Train or drive to airport?

murphydog999

I'm flying from Birmingham on a saturday morning (10am) coming from Bath area, and can't decide whether to drive or let the train take the strain.

Cost is about the same, including parking charges, I will only have a carry on, so won't have to cart a load of luggage about, I'll have to change twice though.

Car is pretty new and have got back-up anyway if any problems.

What to do?????Any advice?

richardw

How frequent are the trains if you miss a connection?

bylromarha

I'd go for the train.

The transfer from train station to airport is 1 min on the monorail that joins the 2. Bath to BHX is not a short drive - do you want to do that on the home run after the flight?

johnnyroper

from bath FGW trains to BTM are fairly frequent at least 2-3 hour depending on time of day with journey time of 15mins
the XC trains from BTM to new street are half hourly journey time is around 1.50 from memory.

what you need to check is if the trains start up early enough to get you to BHX in time for flight?

the drive up to Birmingham is straight forward roughly 1 hour 45 to BHX with quiet roads which they will be around 5.30am on a sat.

murphydog999

bylromarha wrote: »

I'd go for the train.

The transfer from train station to airport is 1 min on the monorail that joins the 2. Bath to BHX is not a short drive - do you want to do that on the home run after the flight?

Hmmm flight back is 4am :eek: so might not be in the mood for driving, but then if I'm going to be grouchy I might like my own space in the car.........oh, I don't know.....

bylromarha

murphydog999 wrote: »

Hmmm flight back is 4am :eek: so might not be in the mood for driving, but then if I'm going to be grouchy I might like my own space in the car.........oh, I don't know.....

If landing at 4am then is it likely you'll have had no sleep for a very long period? Then driving out of Brum and presume round the M42 in (potentially) rush hour on that little sleep?

I do not cope with driving alone when tired - no brainer for me if a crash is likely! Would be fine for my OH to drive that as he can do long awake stretches, but I can't. You know how you work, so will you be safe on the drive home if you do decide on the car?

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murphydog999

It's now changed and I am going monday coming back fri, so it looks like the train, don't fancy monday morning rush hour on the M5!

murphydog999

Just an update. I am so glad I took the train, all the connections worked out really well, nothing was late and I'm glad I didn't have any hold-ups on the road to worry about. After 4 nts in a noisy hotel, if I had driven after the early morning flight my serious over-tired state would have been a big concern if I had taken the car.

When I got the tickets on board, on the birmingham/bristol leg, the conductor split the journey and it worked out about £20 cheaper. Woohoo!

davidlizard

I avoid driving to and from the airport and always take the train or scrounge a lift.

Firstly, both the wife and I like to take advantage of the complementary drinks.

Secondly, I would not fancy driving if we have a lengthy delay.

Thirdly, I do not trust too many airport parking companies - the forums here are full of tales of people who have had their vehicles damaged or returned with unexplained mileage.

Piggo_2

My family are always unsure whether to drive or not. They've used National Express & another company quite a bit when flying from the London airports which has worked out well and quite cheap for them all.