Rail Travel: Tips on Cheap Tickets

[dzug]

Many thanks dzug but i cudnt get any thro/season tickets information at nationalrail.co.uk for Ilford - Basingstoke. I have moved to London a few months back and dont have much idea about tickets.

Is there a way to have a season ticket from ilford - basingstoke which is also valid on LU thro the route?


I would have thought there was, though am not 100% certain.

However you will have to go to the station to find out - for some reason the information is not on line, as you have found out.

You may find as an alternative a PAYG Oyster helps on the LU section

[gner_ex]

Many thanks dzug but i cudnt get any thro/season tickets information at nationalrail.co.uk for Ilford - Basingstoke. I have moved to London a few months back and dont have much idea about tickets.

Is there a way to have a season ticket from ilford - basingstoke which is also valid on LU thro the route?

There is, absolutely. What you can do (this works for many locations outside London) is get a "Basingstoke travelcard". This works like a normal travelcard (zones 1 to 6) but also allows travel from the boundary to Basingstoke. This is daily, weekly, monthly or yearly. You can use this ticket on any train, tube or bus within London zones 1 to 6.

The monthly price for this is £362.50, annual £3776. You should be able to buy this ticket at any station, but if you have problems at Ilford then Waterloo station can sell this - you will need a passport sized photo.

You could get a seperate zone 1-4 travelcard, and then a ticket from Wimbledon (the zone 4 boundary station) to Basingstoke. Travelcard is £132.90 (monthly) and Wimbledon to Basingstoke is £255.80 (monthly), so more expensive than above (but still cheaper than what you were proposing to do).

The reason you can't get an Ilford to Basingstoke ticket is because they want you to purchase the ticket I described.

[gner_ex]

Hi everyone first time ive used this and not a very frequent rail traveller so any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

I may be starting a job in Milton Keynes on Monday, I live in Liverpool by the way. I am probably looking at staying there monday to thursday and comming home on friday. It is reasonably flexible the start and finish times (as long as i hit my weekly targets), but based around 9-5. So for example i could get there 10ish on monday and leave 4ish on Friday.

Have been looking at Virgin to try and price it as cheap as possible (at least till i've worked my month in hand) but the prices fluctuate a lot. Obviously more expensive the closer to peak time.

I wouldnt mind taking a night train going down there but would like the friday one to be as quick as possible. So any suggestions would be appreciated. (Sorry for the long post though i'd give as much info as possible).

One more thing it comes up with £58 for an open return ticket with a specified train down there. Does that mean i have to take that one and can get any train to return even the fast ones.

Cheers in advance
No, an open return is a fully flexible ticket, you can go on any train in either direction. If you book this ticket the day before, you'll get a free reservation, but don't have to use it.

Going south, looks like you'll have to change on route (leave Liverpool at 05:44 travel to Watford ** then arrive MK at 08:37), , but going North there is one direct train (leaving MK at 15:48) the open return fare I can find is £153 - how did you find the £58 ticket please?

If you were to travel down Sunday evening (dep Liverpool 19:56, arrive MK 22:34, direct train) and leave Milton Keynes on the 15:17 at the latest (change Crewe, arrive Liverpool 17:26) then you could avoid the morning and evening peak restrictions and get a saver return which is £49.

I expect that once you've been there a couple of weeks they will realise that you can work on the train very easily, and won't mind being flexible with you.

** - changing at Watford is what is recommended online, however because this is doubling back on yourself, you would need a ticket that allows you to travel to Watford, which would be more expensive.

What I would do instead is leave Liverpool 05:44, change Crewe, arrive Crewe 06:20, leave Crewe on 06:37 to Northampton (which continues to London) arriving at MK 08:57. The latter train is a London Midland train (but they are very comfortable).

[sm1]

Thanx dzug, gner_ex

What you are telling me that i should ask for a monthly travel card at, lets say Waterloo which would be valid till basingstoke and also valid on all buses, tubes and trams throu zones 1-6. Is there a website to order it?

[kathrynt]

i want tickets for wigan to exmouth 12 july returning 19 july 4 adults 2 child. any cheap ways please

[dzug]

Thanx dzug, gner_ex

What you are telling me that i should ask for a monthly travel card at, lets say Waterloo which would be valid till basingstoke and also valid on all buses, tubes and trams throu zones 1-6. Is there a website to order it?


Yes and no.

If you go to the season ticket section of for example First Great Western

https://www.fgwtickets.co.uk/season/st_home.asp?sitecode=FGW&T2ID=803_2008417163028

you can buy a ticket. But in order to do so you need to put in the number of your photocard, which you can only get at a station. So you'll have to visit a station first. Once you have one, you can renew online with no problems.

And you need to put in Basingstoke TO London to get it. (To price it just put in any old number for your photocard)

[dzug]

i want tickets for wigan to exmouth 12 july returning 19 july 4 adults 2 child. any cheap ways please

A saver return will cost you about £224 total, plus £24 for a family railcard. You can buy this on the day. The only advantage of booking in advance is you get seat reservations - hopefully together.

You should be able to do it for half that price (again, plus the railcard) with advance purchase singles, possibly less. These are not on sale yet - the earliest they will come on sale is 12 weeks ahead, more likely 8 weeks.

[kathrynt]

A saver return will cost you about £224 total, plus £24 for a family railcard. You can buy this on the day. The only advantage of booking in advance is you get seat reservations - hopefully together.

You should be able to do it for half that price (again, plus the railcard) with advance purchase singles, possibly less. These are not on sale yet - the earliest they will come on sale is 12 weeks ahead, more likely 8 weeks.
we're are you getting 224 from when i priced it it was 309

[jacqs27]

thanks very much gner_ex, very helpfull. Havent got confirmation of start day yet, but have copied you post for my reference when i do.

Cheers

[dzug]

we're are you getting 224 from when i priced it it was 309

mmm I'm getting that now (and advance singles between £48.30 and £105.70 each way).

Sorry don't know what went wrong - glitch on the website or maybe I put a wrong station in. Apologies.

[kathrynt]

is the advance single for us all or per person

[dzug]

is the advance single for us all or per person

It's for all of you - at the railcard discounted rate

[EagerLearner]

Hi all - what's the cheapest way to get from Brighton to London this Saturday? I have a network rail card to get a discount (I an brand new to it, never used one before). I know we want to leave at 1 or 2pm but can't guarantee time back...

[dzug]

Hi all - what's the cheapest way to get from Brighton to London this Saturday? I have a network rail card to get a discount (I an brand new to it, never used one before). I know we want to leave at 1 or 2pm but can't guarantee time back...

Just go to Brighton station and buy an FCC only cheap day return - £10.55 with your railcard. No need to book in advance - just turn up

[kathrynt]

It's for all of you - at the railcard discounted rate
HI SORRY TO BOTHER YOU AGAIN BUT WHAT WEB SITE IS THIS ON PLEASE

[dzug]

HI SORRY TO BOTHER YOU AGAIN BUT WHAT WEB SITE IS THIS ON PLEASE

All the train websites will have these fares. Just avoid thetrainline and raileasy who will charge you fees as well.

I actually used http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/ but the rest will have it as well. The cheap fares I gave are examples for a few week's time - but there isn't (AFAIK) a fares rise imminent. The only problem for you is that traveling on a Saturday the very cheapest may not be available - travelling later in the day could help.

