Where to find free train WiFi access

The Wrexham & Shropshire, Grand Central and Heathrow Express lines currently give passengers travelling in standard class the option of access at no cost (see the Cheap Train Tickets guide).

This means not only will passengers – many of whom will be on the move this week for Christmas (weather permitting, see your travel rights) – have speedy access but they can avoid the sometimes costly data charges levied by mobile phone providers (see the Free Wireless Internet guide).

The survey by the website MyTrainTicket.co.uk shows that as well as the trio that offer free WiFi only four more operators provide, or will soon have, access at all.

Here is what the other four firms charge in standard class (temporary offers not included):

• Virgin Trains charges £5 per hour or £10 a day. T-Mobile customers pay 75p per ten minutes

• East Coast offers free access for 15 minutes then £4.95 per hour or £9.95 a day

• East Midlands charges a flat rate of £4 per every three hours

• National Express East Anglia will introduce Wi-Fi to customers in the New Year, at £2.95 a journey

WiFi is free on those services in first class.

Alistair Lees, Managing Director of MyTrainTicket.co.uk, says: "WiFi is attractive to customers who might otherwise travel by air or car and who can now make use of the journey to catch upon emails, do some work or simply browse the internet."

Further reading/Key links

Cut the cost of travel: Cheap Trains, Cheap UK Travel, Cheap Petrol