Meerkat Prompts: Desirable Train Journeys
It’s no secret that I am a train enthusiast. I love a good train ride, and I have a fascination with the railways and stations. There are a few train trips I would like to take that have so far eluded me, with some being more likely to happen than others. Let’s take a gander at what’s out there.
The Caledonian Sleeper
The Caledonian Sleeper service is one of only two regularly operating sleeper services in the UK. The service runs out of Euston in London, up to Scotland, where it splits to service a number of different destinations. The whole thing also runs in reverse, with the split trains reuniting in southern Scotland, before heading back down to London.
Prices start at £65 one-way for an adult, for a sleeper seat arrangement, though this varies depending on the time of year. £65 gets you the seat in July. It rises to £85 in August, no doubt due to the summer holidays. There are also bunk beds, some of which include breakfast, and the flagship Caledonian Double Ensuite, which is often booked well in advance, and this will set you back £410, at least in September.
The ensuite is said to be quite luxurious, at least as far as regular, scheduled train services go. It certainly looks comfortable, but then, all the bed options look comfortable, especially when compared to spending six or so hours in a seat! Aside from the cost, the biggest impediment to me doing this journey is that I simply don’t need to. Then again, is any luxury experience ever actually a need?
LNER First Class
LNER run regular services between King’s Cross in London and Edinburgh Waverley in, um, Edinburgh, among other locations. I travelled to Edinburgh with their predecessor, GNER, a long time ago, but that was standard class. I have never done a first class journey, but if the chance comes up, it’s most likely to be with LNER up the East Coast Mainline, and they offer what certainly appears to be a relaxing and comfortable offering.
They also offer a first class lounge at King’s Cross for passengers to enjoy, complete with complimentary snacks and hot and cold drinks, whilst food is provided on their trains. Depending on the time of day, and what service you’re own, you could get a Full English breakfast, among a variety of other delicious-sounding options.
A single adult will pay £66.80 for a one-way first class ticket from King’s Cross to York, and £109.20 for a one-way ride to Edinburgh.
The Shinkansen
I have several reasons to desire to go to Japan, and the Shinkansen, or bullet train, is one of them. Japan has nailed high speed rail travel, developing a system that is the envy of the world. Not only do they have incredibly fast trains (185 mph, and in some areas up to 200 mph), they have a near-perfect record for punctuality and reliability, not to mention safety.
Based on videos I’ve watched, I have to think they are quite comfortable too, with what certainly appears to be a fantastic first class offering. The bullet trains offer services across Japan, and for this geek, they would be of the highlights of any trip out there. It wouldn’t even matter where!
The Ghan
Of all the beautiful train journeys I desire to experience, this might be the one I wish for the most. Australia plays host to several amazing train trips, but the Ghan, which runs between Adelaide in the south and Darwin in the north, via central Australia, is the one that stands out the most to me.
Not only does the Ghan provide luxury at every level (even the entry-level Gold service includes beds, food and drink), the train runs through Australia’s beautiful wilderness, and provides you with the opportunity to see ancient human history, incredible landscapes and a unique slice of Australian culture, via Alice Springs. You have the choice to spend three nights doing the journey either northbound or southbound.
It’s expensive. This is a glorious, and in some respects, decadent ride. Prices start from around £1,700 per person. If you want to go for the ultimate upgrade and the most opulent cabin, you’re looking at roughly £11,000. Yes, you read that correctly, we’re talking five-figure sums.
Of course, you get what you pay for. The private cabins include ensuite showers, comfy double beds, and exclusive access to the finest dining cars, plus a butler service. Needless to say, this is what I consider lottery win territory, if I am to ever get to experience this!
So, there you have an idea as to some of the train rides I desire. Will any of these wishes come true? Well, let’s just say some are more likely than others…
‘Kat Comments