[gner_ex]

Just go to Brighton station and buy an FCC only cheap day return - £10.55 with your railcard. No need to book in advance - just turn up

Dzug, would such a ticket only allow him to go to London Bridge, or could he go through to Blackfriars also? I know theres some pretty weird restrictions with Thameslink...

If you're travelling around London, is would be cheaper to get a Brighton to East Croydon ticket (I think £8.25 with network railcard) and an all zones travelcard (£4.80 with network railcard).

[dzug]

Dzug, would such a ticket only allow him to go to London Bridge, or could he go through to Blackfriars also? I know theres some pretty weird restrictions with Thameslink...

If you're travelling around London, is would be cheaper to get a Brighton to East Croydon ticket (I think £8.25 with network railcard) and an all zones travelcard (£4.80 with network railcard).

Yes to Blackfriars. I think (but am not 100% certain) that it would take him as far as Farringdon if he wanted but not beyond.

[gner_ex]

Yes to Blackfriars. I think (but am not 100% certain) that it would take him as far as Farringdon if he wanted but not beyond.

Thanks Dzug, you're right, I've just found something I was looking for the other day.

FROM THE NORTH, London Terminals is only as far as St. Pancras

FROM THE SOUTH, London Terminals is only as far as Blackfriars

One can, however, type the other stations into a website/fast-ticket machine, and get a through ticket, this isn't just limited to the FCC Thameslink route.

Sometimes these "named destination" tickets are indeed the same price as the "London Terminals" ticket, but they are needed to get through the barriers. For example Brighton - St. Pancras FCC only is £16 (of £10.55 with network card). I believe that normal break-of-journey rules would apply (but haven't checked for the FCC only ticket).

As another example, an annual season from Letchworth (on Great Northern route) to "London Terminals" is £3060, annual to London Zone R1256 (i.e. all zones travelcard) is £4020, whereas an annual season from Letchworth to London Bridge (using Thameslink route only, not underground - unless there are failures in which case the underground could be used as a reasonable alternative route) is £3380.

[sm1]

tx gner_ex. One final query. The Basingstoke travel card you explained, is this valid thro all the london zones from 1- 6?

[gner_ex]

tx gner_ex. One final query. The Basingstoke travel card you explained, is this valid thro all the london zones from 1- 6?

Yes it is. If/when you get it, it will say from Basingstoke to zone R1256. Obviously valid on the buses/tubes/all national rail in those zones.

[steffee]

Argh this is driving me crazy... I booked a ticket to go from Bangor to Bristol Temple Meads (for £25), for tomorrow, but have lost my cashcard since booking. I rung them and they said I can't get my tickets without my card.

A single, to purchase tomorrow (today!) is £63 - £70 depending on the site, so I've been trying to find a way of cutting it down a bit... so far...

BANGOR TO SHREWSBURY
£27.30

BANGOR TO CREWE
£21.10

BANGOR TO WOLVERHAMPTON
£27.60

BANGOR TO BIRMINGHAM
£31.10


BANGOR TO CHESTER
£14.80
CHESTER TO BIRMINGHAM
£13.60

BANGOR TO CHESTER
£14.80
CHESTER TO WOLVERHAMPTON
£12.70

BIRMINGHAM TO BRISTOL
£33.50

I could be picked up in Wolverhampton, or Birmingham, if need be... but is there any way of breaking the journey down better?

[dzug]

Birmingham to Cheltenham, Cheltenham to Bristol should cut the last leg a bit. Chelt to Bristol is £6.90 cheap day single. Don't know Brum-Chelt off hand but probably about £15.

[sophisticated.]

This may be something that is obvious to everyone, but I've booked through thetrainline.com loads of times and never noticed...

Underneath timetables there's an option that says "Results are based on the fastest trains. Slower routes with cheaper tickets may be available."

Just cut my tickets from £78 to £16! :beer:

[pompeyrich]

You could save a bit more by not using the trainline site and booking direct with a train operating company that doesnt charge credit card fees.

[scottish_blend]

Can anyone give me any tips on cheap rail travel from glasgow to manchester please?

Everywhere I look its coming up at acouple of hundred quid - surely that can't be right?

[dzug]

Can anyone give me any tips on cheap rail travel from glasgow to manchester please?

Everywhere I look its coming up at acouple of hundred quid - surely that can't be right?

No it's not right. As you don't give any details at all it's difficult to know what you are doing wrong.

A walk on return, buy on the day, valid on any train via Carlisle, is £60 - unless you travel first class you CANNOT pay more than that.

If you book in advance singles start at £15.50 each way - maybe even £10 if you are lucky

Where DID you look BTW? It's easier to give advice as to what could have gone wrong if we know where you started from.

[whatatwit]

Hi, I wonder if you kind folk can help.
My DD's boyfriend has booked a ticket, travelling one way from Southampton.
When he has looked at it fully, he has to go to Waterloo, then to Euston to then travel North.
He doesn't really want to have to change and use the underground, but another train shown only involves changing at Stockport and then Preston.

Can he change his ticket, or is he stuck with it?
It was booked last week, to travel at the end of May.

Edited to add, I don't know what 'type' of ticket he has...but am I right in thinking that if he splits his journey and gets 1 ticket to Stockport and then another ticket it works out quite a bit cheaper?

[dzug]

Hi, I wonder if you kind folk can help.
My DD's boyfriend has booked a ticket, travelling one way from Southampton.
When he has looked at it fully, he has to go to Waterloo, then to Euston to then travel North.
He doesn't really want to have to change and use the underground, but another train shown only involves changing at Stockport and then Preston.

Can he change his ticket, or is he stuck with it?
It was booked last week, to travel at the end of May.

Edited to add, I don't know what 'type' of ticket he has...but am I right in thinking that if he splits his journey and gets 1 ticket to Stockport and then another ticket it works out quite a bit cheaper?

He can change his ticket but it may involve a £10 fee plus any difference in fare. The exact terms depend on what sort of ticket he has.

As to whether splitting tickets at Stockport would help - no idea. It may do, or it could turn out way more expensive. Splitting tickets is not the panacea it's made out to be - it works on a few routes but not most.

It would be a lot simpler and cheaper for him to stick to plan A.

[gner_ex]

Argh this is driving me crazy... I booked a ticket to go from Bangor to Bristol Temple Meads (for £25), for tomorrow, but have lost my cashcard since booking. I rung them and they said I can't get my tickets without my card.
Complete rubbish. If your booking is it the system, and ideally if you have your FastTicket reference number, any counter clerk can get into the database and print it off.

I would submit a formal complaint if I were you.

[gner_ex]

Hi, I wonder if you kind folk can help.
My DD's boyfriend has booked a ticket, travelling one way from Southampton.
When he has looked at it fully, he has to go to Waterloo, then to Euston to then travel North.
He doesn't really want to have to change and use the underground, but another train shown only involves changing at Stockport and then Preston.

Can he change his ticket, or is he stuck with it?
It was booked last week, to travel at the end of May.

Edited to add, I don't know what 'type' of ticket he has...but am I right in thinking that if he splits his journey and gets 1 ticket to Stockport and then another ticket it works out quite a bit cheaper?

