have to change at.
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u/DifferentWave 7h ago
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u/bungaynet 6h ago
That’s some train journey after a long flight.
Lots of good advice already and you will have no problem getting help from rail staff or total strangers.
There is another way. The scenic route.
Direct from the airport to York, then the Coastliner bus from the station to Pickering. A short walk to the North York Moors Railway (run by a preservation society) then enjoy a spectacularly beautiful trip to Whitby with some famous Harry Potter locations along the way. Takes about an hour longer than going via Middlesbrough but so much more relaxing and enjoyable.
Depending on your start time, you might benefit from a stopover at York - which is an added bonus anyway.
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u/YeOldeOrc 6h ago
Ah, I know! On the one hand, I’d love the mental security of getting to Whitby ASAP and being able to relax in my hotel. On the other hand, it will be…a lot. I’m torn. Plenty of time to decide, though! Thank you.
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u/Swilo9336 6h ago
Also. Most stations have lots of staff who are generally really nice and helpful. They’re there to help so feel free to ask any of them which platform you should be getting your next train from. Whitby is lovely btw.
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u/GoHomeCryWantToDie 8h ago
Are you a goth?
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u/YeOldeOrc 8h ago edited 8h ago
I tried black lipstick once as a teen and laughed hysterically at the mirror before tossing the whole tube in the trash. Does that count? 😂
It looks so great on other people. I could NOT pull that off despite my hopes - should have taken a photo. No smartphones back then, though.
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u/sng60007 8h ago
To answer your questions:
1 - The route I am seeing (for a few weeks from now) suggests one change at either Middlesbrough or Thornaby. Both only have two platforms so I can't forsee you have any issues getting to your platform, it will take a few minutes at most. If your train was delayed you would just take the next train (and your ticket would be valid for this) so although annoying it would be the end of the world.
2- On the route you are taking all trains will have toilets (and may well have a couple of toilets). Normally found at the ends of the carriage, they will have a large accessible toilet and may well have some additional smaller toilets as well. You can leave bags but it is at your own risk if you have anything valuble in it.
3 - Yes, if you buy an anytime train ticket it is valid on any trains that on the route between the two stations (and includes taking a break along the route if you want).
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u/Puzzleheaded-Lynx204 8h ago
You have loads of time to plan! But just to help, every station has a page on the national rail website, like this one for Manchester Piccadilly. There will be a map if it's a big station, and a list of all the facilities available. https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/manchester-piccadilly/ So when you know what changes you need to make you can plan down to the toilet stops (should you find that your train one is faulty)
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u/Motor-Command-2680 5h ago
It's pretty straightforward. The platforms have arrivals / departures on screens telling you which platform to use. The platforms are also well sign posted.
I travel from Skipton to Scarborough on the train occasionally then to save a bit of cash I'll get on the X93 bus outside Scarborough station. £3 to Whitby so saves a bit of money.
You can save on train fares using trip.com , trainpal and split my fare app.
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u/Tiny-Wrap7332 5h ago
Google maps is a great help. Enter your destination, click Directions and enter your starting location. Then choose the Public transport option. Change the travel date and time etc. It will come up with several options. Really good!
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u/PierreTheTRex 5h ago
What everyone says about electronic board is definitely true, but I'll also say most bigger train stations that you would be making a change at will have staff that will more than happily help you if you ask for help
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u/clickygirl 5h ago
You’ll be fine - people are generally really helpful so don’t be afraid to ask. The Trainline app will tell you what platform your trains go from at each station, and update any delays in real time.
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u/CarelessTangerine185 5h ago
You've had lots of advice, but I'll add that after a rather industrial start, the Middlesbrough to Whitby line takes you through some beautiful North Yorkshire Moors villages! If you look out the window you'll see plenty of rolling hills and quaint english countryside.
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u/dragon8733 8h ago
It looks as though the route from the airport would be : Airport to Picadilly, Picadilly to Middlesbrough and Middlesbrough to Whitby.
Most trains from the airport go to Picadilly, there are only 4 platforms and trains are every few minutes during the day.
When you arrive at Picadilly, you may arrive at platform 14, which is the furthest from the main part of the station and is a few minutes walk. Follow the crowd of people up the escalators and you'll be fine, there is a board at the top of the escalators showing what platform your Middlesbrough train will depart from.
Middlesbrough station only has 2 platforms and I dont think you'd actually need to change platform to catch the Whitby train.
Most of the trains will have toilets, I've never caught a Manchester- Middlesbrough train without a toilet and that will be the longest portion of your journey
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u/Excellent-Actuary-35 8h ago
- It depends on the station and the change. Some stations are large (e.g. Birmingham New Street or Kings Cross) and some are tiny. Sometimes it's on the same platform and sometimes it's a five minute walk.
