train tour malia

stalis club

PRIVATE TOURS

Book a tour, happy train (stalis - malia).

The train is closed on Sundays – ikaros station or garage is where the train usually starts, any departure times mentioned here corespond to this station. All other stations have slightly different times

Happy  train station in Ikaros hotel

Happy  train station in i resort hotel stalis

• Grand Tour (One and a half hour ride) with The Happy Train to explore  Malia-Hersonisoss-Stalis,   Starting 10:00 every day till late….
• Half day tour to Mochos, every Monday-Wednesday-Friday in Crete Greece.
• Half day tour to Krasi, every Tuesday-Thursday-saturday in Crete Greece.

Grand tour to Stalis-Malia or mountain tour to krasi or Mochos

The Happy Train Stalis -Malia offers local tours every hour about with trains to anyone who wants to live this unique experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to see Stalis-Malia and the surrounding area with their important sights, experiencing, simultaneously, the Cretan culture. There are mountain tours available. First of all, there is Krasi tour. The tour to Krasi is available on  Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays starting at 9:40am. Second tour is the one to Mochos, which is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting at 9:40am. Also possible private tours or even wedding tours, where the train is decorated in a special way for this special day. The Happy Train offers a more relaxing way to see the sights of Stalis-Malia and the surrounding area. There are stops during each tour where visitors can either take photographs of the picturesque Cretan landscape or taste the local Cretan cuisine in the villages of the Municipality of Hersonissos. For additional information contact us.

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Reviews by our travelers

Delightful hour and a half spent trundling between Stalis and Malia (round trip). Some nice views and well worth the money. This is the way to do it if you're not a quad bike person!

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Happy Train

"travel in style all over town".

The Happy Train is a little train that has various routes, you can get on and off it at the different stops along the route. You will need to buy a ticket from one of the Happy Train outlets. See Malia and the surrounding area from a different perspective, travelling along the beach road, up into the town and around the old village. There are many different routes that the Happy Train takes, the ones based in Malia are: 1. Around Malia 2. Malia to Krassi 3. Malia to Stalis It is also possible to get a Happy Train in Stalis and Hersonissos.

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There are many tours available. First of all, there is Krasi tour. The tour to Krasi is available on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays starting at 9:50am. In addition, there is the Mochos tour which is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting at 9:40am. Happy Train, apart from the daily organized programs for local round trips and half day Mountain tours, provide visitors the chance to book private tours or even to organize a wedding tour, where the train is decorated in a special way for this special day.

The Happy Train offers a more relaxing way to see the sights of Malia and the surrounding area. There are stops during each tour where visitors can either take photographs of the picturesque Cretan landscape or taste the local Cretan cuisine in the villages of the Municipality of Hersonissos.

For additional information please visit Happy Train ‘s facebook page .

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Happy Train

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Happy Train - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Trip to Krasi - Happy Train

• Europe    
• Greece    
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My Husband & I went on the Happy Train last September while on our Honeymoon. We got picked up in... read more

Excellent little trip. Was 14 Euros but worth every penny. Took us up into the hills and to a... read more

Trip to Krasi

A superb ‘half’ day tour to Krasi (which took closer to the full day). When booking the tour, it is explained that you take a stop on the way up, before having the chance to be guided around Krasi by the friendly and informative driver, Antonis. The stop on the way up, is a short tour around a local olive oil factory, which is informative and succinct, making it a lovely addition to the trip. When coming back down, there is the chance you may see Santorini on the horizon, however I am led to believe this really is a once in a blue moon sighting! Due to the number of people on the trip, I had to sit up front with the driver, with my girlfriend in the carriage directly behind. Whilst initially being a bit miffed about this, the driver was informative and a good laugh so this didn’t impact negatively on the trip. On the whole, a best effort to sit groups together is made, and I’d imagine on 99 trips out of 100 there is not an issue (I think this trip may have been slightly overbooked). When in Krasi, you have the opportunity to drink from the ancient well, visit the two churches within the village, take photos of the infamous 2000 year old Plane tree, and explore the traditional Cretan village streets (a far cry from the urbanised coast road of Malia and Stalis!). After this, a drink or snack can be picked up at any of the village’s several tavernas, with ample time being offered, before heading back down to the coast. Whilst €24 initially seemed a bit steep for a lift to Krasi, this tour is so much more than just a journey from A to B, and most definitely worth every cent. I would certainly recommend this trip to couples, groups or families who are either looking to see the real Crete, or just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the coast.

Went on this 1 1/2 hour trip today which was very uncomfortable and uninformative, drove around the back streets of Stalis and Malia no information was given about the areas we drove through. We were allowed a ten minute stop to take photos of the bay which took about 2 minutes it would have been better to have a ten minute stop to take photos at the Minoan Palace and the archaeological site at Malia but we drove straight past - not a recommended trip

What a fabulous trip up into the mountains with awesome views looking down towards stalks and Malia. The village of Mochos is a beautiful little historic town with two lovely churches. Plenty of very nice traditional Greek restaurants and time to stop for lunch. We walked around on our own but there is a guided tour. Lots of little back streets with derelict buildings to take photos of. The locals are also very friendly and chatty. Well worth a trip out to see the real Greece.