If this is a flexible ticket, then I would think that it is valid via either route (London is usually the most expensive route). I'm guessing he is headed for either Carlisle or Glasgow? If you can find out the type of ticket and/or the price he paid, we can tell you the route options, and perhaps the prospects to change the ticket.

Dare I ask why he doesn't want to change? The underground ticket will be included and he doesn't have to pay extra for it... if he is travelling at a weekend can you let us know the date, as there may be Underground engineering works to make him aware of.

[starlite]

If it's the underground that is the issue he could get an overground from waterloo to london bridge, then a thameslink to st pancras which is 5 minutes walk from Euston. A roundabout way of doing it, but quite fast.

I do this a lot as the tubes are impossible with a pram.

[dzug]

he could get an overground from waterloo to london bridge

Noooooo. Yes it's a possible rail route, but it's not the 'overground', which does not serve Waterloo. It consists of only a few of the surface lines in London, not all of them. Blame Ken for allowing a misleading name.

I know it's being ultra picky on words, but it matters. A poster here got a £20 penalty fare recently for thinking something very similar, assuming his ticket was valid on the 'overground' (which it was) when he wasn't travelling on the 'overground', just a normal rail line.


It's an easy 25 minute bus journey with no changes if he doesn't like travelling underground.

[starlite]

Overground is what everyone here in London calls the trains.

But I see what you mean.

[starlite]

And don't blame Ken, bring him back!

[dzug]

Overground is what everyone here in London calls the trains.



Yes I know :D - but it confuses the unwary - and even the wary on occasion.

Eventually it won't matter - the validity of PAYG Oyster is gradually being extended.

[starlite]

And good job too!

my friend did get caught out by this, She was visiting me from Sheffield. Tried to get a train from charing cross to Blackheath with her Oyster as she assumed she could and found out she couldn't. She had no money on her and the station manager was so rude he made her cry.

[gner_ex]

Overground is what everyone here in London calls the trains.

But I see what you mean.
No it isn't. I never call it that. The correct term is "National Rail"... or even BR.

As Dzug has said, London Overground Rail Operations Ltd is just one of about ten operators who make up National Rail in London.... others are First Capital Connect, South Eastern Trains. etc etc.

Overground and overland are largely meaningless terms.

[gner_ex]

And good job too!

my friend did get caught out by this, She was visiting me from Sheffield. Tried to get a train from charing cross to Blackheath with her Oyster as she assumed she could and found out she couldn't. She had no money on her and the station manager was so rude he made her cry.
Starlight, did your friends Oyster card work at the barriers at Charing Cross and let her through onto the platform?

If so, I would be happy to draft you a letter to try to get her money back.

[gner_ex]

If it's the underground that is the issue he could get an overground from waterloo to london bridge, then a thameslink to st pancras which is 5 minutes walk from Euston. A roundabout way of doing it, but quite fast.

I do this a lot as the tubes are impossible with a pram.
Just as an aside, I discovered today that a ticket with the Maltese cross on allows one to travel via (selected) underground stations or via the Thameslink route:

"The via London, Maltese Cross symbol (D ) on a ticket signifies that the ticket may be used via London Underground or Thameslink services. Unless a ticket specifies that the journey must be made via London, passengers are free to use an alternative ‘permitted route’ for their journey as provided by the Routeing Guide. In some instances (particularly long distance cross country journeys) the Fares Manual will show an "any permitted" fare but without the via London, Maltese cross (D) symbol. Reference to Section C (yellow pages) may show via London to be a permitted route for this journey and in such instances travel via London to include cross-London transfer would be permitted."

Source http://www.atoc.org/rsp/_downloads/Routeing_Guide/instructions.htm

What I'm not sure of, is whether Southampton to [some place north of Preston] is permitted via London Bridge or not.

WHATAWIT - if you can find out the type or price of this ticket, I am happy to tell you all the routes he can take with it (need to know the destination station too). In general, if it is a flexible ticket I would expect it to be valid on cross country as well as on SWT/Virgin West Coast.

[ticketcollector]

East Coast Mainline tickets to "London Terminals". A piece of advice I uncovered recently. If you have a saver or open type ticket from any ECML destination (Edinburgh, Leeds, Peterborough, Potters Bar, Herford North, Alexandra Palace) to London Terminals, it is valid on any of the following:

-a train that goes from Finsbury Park into London Kings Cross
-a train that goes from Finsbury Park into London Moorgate (you may alight at Moorgate or Old Street, all three count as a Terminal, plus alight/board at the other stations subject to normal break of journey regulations)
-a London Underground train from Kings Cross to Moorgate or vice versa (can be via Farringdon or via Angel) but you cannot alight at intermediate underground stations apart from Old Street.

This is a long-standing concession dating from the late 1970s (when trains from Finsbury Park stopped going down the widened lines to Farringdon and Moorgate and instead started going via Highbury/Old Street on the Northern City Line) note that you cannot use the National Rail (First Capital Connect) trains from St. Panc low-level to Moorgate, though these are due to cease at the end of this year anyway.

If you want to check this before you travel, then the ticket office staff should have access to the fares manual where this is stated and should show to you upon request.



Wanting a paper ticket for travel on national rail services from Finsbury Park to Kings Cross or Moorgate? Because oyster is valid on this route, you'll get charged £4 single and £7 return if you dare to purchase a cash ticket. Unless of course you know a little trick:

AT FINSBURY PARK ticket machines or ticket office
Instead of pressing "London Terminals" or "Kings Cross", type in Farringdon. Some Farringdon fares allow use on the tube, these are more expensive. What you are looking for is a button labelled Farringdon Rail Only which is £2.30 single or £4.00 return (peak or off-peak, railcard makes it even cheaper). This ticket is valid either via Kings Cross (go out the exit by platforms 9, 10 and 11 and turn right, then into St. Pancras and down to the Thameslink platforms) or via Moorgate BUT on National Rail trains ONLY and NOT the Underground. The only possible flaw with this is that National Rail trains from Moorgate to Farringdon only run Mon-Fri peaks, however this ticket _should_ let you out of the barriers at Moorgate no problem (reports please?).

AT KINGS CROSS ticket machines/office or MOORGATE ticket office
Instead of pressing "Finsbury Park" press Harringay. Ticket is £2.90 single (peak or off-peak) return is £3.80 (off-peak after 09:30, no evening restriction) or £5.00 (peak before 09:29).

The Oyster single fare from Finsbury Park to Moorgate or Kings Cross is £2.00 (touch in from 07:00 to 19:00 Mon-Fri) or £1.50 (touch-in before 06:59 or after 19:01 Mon-Fri, or on Sat and Sun), therefore if you are going both ways between 09:30 and 19:00 Mon-Fri then paper is actually cheaper!

You are aware that purchasing a ticket priced at a lower price and getting off at a station earlier (which would have cost more) can result in you being charged the difference in price. If you get caught by Fraud they will Caution you and recommend you for prosecution for fare evasion. Its in the NCoC and Ticket Examiners Handbook.

[dzug1]

You are aware that purchasing a ticket priced at a lower price and getting off at a station earlier (which would have cost more) can result in you being charged the difference in price. If you get caught by Fraud they will Caution you and recommend you for prosecution for fare evasion. Its in the NCoC and Ticket Examiners Handbook.


