Frequently asked Questions

We operate Express Steam Trains, Steam & Diesel Explorer Trains, The Shakespeare Express and THE POLAR EXPRESS^TM Train Ride – Birmingham Train Rides | Vintage Trains.

Ticket prices will vary depending on your choice of seating and, in the case of THE POLAR EXPRESS^TM Train Ride, also the date of your choice.
Our online booking system charges a booking fee. If you book over the telephone, there is no booking fee.

The seating in our carriages is configured as follows:

• In Tourist Class, around tables of four.
• In First Class, in compartments of six and 18 non-dining seats in Pullman around tables of four.
• In Pullman Class, around either tables of two or four. There is a supplement per person for tables of two and the price for this depends on the train service.

On all trains, except in Tourist Class on The Shakespeare Express you will have reserved seats. On occasion, it may be necessary to alter seat reservations (but only within the same class of travel or an enhanced class) due to operational reasons and, if we need to do this, your carriage steward will have full details. Your steward will always be able to show you to your seat once you are on board.

Yes.  On your booking form you can select gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan or other dietary requirements for each passenger.

Children under the age of 3 years old travel free and therefore do not need require a ticket provided they do not occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap.

Tickets for children between the ages of 3 – 16 years old will vary depending on the service.

Pets are not allowed on our trains, except for assistance dogs and if you require such assistance, you must note it in the comments section when booking.

All our trains carry limited wheelchair facilities but have no disabled toilet facilities.

We ask that passengers who are travelling in a wheelchair or those with restricted mobility call the Booking Office to book their tickets so we can make sure there is ease of accessibility and sufficient seating space ready prior to your arrival.
Some stations on Network Rail are unsuitable for those with restricted mobility and Tyseley main line station is one of these having no lifts to the platforms, only steep stairs.
Generally speaking, mobility scooters are not permitted on our trains, due to limited storage space.

Group bookings are available. We are happy to discuss your requirements and fit your group in wherever possible. Please call our Booking Office or email us at [email protected] for further information.

Whilst tickets may be purchased on the day, there will be no guarantee of availability. We encourage everyone to pre-book tickets. All restaurant car services in Club and Pullman must be booked at least two days in advance.

Both email confirmation of your tickets on your phone or a physical print out of your confirmation will be acceptable. You will need to show your booking reference on boarding.

Times for The Shakespeare Express will be on our website. Occasionally, these may vary slightly if there are engineering works and, in which case, we will notify you a day or so before travel.

Timings for all other trains are approximate as we are reliant on Network Rail preparing and issuing these. We expect to be able to advise all passengers of confirmed times within two days of travel by email only.

Yes. Gift card holders will be able to use their card for booking online. If your booking has been deferred from previous years or trains, please call the Booking Office to reschedule.

Yes.  If you cancel or transfer within 31 days before travel (see our booking terms and conditions for further information).

No.  We recommend passengers take out travel insurance to cover against any reason you might not be able to travel (see our booking terms and conditions for further information about refunds).

Our carriages are cleaned prior to each trip and an on-board cleaner travels with us on every train service.

No, unless Government regulations change.

Yes, you can bring your own food for the journey if you are travelling in Tourist class or in Pullman Cars where no restaurant car service is offered. We do not allow passengers to bring their own food or drink in First and Pullman Class restaurant cars.

Free Car parking should be available at Tyseley Locomotive Works for trains starting from Tyseley mainline station. Otherwise, parking may usually be obtained at respective Network Rail stations where our trains call, but this may be subject to local parking arrangements, restrictions and extra charges. Please ensure you allow enough time to park your car as our train will not wait beyond the booked departure time under any circumstances.

Not always. There are toilet facilities on most Network Rail stations, but on occasions such facilities may not always be available as they are managed by franchise train operating companies and not ourselves.

Yes we have CETs (Controlled Emission Toilets), however, there are no disabled toiled facilities or baby changing facilities as we use heritage carriages. Furthermore, toilets may not be used whilst the train is stationary in stations.

Yes, but only for folding pushchairs. However, please note there is only limited space for storage in the Guard’s carriages on our trains and not adjacent to passenger seating.

We are unable to guarantee which locomotive will haul a particular train and we do reserve the right to change motive power. However, we will only do this if the booked locomotive is unavailable for any reason or if Network Rail require a train to be diesel hauled or diesel assisted due to fire risk or other operational requirements. Express Steam Trains, Summer Explorers and The Polar Express Train Ride will always have a diesel accompanying the train.

No. Whilst we will endeavour to run all our advertised steam services, in the event of a breakdown, fire or other operational issues (as noted above) we may need to use a diesel locomotive.