George is very accommodating and tries to ensure that people who know each other can sit together. I felt he allowed a good amount of time at each location, such as at the Tavernas and at the monastery that we visited. He offers a half day tour and an hour tour at 5pm too, both are great. It's a good value way to see the real Sissi and surrounding areas, away from the main tourist trail.

A lovely and easy way to see the area of Stalis in a hour and a half. Very reasonably priced. Longer trips are available but the heat put us off trying this.

We’ve done two trips on the happy train while staying in Stalis. The first was a half day to a small mountain village Krasi. The village is charming. 5/5, totally worth it, we enjoyed the tour, learnt and saw a lot. It was also nice to visit the olive factory. The driver (and the guide) Konstantinos was very professional. That tour is highly recommended, also with children. However the hour and a half round trip from Stalis to Hersonissos then round to Malia is nothing special at all. Neither pleasant nor exciting, nothing particular to see. You would end up with zero good photos, because the train doesn’t stop. No explanation is given. That tour is totally overpriced for what you get.

Happy Train

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

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Happy Train

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10 Best Things to Do in Malia

What is malia most famous for.

There are plenty of things to do in Malia, a town blessed with a stretch of pristine white sand beaches and home to some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Despite its reputation as a hard-partying destination, there is plenty to charm history and outdoor enthusiasts throughout their vacation.

You can sunbathe on the bustling Glozanie Beach, enjoy a day at Crete’s largest water park, or hike through Crete ’s untamed wilderness. If you want to learn about Minoan history, the renowned Malia Palace is a must-see. Don’t leave without experiencing Malia’s electric nightlife scene – just follow the throngs of partygoers to Dimokratias Street.

What are the best things to do in Malia?

Glozanie beach, soak up the sun on malia’s main beach.

Glozanie Beach is the beating heart of Malia, full of atmosphere and packed to the rafters with sun-seekers. Just a short 20-minute walk from Old Town, the days roll into one with never-ending parties. A wide-paved promenade connects the expansive 2-km stretch of white sand, which is lined with cafes and beach clubs. Each bar and resort along the strip offer a variety of umbrellas and loungers for rent.

Order a cocktail, relax on a sun lounger, and bask in the Mediterranean sun. For those looking to raise the heart rate, Glozanie Beach offers water sports such as jet-skiing, banana boating, wakeboarding, and parasailing. End the day with a swim to the picturesque island chapel of Afentis Christos (Lord Christ) and catch a spectacular sunset.

Location: Malia, Crete 700 07, Greece

Malia’s beach clubs

Work on your tan and party the day away.

Vacationers often flock to Malia’s beach clubs in search of sun and a good time. These lively venues line the town’s nearly 5-km-long coastline, offering a buzzing party atmosphere with views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Spend a day at the popular Pleasure Beach Club , which has luxury sun loungers and restaurant service. Next door, Bikini Beach Bar offers a laidback Ibiza-inspired oasis with romantic sunset dining at affordable prices. A few blocks inland go full-party mode at Crystal Beach Club – expect world-renowned DJs spinning electronic music with foam-covered partygoers raving in Vegas-inspired pools.

9 Best Things to Do in Heraklion

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Malia palace, revel in minoan history among ancient ruins.

Located 3 km east of Old Town, Malia Palace is one of Crete’s most important ancient archeological sites. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Minoan life on the island. Excavations have yielded a wealth of Minoan artifacts, the most notable being the famous gold bee pendant, which now housed in the Heraklion Archeological Museum. Other highlights include the Quarter Mu workshops, official apartments, and a vivid model reconstruction in the main foyer.

Due to scarce information boards, the extensive 5,000-year-old ruins are best explored with a tour guide. Entry to the palace is about €6 per person, and a direct bus runs every 15-30 minutes from the Old Town Bus Station.

Open: May–November: Tuesday–Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm. December–April: Tuesday–Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm

Phone: +30 2897 031597

Monastery of St. George Selinari

A place of tranquillity and enchanting views of the selinari canyon.

Built over 1,000 years ago, the Monastery of St. George Selinari is an important Cretan landmark. Locals traveling on the National Road consider it bad luck to traverse the canyon without visiting the monastery. The complex contains a main central church, the chapel of St. George and the mysterious Anvalohos Cave, which is the supposed resting place of the monastery’s founder.

Keep an eye out for 3 bullet holes in the old icon of St. George – a local legend the friendly monks are more than willing to tell you about. Feel free to explore the monastery grounds, chapel and cave but be respectful as it is an active church in Selinari.

Location: Selinari, Crete 831 03, Greece

Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm

Phone: +30 28410 71438

Enjoy a fun-filled day at Crete’s largest water park

Take a break from the summer heat and spend a day at Acqua Plus, Eastern Europe’s first water park. Accessible within a 20-minute drive west of Malia, the park satisfies thrill-seekers and families with over 50 waterslides, games, and activities.

For the adrenaline lovers, take a ride on Tsunami and Spacebowl for the biggest thrills. You can relax in a tube and float down the Lazy River while the kids ride the Tower Slides . Open from Mid-May to early October, Acqua Plus is especially crowded in the summer (July and August). You can book tickets online for discounted rates and to avoid long lines.