Um no. You are entitled with most ticket types to break your journey at an intermediate station. Who polices whether you actually resume your journey?

[ticketcollector]

Um no. You are entitled with most ticket types to break your journey at an intermediate station. Who polices whether you actually resume your journey?

Well I've actually cautioned someone for stopping short because they refused to pay the difference. It got to court and they were fined £260 plus £150 costs.
If that person would have paid the 90pence difference they would have been fine.
Be aware that on some ticket types you cant break your journey


Break of Journey is not available:-
•with Advance Purchase tickets issued from a quota;
•for the outward journey with Saver, SuperSaver and Network AwayBreak tickets;
•for any ticket with a validity shown as not available at intermediate stations;
•At London Underground (LU) stations other than at LU stations on a Train Company route where Train Company trains are scheduled to call, and subject to the general terms and conditions of the ticket permitting break of journey.

EXAMPLE: with a Cheap Day Return from Luton to Brighton, break of journey is permitted at Kentish Town or Farringdon.

These conditions do not apply to:
1.Travelcards, which allow unlimited journeys within their zones of availability (see Section K).
2.Journeys made on LU tickets between LU-controlled stations on interavailable routes (see Section L).

Break of journey is always available for changing between trains and stations to continue the journey.

[sawanderer]

Details of cheap e-tickets that you need to print before travelling or receive your ticket on your mobile phone. More details in the Cheapest Train Fares thread:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=11018531&postcount=109 (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=11018531&postcount=109)

Stations where e-tickets can be used:

London
Manchester
Cambridge
Eagleslciffe
Hartlepool
Northallerton
Sunderland
Thirsk
York
Luton Airport
Birmingham
Stratford upon Avon
Great Missenden
Banbury
Bicester

[Baybee1984]

Random, but do under 5's go free on a train?
Im taking my 4 year old to Birmingham, from Leicester next week, on his first train journey, for a shopping trip. Anyone any idea how much it'd be for him?
I know its about £8.50 for myself.

[gner_ex]

I'm almost positive that under 5's are still free... ask at your local ticket office to be sure.

[gner_ex]

Well I've actually cautioned someone for stopping short because they refused to pay the difference. It got to court and they were fined £260 plus £150 costs.
If that person would have paid the 90pence difference they would have been fine.
Be aware that on some ticket types you cant break your journey
I assume there were specific circumstances to the above, i.e. they were trying to exit a station where their ticket didn't work at the barrier, and wasn't a type of ticket that allowed break of journey? Mind if I ask what ticket they had, and where they tried to alight at?

As a fellow professional, you're doubtless familiar with NRCOC clause 16. The text you posted, whilst I agree with it, do you have a link to share for others? Just to clarify, that relates to break of journey, rather than cutting short (though I accept they are similar).

I cannot see a way that (someone with a Finsbury Park to Farringdon) cheap day return can be policed once they have left the barriers at Kings Cross suburban to ensure that they do indeed enter St Pancras Int, and not for example head down Euston Road or into the pub or die et cetera. However, I accept that someone with a London Terminals to Harringay ticket may (in certain circumstances) be committing a minor violation by exiting Finsbury Park station.

As I'm sure you well know, the only reason the Finsbury Park to London Terminals fare is now £4 is because oyster is valid, and the high pricing is to discourage people from daring to use paper tickets, and to use oyster PAYG instead. Given my general dislike of Ken Livingstone's surveillance society, I will continue to help others avoid it where there are legitimate ways to do so.

[ticketcollector]

I assume there were specific circumstances to the above, i.e. they were trying to exit a station where their ticket didn't work at the barrier, and wasn't a type of ticket that allowed break of journey? Mind if I ask what ticket they had, and where they tried to alight at?

As a fellow professional, you're doubtless familiar with NRCOC clause 16. The text you posted, whilst I agree with it, do you have a link to share for others? Just to clarify, that relates to break of journey, rather than cutting short (though I accept they are similar).

I cannot see a way that (someone with a Finsbury Park to Farringdon) cheap day return can be policed once they have left the barriers at Kings Cross suburban to ensure that they do indeed enter St Pancras Int, and not for example head down Euston Road or into the pub or die et cetera. However, I accept that someone with a London Terminals to Harringay ticket may (in certain circumstances) be committing a minor violation by exiting Finsbury Park station.

As I'm sure you well know, the only reason the Finsbury Park to London Terminals fare is now £4 is because oyster is valid, and the high pricing is to discourage people from daring to use paper tickets, and to use oyster PAYG instead. Given my general dislike of Ken Livingstone's surveillance society, I will continue to help others avoid it where there are legitimate ways to do so.

I cant really go into exact details on this on a public forum, but this was not a one-off. This person was doing this on a regular basis and we had someone following him for a week.

[gner_ex]

Any chance you could PM the the three stations concerned, just for my own curiousity? Don't worry if you'd rather not.

[yorkie2]

Any chance you could PM the the three stations concerned, just for my own curiousity? Don't worry if you'd rather not.
I suspect the stations are somewhere like Flint, Chester and Euston!

If I am wrong please PM me ;)

[ticketcollector]

I suspect the stations are somewhere like Flint, Chester and Euston!

If I am wrong please PM me ;)

Your miles out.

[mrs lds]

Need to get a ticket for a friend tomorrow Leceister from liverpool street what is the cheapest option please

[dzug1]

Need to get a ticket for a friend tomorrow Leceister from liverpool street what is the cheapest option please

You are still in time to book a megatrain at £12.50

Add £2 for a bus or £4 for the tube from Liverpool St to St Pancras.

If the times are no good try National Express from Victoria Coach Station

[yorkie2]

Your miles out.
I may be miles out geographically but it will be the same principle surely!

If you can't tell me where it was, can you please tell me the ticket type used?

My guess is that someone was caught starting a Saver 'short' as you are not allowed to 'break' the outward portion of a Saver. Am I correct?

If it is not that, it must be advance purchase.

Correct me if I am wrong, but the only ticket types that do not permit break of journey are: Advance, and Saver (except the return portion of a Saver Return where break of journey is permitted).

[yorkie2]

You are aware that purchasing a ticket priced at a lower price and getting off at a station earlier (which would have cost more) can result in you being charged the difference in price. If you get caught by Fraud they will Caution you and recommend you for prosecution for fare evasion. Its in the NCoC and Ticket Examiners Handbook.
You are aware that getting off a station earlier (which would cost more) cannot result in you being charged the difference in price if it is valid for break of journey?

I have looked in detail at the post you responded to by gner_ex and, in the examples he gives, the fares quoted do not disallow a break of journey.

The NCoC explicitly states that all tickets allow you to stop your journey short UNLESS the conditions state that they do not allow a break of journey. As detailed in my post above, very few tickets have that condition barring a break of journey.

[ticketcollector]

You are aware that getting off a station earlier (which would cost more) cannot result in you being charged the difference in price if it is valid for break of journey?

I have looked in detail at the post you responded to by gner_ex and, in the examples he gives, the fares quoted do not disallow a break of journey.

The NCoC explicitly states that all tickets allow you to stop your journey short UNLESS the conditions state that they do not allow a break of journey. As detailed in my post above, very few tickets have that condition barring a break of journey.

