Paddington - Hereford loadings

[TobyH]

Hi all,

I'm planning a trip to Paddington from Malvern in November. I've sorted my outward trip and I'm not worried about loadings at this end of the line.

I am looking to come back on either the 1722 or the 1822. Obviously these will be busy even though they are booked as HST but how busy? Which would be the better option? I will be travelling on a Tuesday and in First Class if it makes any difference.

Thanks in advance

 

[reddragon]

If you go on real train times in advance, so you know which platform barrier to wait at (or better still wait on the country end bridge for standard class) you should get a seat if you are quick.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/C41772/2016/09/16/advanced

RTT says platform 8 for today

the 1722 should be better than the 1822

The train will often be packed standing to Reading, sometimes even in first and if there are delays or late platform releases, sardines get more space and as I found once, you can get 2 standing in the toilet (door open of course)

After Reading things calm down a little and by Oxford your fine!

 

[Doctor Fegg]

Or you could try the 17.49, which is a lot quieter, changing onto a London Midland service at Worcester Shrub Hill (arr. SH 20.05, dep. SH 20.12, arr. Great Malvern 20.27).

 

[TobyH]

Thanks for the replies. I'd considered the 1749 but it appears there are no Advances left or available on that service so the 1722 and 1822 would be less expensive. If the 1722 is slightly better I'll go with that one. Just hope there are no delays like there appear to have been today.

 

[jimm]

Thanks for the replies. I'd considered the 1749 but it appears there are no Advances left or available on that service so the 1722 and 1822 would be less expensive. If the 1722 is slightly better I'll go with that one. Just hope there are no delays like there appear to have been today.

If you're planning to travel in first class on an advance (ie with a seat reservation included) anyway, I'm not really sure what the issue is here. Both trains leave London in the afternoon peak, so are busy by definition, including in first class. If you want to sit in splendid isolation at a table for four, travel earlier or later in the day.

 

[TobyH]

If you're planning to travel in first class on an advance (ie with a seat reservation included) anyway, I'm not really sure what the issue is here. Both trains leave London in the afternoon peak, so are busy by definition, including in first class. If you want to sit in splendid isolation at a table for four, travel earlier or later in the day.

Oh not at all. Of course I appreciate they will be very busy. I just thought I'd ask those with experience of these services if one was slightly better than the other.

Once again, thanks for the replies.

 

[Starmill]

Even if every seat is taken, GW HST First Class has loads of 'individual' seats, so it ought not even matter too much how many other seats are occupied. Of course things may get tricky if there are standees. If you have a seat reservation and have to stand, you may be entitled to some compensation.