Location: Kastelli Road, Chersonisos 712 00, Greece

Open: May–mid-October: daily from 10 am to 6 pm

Phone: +30 694 400 0044

Lassithi Plateau

A sparse wilderness of apple orchards and mythic caves.

The Lassithi Plateau is a remote high mountain plain, famous for its iconic white-sailed windmill landscape. The highlight of the region is the mythic Psychro Cave, which is said to be the birthplace of Zeus.

The plateau is very expansive and best explored by joining a jeep safari tour, which is offered by many companies in Malia. Traversing the sprawling landscape of tiny villages, almond trees, and stone mausoleums offer you a real sense of rural Cretan life. Views from the top of Mount Spathi are a lovely bonus for those willing to hike the 6-hour summit trail. With an elevation that starts at 850 meters, the weather is chilly year-round. The Lassithi Plateau is within a 30-minute drive south of Malia.

A hidden gem of Crete’s rugged interior

Roza Gorge is a relatively unknown hiking trail in Crete, but has views rivaling that of the famed Samaria Gorge. The 6.8-km-long gorge trail is named after the rose-colored formations that wind between dramatic rock faces. The trail links the mountain villages of Kera and Gonies – you can start and end your hike in either village or challenge yourself with a round-trip.

Most hikers start just outside Kera, a 25-minute drive south of Malia, and hike downhill for 2 to 3 hours to reach Gonies. Hiking the trail in reverse requires an additional hour. If you’re only walking one-way, make sure you’ve arranged transportation for pickup before tackling the trailhead.

Eat kleftiko

Taste this cretan delicacy in a local malia taverna.

Kleftiko is a Cretan specialty, made with slow-cooked lamb marinated in garlic, copious amounts of olive oil, and served with potatos. After a long day hiking gorges or hanging at the beach, this flavor-filled hearty meal will definitely hit the spot.

Taverna Eva, near Potamos Beach, is a family-run establishment that has been serving kleftiko for around 40 years. It has a stunning outdoor terrace, with lanterns and climbing vines. Indulge in its signature dish, which is topped with feta cheese, followed with some homemade baklava. You can enjoy a livelier dinner experience at San Giorgio Taverna in Old Town – pair your kleftiko with local raki (anise-flavored liqueur) while listening to traditional music.

Krasi and Mochos

Traditional cretan culture along cobblestoned streets.

Take a day trip to the south of Malia, into the mountain villages of Krasi and Mochos. Both are known for their high-quality olive oil and jovial Cretan traditions of song and dance. Meander along the cobbled-stone streets of Krasi to the main square, smelling wafts of cheese pie ( sarikopita ) cooked in traditional wood ovens. Visit the Church of Metamorphosis Sotiros and admire the ornate frescoes and wooden carved temple.

Scenic medieval-inspired streets surrounded by olives, vineyards and fruit trees welcome travelers to Mochos. It’s a good idea to visit in mid-August to experience the village's celebration for the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Both villages are best explored by taking the Happy Train Tour, which departs from Malia Old Town on weekday mornings.

Dimokratias Street

Nightlife with europe’s unrivaled party atmosphere.

Dimokratias Street, also known as Beach Road, is the epicenter of Malia’s renowned nightlife scene. The street, which links Old Town Malia to Glozanie Beach, is where partygoers worldwide flock to for world-renowned DJs and nightly foam parties, which take place primarily at the strip’s 4 main establishments.

Zig Zag Club is a house music favorite, which boasts a large dancefloor and one of the best club atmospheres in Europe. Apollo is a classy RnB club while Candy Club tailors to the mainstream by pumping out Top 100 dance hits. Warehouse is most notable for satisfying hardcore bass-lovers in Malia. Cover charges range from €5 to €50, depending on the event. Most clubs open around 9am and close as late as 7am the following day.

Location: Dimokratias Street, Malia 700 07, Greece

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Experience the Little Fun Train tours, the most relaxing way to discover the beauty and history of this unique island. Choose from a wide range of tours that will capture your heart and fill your memories.

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Valletta Train Tour

• Departure Point - St John's Co Cathedral
• Drop off Point - St John's Co Cathedral
• Operates 7 days a week
• Times - 10.00 to 16.00
• Tour Duration - 30 min
• Tour Times - Every 30 min
• On Board Documentary - English
• Price - Adults - € 7.00
• Price - Child - € 5.00 - ( Over 12 - € 7.00 ) 
• Tickets - Directly From Train Staff
• Train Capacity - 55 Pax 
• Wheel Chair - 1 Space
• Pet Friendly
• Closed - Christmas Day & New Year's Day
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• Departure Point - Domus Romana Villa
• Drop off Point - Domus Romana Villa
• Operates 6 days a week
• Tour Times - On the hour
• Pet Friendly 

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Valletta - Rabat Tour Key Highlights

Valletta tour.

