- EMR has shared a seat availability guide to help customers plan their journey to Skegness this summer
- The guide highlights the times of day to avoid for those seeking a quieter service
- Top tips are also included, such as advice on travelling light and guidance for those bringing bedding
- Recommendations are provided for both sunny and rainy days, along with suggestions on how to save money on your trip.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has shared a seat availability guide and its top tips for customers travelling to Skegness this summer.
Skegness remains a firm favourite with holidaymakers, and with another busy summer expected, EMR is here to help you travel smoothly – whatever the weather. From choosing the best time to travel, to packing smarter, to making the most of rainy days, our top tips are designed to make your journey and stay as enjoyable as possible.
Use EMR’s Seat availability guide to travel at the best time
Our easy-to-read seat availability guide helps you identify the quieter times to travel. The heat map breaks the day into four time slots and highlights when services are expected to be busier across the week.
Quietest time to travel
17:30 – 22:00 (Monday to Sunday). This is consistently the quietest time of day for travel and a great choice if you don’t mind a later arrival.
Busiest time to travel
Friday to Sunday, 07:30 – 15:00. This period is expected to be particularly busy. To avoid disappointment, we strongly advise booking in advance to guarantee your place on board.
Skegness Summer Top Tips
Book in advance
To help manage capacity, we strongly recommend booking your place in advance. Around 85% of Skegness customers already book ahead, securing the best prices, availability, and access to the priority boarding queue.
Tickets can be booked up to 12 weeks in advance, including both your outbound and return journeys.
Please note: If you purchase an Advance Purchase (AP) ticket, you must travel on the specific train(s) you booked. These tickets are not flexible, and staff are unable to allow travel on alternative services.
Arrive 30 minutes before your service
Queuing systems will be in place at Nottingham and Skegness stations, with separate queues for customers with and without reservations. Pre-booked customers (including season ticket holders) will be directed to the priority queue.
Under 5s travel free
Children under five travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
Travel light
Skegness trains can get busy, so please limit your luggage to help keep the train comfortable for everyone. We recommend bringing only one bag per person to ensure it can be safely stowed on board. Smaller bags can be stowed in the luggage racks above your head (maximum size 55cm(h) x 40cm(w) x 20cm). Holdalls can be stored between the sets of seats. Larger bags will need to be placed in the main luggage racks in each carriage.
There’s no need to bring groceries – Skegness station is right next to Tesco and Lidl, so you can stock up when you arrive.
Free vacuum packs for bedding
Staying longer? We’re offering free vacuum packs to help save space when travelling with bulky bedding.
To request one, contact our Customer Service Centre on 03457 125 678, email contact@eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk or visit our Skegness Summer page.
Avoid delays and fold pushchairs before boarding
To avoid delays when boarding, please fold your pushchair before approaching the train. This helps everyone get on safely and quickly, especially during busy periods.
Alternative transport to Butlins
If your train is full, direct buses will run between Nottingham, Grantham, Butlins and Skegness on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from 18 July to 26 September. These are accessible, coordinated and offer similar journey times to trains.
Standby buses will also be available on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to ensure daily cover.
Group travel
Travelling in a group of five or more? A taxi may be more cost-effective than individual bus fares. A ride to Butlins costs around £10 from the station. Taxis can be pre-booked with Reds Cabs on 01754 765555 or collected from the rank just outside Costa Coffee.
Travelling with a mobility scooter
Customers using mobility scooters must have a permit before boarding. You can apply online, by phone, by email, or by post through EMR’s Customer Service Centre
Temporary permits can be issued at Sheffield, Derby, Leicester, Nottingham or Lincoln stations.
More information: eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/assisted-travel
Rainy day plans
There’s still lots to enjoy in Skegness if the weather turns. Consider catching a show at the Neverland Theatre or seeing a performance at the Wonder Circus – look out for posters offering kids-go-free or discount deals.
Cool off at the pool
On hot days, the Skegness Pool & Fitness Suite (next to the Embassy Theatre) is a great-value family option. Advance booking is recommended during warm weather.