OK I was doing my job. If I was wrong in doing my job then why did the courts fine this person, and secondly how the hell did it even get that far if I was wrong?
Oh and the person was travelling on a outward portion of a saver.

[kathrynt]

i have been checking for cheap tickets from wigan to exmouth 12 july returning 19th for 4 adults and 2 children. will they not be any now as i thought they came out about 12 weeks before

[isasmurf]

This break of journey question comes up time and again, so let's got through the tickets:

Advance: None allowed
Cheap day return: Out and Return
Saver Return: Return portion only
SuperSaver Return: Return portion only
Network Awaybreak: Return portion only
Off-peak Day travelcard: Out and Return
Business Saver return: Return only
Standard Day Return: Out and Return
Standard Open Return: Out and Return

[yorkie2]

OK I was doing my job. If I was wrong in doing my job then why did the courts fine this person, and secondly how the hell did it even get that far if I was wrong?
Very silly comment as I did not say you were "wrong", and you go on to say...


Oh and the person was travelling on a outward portion of a saver.
Aha! As I thought!

In which case I am not a million miles out with my example. It's the most high profile one I can think of, but there are plenty of others out there.

I do think it is totally immoral for that person to be fined, and I won't say what I think of you for getting someone fined for such a pernickety reason, especially as Savers won't exist from September so I am pretty sure the rule that disallows breaking the outward journey will no longer exist (they will be either Anytime or Off Peak, and there are other tickets that will come under both names which DO offer break of journey, and I can't see all of those preventing break of journey and they will need to harmonise it so they all do allow a break....) so at least you will be prevented from such actions in future.

Anyway, while I look down on your rather unfortunate views and the way you speak to people like gner_ex who gave sound advice and you incorrectly made threats and accusations toward people taking the advice, unfortunately strictly speaking in the eyes of the law you were 'right' although totally morally wrong, to get those people fined on Savers. Especially the way you (or one of your accomplices) spied on them. Hopefully one day someone will spy on you to ensure you are not unfairly treating people, as the evidence on here suggests you might be.

I look forward to September when it looks like you will not be able to persecute people in this way.

[mrs lds]

my american friend needs to now go to Wiltshire from London, anyone got any cheap fares they know of please

thank you

[yorkie2]

my american friend needs to now go to Wiltshire from London, anyone got any cheap fares they know of please

thank you
Book as far in advance as possible[1] and you can get very cheap Advance fares.

[1] Bookings are generally released approx 10-12 weeks in advance.

[dzug1]

my american friend needs to now go to Wiltshire from London, anyone got any cheap fares they know of please

thank you

Wiltshire is quite big - where in particular? The offers will vary according to the destination. Megatrain serve some parts, others will best be served by advance singles if you can book in time.

[ticketcollector]

....

I look forward to September when it looks like you will not be able to persecute people in this way.

I also look forward to the new ticket names as it will make my life easier. But I am already hearing that the restrictions will still be the same as the restrictions are based on restriction codes and the ticket type.
E.g. Savers are most commonly 9A/9D restriction. So the Off-Peak will still have the same 9A 9D restriction on it.

[yorkie2]

I also look forward to the new ticket names as it will make my life easier.
are you sure?! ;)

But I am already hearing that the restrictions will still be the same as the restrictions are based on restriction codes and the ticket type.
E.g. Savers are most commonly 9A/9D restriction. So the Off-Peak will still have the same 9A 9D restriction on it.
That is what I have heard, but it's certainly not true that most Savers will have that code, and there are dozens of codes.

If you mostly see 9A/9D's then you are probably based on one of the main Inter City TOCs from London to the north (ie, Virgin West Coast, NXEC or EMT mainline services) ;) and you are either based in London or you travel to London.

What remains to be seen is what will happen to 8A savers. XC has already decided to impose a restriction on them, but thankfully it's "After 05:00" so for probably 99.9% (?) of people it makes no difference. The alternative would be to rename them as "Anytime" e.g. York to Sheffield, this would make sense as the Saver costs more than the Standard Day and there is no Standard Open.

[p1an0player]

This break of journey question comes up time and again, so let's got through the tickets:

Advance: None allowed
Cheap day return: Out and Return
Saver Return: Return portion only
SuperSaver Return: Return portion only
Network Awaybreak: Return portion only
Off-peak Day travelcard: Out and Return
Business Saver return: Return only
Standard Day Return: Out and Return
Standard Open Return: Out and Return
Some questions if I may. I'd phone National Rail Enquiries or ask at a station but I know I'd struggle to get a comprehensive answer there.

I'll be travelling on the return portion of a Saver Return from Gatwick to Derby. I'd like to break my journey at Leicester.

How long can I break my journey for?
To get out and back in again at Leicester through the ticket barriers do I risk having to argue with the barrier staff?
Am I likely to encounter a problem on the train when I resume the journey?
Regarding the Gatwick to St Pancras portion of the ticket, am I allowed to travel on Gatwick Express?
How quickly am I obliged to go through London, ie can I spend 3 hours in central London before getting on a train from St Pancras?
Are there any time restrictions on this route with a Saver return?

And a more general question; for Travelcard tickets eg Guildford to London, obviously I can travel as much as I want in zones 1 - 6. What about between Guildford and zone 6, is it one journey allowed each way? Or can I make two return journeys in the day? If not, what about using the zones 1 - 6 part of the ticket after using the return portion? (eg I go to Guildford and back during the day and then get a lift back to London again in the evening and want to travel in zones 1 - 6).

many thanks.

[dzug1]

Some questions if I may. I'd phone National Rail Enquiries or ask at a station but I know I'd struggle to get a comprehensive answer there.

I'll be travelling on the return portion of a Saver Return from Gatwick to Derby. I'd like to break my journey at Leicester.

How long can I break my journey for?
To get out and back in again at Leicester through the ticket barriers do I risk having to argue with the barrier staff?
Am I likely to encounter a problem on the train when I resume the journey?
Regarding the Gatwick to St Pancras portion of the ticket, am I allowed to travel on Gatwick Express?
How quickly am I obliged to go through London, ie can I spend 3 hours in central London before getting on a train from St Pancras?
Are there any time restrictions on this route with a Saver return?

Thanks.

As long as it's the RETURN half of the ticket:

As long as you like before the ticket expires - you shouldn't encounter any problems. Same in London. You might want to get it endorsed

Unless your ticket specifically allows the Gatwick Express, then no. It doesn't go to St Pancras anyway. You will have paid extra if it is valid.

There are probably time restrictions, certainly out of St Pancras. Don't know what they are. Playing about with the journey planner might identify them

[ticketcollector]

There are two types of Gatwick to Derby tickets coming up.
Route: EMT & FCC
Route: Any Permitted

The Any Permitted CAN be used on Gatwick Express. The EMT & FCC cannot and you must go via London Bridge. Both can be used on London Underground.

Your Gatwick to Derby Saver is coming up as a 9A restriction, this means that you can get on any train that leaves Gatwick and arrives into London Bridge/Victoria at or after 1039.

No problem on breaking your journey on the RETURN portion of your ticket, might have to argue your case with the staff on the barrier at Leicester. DO NOT put your ticket through any automated barriers other then at Derby or London Underground.