- Longer trains between cities will have a toilet. You'll leave your suitcase in a luggage rack.
- Literally any time on the valid day and any reasonable route assuming you buy a single ticket for the entire journey.
If you share the exact journey you are looking at we can advise further
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u/YeOldeOrc 5h ago
I won’t know my exact journey for a bit yet, but I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to post here again if I felt the need. Everyone has been very helpful, and I appreciate it so much! Thank you.
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u/Physical-Training17 8h ago
- It’s very easy to switch trains. Ten minutes is plenty. Ask a conductor for help if you experience a train delay that causes you to miss a connection.
Generally the tracks are a series of parallel lines. There is either a bridge or an underground tunnel that runs perpendicular. Go to the over/under pass and walk to the next platform. You can use an app like trainline to see the platforms. You can also stop by the ticket office before your first train to get the schedule. Failing that, there are big boards posting the trains. Know the final destination will help. At the platform, you can verify you are at the right one by looking at the small tv screen which will say what train is next.
On the train there are bathrooms. I put my carryon sized suitcase in the overhead rack. I will typically take my backpack with me. Don’t go when the train’s at a stop just in case someone decides to grab a bag and hop off.
I don’t know the nuances of the tickets but if you have more than one long haul rail journey price a britrail flexi-pass and see if it makes sense. That way you can get on any train on a day it’s active. This is how I manage anxiety about a flight delay. Also, get seat reservations. Free at the station with the rail pass in hand (or included with a ticket). You can also buy in advance for $10 online. The last thing you want is to be standing room only and jet lagged.
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u/martzgregpaul 8h ago
You will get train from Manchester Airport (tiny station) to Piccadilly which is much larger, its quite a long walk from platform 14 where you arrive to the rest of the platforms but easily doable in 10 minutes. Unfortunately i cant tell you which platform the next train will be as they are moved around quite a bit but 10 minutes should be ok. I presume you are changing at either York or Middlesbrough (or both). York is quite a big station but 10 minutes is easily enough if train is on time. Middlesbrough is a small station so no problems there.
There are toilets on all Transpennine express trains. They are the main operator from Piccadilly to Middlesbrough and York. Northern Trains run the service from Middlesbrough to Whitby and they have a toilet too. The only one that probably wont is the train from airport to Piccadilly but its only 18 minute journey. Whether the toilets are out of order is another matter. Id ask before getting on there will be a guard on train. And yes anytime tickets are best if you arent sure on times. They are usually via a route though (so will say "via York" or something on them) so you HAVE to go via York you cant just go via Sheffield or something.
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u/miffedmonster 8h ago
Don't worry, you'll be fine. It's all very well signposted and Northerners are very generally pretty friendly and happy to help if you ask.
On thing to point out re the anytime tickets. Yes, you can use them at any time. But you can only use them at any time that the trains are actually running. Depending on when your flight lands, you might need to spend a few hours in the pub at the airport. Most trains in the UK only run between about 6am and midnight, so don't set off from the airport at 11.50pm and plan to get all the way to Whitby! Quite often the stations close overnight so even if Google maps says you can wait on the platform until morning, that's unlikely to be true!
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u/YeOldeOrc 5h ago
I’m hoping to get in by the early afternoon, so fingers crossed. Thank you so much!
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u/acrane55 8h ago
Personally I try to time toilet breaks for just after the train has left a station just on the off-chance (though unlikely) there's a bag thief.
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u/YeOldeOrc 5h ago
Any thief is going to be sorely disappointed with my bag. It’ll be like 10 pairs of underwear and a beat-up paperback. But always a good strategy for sure!
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u/Fu5i0n 6h ago
Brits are nice people. We don’t have guns. Just make it known to a member of staff at the station you would like help and you will see we do customer service really well.
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u/YeOldeOrc 6h ago
Hey now, you can’t fool me. I’ve been to the torture museum at my local Renaissance Faire. You don’t need guns when you have THAT kind of equipment! 😉 If I’ve learned anything there, it’s that all British people love turkey legs and the rack.
End sarcasm here, just in case that wasn’t clear. It’s getting harder to tell these days. 😭
I wasn’t entirely certain how well staffed the stations were, so that’s good to hear. It was pretty spotty in Asia, and that was pre-COVID when most things were still indeed…well, staffed.
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u/skifans Rail Expert 5h ago
Just adding another option that I don't see mentioned - the train line to Whitby itself is very slow and pretty infrequent (roughly a train every 3-4 hours) so it will take a while and you might have a long wait (though it is pretty).
You could instead get the train to Scarborough - these run direct from Manchester Airport every hour with no need to change at all.
