Do I drive, fly or catch train?

sebdangerfield

Hi,

I've got a trip coming up, a stag weekend in Edinburgh in fact.

I'm now trying to sort the logistics on how I get there. I'm in Wolverhampton and have seen return flights for £110 but currently return train fairs are £108. Driving is another option but at around 600 miles it would have to be a very nice drive to tempt me!

Are there any obvious places to split ticket for the train journey? Any help and experience greatly appreciated.

colino

Due to all the time wasting nonsense at airports nowadays, for a UK trip it would be car or train for me.

VfM4meplse

I wouldn't bother to drive unless splitting the cost of petrol is an option too good to refuse. You can get about in the city centre quite well w/o a car (and travel from the airport on public transport is easy), and you might get stuck with driving everyone around which will mean a sober weekend for you.

Personally I would fly (but then I am in London).

Sooki

I'm a midlander and go to Edinburgh quite a lot
I'd pick the train if you live within easy travelling distance to the station, the train will should get to central Edinburgh in about four or five hours.

If you add the hassle, logistics and cost of getting to and from the airport each time (x4) the train is the best option. Plus if you miss your train you'll be able to get on the next one.

victor2

Flying is quick and simple.
Edinburgh has a shuttle bus service between the airport and city centre as well. Details at http://www.edinburghairport.com

sebdangerfield

Thanks guys, I would split the cost of fuel with one other which brings driving into contention plus I fancy a road trip and I think i'd enjoy the drive. AA route plan says 570 miles for the return trip and at 35 MPG I reckon on 16 gallons of fuel or about £110-£120.

On the train side of things, I've tried the split ticketing technique for all stops and it's coming out very expensive. Are there any abvious stations I should split at?

Thanks again.

Sooki

I wouldn't fancy the drive home after a knees up in Scotland, if your splitting the journey with a pal I'd bagsy being the driver on the way up.

Livingthedream

sebdangerfield wrote: »

On the train side of things, I've tried the split ticketing technique for all stops and it's coming out very expensive. Are there any abvious stations I should split at?

What dates are you looking at for the stag weekend and does it matter what time you travel? let us know this info and I'm sure somebody will help to find some cheap train tickets.

DCFC79

Id train it, wouldnt have to worry about not drinking too much in terms of driving home the next day plus you got parking fees unless you can park for free eg at a friends.

sebdangerfield

Livingthedream wrote: »

What dates are you looking at for the stag weekend and does it matter what time you travel? let us know this info and I'm sure somebody will help to find some cheap train tickets.

Ah, of course! Thank you.

I need to travel from Wolverhampton to Edinburgh on the 18th may and need to be there before 16:30.

I travel back on the 20th nd would like to leave around 11:00.

Thanks for the help so far.

Livingthedream

Just had a quick look and the prices ain't great, Off Peak Return is £108 but using Advance single this prices can be reduced to £66.50 but means traveling out early 06:36 and the return leg goes via York (5+hours)

Other tips try splitting at Manchester Piccadilly, but think the price will be around the £60-70 mark also.

And for a free £10 discount buy your tickets from Redspottedhanky. All "new" Redspottedhanky accounts can get a free £10 e-voucher. Simply register here and enter the voucher code "RshTel10A" into the "Saturday Telegraph £10 offer" box.