Rail travel to London for Carlisle United FC fans attending Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final

Advance rail ticket bookings have already proved so popular for fans travelling to London for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final between Carlisle United and Southampton at Wembley on 28 March that there is now limited availability of seat reservations.

Virgin Trains recommends that Blues fans intending to travel by rail should reserve seats as soon as possible if they have not already done so as trains will be very busy.

Route improvement work between Carlisle and Preston on the West Coast Main Line between 12:00 on Saturday 27 March and 15:00 on Sunday 28 March means that fans are recommended to leave Carlisle on Friday or Saturday 26/27 March.

None of the scheduled trains from Carlisle to London Euston on Sunday 28 March will be able to reach London in time for the kick-off. The last through train on Saturday 27 March is the 11:49 from Carlisle, as later departures will involve either road coaches or a diverted train to Preston, joining normal trains there.

The usual route is due to reopen on Sunday 28 March in time for returning fans, who should make reservations to be sure of getting on their chosen train. Virgin Trains for Carlisle leave London Euston at 25 minutes past each hour that afternoon and evening, up to the last departure from London at 19:25 hours.

Seat reservations are free of charge. Travel tickets can be bought and seats reserved at the same time on line athttp://www.virgintrains.com/ , by phone on 08457 222 333 or in person at Carlisle Citadel station. Demand has already proved very heavy.

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