7A 9A Restrictions.

For travel FROM or VIA:
London Terminals, Milton Keynes, Watford, Stevenage, Reading, Kensington Olympia, Bedford, Luton and Luton Airport Parkway.

London St Pancras International
Outward Travel
You may travel on any train that is scheduled to DEPART:
Between 0901 & 1559 (inc.) and at or after 1901

Return Travel
You may travel on any train that is scheduled to ARRIVE:
At or after 1039

[lisasheehy]

Hello lovely moneysavers, I am trying to get to Leuchars from London on Mon, hopefully by train at about 1400. There is a train leaving at that time from kings x. I have a yp card which makes he journey 69 quid. Could be worse as it is quite last min and a long way but I am v short on cash. National Express coach is just 36 quid for a fun fare but is 11 hrs long! Not really worth it for just a few days....It is the aberdeen train with GXER. Tried split ticketing but no joy. Coming back on thur at about 11...... Any tips would be verrrry grateful.:confused:

[dzug1]

Hello lovely moneysavers, I am trying to get to Leuchars from London on Mon, hopefully by train at about 1400. There is a train leaving at that time from kings x. I have a yp card which makes he journey 69 quid. Could be worse as it is quite last min and a long way but I am v short on cash. National Express coach is just 36 quid for a fun fare but is 11 hrs long! Not really worth it for just a few days....It is the aberdeen train with GXER. Tried split ticketing but no joy. Coming back on thur at about 11...... Any tips would be verrrry grateful.:confused:

I think that's the best you will do - someone asked this question on the split ticketing board and the best advice (for money saving) is to put the trip off a week or two.

[sk82]

Hi!

I need to travel between Sheffield and Derby, can anyone help and tell me where I can find the cheapest tickets?

Thanks!

[dzug1]

Hi!

I need to travel between Sheffield and Derby, can anyone help and tell me where I can find the cheapest tickets?

Thanks!



Any rail website will sell the cheapest tickets. What they are depends on the date/time of your journeys. They start at £3.50 each way for an advance single.

On the day £8.20 cheap day £15.30 standard day returns

[5finger]

If you're a frequent Monday-Friday traveller on a rail route and buy season tickets, here's how I believe its best to get the optimal value. It certainly works for me on my commute and I have no reason to see why it shouldn't on any other route, though this cannot be guaranteed. It's probably worth a try nevertheless!

Season ticket prices can be calculated at: http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/en/pj/sts

The best period to get a season ticket for is, in my opinion, 5 working weeks, i.e. 33 days inclusive, starting on the first Monday of the five weeks and finishing on the last Friday. The basis for this is as follows:

There are three levels of season ticket increasing in value: weekly, monthly (and monthly plus) and annual. Annual is the most cost effective, but once you account for annual holiday it generally doesn't work out the best deal (just divide the cost by your annual number of working days to give you the daily rate). The next best offer is monthly travel or anything between a month and a year. These are both calculated on the same basis of monthly cost times number of months plus a cost for the number of additional days (if any) which is slightly above the daily rate in the monthly cost (any discrepancy you notice is probably because the final price is rounded to the nearest 10 pence). Hence there is no saving in purchasing a month plus ticket for a longer, rather than shorter, period. It is therefore best to buy for a 5 week period as defined a above (a month plus one or two days depending on which month you purchase in) thereby gaining the saving of not paying for unwanted weekend travel every five weeks. Getting a ticket for a longer period reduces the frequency of this 'no pay weekend' thus reducing the overall saving obtained. Getting monthly tickets back to back means you are not getting any 'no pay weekends' (unless your ticket happens to finish on a Friday which won't be that frequent) and weekly tickets are more expensive altogether.

Therefore, always buy in 5 week blocks (from a Monday to a Friday) unless your next holiday or other time off is less than 10 weeks away. Then it is probably better to buy a longer term ticket to take you up to that time. However, if you can plan ahead a little more carefully, and you are taking time off in 12 weeks, say, tickets for 6+6 weeks may work out slightly cheaper than 5+7. Both will be cheaper than a single 12 week ticket.

This also raises the point that buying in a month with more days (i.e. 31) is best and the 5 week ticket will be approximately one third of a daily return fare cheaper than the same ticket bought in a month with 30 days. It's therefore worst to buy a monthly season ticket in February!

The above may fall down when season ticket prices are annually revised in January when it may be worth 'buying ahead' in December for a much longer period depending on the rises which will be introduced.

All theoretical, I know, given the existence of bank holidays and any unforeseen absences or work elsewhere but nevertheless it will hopefully allow you to plan ahead as optimally as possible!

[isasmurf]

There are three levels of season ticket increasing in value: weekly, monthly (and monthly plus) and annual. Annual is the most cost effective, but once you account for annual holiday it generally doesn't work out the best deal Where's this job that gives you 12 weeks holiday?

[Altarf]

If you're a frequent Monday-Friday traveller on a rail route and buy season tickets, here's how I believe its best to get the optimal value...

Sorry, I don't believe this is cheaper in real life than an annual ticket for most people. A quick check with some example figures from my route, with a 'perfect' 5 week pattern, ignoring bank holidays, and including 6 weeks holiday as a single block, comes out £50 than an annual season ticket. However anything other than the 'perfect' 5 week pattern comes out several hundred more expensive than an annual ticket.

Also you obviously lose the benefits that come with an annual 'gold' card.

However although the cost may be more expensive than an annual ticket, for those people who cannot afford to buy an annual ticket, it is a good tip to buy 33 day tickets on a Monday rather than a normal monthly ticket.

[kathrynt]

Book as far in advance as possible[1] and you can get very cheap Advance fares.

[1] Bookings are generally released approx 10-12 weeks in advance.
i want to go to wigan to exmouth 12 july return 19 july, 4 adults,2 kids. will there not be any advance tickets now

[dzug1]

i want to go to wigan to exmouth 12 july return 19 july, 4 adults,2 kids. will there not be any advance tickets now

It looks as though there are no cheap tickets on the West Coast mainline at weekends.

You'd need to split tickets - a saver return to Birmingham New Street, and advance singles (which are available) from then on if you are flexible about times

[shewhoguards]

Which company was it offering 10% off advance fares until today? I was looking at it last night and now I'm ready to book have forgotten!

[kathrynt]

It looks as though there are no cheap tickets on the West Coast mainline at weekends.

You'd need to split tickets - a saver return to Birmingham New Street, and advance singles (which are available) from then on if you are flexible about times
can't see advance single prices what times was these,please

[dzug1]

Which company was it offering 10% off advance fares until today? I was looking at it last night and now I'm ready to book have forgotten!

http://www.send-data.net/firstscotrail/lifestyle_prebooking.asp?magic=E6A36B3683AE&magic2=032775F6

[dzug1]

can't see advance single prices what times was these,please

£32 on 1610 from Brum out (plus some early morning ones); £20.50 on 1550 and 1650 back

[dzug1]

can't see advance single prices what times was these,please


Actually there are some cheap singles from Manchester to/from Exmouth, which might be cheaper for you than the Brum route. Same sort of times though - early or late.