• Key highlights of the Malta Fun Trains Valletta tour include :
• 1. Historic Landmarks: The tour takes you to some of Valletta's most famous historic landmarks, such as St. John's Co-Cathedral, and the Auberge de Castille.
• 2. Scenic Views: Passengers can enjoy panoramic views of Valletta's stunning harbor and fortifications as the train winds its way through the city's narrow streets.
• 3 The tour often includes a stop at  where you can take in breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities.
• 4. Professional Commentary: Knowledgeable guides provide informative commentary, sharing the history and stories behind Valletta's architecture and culture.
• 5. Accessibility: The small size of the trains allows them to navigate Valletta's historic streets, providing access to areas that may be challenging to explore on foot.
• 6. Family-Friendly: The tour is suitable for all ages, making it a family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
• 7. Unique Experience: Riding on these colorful and charming trains is a unique and memorable way to explore the city, offering a different perspective than traditional walking tours.
• 8. Photo Opportunities: The tour provides plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photographs of Valletta's picturesque streets and landmarks.
• Overall, the Malta Fun Trains Valletta tour offers a convenient and informative way to discover the beauty and history of Malta's capital city, making it a popular choice for tourists exploring the area.
• Key highlights of the Malta Fun Trains Rabat tour include:
• 1. Mdina: The tour passes by Mdina, also known as the "Silent City." This ancient walled town is a highlight of Rabat and is famous for its medieval architecture, narrow streets, and historic charm.
• 2. St. Paul's Catacombs: Rabat is home to St. Paul's Catacombs, a fascinating underground network of Christian burial sites dating back to Roman times. The tour often includes a stop at this unique and historically significant attraction.
• 3. Domus Romana: The Domus Romana is a Roman-era townhouse in Rabat that offers a glimpse into Malta's ancient history. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins and learn about daily life during the Roman period.
• 4. Professional Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide informative commentary throughout the tour, offering insights into the history, culture, and significance of the sites visited.
• 6. Scenic Routes: Malta Fun Trains in Rabat take scenic routes through the town, allowing passengers to enjoy the picturesque streets and historic architecture.
• 7. Family-Friendly: Similar to their Valletta tours, the Rabat tours are family-friendly and suitable for all ages, making them a great option for visitors traveling with children.
• 8. Cultural Immersion: The Rabat tour provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in Malta's rich history and heritage, as the town is known for its well-preserved historical sites.
• Overall, the Malta Fun Trains Rabat tour offers a unique way to explore the historical and cultural treasures of Rabat, making it an enjoyable and educational experience for tourists interested in Malta's heritage.
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May 1, 2024

Introducing amtrak borealis trains with expanded service between st. paul and chicago via milwaukee.

New passenger train arrivals and departures in a partnership with Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois

ST. PAUL, Minn., and CHICAGO – Tickets are now available for a second daily Amtrak service between the Twin Cities and Chicago, via Milwaukee: new state-sponsored Borealis trains originate from St. Paul at midday and from Chicago in the late morning. Travelers seeking a more comfortable, sustainable and productive choice than driving will have double the current rail options, starting May 21, 2024.

Amtrak Borealis coach fares start at $41 each way between St. Paul and Chicago for adults, with everyday discounts for children ages 2-12, students , seniors, veterans, military personnel and families, groups, and others.

Amtrak Borealis trains will offer Coach and Business Class in addition to a café car featuring regional items. Customers will enjoy wide reclining seats with ample legroom, no middle seats, free Wi-Fi, and views of the Mississippi River between St. Paul and La Crosse, Wisc., in daylight in both directions across Wisconsin.

The trains will make the current Empire Builder stops between St. Paul and Milwaukee and Hiawatha stops between Milwaukee and Chicago (see schedule) . Another benefit of the Amtrak Borealis service is a new eastbound Amtrak origination from Ramsey County’s Union Depot in St. Paul.

“A second daily passenger rail service connecting St. Paul to Chicago via Milwaukee is a welcome addition to our transportation system, providing more choices and travel flexibility for passengers,” said Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger , Minnesota Department of Transportation. “We appreciate our partnerships with communities, federal, state and local governments, the host railroad CPKC, and Amtrak that were needed to get this service on-track, and to provide another safe, reliable transportation option. We look forward to continuing these partnerships as we work toward further building out passenger rail options in the Midwest.”

“This route includes eight stations in Wisconsin, and doubling the frequency of the service will better connect the many businesses, universities and tourist attractions along this corridor,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “This expansion is thanks to the work WisDOT was able to do together with Minnesota, Illinois and Amtrak, as well as the opportunities provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We will continue to work with federal and state partners to explore more passenger rail options in Wisconsin.”

“We are proud to collaborate with neighboring states and our federal partners to offer more Amtrak service in the Midwest,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman . “Ensuring passenger rail that’s safe, reliable and accessible is one of the many reasons Illinois continues to distinguish itself as the transportation hub of North America under Gov. JB Pritzker.”

The new service is sponsored by the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Amtrak now operates 29 state-supported routes with 18 state partners.

“Through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification Program we are working with grantees on dozens of other possible new Amtrak routes,” said President Roger Harris. “Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, interest from state transportation departments and others for new or expanded Amtrak service across the country is at an all-time high.”

