Can I find out platform numbers?

[spudqueen]

I need to change trains at Crewe today - and only have 6 minutes to do so, is there anyway I can find out which platform my train arrives on and the platform I need to get to for my second train? Can't see anything on the web or even get a phone number for Crewe station.

[vehelpfulguy]

Let's hope your train isn't 6 minutes late !!

[spudqueen]

I know - it's cutting it a bit fine but I can't get an earlier train as the children don't get out of school early enough!

[lafrancaise]

Maybe try this number. Hope it works.

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/CRE.htm l#Real_Time_Train_Information

[mushroom25]

where are you travelling to/from?

[spudqueen]

Thanks lafrancaise, but tried that, it doesn't show platform numbers, just whether the trains are on time or not.

mushroom25 - I'm travelling from Preston to Llanwrtyd. If I don't get the 1718 to Shrewsbury from Crewe I can't get to LLanwrtyd by public transport tonight! I will be getting the 1629 from Preston to Plymouth, arriving at Crewe at 1712, then the 1718 to Cardiff changing at Shrewsbury.

[mushroom25]

generally, southbound virgin expresses arrive at Platform 5, although occasionally the cross-country trains use platform 1, which is a short cross-platform walk from 5.

Manchester-Cardiffs generally use platform 5 also, although sometimes they use platform 6 (the layout of the station prevents them using any other).

Of course, late alterations could occur that mean the above is incorrect!!

At best all you need to do is stay on platform 5. At worst, look for your Cardiff train on the screen at the bottom of the stairs on Platform 5. Good Luck!

[spudqueen]

Thanks for that mushroom - hope you're right and I just have to stay on platform 5 - it will make life so much easier ! Fingers crossed that the first train is on time.

[lafrancaise]

There's a phone number on the site I gave you

[lafrancaise]

Oh right. Just seen it's an 08 number!! Been out of the country too long I think!!

[mushroom25]

17h10: according to the crewe station departure board it's a photo-finish, with your train 4mn late.

Did you make it?

[spudqueen]

Hi mushroom - yes it was a close run thing with our first train being 5 minutes late! As you predicted it came in on platform 5 and the Cardiff train was leaving from platform 6 - which unfortunately was up the stairs, across and back down stairs. We ran like the clappers with me screaming from the stop of the stairs to hold the Cardiff train! Luckily they did and didn't close the doors until we were on! As my eldest son said - we made it with 5 seconds to spare! However, having made that train we then had a leisurely 20 minutes at Shrewsbury before our Swansea train. What a welcome relief!
Mr Spudqueen was meeting us in Wales (he'd been working in Birmingham all week) and so we drove back North. A lot less stressful!