How many people take the train in the UK?

Approximately 1.73 billion passenger journeys were made on the National Rail network in Great Britain between April 2024 and March 2025, marking a 7% increase from the previous year and nearing pre-pandemic levels. Over 450 million journeys occur per quarter, with a heavy concentration in the London and South East region.

How many trains per day in the UK?

The National Rail network of 10,072 route miles (16,116 km) in Great Britain and 189 route miles (303 km) in Northern Ireland carries over 18,000 passenger and 1,000 freight trains daily.

Why are UK trains so overcrowded?

Much of the area around tracks is too narrow for wider trains, vital bridges are old and have weight restrictions, tunnels are too low for taller high capacity trains. Also tracks have tight curves that cause significant speed restrictions slowing down the network.

What is the busiest train route in the UK?

More than 800,000 journeys a day are made on the Elizabeth line – the busiest railway in the country. In 2023/24 there were 94.5m “entries and exits” at Liverpool Street station, up from 80.4m in 2022/23.

How much does a UK train driver earn per year?

The average train driver salary in the UK is £48,500 per year. Train drivers can expect to begin with an average starting salary of £30,000, with the highest salaries often exceeding £65,000. Train driver salaries can also differ between commercial or freight roles.

UK TRAIN TRAVEL FOR 1ST TIMERS | How to Take Trains in England, Scotland & Wales (Step by Step!)

What percent of people like trains?

Separately, we asked people how much they like or dislike each mode of transportation. 50% like or love trains, while 11% dislike or hate them. This is roughly in line with planes (53% / 23%).

What is the slowest train in the world?

Moritz via Andermatt in the central Swiss Alps. The train provides a one-seat ride for an 8-hour end-to-end 291-kilometre (181 mi) journey, and omits stops made by local trains. The Glacier Express has been called the 'slowest express train in the world'.

What is the best train station in the world?

The 10 most spectacular railway stations in the world:

• Gare de Lyon, Paris.
• Antwerpen-Centraal.
• Amsterdam Centraal.
• São Bento Railway Station, Porto.
• Helsinki Central Railway Station.
• Madrid Atocha.
• Villejuif-Gustave Roussy, Paris.
• Hungerburgbahn, Innsbruck.

Which country has the safest railway?

Top rail systems

According to BCG's most recent findings, Great Britain has the third highest safety rating of the 25 nations listed, scoring 2.8 and narrowly missing out on top-spot, shared by Luxembourg and Denmark, both achieving a 3.0 evaluation.

Do train drivers have a toilet?

'This means that train drivers will – finally – have access to toilets at work, and will no longer have to go more than four hours on duty before they have access to a toilet,' said ASLEF's president Dave Calfe. 'The industry has signed up to ASLEF's Dignity for Drivers campaign. '

Is train driving a hard job?

There is no doubt that there is a lot of responsibility on train drivers and the role can be physically and mentally demanding. It also takes a lot of training, and competition is fierce.

What is the highest paid driving job in the UK?

Here are 10 of the best-paid driving jobs you can find:

1. Delivery driver. National average salary: £25,609 per year Primary duties: Delivery drivers deliver goods to customers after they purchase goods. ...
2. Driving instructor. ...
3. Dump truck driver. ...
4. Over the road (OTR) truck driver. ...
5. Hub manager. ...
6. Truck driver. ...
7. Van driver. ...
8. Tanker driver.

Is 40 too old to become a train driver?

No, 40 is not too old to become a train driver, as there's generally no upper age limit as long as you pass required medicals, with many drivers starting in their 40s or even 50s; your experience and ability to pass rigorous training and tests are more important than age, though competition is fierce. 

Do train drivers get paid more than doctors?

Tube drivers outrank doctors and teachers in pay

Starting salaries for tube drivers are nearly double a doctor's starting salary, and come close to that of a specialist doctor. The profession is paid more than most public sector jobs. Tube drivers have some of the highest-paid starting salaries in the public sector.

How many hours a week do train drivers work UK?

Train Driver work patterns

Our Train Drivers work 35 hours per week in shifts from Monday to Sunday. Shifts will vary across a 24-hour schedule, and start times will change depending on the roster.

What is the most beautiful train station in the UK?

9 of England's most beautiful train stations

1. St Pancras International, London. ...
2. King's Cross Station, London. ...
3. Huddersfield Station, West Yorkshire. ...
4. Liverpool Lime Street, Merseyside. ...
5. Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol. ...
6. Durham Station, County Durham. ...
7. York Station, North Yorkshire. ...
8. Great Malvern Station, Worcestershire.

What is the most underrated town in the UK?

While "underrated" is subjective, recent studies and travel discussions frequently highlight Hastings, Royal Leamington Spa, and Shrewsbury as top contenders, praised for their culture, independent shops, events, and history, often overshadowed by bigger names like Brighton or Birmingham. Other strong contenders include historic Chester, revitalized Swansea, and the charming, remote Scottish village of Inverie, depending on whether you prefer history, coastal vibes, or seclusion.
 

What is the shortest train route in the UK?

Stourbridge Town branch line. The Stourbridge Town branch line is a 0.8-mile (1.3 km) railway branch line, in Stourbridge, West Midlands, England. It is the shortest railway line in Britain.

What not to say to an autistic adult?

What not to say if someone reveals that they are autistic to you

• You don't look autistic. ...
• But you're nothing like [insert ludicrous term] ...
• Everyone is a bit autistic. ...
• But you don't stim. ...
• You're just saying it for effect. ...
• Autism is just a label. ...
• Autism is just a social construct. ...
• You must only be very mild.

What are the most autistic hobbies?

Artistic hobbies such as painting, drawing, sculpting, or photography can be highly engaging for autistic adults. These activities allow for creative self-expression, offering a safe space to convey emotions, thoughts, and ideas.