Tight squeeze! Over 5.5 million train passengers expected this Bank Holiday

PA

A whopping 5.5 million passengers are expected to hit Britain's rail networks this weekend for the great Bank Holiday getaway.

According to the Association of Train Operating Companies, travellers will be taking the train to visit friends and family, festivals or beauty and holiday spots around the country.

But there's good news for passengers: around 1,700 more trains will be running this year compared to last August Bank Holiday, and 95% of all normal services will be running.

Generally, the rail network is actually quieter on Monday than usual, owing to the lack of commuters, but, there's usually a big boost to seaside destinations like Brighton, Bournemouth and Weston-super-Mare - weather depending!

Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) told rail.co: 'The vast majority of people taking the train should experience no disruption because of improvement works.

'Millions of pounds are spent all year round by train companies and Network Rail to improve the railways and ensure that that passengers can benefit from better stations and faster services.'

Robin Gisby, Network Rail's managing director, network operations added: 'As Network Rail and train operators continually improve their planning, at each bank holiday passengers will notice fewer changes to their journeys.

'In fact, this August bank holiday weekend around 1,700 extra trains will run compared to the same bank holiday last year – an increase of 3.5%.

'Over the last few years there has been a significant reduction in the number of replacement buses running at bank holidays – since 2009 there has been a decline of 34.4%.

'This bank holiday, in some parts of the country, work is on-going – just like any other weekend – to improve the network and benefit future passenger journeys.

'As always, passengers should check with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries before they travel.'

And if you're planning to drive anywhere this weekend, you might want to be up at the crack of dawn, because over 16 million cars are set to clog up Britain's roads.

Heading away for the weekend? You'll also need to check updates on the strike threat at the Eurotunnel.

If you're staying on British soil, it's the perfect time to discover some of our most beautiful gardens:

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