• Our booking engine at tickets.railforums.co.uk (powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!

WAG Express/Gerald queries

Status
Not open for further replies.

philjo

Established Member
Joined
9 Jun 2009
Messages
2,884
I'm thinking of doing my first trip on the Northbound WAG Express (17:16 from Cardiff) next month.

If I plan to leave the train at Shrewsbury, presumably there is sufficient time for the dinner service or is it better to stay on until Chester?

It is likely I would be holding a Heart of Wales Circular Day Ranger that day - I'll be going the outward leg starting Church Stretton via Heart of Wales then returning via Cardiff. Do I need to purchase the Business upgrade/reservation in advance to ensure I have a seat or can I do it at Cardiff just before boarding? (CTT is unstaffed so won't have access to a ticket office for a few days before travel unless I book it over a week ahead)

Thanks
 
Last edited:
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R

RailUK Forums

30907

Veteran Member
Joined
30 Sep 2012
Messages
17,867
Location
Airedale
Shrewsbury is fine for dinner - even Hereford at a pinch!

ISTR it's possible to book at the last minute but I've always booked earlier in the day. The Llandrindod stop might give you time, or Llanelli (I think it's staffed?) or Swansea.
 

NottsPhil

Member
Joined
18 Aug 2014
Messages
43
Location
Nottingham
When I have upgraded, I have just done it on board (and Cardiff to Shrewsbury at £15 is an absolute bargain!). I don't think it has ever been more than two-thirds full when I have travelled.

Hereford would be a stretch for dinner (they have appear to have dropped the upgrade option for Cardiff to Hereford), although on a Friday when the chef returns to Cardiff they do serve quicker. Shrewsbury is an ideal journey length for the three courses and you should be able to get a coffee in before you get off.

Enjoy your trip, this is one of the best in the UK, fine food, excellent service and great scenery.
 

Iskra

Established Member
Joined
11 Jun 2014
Messages
7,787
Location
West Riding
Is it actually possible to upgrade a ranger ticket?

Agreed that Shrewsbury is ideal for a 3-course meal. I always enjoy my trips on this train, so have a good time.
 

NottsPhil

Member
Joined
18 Aug 2014
Messages
43
Location
Nottingham
Is it actually possible to upgrade a ranger ticket?

Yes, I did with a South Wales Rover ticket earlier this year (twice, actually!) and it wasn't queried at all. Obviously, time restrictions will preclude this going southbound.
 

yorkie

Forum Staff
Staff Member
Administrator
Joined
6 Jun 2005
Messages
67,439
Location
Yorkshire
Is it actually possible to upgrade a ranger ticket?

Agreed that Shrewsbury is ideal for a 3-course meal. I always enjoy my trips on this train, so have a good time.
Yes. It's a supplement, not an excess.
 

Sankey Wire

Member
Joined
21 Aug 2016
Messages
69
Is the catering available throughout the journey, or just to those who board in Cardiff?
 

anti-pacer

Established Member
Joined
5 Jun 2013
Messages
2,312
Location
Narnia
On a morning return journey are you likely to get a full breakfast service between Bangor and Shrewsbury?
 

Welshman

Established Member
Joined
11 Mar 2010
Messages
3,017
A little while ago, when I boarded at Rhyl, the host gave me the option of having breakfast then or later on. I opted for the earlier time, and it was certainly served, enjoyed and cleared away by Shrewsbury. So you should have no problem from Bangor, even though when I used it, the chef didn't board until Rhyl.
 

anti-pacer

Established Member
Joined
5 Jun 2013
Messages
2,312
Location
Narnia
A little while ago, when I boarded at Rhyl, the host gave me the option of having breakfast then or later on. I opted for the earlier time, and it was certainly served, enjoyed and cleared away by Shrewsbury. So you should have no problem from Bangor, even though when I used it, the chef didn't board until Rhyl.

Brilliant. Thank you Welshman.
 

Andy Pacer

Established Member
Joined
11 Jul 2017
Messages
2,644
Location
Leicestershire
Just to add, I used it both ways in May. Northbound dinner was all done by Shrewsbury for those boarding in Cardiff.
I got on at Rhyl the following morning and had finished my breakfast at Chester so I changed my plans and got off there.
 

Mike99

Member
Joined
4 Mar 2011
Messages
656
Location
G E M L
I did it back in 2018, on a 1st class ALR from Cardiff and the dinner is fantastic having a meal with a knife and fork at a table on a train is one of life's pleasure.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top