travelling on the trains xmas eve?

Question

are prices inflated at all?
how packed is the trains as its a 4 hours journey?
are they reliable?
how important is booking a ticket can it be left to the last day
(this is trains in england)

Answer 1

Prices are not inflated, but I would guess that very cheap offers have either been withdrawn for that day - on the basis that you don't need to attract custom when the trains are full anyway - or have long since been snatched up. The trains are likely to be busy, but it does pay to book at least 24 hours in advance as you will then get a reserved seat (if any are left). You don't say where you are travelling from to so it is impossible to say any more than that. The trains are no less reliable, or any more unreliable, than on any other day. But you must remember some services begin to wind down by early evening and finish around 11pm. Personally, I wouldn't leave booking until the last moment - unless you do it on line and arrange to collect the ticket from the machine at the station, you might face a terrible scrum at the booking office.

Answer 2

Yes trains are a fair bit busier on average.
If you are travelling on one of the ex Intercity routes then you will be fine if you cant book beforehand, as there is always a coach with no reservations in it. It could get busy though so a seat reservation wouldnt go amiss if you can book early.
If your not travelling on an ex intercity route, and seat reservations are available, then take one. If the train isn't busy (which is unlikely), then you can always just sit somewhere else if you so desire.
Trains will be operating exactly the same, although they will probably be running to a Sunday timetable, so check on that. Trains will finish earlier as well. Best to check online (www.nationalrail.co.uk) or by calling national rail enquires (08457 484950).
As for scrums in the ticket office as previously suggested. Very unlikely, but it could be a bit busier. Nothing dramatic though.
Prices will be the same. Check now if you want cheap fares, although cant promise anything!