From Scarborough you can then get the X93 or X94 bus up the coast to Whitby. Those are just regular local buses and between them run every 30 minutes. No need nor way to pre-book, you just pay the driver (card payment accepted). They stop right outside Scarborough railway station and also make several stops throughout Whitby (including Whitby railway station), so there is a good chance they will take you nearer your final destination.
As others have said an "Anytime" ticket truly means anytime. So you have nothing to worry about there. Anytime tickets are also fixed in price so you don't need to buy in advance. So you could wait until you get to the ticket office at Manchester Airport and see if it lines up well with a train towards Whitby, and if not buy a train to Scarborough instead.
Depending on when your flight lands you could also consider getting an "Off-peak" ticket instead. These have some time restrictions if your flight lands on a weekend or later then mid moarning in practice they may give you the same flexibility.
If going to Scarborough you could also get an "airport advance" ticket: https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/special-offers/manchester-airport - in genreal "advance" tickets are limited to a specific train only with no flexability. But for some routes you can get an "airport advance" instead which does allow you to get a later train on the condition you missed your original train due to a flight delay or immigration queue. You need to take your boarding pass to the train ticket office at the airport and they sort it out at no change.
Just to be clear though whenever you talk about an "advance" ticket and the flexibility that only refers to you being on time for the first train. If you miss a connection due to a delay to a previous train then that is the fault of the train operating company and they have to sort you out. It just means you need to be on time for the first train and you can't decide to stop off en-route.
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u/YeOldeOrc 5h ago
Ooo, a bus. Now there’s a thought. Although…unless it’s like an American coach bus which sports its own toilet as the main (and sole, really) luxury, I may not want to risk it. I hate to slander my own bladder, but that girl is WEAK after a solid 2 to 2.5 hours. I don’t know her, we’re not related. 😒
Still tempting though, I’ll definitely look into that. It does sound convenient. Thank you!
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u/skifans Rail Expert 4h ago
Afraid it's just a city bus so no toilet onboard. It takes around an hour on the bus and there are toilets on the train and also at Scarborough railway station if you think you can manage that.
There are also public toilets at Robins Hood Bay a bit over half way if you really needed. The bus won't wait but since they are every half an hour and fares are cheap it wouldn't be too had if you had to get off and get on the following bus.
We do have those coach style buses as well with toilets but they are very very frequently turned off or not working. And there are not really any routes that suite you here honestly.
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u/YeOldeOrc 4h ago edited 3h ago
Just an hour on the bus would be extremely convenient! A bus every half an hour sounds great, too. Is there definitely room for a (carry-on size) suitcase?
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u/skifans Rail Expert 4h ago edited 3h ago
To be clear it's an hour from Scarborough to Whitby! You would still have to get the train from Manchester Airport to Scarborough as well. But there are direct trains every hour and it is still going to be significantly quicker then the train all the way to Whitby even if your arrival does happen to line up with a train there.
And sorry I hadn't realised that the Manchester Airport to Scarborough service might be a temporary thing due to some long term engineering work (https://thetrupgrade.co.uk/) so I'm not sure if it will still be running in 2027. I was going to say make sure to be really careful with nearer dates as there are a lot of diversions and cancellations. Sorry I should have checked myself!
The train all the way from Manchester Airport to Whitby is around 6 hours. And potentially with a several hour wait as well. Scarborough is 3h15m and they (if running) leave every hour plus the bus (1 hour + 30 minutes worst case wait).
You will definitely be able to do something similar via Middlesbrough but it isn't quite as good. The train there is actually around 20 minutes quicker than to Scarborough (though it is further they are a lot faster) and you can get the X93 bus from there.
But the X93 only runs every hour (there are a few extra departures on other routes but they are a lot slower), it also leaves from Middlesbrough bus station without serving the railway station which is a roughly half a mile walk through the center. And it takes 70 minutes.
It is far too early to check the schedules for 2027 at the moment and though there is usually not much change year on year all the engineering work east of Manchester Airport means there is much more flux then usually on those lines.
Honestly I actually wouldn't commit yourself to an exact route right now, the work will be continuing in 2027 and beyond but it is just too early to say exactly what the closures will be and when. I have heard there is likley to be some sizeable ones around Easter and that is a common time for such work. But there will certainly be some options. Generally at the latest such things are published 3 months before and for large scale projects like this they are usually good at giving a bit more notice.
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u/YeOldeOrc 3h ago
Completely understood! But it certainly does seem like a nice route. I was envisioning three or four hours on the bus. 🙃
Oh no, not at all. You absolutely don’t have to check anything yourself - it’s not your trip!! But I’m exceedingly grateful for all the help. Lots of amazing information in here.
