Would you fly up or get the train?

[TigerRag]

Due to go to Manchester from Plymouth. Original plan was to fly from Exeter. They've cancelled my flight and theres no flight from Southampton.

I can fly if I go to Jersey or Dublin first from Exeter. Or I can get the train up

Price wise there's not much difference. Because of the wait to get my connection from either Jersey or Dublin it takes roughly the same amount of time

This was my experience. I'd gone to Leicester via Birmingham 2 weeks ago. Going out we had to get off at Bristol temple meads and I arrived 2 hours late. Return leg trains were running but first class there and back was rammed

Do you throw batteries in the sea @patooties?Why on earth do you hate trains so much?

No, I live in the Manchester and commute by train to london for work. When I can get there (or back) that is.

Over the past 3 years - of at least weekly trains - taken at all time of day or evening I have never got had a return journey ,that wasn’t on at least one leg of it delayed or diverted or cancelled- leaving subsequent trains standing room only with over flowing loos, no drinks etc.

I have never had a ‘this is your train - it’s leaving on time. Your seat will be there and not declassified. You will arrive at your destination the time it says you will.

it’s absolutely shite.

Yeah the Manchester route is particularly shite and should have been eventually alleviated by HS2 freeing up space but they've fucked that up. Cross Country is a horror show of a train company. They don't lease enough rolling stock (partially not their fault) and the official government solution is to try to price people off the Manchester route with astonishingly high fares. It makes me so so angry.

I still couldn't bring myself to fly though. It's a kick in the teeth for the planet.

How about National Express coach? I'd be reluctant to fly on environmental grounds and the risk of getting stranded in transit but I really wouldn't want to go on Cross Country again.

That would be my absolute last resort. I hate coaches for more than a couple of hours. Much less comfortable than train journey, at least if you get any kind of travel sickness. The movement is just horrible and when I've spent hours on a coach I can still feel the movement when I'm trying to get to sleep.

Flying can also be dehydrating and cause me sinus issues, but is usually cheaper than the train for the routes I take.

Train, ideally in first class if you can afford it. I'm assuming either way you won't have a huge case as I find the racks can be full unless you get on at the start of the line, but that's the only major issue I've had with long distance trains (I do live in London and average about 1 a year though which may make it easier).
Conversely I've never managed a flight involving changing planes without something going wrong, although again I do this infrequently as I try and avoid it at all costs.

Train or drive

I usually use the coach though, I find it more reliable and fellow travellers tend to be quieter on coaches

Train, particularly if it's not a true connecting flight.

Honestly i would fly

Train, no question. Four flights versus two train journeys (even if you have to change somewhere).

I agree with a pp that I am more wary of Cross Country than I would be of LNER or GWR though. Their trains are short-formed and stink of the loo.

💯 I have been known to drive half way or get on a coach, merely to guarantee getting home the same day.

I would usually advise train, but seeing as its Cross Country - even Id be prepared to be sat at an airport most of the day

Is flying from Newquay to Manchester an option for you if you live in Plymouth?

Definitely train. On my journeys I’m rarely delayed more than 10 mins. If it’s more late you can claim money back.

The idea of flying even direct seems unnecessary and a pain and probably as slow as a train door to door. With a stop over it would be mad

Train.

Train

Train is easiest and usually cheaper. I do the same journey in the opposite direction several times a year. Manchester Piccadilly to Bristol Temple Meads, then Bristol Temple Meads to Plymouth. If you book online with trainpal you can get much better deals than buying tickets at the station.

Train less stressful and greener.

You’re travelling from Plymouth? You do realise that Southampton would take forever to get to - it’s about 4 hours drive. It only takes 4-5 hours to drive to Manchester. your nearest regional airport after Exeter is Bristol - or in the other direction is Newquay, if you really wanted to fly.

otherwise train is ok; tends to go via Birmingham and will also take ages. Just make sure you reserve a seat, as it tends to get VERY busy.

I love travelling by train but have had some really dire experiences on trains recently.

I am travelling from SE England to Aberdeenshire which I do every year. For the first time ever we are flying because it is soooo much cheaper than going by train. Which is crazy. Plus the trains have just been such a let down of late with terrible delays and cancellations which leads to having no seats or luggage areas free etc...ok for an hour or so but not great when you are on there for several hours.

So sadly I suggest flying. Which is mad.

I presume your journey is/was time critical so you can't take a flight on a different day from Exeter? Man flights operating to schedule from Ex today anyway.

You're probably in Manchester now. What mode did you use in the end if you made it?