English trains

[NKP guy]

I'm going to be arriving at Gatwick airport in May and wish to get to Reading, Berks., as soon as conveniently possible.  What is the quickest way?  Must I go into London first, and which station has trains (non-commuter) to Reading?  If I don't have to go via London, what would the routing be?

Let's say that later I would like to ride behind steam on something more memorable than a 10 mile out-and-back.  Any recommendations? 

Last, I've not been to the UK since 1995.  Where is the best place online to get information on getting around via rail in England today?

Many thanks to those who respond!  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Nataraj]

They do have a gatwick express..... direct from the airport to london. Not sure about your other question though.

[cnw4001]

There are trains between Gatwick and Reading but not as frequent as those into London. It may be quicker to go into the city and then to Reading but of course that would require a station change in the city.

Check this site for timetables.

http://www.rail.co.uk/

[kevin1978]

Hi There,

First Great Western run a direct train between Gatwick Airport and Reading.  It is about half an hour faster than going through London and a lot less hastle (you don't need to change terminals in London).  They operate about every hour (3 minutes past the hour from Gatwick) during the day and the journey takes 1 hour and 16 minutes.  The services from Gatwick to London get the most publicity but sometimes it's better to take other trains and avoid the capital.  

As for steam check http://www.heritagerailways.com/ukmap.html for details of all the heritage railways.  You might like to visit the Didcot Railway centre.  You can get there by train from Reading, it is very close and it has excellent displays on the Great Western Railway and a great collection of locomotives and rolling stock.  You might also like to visit my own website, www.britainbyrail.co.uk, I've got a section for overseas visitors including a guide to travelling by train in the UK.

Hope you enjoy your trip!

Kevin
 

[cogloadreturns]

National Rail Enquiries (NRES) is a good place to look. This will basically give you all the info regarding the passenger rail network. If you are intending to travel a lot around London then my advice would be to get yourself an oyster card (see Transport for Londons website). It will save you a lot of money and time.