[p1an0player]

http://www.send-data.net/firstscotrail/lifestyle_prebooking.asp?magic=E6A36B3683AE&magic2=032775F6
great offer but is it really ok for anyone to use? seems to have come from an email on a different thread

[ticketcollector]

Simply go to http://www.firstscotrail.trainsfares.co.uk and put in the code FSRADVNCE in the "Do you have a Promotion code" box.

It also works at most trainsfares.co.uk websites as well.

[yorkie2]

Which company was it offering 10% off advance fares until today? I was looking at it last night and now I'm ready to book have forgotten!
FSR are offering 10% off tickets until the end of today (no railcard discounts).
NXEC always offer 10% off their own advance tickets bought from the NXEC website (in addition to any railcard discount).

[5finger]

Where's this job that gives you 12 weeks holiday?

By my reckoning you only need four or five weeks holiday for it to work out more expensive. Evidently I haven't worked this out for all season ticket route in the country so there will inevitably be some discrepancy. I am surprised you have worked this out to be 12 weeks, however! Have you deducted weekends and statutory holidays also? I only work 229 days in a year give or take one or two depending on which day of the week the year starts on, leap years, etc.

[5finger]

Also you obviously lose the benefits that come with an annual 'gold' card.

I was under the assumption that the gold card was only valid/offered in the South East where I neither live nor work. Yes - I therefore agree with you for those to whom this applies that this is likely to be a benefit well worth having.

As with any case, it is well worth doing the calculations for your specific route rather than following others' advice. There are therefore likely to be some routes on which my proposal works out dearer than an annual ticket. This will inevitably be due to the pricing structures on your travelled routes which may be determined under multiple franchises. However, I am glad that you found my recommendation to be the next cheapest option!

[5finger]

Sorry, I don't believe this is cheaper in real life than an annual ticket for most people. A quick check with some example figures from my route, with a 'perfect' 5 week pattern, ignoring bank holidays, and including 6 weeks holiday as a single block, comes out £50 than an annual season ticket. However anything other than the 'perfect' 5 week pattern comes out several hundred more expensive than an annual ticket.

I am now intrigued to know an example of a route (such as yours) where the annual ticket is cheaper than my 'multiple 5-week' scheme since the examples I have just tried have all worked out in favour of my system by at least £100 per annum.

For any given route, I have been calculating on the basis of 8 5-week tickets (33 days) and one 6-week ticket (40 days) for a total of 46 working weeks in the year and comparing this with the price of an annual ticket.

[ticketcollector]

I am now intrigued to know an example of a route (such as yours) where the annual ticket is cheaper than my 'multiple 5-week' scheme since the examples I have just tried have all worked out in favour of my system by at least £100 per annum.

For any given route, I have been calculating on the basis of 8 5-week tickets (33 days) and one 6-week ticket (40 days) for a total of 46 working weeks in the year and comparing this with the price of an annual ticket.

Heres another one for you.
Berwick on Tweed TO Kings Cross
£16,524.00 ANNUAL

£1,801.20 33 days x 8 £14,409.6
£2,168.80 40 days x 1 £2,168.80
£16,578.40

[miller]

Free return from Exeter to :

Dawlish, Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton, Totnes, Plymouth, Digby & Sowton or Exmouth.

Looks like a bit of a lottery...

Apply at:
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/ExeterPromotion2008.aspx

Closes 29 Aug 2008

[5finger]

Heres another one for you.
Berwick on Tweed TO Kings Cross
£16,524.00 ANNUAL

£1,801.20 33 days x 8 £14,409.6
£2,168.80 40 days x 1 £2,168.80
£16,578.40

Bizzare - using the season ticket calculator on the National Rail site (which concurs with quotes I have been given when enquiring at my local station), these fares are

£16,524.00 ANNUAL (agree)

Assuming all tickets are bought in a month with 31 days (i.e. best value) - therefore 1 month + 2 or 9 days for 5 or 6 weeks:
£1693.90 33 days x 8 £13550.40
£2065.50 40 days x 1 £2065.50
£15615.90

Assuming all tickets are bought in a month with 30 days (i.e. worst value) - therefore 1 month + 3 or 10 days for 5 or 6 weeks:
£1747.50 33 days x 8 £13980.00
£2115.10 40 day x 1 £2115.10
£16095.10

Both of these are cheaper than the annual ticket and in reality the true total will be somewhere between these given that, over the course of a year, some tickets will be bought in months with 30 days and some in months with 31 days.

By my reckoning you are calculating for 34 and 41 days, not 33 and 40, i.e. 1 month + 4 or 11 days which would only be required in a leap year February!

Pity the person with the daily commute from Berwick to London and back every day - at least seven hours travel every day...

[Stonk]

...

Thanks for the information, 5finger. I've recently started commuting to London by train, and was already intrigued by the mathematical optimisation problems of the season ticket system. I didn't realise until now that you could buy a ticket for any odd period greater than a month - I thought it could only be for whole months. This opens up a whole new can of possibilities!

Certainly your ideas are correct, and I just need to hone my own purchasing technique a bit to take account of the new possibilities you've suggested. An annual ticket costs 10.5 times that of a monthly ticket - I believe this is set in stone. So, if you have 6 working weeks off a year (which most people do, e.g. just 22 days holiday plus 8 public holidays), then you generally break even by using monthly tickets. Any more time off, and you're winning with the monthlies.

This is to say nothing of the benefit of having money in your bank account rather than the train operator's, or of the fact that if you have to cancel your annual ticket and refund the remaining portion for any reason (change job location, move home, retire, etc), then you lose out badly. You do lose out by the same proportion if you cancel and refund a monthly ticket, but in absolute terms the loss is only 1/12 as high. Actually, it's that last point more than any other that absolutely ruins the viability of the annual ticket for me.

[ticketcollector]

...

When doing days on season tickets you must also include the day you purchase as a day.
But until I get access to avantix again ill work it out.

[Altarf]

I am now intrigued to know an example of a route (such as yours) where the annual ticket is cheaper than my 'multiple 5-week' scheme since the examples I have just tried have all worked out in favour of my system by at least £100 per annum.

For any given route, I have been calculating on the basis of 8 5-week tickets (33 days) and one 6-week ticket (40 days) for a total of 46 working weeks in the year and comparing this with the price of an annual ticket.

You are correct that 8 x Five Weekly and 1 x Six Weekly ticket is cheaper than an annual ticket, but what I was meaning was that in real life people don't work 5 or 6 weeks (or multiples thereof) and then take a weeks break.

Even though on my route your 8x5 and 1x6 would work out £90 cheaper than the annual ticket, the closest fit I could get for I actually worked last year based on 5 & 6 week (and other long period) tickets would work out at £165 per year more than the annual season ticket.

[yorkie2]

Heres another one for you.
Berwick on Tweed TO Kings Cross
£16,524.00 ANNUAL

£1,801.20 33 days x 8 £14,409.6
£2,168.80 40 days x 1 £2,168.80
£16,578.40
14day All Line Rover £560 x 26 (for 52 weeks) = £14,560 :D

Take a few weeks holiday and the price is even less, and you can go anywhere else at no cost too ;)

[gner_ex]

DO NOT put your ticket through any automated barriers other then at Derby or London Underground.
I'm interested in this advice.

Are you aware of occasions where a barrier has kept a non-completed ticket in error?