“This is a win for passenger rail expansion in America, and more importantly, it’s a win for a growing number of Americans who rely on passenger rail and benefit from it,” said Federal Railroad Administrator Amit Bose . “Investments in rail have long helped Midwesterners and the region’s economy, and this new service will mean additional access for people traveling between Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois while contributing to economic growth.

“The Federal Railroad Administration applauds the strong partnership between the states and Amtrak, and through President Biden’s infrastructure package, we know even more progress is underway,” Bose added.

More Reactions:

Rep. Gwen Moore, Wisconsin

“I will always support increasing access to clean, affordable, and efficient transportation options. Improving inter-city train services in Wisconsin and across the nation brings many economic benefits. I’m excited for the job opportunities and improved tourism that an additional daily train will bring for my constituents and others traveling throughout our region, as well as the improvements to our region’s collective carbon footprint. ”

Rail Passengers Association

“There were years when it seemed as if today’s announcement would never take place, and yet here we are today celebrating a new round trip that will transform transportation in this busy corridor,” said Jim Mathews, Rail Passengers’ President & CEO. “Passenger trains mean trips that are taken off of highways and out of the sky, saving lives, limiting pollution, and opening up new possibilities. These new trains also mean new trips that would not have otherwise taken place at all, producing direct returns for the communities they serve.”

The Association produced an economic-benefits analysis in 2019 suggesting that some 60% of passengers for the new service would come from diverting automotive trips as those passengers leave their cars behind, limiting pollution, and easing congestion. The Association estimated that 90,000 people who would otherwise use personal automobiles would be taken off the roads every year, saving $32 million across the region in highway maintenance costs alone.

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For More Information

Marc Magliari [email protected] Amtrak Corporate Communications 800 562.1904

Julie Bartkey [email protected] Minnesota Department of Transportation 612 759.0499

John DesRivieres [email protected] Wisconsin Department of Transportation 608 266.5599

Scott Speegle [email protected] Illinois Department of Transportation 312 793.2794

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I moved using the Amtrak Auto Train, where you bring your car with you. The 17-hour ride went by fast and we avoided tons of traffic.

• My mom and I spent 17 hours on the Amtrak Auto Train from Florida to Virginia when I was in college.
• I saved time and stress by not having to drive 900 miles and had access to Wi-Fi and roomy seats.
• Riding the train and taking a car on the Auto Train can cost over $600, but the price is worth it.

My mother and I took the Amtrak Auto Train back in August 2017 when I was in college and needed a way to move all my belongings and bring my car with me from Florida to Virginia.

When it comes to traveling from Florida to Virginia, the Amtrak Auto Train is one of the best ways to get around. By riding the Auto Train, I saved over 900 miles on my car and skipped all of the traffic on Interstate 95. 

So, we packed my car up and took the 17-hour ride from Sanford, Florida, to Lorton, Virginia .

Here's what taking the Amtrak Auto Train was like and why I think it's worth every penny. 

Before the trip, I tried to get the best ticket price I could

Taking the Amtrak Auto Train cost me a fraction of what it would've been to ship my car, and this way, I had access to Wi-Fi and ample legroom.

When it came to purchasing tickets for the Amtrak Auto Train, I tried to pick the cheapest option, which was in the coach section. A coach ticket from Sanford, Florida, to Lorton, Virginia, currently costs about $100 to $120, and loading a standard vehicle costs $510.

I've noticed that the earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets usually are. And if you need to change the date of your trip, Amtrak doesn't charge a ticket-change fee .

Related stories

I also took the opportunity to join the Amtrak Guest Rewards program early on so I earn points from all my trips. So far, I've accumulated 2,500 points, which is enough to upgrade my seat by one class. 

We loaded the car with my college essentials and drove to the station

Per Amtrak's instructions, I packed my car like a suitcase, distributing the weight of my belongings by placing heavier comforters, sheets, and pillow sets in the back and lighter toiletries in the front.

Once my car was loaded, my mother and I drove three hours from Miami to the Sanford, Florida, station. We had a window from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. to load our car, so it was important to be on time.

Upon arrival, Amtrak staff members gave us a number to place on our dashboard as well as a numbered ticket to show at the Lorton, Virginia, station. The employees inspected the exterior of my vehicle, taking pictures to document any damage, and loaded my car.

Overall, the process was pretty smooth, and checking in took a little less than half an hour. 

I really enjoyed my experience in the coach section

After loading my car, my mom and I made our way over to coach . When I reclined my seat and put the footrest up, it felt like I was lying on a bed, and I had room to bring pillows and blankets. 

Each seat on my train also had an outlet to charge electronics and stow-away room for bags underneath the chairs.

I watched some of my favorite Netflix shows to unwind for the night. Eventually, the cabin lights were dimmed and I noticed other passengers falling asleep.

Unloading my car was a pretty simple process

We arrived at the Lorton, Virginia, station around 9 a.m. and headed to the lobby, where Amtrak staff members called out the numbers for our cars on the intercom. During this time, Amtrak employees drove each vehicle off of the train cars down a yellow ramp and pulled up to the lobby driveway for passengers to claim their cars.

The entire process took about an hour, but eventually, my number was called. I gave the Amtrak staff member my ticket so they could make sure I was claiming the correct vehicle. Once everything was verified, we got in the car and started to make our way north.

