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Direct Train to Europe: London to the Mediterranean

bbc.co.uk

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Re: Direct Train to Europe: London to the Mediterranean

#71

Post by WildUtah »

leonhandreke wrote: post #47

> It was clear when I travelled back from Marseille that many passengers hadn't realised they would be required to leave the train at the northern city of Lille for passport checks. When I travelled to/from Romania by train two years ago, border control officers got on the stop before the border, walked through the train to check passports and got off at the next stop, probably taking the next train back. This happen…

"the UK probably wouldn't even have to join Schengen to make this a less painful process."

Joining Schengen and getting UK immigration boffins to board the trains and operate efficiently have exactly the same problem: they would require competent leadership from 10 Downing Street.

Re: Direct Train to Europe: London to the Mediterranean

#72

Post by guard-of-terra »

ZanyProgrammer wrote: post #42
guard-of-terra wrote: post #12

There is rail connection between Arkhangelsk and Sochi (that's around 2500 km), so why not with western europe shorter distances and faster trains. I don't see why they have to leave trains at all for customs. This seems easily fixable.

Because that's entirely within one country. Thats roughly the distance between London and Moscow.

There is rail connection between Azerbaijan and Ukraine and it crosses two borders.

Re: Direct Train to Europe: London to the Mediterranean

#73

Post by Symbiote »

Chris_Newton wrote: post #50
justincormack wrote: post #4

Well not joining Schengen is stupid, and easily fixed.

I recently travelled from Cambridge, UK to Amsterdam. Given that I strongly dislike modern air travel for all the usual reasons, I went by train. It was striking just how much more pleasant that journey was than a flight to another European capital that I took not so long ago. I had to be at the international terminal at St Pancras in London a half-hour before the train left, though I think some of the more expensive…

And your third option is the overnight (or daytime) ferry from Harwich. Tickets are sold that include a train connection from East Anglia (or London) to anywhere in the Netherlands.

It's very nice, though Harwich is a bit of a dump (not very welcoming).

Re: Direct Train to Europe: London to the Mediterranean

#74

Post by Symbiote »

avn2109 wrote: post #69
adevine wrote: post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Because past 3 hours the time/cost savings compared to air starts to look really unfavorable. Air travel has a high "fixed cost" (getting to the airport, going through security, picking up any checked luggage) but a low "variable cost" (it's much faster than a train), while the reverse is true for trains. Anything longer than 3-4 hours and the lower variable cost of air travel overcomes its higher fixed cost.

For me, the general PITA and loud departure/security announcements of airports is a huuuge fixed cost. Train stations just feel much more civilized.

The one that annoys me most is: "This is a safety announcement. Due to today's inclement weather, please take extra care whilst on the station. Surfaces may be slippery."

http://www.soundsurvey.org.uk/index.php/survey/soundacts_of1...

Falling down the stairs is a leading cause of death or injury on Britain's railways (no-one has died on a train since 2007), but I'd like to see some proof that the announcement makes any difference to people's behaviour. They play it pretty much any time it rains!

Re: Direct Train to Europe: London to the Mediterranean

#75

Post by JoeAltmaier »

Symbiote wrote: post #74
avn2109 wrote: post #69

Earlier quoted context omitted.

For me, the general PITA and loud departure/security announcements of airports is a huuuge fixed cost. Train stations just feel much more civilized.

The one that annoys me most is: "This is a safety announcement. Due to today's inclement weather, please take extra care whilst on the station. Surfaces may be slippery." http://www.soundsurvey.org.uk/index.php/survey/soundacts_of1... Falling down the stairs is a leading cause of death or injury on Britain's railways (no-one has died on a train since 2007), but I'd like to see some proof that the announcement makes a…

Its like an elderly aunt reminding you to take your umbrella. What does she take you for, a child? Especially annoying if you've forgotten your umbrella.
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