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Why is it so absurdly expensive in the UK? Privatization?

Looks like that trip takes almost 4.5 hours. For comparison, a train trip from Groningen to Vlissingen in the Netherlands (about as far as you can go) takes a similar time but costs only 26.50 euros each way, whenever you get a ticket. It's only about 16 euros if you've got one of the discount subscriptions.

Prices have steadily climbed since BR was privatised, and that puts people off of using rail meaning the prices have to go higher to get the money back.

Don't know what gave you that idea. Passenger numbers are higher than ever.

Fares 6 weeks in advance seem to be around £50, starting from £30 for a slower train.

Agreed--I want to take trains, but when I can fly somewhere and buy 10x the carbon offsets for the difference between the plane/train costs, well...I'm going to fly.