Our Amtrak trip went by so fast , and loading and unloading my car was pretty simple. Overall, I thought the train ride was worth the landscape views and the time we saved by not dealing with traffic on I-95.

This story was originally published on October 18, 2023, and most recently updated on May 8, 2024.

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Rail strikes restart as Aslef train drivers embark on new action

Union to roll out 24-hour strikes across England’s train operators for three days this week and six-day overtime ban from Monday

Rail passengers face a week of disruption as train drivers embark on another round of industrial action on Monday, despite tentative attempts by the industry to restart talks.

Drivers in the Aslef union will strike for 24 hours at each of England’s national train operators over the course of three days from Tuesday until Thursday, while an overtime ban will apply nationwide from Monday until Saturday.

Most operators will not run any trains on their strike days, affecting some cross-border services to Wales and Scotland. The overtime ban will also reduce schedules and severely disrupt some operators who depend on voluntary shifts to run their services.

On Tuesday 7 May, the first wave will affect commuter routes into London, with drivers striking at c2c, Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

It will be followed on Wednesday by a 24-hour strike at Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains; and at LNER, Northern and TransPennine Express on Thursday.

The union said it would continue to strike for an improved pay offer, with some of its members now going five years without a pay rise and the last talks breaking down a year ago.

A hint of movement came when the Rail Delivery Group, representing train operators, emailed Aslef late last week to suggest discussions about a framework for formal talks, which the union said it welcomed.

An RDG spokesperson said it had “written to the Aslef leadership to try and find areas of common ground that will allow us to move to formal negotiations”.

The Aslef general secretary, Mick Whelan, told members he would “explore this avenue in an effort to resolve this dispute”.

The drivers’ union rejected a two-year deal in early 2023 worth 4% annually, but with changes to working conditions attached. In percentage terms, the rise was less than that offered to other parts of the industry.

Speaking before this next set of rolling strikes, Whelan said: “We don’t want to be doing this. Nobody wants to be losing money, but unless we do this, nobody is going to come to the table and talk to us. So we’re left in a position whereby the only way that we can articulate our voice is to take action.”

Aslef members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue industrial action.

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Whelan added: “I’m out there talking to my people most nights of the week in branch rooms and elsewhere, and they want to keep going. They want a resolution. And after 22 months, why would you stop? We have to believe there will be an endgame; we have to believe there will be a resolution to this.

“After half a decade without a pay rise, should we stop and go another half a decade without?”

The government has argued that the offer would take the average pay of a train driver to £65,000, but it also demanded “modernisation” and workplace changes as part of the settlement.

Whelan said: “There was no workplace reform. Nobody could explain to me how cutting people’s sick pay makes a railway run quicker, or more resilient, or improves performance. It was a land grab for Ts & Cs [terms and conditions].

“We’ve done 17 pay deals in the last 12 months across the rest of the rail industry,” including in Scotland and Wales, the Elizabeth line, and for freight and open access rail operators . “None of them required any of these changes – this has got nothing to do with running a railway.”

An RDG spokesperson said the strikes would “inflict further damage on an industry that is receiving up to an additional £54m a week in taxpayer cash following the Covid downturn”.

They warned there would be reduced services from Monday, with the overtime ban’s impact varying across the country, and advised passengers to check before travel.

The wave of action is the fourth week of rolling strikes staged by Aslef since December, after it altered its tactics in a dispute that has lasted almost two years.

• Rail strikes
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• Industrial action
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More on this story

Aslef drivers to hold more train strikes in early May

Only 40 LNER intercity rail services to run on Saturday as train drivers strike

Aslef’s final strike day disrupts rail services in south and east England

Aslef says more train strikes likely as drivers’ pay row continues

Rail passengers face rolling strikes but London Underground action called off

Train drivers at Northern and LNER to strike in March, Aslef union announces

Weekend rail strikes: travel disrupted across Great Britain

Train drivers will keep striking to ‘raise profile’ of pay dispute, says Aslef boss

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May rail strikes: How is the latest train drivers’ walk-out affecting passengers?

In three days of ‘rolling’ walk-outs, most train operators involved have cancelled all services, article bookmarked.

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National rail strikes by train drivers have entered a third summer with a series of “rolling” walk-outs, one region at a time, during May .

Members of the Aslef union are halting thousands of trains on 7, 8 and 9 May 2024 – with commuters who normally go to the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday among the targets.

The aim is to disrupt services on the 14 rail firms in England that are controlled by the UK government and represented by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG). Rolling strikes cause maximum disruption for minimum loss of pay.

In addition, six days of overtime bans are causing further cancellations from 6 to 11 May.

The previous national industrial action by train drivers, comprising an overtime ban and rolling regional walk-outs, hit passengers in April .

Industrial action by Aslef train drivers in their dispute over pay and working arrangements began in July 2022. The union is demanding a no-strings pay award, but rail firms – directed by ministers – say any increase is contingent on radical reforms to working practices in order to reduce public subsidies.

During the dispute, hundreds of millions of journeys have been cancelled. Billions of pounds have been lost to the UK economy – particularly to hospitality businesses.

