A new survey by LNER has revealed that when it comes to travel, Brits are creatures of habit. Going further than just catching the same time train to and from work, (68 per cent), two in three commuters (66 per cent) say they stand in the same spot on the platform, board the same carriage (59 per cent), and even claim a ‘regular’ seat (53 per cent).

In fact, almost a third (31 per cent) admit that it spoils their journey if somebody sits in their favourite spot, with a commuter’s preferred perch being in a quieter coach (25 per cent) and next to the window (44 per cent), with one in four of them (23 per cent) choosing to avoid seats that travel backwards.

From creature habits to creature comforts, over a third (34 per cent) say they listen to the same playlist on their commute, and more than a quarter (27 per cent) always buy their morning coffee from the same café.

Top 10 Train Comforts for Commuting Brits
Window seat (44 per cent)
Good Wi-Fi (35 per cent)
Quieter coach (25 per cent)
Forward-facing seat (23 per cent)
Away from a toilet (22 per cent)
Seat with a charging point (19 per cent)
Two-seater (14 per cent)
Air con (14 per cent)
Four-seater table (11 per cent)
First class (8 per cent)

With timings train-ed to perfection, a whopping 78 per cent of commuters say they’ve nailed the precise minute to leave the house to catch the train as it rolls in. However, nearly the same amount (77 per cent) admit they are cautious travellers, preferring to arrive early for every journey. On average, Brits will arrive 12 minutes before their train departs.

Interestingly, when it comes to train travel in general, Londoners (10 per cent) are the most likely to ‘wing’ it and arrive just minutes before their train pulls away – consequently missing their train more often than most. On the flip side, those from Edinburgh prefer to be ahead of the game, with one in four (24 per cent) arriving at the station more than 20 minutes before their train leaves.

This research comes as the rail industry launches a new timetable for the East Coast Main Line this December – with thousands more services planned each year in the biggest change to the timetable in more than a decade. The new timetable will bring more trains, more seats and quicker journeys, offering customers the chance to embrace new routines.

At LNER, we know how much customers value their routines - from the time they travel to the seat they choose. But we also believe that change can be a positive thing to embrace. The new timetable, starting on 14th December, marks an exciting step forward, with more trains, more seats, and faster journeys along the East Coast route.

We’re encouraging everyone to take a moment to check their train times and plan ahead. A small change in routine could lead to a smoother journey - and perhaps even a new favourite seat along the way.