### Commuter Sidesteps ‘Eye-Watering’ UK Train Fares by Jetting to London via Iceland
In a remarkable tale illustrating both the creativity and frustration of British travellers, one resourceful commuter has turned heads after opting to fly from Manchester to London by way of Reykjavik, Iceland, all to bypass what he deems “ridiculous” rail ticket prices. In the process, he saved £70 and experienced an unexpected Nordic adventure.
Muscab Salad, a 32-year-old content creator from West London, had just completed a visit to Manchester and was appalled to find that a direct peak-time train back to the capital carried a price tag of £130. Rather than begrudgingly forking out, Salad decided to investigate alternative ways home – and stumbled across an unconventional yet cost-effective solution.
After some creative searching, he discovered he could fly from Manchester to Iceland’s Keflavík Airport for just £21 with Jet2. Seizing the opportunity for adventure, Salad opted to spend 18 hours in Reykjavík, sightseeing and sampling local cuisine. He rounded off his journey with a £36 flight on budget carrier Play from Iceland to London, bringing his total travel expenditure to £57 – a stark contrast to the rail fare he initially balked at.
Reflecting on the experience, Salad expressed not only his relief at saving £75, but genuine satisfaction at ticking Iceland off his travel bucket list. “I wanted to visit Iceland anyway,” he explained in a statement. “It just made sense, as flying through Reykjavik was actually less than half the price of getting a train home.”
During his brief sojourn in Iceland’s capital, Salad documented his experiences and posted a video that quickly gained traction online. The footage shows him sipping hot chocolate in Reykjavik, navigating the town’s icy streets, and even braving the country’s national dish, Hákarl – fermented shark. “It was better than I expected! And the thermal baths were a real highlight,” he said about his impromptu stopover.
Salad’s social media posts resonated with many, tapping into widespread discontent over the cost of UK rail fares. Commenters were quick to voice their own grievances, with some noting that it is, at times, more affordable to leave the country entirely rather than travel domestically. “It’s honestly cheaper to meet up with friends in Spain than Manchester,” he mused, echoing a common complaint among UK travellers.
While a few viewers pointed out that even cheaper options were available – such as long-distance coaches, which can cost as little as £10 – many were inspired by Salad’s adventurous alternative to rail travel. “The trains here are the most expensive in Europe – it’s not justified,” Salad asserted, adding that seeing another country proved to be an unexpected bonus rather than a hassle.
As the debate over the value of Britain’s railway network continues to simmer, stories like Salad’s reinforce the frustration felt by many over domestic travel costs. Britain’s fares have long been criticised for being higher than their continental counterparts, especially at peak times and for last-minute bookings, leaving even the most basic of journeys out of reach for many, or pushing them toward creative alternatives.
Industry figures have been quick to defend rail pricing structures, highlighting the costs involved in maintenance and operations. However, the rise of budget airlines and flexible travel options means consumers are increasingly questioning whether the current system offers value for money – or is, as some suggest, due for a rethink.
Salad says he would not hesitate to choose a similar route again, given the continued disparity. “If you can see a new place, save a heap of money, and have an interesting story to tell at the end of it – why wouldn’t you?” he said.
As British commuters weigh up their next journeys, Salad’s tale serves as a striking example of how travel, sometimes, really can be about the journey – not just the destination.