Taxpayers are pumping cash into an increasingly decrepit and unreliable railway to the tune of £90 per second on top of the normal subsidy. Over the course of a year, that amounts to £2.8bn in addtional public cash.

The quarrel has become increasingly bitter, with no sign of any progress towards a settlement. Negotiations were last held on 26 April 2023.

Caught in the middle of a seemingly intractable dispute: the passenger. In a snap social media poll for The Independent that garnered 2,142 responses, one in three rail travellers say they will permanently travel less after the industrial action finally ends.

For passengers, these are the key questions and answers.

Which rail firms are involved?

Aslef is in dispute with the train operating companies (TOCs) that are contracted by the UK government to provide rail services. They are:

Intercity operators:

Avanti West Coast

CrossCountry

East Midlands Railway

Great Western Railway (GWR)

TransPennine Express

Southeast England commuter operators:

Greater Anglia

GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink)

Southeastern

South Western Railway (including the Island Line on the Isle of Wight)

Operators focusing on the north of England, the Midlands and links from London

Chiltern Railways

Northern Trains

West Midlands Railway (including London Northwestern Railway)

When are the train drivers walking out?

Drivers belonging to the Aslef union are striking in the following pattern:

Tuesday 7 May

C2C, Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway.

Commuters around London comprise the main target.

Wednesday 8 May

Avanti West Coast , Chiltern, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, West Midlands Railway and CrossCountry.

The aim is to cause maximum disruption on key intercity lines as well as Midland commuter services.

Thursday 9 May

LNER , Northern and TransPennine Express. This is aimed at users of the East Coast main line and passengers in the North of England and southern Scotland.

What are the predicted effects at each operator?

GWR’s Night Riviera sleeper train from London to Penzance is cancelled until Sunday 12 May.

The Gatwick Express from London to the Sussex airport will be cancelled throughout the industrial action period.

For other operators, these are the probable service patterns – though travellers should check shortly before their planned journeys. Where trains are running, the normal hours of operation are likely to be curtailed.

Disruption is also likely on days before and after strike days. TransPennine Express says: “Plan carefully for any rail journeys as services may start later and finish earlier than usual.”

Greater Anglia is running to and from London Liverpool Street to Stansted airport, Southend, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich.

Southern is running a shuttle service between London Victoria and Gatwick airport.

Thameslink is running a shuttle service between London St Pancras and Luton (town and airport stations).

Great Northern is running a shuttle service between London King’s Cross and Cambridge.

South Western Railway is running between London Waterloo, Woking and Guildford, with some other suburban services likely.

Southeastern urges passengers not to travel, but is running services between London St Pancras and Ashford on the high-speed line; Charing Cross and Orpington; and London Bridge and Dartford.

C2C has cancelled all services.

Five train operators – Avanti West Coast, Chiltern, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Railway and CrossCountry – have cancelled all train services.

GWR will run no long-distance trains, but will connect Reading with Oxford and Basingstoke, as well as a link from Bristol to Cardiff and some branch routes in Devon and Cornwall. The company says: “Many parts of the GWR network will have no service at all and trains that are running will only be operating for a limited period during the day.”

Northern and TransPennine Express has cancelled all services.

LNER is running a skeleton service on core lines between around 7am and 7pm, with about 25 per cent of the normal schedule. Its main Edinburgh-Newcastle-York-London line will have at least one train an hour, with some additional trains on the southern part of the network.

What about the overtime ban?

Members are also refusing to work their rest days from Monday 6 to Saturday 11 May, inclusive. As many rail firms depend on drivers working overtime, hundreds – possibly thousands – of trains will be cancelled.

On the first day alone, LNER cancelled or curtailed at least a dozen trains “due to a shortage of train crew”.

Greater Anglia, Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Railway will run a reduced timetable on each day of the overtime ban.

Avanti West Coast says: “On Tuesday 7, Thursday 9, Friday 10 and Saturday 11 May, a number of services will be removed from our timetable due to the overtime ban and Wednesday’s strike action. These are mostly on our Manchester and Birmingham routes, but removals have been spread throughout the day to keep people moving.”

GWR says the overtime ban will cause “some short notice cancellations or alterations to services across the GWR network”.

But Southeastern says: “We expect to run our full service during this time, except for Tuesday 7 May, which is the strike day on our network.”

Which rail firms are not involved?

Some publicly funded train operators will run normally: ScotRail, Transport for Wales, Transport for London (including the Elizabeth line) and Merseyrail.

“Open-access” operators on the East Coast main line – Grand Central, Hull Trains and Lumo – are unaffected. But many of their services will be crowded on days of industrial action. They duplicate some routes of strike-hit companies, including LNER, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry and Northern.

What is at stake in the dispute?

The train drivers demand a pay rise to reflect high levels of inflation since they last won a pay award; Aslef says some members have not had an increase for five years.

But the government insists that even a modest pay increase is contingent on radical changes to long-standing working arrangements in order to reduce costs – and the huge subsidies the railway is currently receiving from the taxpayer.

Since the pandemic, travel patterns have changed. Ticket revenue is about one-fifth down on pre-Covid levels. As taxpayers will foot the eventual bill for the train drivers’ pay rise, the Treasury as well as the Department for Transport will sign off any deal.

