Buckle Up, Buttercup: How Long Will HS2 Really Take You From London to Manchester?
Ah, Manchester. Home of rain that feels like a cuddle (allegedly), questionable fashion choices (looking at you, combo of shell suit and bucket hat), and a music scene that keeps churning out legends. But what if you, a denizen of the capital, fancy a quick weekend jaunt to this fair city of the north? Enter HS2, the choo-choo train of the future, promising to whisk you away in record time! But just how speedy are we talking?
The Nitty-Gritty: Time Travel Without the DeLorean (But Maybe With a Pasty)
HS2 is still under construction, so grab your cuppa patience, because it won't be screeching into stations until between 2029 and 2033. But fear not, intrepid traveller! Once it's up and running, the estimated journey time from London to Manchester is a zippy 1 hour and 40 minutes. That's right, you could be supping a brew in a trendy Manchester cafe practically before you can say "cor blimey!"
Hold on a sec, you say, wiping a tear of joy from your eye. Isn't it supposed to be even faster? Well, yes and no. The original plan was to have HS2 reach even further north, but some bits and bobs got changed along the way. Still, an hour and 40 minutes is nothing to scoff at, especially compared to the current journey times.
Gone in 60 Minutes (Well, Not Quite, But Much Faster Than Now)
Currently, getting from London to Manchester by train takes roughly 2 hours and 6 minutes. That's not a bad way to spend an afternoon, but it could be a whole lot speedier. With HS2, you could be using that extra time for all sorts of exciting things:
- Perfecting your pastie-throwing technique (a true Manchester art form)
- Learning a few bars of "Blue Monday" on the air guitar
- Planning your next visit to Manchester, because let's face it, one trip won't be enough
So, HS2 is basically a magic bullet train, right? Not quite, Merlin. There will still be factors that can affect the travel time, like the occasional Hogwarts Express getting in the way (okay, maybe not that, but you get the idea).
FAQ: Your HS2 Speedy Travel Training Manual (Abridged Version)
How to Book a Ticket on HS2?
Hold your horses! Booking won't be available until closer to the launch date. But hey, that gives you plenty of time to perfect your best Mancunian accent (just for fun).
How Much Will a Ticket Cost? Prices haven't been finalised yet, but expect them to be a bit more than a standard train ticket. Think of it as an investment in getting there faster and having more time for pasty-related activities.
How Often Will HS2 Trains Run? The exact schedule is still being worked out, but expect regular services throughout the day. Basically, you won't be left stranded on Platform 9 ¾ (because that's at King's Cross, silly!)
How Eco-Friendly is HS2? HS2 is aiming to be a greener way to travel. Electric trains and a focus on sustainable construction should mean less impact on the environment. So you can travel with a clear conscience (and maybe a tote bag with a slogan about saving the planet).
How Can I Find Out More About HS2? Head over to the HS2 website (https://www.hs2.org.uk/) for all the latest info.
So there you have it! HS2: the future of fast travel between London and Manchester. Buckle up, because when it arrives, getting from the capital to the north-west is about to become a whole lot speedier. Just remember to pack your raincoat (it's Manchester, after all).