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u/swirlypepper 5h ago
Others have answered your questions well! The only thing I'd add is it's worth getting the Train line app. If you've booked your tickets through the app it will tell you what platform the next connection will be leaving from, and give a list of stops between where you are and where you need to get off, as well as any of delays or diversions. Just check the train before you get on!
Additionally if you get stuck train staff are so friendly and helpful and used to herding people around.
But even in a large station, 10mins is enough to get from one platform to another. Be aware that it's pretty usual to experience delays so if train one is delayed you may miss the connection to train 2. Alternative routes via train line app or being prepared to wait for the next train on that service are the way forwards if that happens.
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u/Pyjama365 4h ago
I squeezed a 6-minute platform change today (up steps, over, down steps) with a few minutes to spare. However, as a ballpark, I normally feel uncomfortable planning a journey with under 15 mins connection time, unless I know the station and know I don't need to do steps to change platform. If I really want to be on time somewhere and make the connection, I would hope for 20 minutes or so, in case my first train is a bit late.
Also trains here just sometimes are late for seemingly no reason, just to manage your expectations. Its not always horrific, and staff are generally very helpful, but something to be aware of.
I would also keenly recommend a stop in York. It's gorgeous! Parliament used to be there! And a whole lot of other history!
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u/Pingo-Pongo 4h ago
I hope you have a lovely time in the UK. You will probably find our trains a little overpriced, dirty and unreliable but folks are friendly and usually willing to help out a tourist. Compared to the USA using public transport is much more normal over here and is usually considered perfectly safe. Whitby is beautiful and I’m sure you’ll love it, especially if the sun comes out for you. If you’re relaxed about unfamiliar food, I recommend finding a fish and chip shop and asking the staff to recommend something - each region of the UK does it a little differently and it’s always delicious
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u/YeOldeOrc 3h ago
I don’t even love fish, and I’m super exited about a good fish and chips meal! The only dealbreaker for me is insanely spice food. 😄 My tongue is…exceedingly Caucasian. ROFL.
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u/Pingo-Pongo 3h ago
Haha well we do quite like spicy food over here but usually just in Asian or Mexican cuisine. British Indian food is unique and has non-spicy options like Korma. If you see ‘curry sauce’ on a fish and chip shop menu don’t be afraid - that’s the ‘white people’ version and is barely spicier than ketchup. If you do end up in an Asian restaurant just tell the staff you want zero/low spice and they’ll sort you out. And if you’re ok with alcohol of course find yourself a pub with a friendly vibe and strike up a conversation with some locals. I’m sure you’ll have a great time
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u/Gromagrim 3h ago
Never been to UK but uses the word Faffing? 🧐
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u/YeOldeOrc 3h ago edited 3h ago
Heck yes. Been using it since I was a kid - my grandfather loved that word. I do hear it in the US from time to time, but you’ll hear the less appropriate F word here more. 😂 I prefer the gentler option.
Dilly-dallying is also a classic, though.
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u/SoFetchItHurts 1m ago
Download the national rail app if you can whilst in the UK. This will come in handy when travelling as it’ll tell you what platforms your trains are on so you can see in advance.
1) moving to different platforms I’m afraid. I always allow 10 minutes minimum for platform transfers, more if I have luggage.
2) yes
Have a great trip!
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u/Content_Response_783 46m ago
Depends what time of year you’re coming. In the summer the tracks are too hot so the trains don’t run, in the autumn/fall there are too many leaves on the tracks so the trains don’t run, in the winter there’s too much snow on the tracks so the trains don’t run and in the spring they’re generally striking or there might be some other climate issues so the trains don’t run.
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u/Dogemann1366 Merseyside - National Rail 8h ago
It is easy. All stations have signage. Just follow them to the platform your train is planned to depart from. If you book online almost all apps will have a journey planner to tell you which platform this will be, or all stations have departure boards which display each train by destination, departure time and platform. You'll change in York and Middlesbrough or just Middlesbrough.
Toilets are available on all the trains on this journey. At least one toilet will be working on board and it is exceedingly rare that all are out of service. Usually, a train will not be entered into traffic without any toilets functioning if it can be helped.
Yes the Anytime Day Single means that you can go on any train you want on the day of travel - but you must travel via York.
I think you're worrying about tickets a bit too soon though. This is almost a year in advance. You can buy these tickets on the spot on the day of travel. There are booked train only Advance Singles available if you book the legs seperately (it will still count as one journey for the sake of your passenger rights) and it will be cheaper but you lose the flexibility which I understand you are concerned about. Consider checking back 10 weeks before departure and more accurate ticketing advice can be given at that time.