boat train

plural boat trains

1. IrelandUKlifestyleA travel service with a train timed to arrive at a ferry port in time for the onward travel by ferry (or vice versa). Alternatively, a service scheduled to connect with the arrival or departure of an ocean liner.

   With extra traffic, numerous boat trains to and from Southampton Docks, and working of empty stock, his job, like that of most signalmen, is no sinecure.

   1954 September, 'South Western', “Shawford Junction Signalbox”, in Railway Magazine, page 604

   2 more examples

   In 1906 the cross-channel service was inaugurated between Fishguard and Rosslare Harbour. For this the Great Southern & Western Railway built two boat trains of corridor stock, with a restaurant car (57½ ft. in length), to run between Rosslare and Cork.

   1943 July and August, “Restaurant-Car Services in Ireland”, in Railway Magazine, page 210

   In January BR were attacked by three of the country's major shipping companies for the poor standards of boat train services run from Tilbury and Southampton Docks.

   1964 March, “News and Comment: Stormy passage for BR boat trains”, in Modern Railways, page 153