Hi All,

I'd really like to enter the LKA show at the NEC, but don't want to drive that far alone.  I know there's a train station close by, but is it close enough to be able to travel with a dog easily? 

Out of interests sake, are any of the other big Champ shows easily accessible by train?

You can enter the NEC directly (under cover) from the nearest train station.  You will need to get to Birmingham International which will require a change (from most locations) at Birmingham New Street :)

where about are you comming from ?

The train stops within the NEC complex and is about a 15 min walk into the main halls.

I do know that you aren't allowed to walk dogs through certain areas but not sure if you can bypass these from the station as I have never travelled there by train with a dog, only without for the clothes show.

The show which springs to mind that is near a station is Windsor as the venue is a short walk from Eton station.

Judgedredd, I'm travelling from Leeds.

Easy peasy to get in from the train station (Birmingham International) as there is a walkway right into the NEC. 

It goes into the Piazza where dogs aren't allowed so you will have to go down the stairs or lift and enter using a dog entrance.

I have been on the train to Crufts twice with a dog very easy, if you book early you can get cheap train tickets, no parking charges, and the train station is within the Nec Complex.
Just follow the signs, and when you get to the Piazza get the lift or the stairs down to ground level, then just walk to the dog entrance. Much easier than driving and you can relax and unwind on the way home.

thnk you all - esp Dorcas - you make it all sound so easy! I'm going to give it a go, and it can also be a dummy run for Crufts too. :-)

Yes it is easy! I use the train with my dog to get to crufts. I really recommend it! I do see some people take an awful lot of stuff to shows and I think it might be a bit more awkward if you have lots to carry. I just take my doggy and my bag so its very easy to hop on and off the train.

What day are you going Saffron ? There might be others on the same train. Always handy as you may need someone to hold your dog while you nip to the toilet. Also for safety use the stairs not the escalator you probably know that, but just thought I would mention.

When I had just one dog at Crufts i did the journey by train, very easy as didn't have too much stuff with me for one dog. We got really cheap tickets by booking early and so went first class. The steward bought bottled water for the dog :)

When on the train, what kind of seat is best to book?  Louis is a bit of a worry wart so I'd like to make it easy for him. (he's medium sized)

Also... when at the NEC without a crate, I know that Louis definitely won't do benching and be left - can I use the bench as a base and take Louis with me - I'll probably sit at the ringside and watch?

I think I'll have to do a trial run on a train to somewhere - he loves the car and goes straight to sleep, but I can't decide how he'll be on a train - he can get a bit aeriated - any thought on dogs on trains? as we've never done it...

I'm going on hound day btw.

Thanks for the info so far!

I had never done the train before the first time I did it to a show, but did do buses, so worth going on a few bus journeys or if you have a small local train service going a few stops.

I would definitely do some practice trips on a train and then decide. Some dogs do freak out on them because they are noisy and have funny doors etc. Also there are more people on the train and they might try to interact with him or he might get disturbed by people getting up and sitting down etc.

I travel on trains and the underground with a large breed and I find the best thing is to get a seat next to a luggage compartment so we have some extra floor space. My dogs are used to it and will lie down and snooze and ignore the traffic on and off. You will have the advantage of being able to tuck your medium size dog into your seat area with you.

I don't leave my dog on bemches either and at lka there is quite a bit of space around the rings, so you should be fine to do as you've described.

Don't get a table seat as the bottom part is  blocked in so no room for the dog.
I would get him used to crowds before you go as it can get quite busy on trains when everyone is getting on and off. I take mine to local markets so they get used to crowds, and we go and visit the pet stall and get treats.

like everyone said easy have done it lots of times good luck

does anyone know if the traINS HAVE A GUARD VAN WHICH WOULD BE HANDY AS COULD PUT TROLLEY AND CAGE THERE?

You could also try the facebook site  - Car shares for dog shows UK - you can post on there that you are looking to go to crufts from Leeds and hopefully there will be someone you can share the costs/drive with.

No, no guards van I'm afraid. They went defunct years ago with the new modern ones we have today. You would struggle getting a trolley on board. A collapsible crate could fit into the luggage compartment depending on which train you go on. I work for the trains so if you need any info just pm me and I'll help you out. I always travel to Crufts by train but I only have 1 dog and never take a crate so it's easy really. There is quite a few that do travel by train with large breeds too.

I am going on the the Saturday by car with my two big girls, and have booked my Rail ticket for the Sunday for my smaller breed.
By booking early got a return ticket for £20. Seeing as it £12 for a drop off ticket and £10 just to park before I even put petrol in, quite reasonable I feel.

You properly have done this already but if you haven't paid for car parking then park at the train station. It's only £5 for the day at weekends.

Thanks Snowkitten, I did not pay parking with my Crufts entries, hope there won't be thousands at the station now !!! Is it a Pay & Display ?

Kind of. It's one of those take a ticket at the machine as you enter and pay at the machine on the way out things. There are 2225 spaces so you should be good! We always park there at the weekends and always get a space near the entrance.

when i enquired about train to n.e.c. trains were not early enough

That is the problem, fine for visitors but very difficult unless your on a week day or late in the ring, and your supposed to be in before 12 anyway.

Booked an early train one year, there were delays and I still only got to the ring as Open dog was judged, and I had a Junior bitch.

I am in second both days, if you were in first it would be a problem on the weekends.

Elkhounds are first in the ring this year