In the end, HS2 will save you about half an hour—if you’re lucky, if construction finishes on time (hah!), and if the universe aligns with British Rail logic. But let’s be honest: that half-hour will be immediately eaten by a delayed connection, a lost luggage cart, or a sudden craving for an overpriced Pret sandwich. The real time-saver? Just stay home and Zoom it. You’ll save 82 minutes plus the walk to the station—and you don’t need a £100 billion train to do it.
So, next time someone asks, “How much time will HS2 save?” just smile and say, “Enough to realize that speed is about what you do with it, not how fast you get there.” Then order another coffee. You’ve got 33 minutes to spare—unless the train’s delayed by leaves.