Ministers believe train drivers’ terms and conditions are part of the problem. To keep costs down, they must accept changes to how they work, such as making Sunday part of the working week everywhere.

On 27 April 2023 the Rail Delivery Group offered a pay increase of 4 plus 4 per cent over two years covering the 2022 and 2023 pay awards. The deal required the union to accept a host of changes on terms and conditions, covering a wide range of issues including driver training, Sunday working, sick pay and new technology.

The union says this offer is unacceptable, calling it “a land-grab for terms and conditions”, and that the employers knew it when they tabled it.

Union leaders believe the money will be found to meet their demands, as it always has been in the past. Aslef has also always “sold” reforms to working arrangements for an extra few per cent on their pay and does not intend to change that process.

Meanwhile, the corrosion in confidence among travellers continues, with no rail passenger able to plan journeys more than two weeks ahead – that being the minimum notice the union must give for industrial action.

What do the employers and government say?

A spokesperson for Rail Delivery Group said: “This wholly unnecessary strike action called by the Aslef leadership will sadly disrupt customers and businesses once again, while further damaging the railway at a time when taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54m a week just to keep services running.

“We continue to seek a fair agreement with the Aslef leadership which both rewards our people, gives our customers more reliable services and makes sure the railway isn’t taking more than its fair share from taxpayers.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “The transport secretary [Mark Harper] and rail minister [Huw Merriman] have already facilitated a pay offer that would take train drivers’ average salaries up to £65,000 – almost twice the UK average salary.

“Aslef are the only union left striking after the government oversaw deals with all the other unions. Instead of causing passengers disruption, they should put this offer to their members and work with industry to end this dispute.”

What does the union say?

The general secretary of Aslef, Mick Whelan, said big majorities in ballots for industrial action show the strength of feeling among train drivers – and that it would be pointless to put last year’s offer to a vote.

“We’re 22 months into this – the longest rail strike in history,” he told The Independent . And we’re still getting mandates of 94 to 99 per cent. Drivers would not vote to strike if they thought an offer was acceptable. They don’t. And that offer – now a year old – is dead in the water.

““Our pay deals at these companies ran out in 2019. Train drivers at these TOCs have not had an increase in salary for five years.

“It is now a year since we sat in a room with the train companies – and a year since we rejected the risible offer they made and which they admitted, privately, was designed to be rejected.”

When will the strikes finally be over?

Mick Whelan says: “In the words of Tom Petty, we won’t back down.” The working assumption is now that it will take a change of government before the dispute is settled.

No prime minister since Margaret Thatcher has demonstrated such contempt for Britain’s railway as Rishi Sunak. On the eve of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow , he announced the halving of Air Passenger Duty on domestic routes – encouraging travellers to switch from rail to air and triggering a surge of new flights within the UK .

Tearing up years of cross-party agreement, the prime minister then scrapped plans for HS2 north of Birmingham and demanded a swift sell-off of protected land to ensure the project could not be resurrected. And Mr Sunak has tolerated 18 months of intermittent strikes by train drivers with no apparent appetite for a settlement.

What does the Labour Party say?

Louise Haigh, the party’s shadow transport secretary, said: “Labour will take an unashamedly different approach to the Tories, and will work with both sides to reach a deal in the interests of passengers and workers.

“If the transport secretary took this sensible approach then perhaps we wouldn’t still be having strikes on our railways.”

The transport secretary, Mark Harper , posted earlier this month on X (formerly Twitter) : “Buried in Labour’s rail nationalisation plan: greater control for the unions, more ministerial meddling,leading to fewer services. Making things worse for passengers.”

How much has all the disruption cost?

According to the RDG, industrial action from June 2022 up until mid-January 2024 cost the rail sector around £775m in lost revenue. That does not include the impact of the most recent strikes and overtime bans, which probably takes the total to around £1bn.

UKHospitality estimates the lost business for places to eat, drink and stay amounts to around £5bn. Kate Nicholls, the organisation’s chief executive, says: “Ongoing strike action hurts businesses, prevents people from getting to work and significantly erodes confidence in the rail network.”

In addition, there is an unknowable loss of revenue from passengers who have adjusted their lifestyles or found alternative forms of transport; businesses that have stopped making trips and are using online communication instead; and people trimming back on travel because of the lack of certainty.

What about the new minimum service levels law?

Legislation now allows the transport secretary to stipulate minimum service levels (MSLs) on strike days amounting to 40 per cent of the normal service.

The government says the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 aims “to ensure that the public can continue to access services that they rely on, during strike action”.

No train operator is seeking to impose the new law on the train drivers’ union. LNER said it might do so earlier this year, and opened consultations. Aslef immediately called a separate five-day strike on LNER alone. Then the train operator said it would not require drivers to work, and the strike was called off.

The Transport Select Committee has previously warned of potential unintended consequences of the legislation. The Conservative chair, Iain Stewart, said: “There is a risk of MSLs worsening worker-employer relations and that, as a result, MSLs could end up making services less reliable.”

The minimum service level rules do not apply to union bans on non-contractual rest-day working – so there would be no benefit in imposing the law when an overtime ban is in force.

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