I would have thought that th Leicester barriers (or for example FCC Thameslink St. Panc barriers) would always give the ticket out, and either open the gate, or put up one of the error codes?

[gner_ex]

14day All Line Rover £560 x 26 (for 52 weeks) = £14,560 :D

Take a few weeks holiday and the price is even less, and you can go anywhere else at no cost too ;)

Good spot Yorkie.

Re season tickets, surely it depends what you will do during your vacation time, and also how you spend your weekends. As weekend travel is effectively free, my partner and I use the train most days; with the various add-on tickets many London journeys are ridiculously cheap or free.

In London and South East, don't forget the gold card benefits also - then again that depends how much you use the train for other than your daily commute.

I guess the other advantage in an annual is that there is no need to queue each 33 week period, and also if your employer will pay for a season ticket loan (negating the interest issue).

[gner_ex]

It looks as though there are no cheap tickets on the West Coast mainline at weekends.

You'd need to split tickets - a saver return to Birmingham New Street, and advance singles (which are available) from then on if you are flexible about times
It was confirmed the other day that Virgin West Coast are using super voyager to shuttle from Birmingham International and Coventry to Euston, running via the Chiltern line and various junctions in the Acton area.

No idea whether cheap seats or reservations will be offered on it, or if it will be walk-on tickets only.

This does (in my opinion) make the tickets that are "route High Wycombe" valid, i.e. the "Just 15" ticket, London to Coventry being £18 return. My logic is because this is the planned route, not an unscheduled diversion (see NRCOC and routeing guide).

[yorkie2]

This does (in my opinion) make the tickets that are "route High Wycombe" valid, i.e. the "Just 15" ticket, London to Coventry being £18 return. My logic is because this is the planned route, not an unscheduled diversion (see NRCOC and routeing guide).
Absolutely, if it goes that way it's valid. Equally valid with WSMR.

[pompeyrich]

I'm interested in this advice.

Are you aware of occasions where a barrier has kept a non-completed ticket in error?

I would have thought that th Leicester barriers (or for example FCC Thameslink St. Panc barriers) would always give the ticket out, and either open the gate, or put up one of the error codes?

Not sure about everywhere but from my local station, Cosham, tickets to Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour are sold as "Portsmouth Stations". If you break your journey at P&S, the barrier will keep the ticket, even though it could be used for onward travel to the Harbour, so I am always cautious of using barriers mid-journey.

[dzug1]

This does (in my opinion) make the tickets that are "route High Wycombe" valid, i.e. the "Just 15" ticket, London to Coventry being £18 return. My logic is because this is the planned route, not an unscheduled diversion (see NRCOC and routeing guide).

Not 100% convinced on this - I don't know if the first part of the route (Euston Willesden Acton West Ealing Greenford) is a valid route to High Wycombe (probably not) - or if it needs to be.

[yorkie2]

Not 100% convinced on this - I don't know if the first part of the route (Euston Willesden Acton West Ealing Greenford) is a valid route to High Wycombe (probably not) - or if it needs to be.
"Where the fare specifies a particular route, you may choose only those routes listed in the Guide which pass through the station shown in the route description. "

So, if you are taking it to that extreme, if there is no route from Euston to High Wycombe to Birmingham shown, then it isn't a valid route for "Any Permitted" tickets either!!

In any case it is irrelevant - it may not be a permitted route, but it's a direct train, and direct trains are always valid!

[ticketcollector]

Not sure about everywhere but from my local station, Cosham, tickets to Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour are sold as "Portsmouth Stations". If you break your journey at P&S, the barrier will keep the ticket, even though it could be used for onward travel to the Harbour, so I am always cautious of using barriers mid-journey.

It really does depend on the station your using. I know Luton Parkway used to take Luton Airport Parkway and Luton and Luton Airport (only) Tickets.

Most of the times it should come up with an error code 116/ 126/125 (on the tube style gates).

[gner_ex]

Not sure about everywhere but from my local station, Cosham, tickets to Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour are sold as "Portsmouth Stations". If you break your journey at P&S, the barrier will keep the ticket, even though it could be used for onward travel to the Harbour, so I am always cautious of using barriers mid-journey.
I would actually suggest this as a mistake to South West Trains. As you correctly say, the ticket may well be valid for break of journey at P&S, to be used later for (valid) onward journey to PH.

At Kings Cross, all London Terminals ticket are given back (as in a special case, all tickets are valid for a journey on the underground from Kings Cross to Moorgate to cover a service that was withdrawn in c.1976).

[dzug1]

"Where the fare specifies a particular route, you may choose only those routes listed in the Guide which pass through the station shown in the route description. "

So, if you are taking it to that extreme, if there is no route from Euston to High Wycombe to Birmingham shown, then it isn't a valid route for "Any Permitted" tickets either!!

In any case it is irrelevant - it may not be a permitted route, but it's a direct train, and direct trains are always valid!

Yes but.

IIRC the validity of these super off peak tickets is (in terms of trains that can be used rather than route) expressed in terms of arrival at or departure from London Marylebone. Therefore there is no validity to/from Euston whatever the route.

The online journey planners (well the one I checked anyway) do not show the Virgin trains if route High Wycombe is selected, they do if the route is left blank. Therefore 'officially', if not in reality, they do not run via High Wycombe.

Sounds like a grey area that wasn't really thought of when these trains were planned. I suspect the cheap tickets were not intended to be valid; it's just possible that loopholes in the wording might make them so.

[yorkie2]

Yes but.

IIRC the validity of these super off peak tickets is (in terms of trains that can be used rather than route) expressed in terms of arrival at or departure from London Marylebone. Therefore there is no validity to/from Euston whatever the route.
This logic is flawed .

Tell me this: are you saying a London Terminals to York is not valid out of Moorgate?

Also, what about a London Terminals to Birmingham Stations route High Wycombe Standard Open Single? It has no restrictions by definition, yet would be valid.

The online journey planners (well the one I checked anyway) do not show the Virgin trains if route High Wycombe is selected, they do if the route is left blank. Therefore 'officially', if not in reality, they do not run via High Wycombe.
Which ones have you checked? The paths may not be in the system yet.

Even if they are, online journey planners are not authoritative.

Sounds like a grey area that wasn't really thought of when these trains were planned. I suspect the cheap tickets were not intended to be valid; it's just possible that loopholes in the wording might make them so.
ORCATS will give Virgin their fair share of revenue of High Wycombe tickets for for trains that go through High Wycombe so they are obliged to accept them regardless of intent.

[KeithP]

This logic is flawed .

Tell me this: are you saying a London Terminals to York is not valid out of Moorgate?

Also, what about a London Terminals to Birmingham Stations route High Wycombe Standard Open Single? It has no restrictions by definition, yet would be valid.
<snip>
Dzug is talking about a ticket specifically to/from London Marylebone, he is not talking about a ticket to/from London Terminals at all. :confused:

[yorkie2]

Dzug is talking about a ticket specifically to/from London Marylebone, he is not talking about a ticket to/from London Terminals at all. :confused:
What ticket is it that is "specifically" to/from London Marylebone?

The "Route High Wycombe" tickets that are being discussed are to/from London Terminals.

[troubleatmill]

Has anyone been able to actual get any of these tickets? I am trying to arrange for 2 adults and 3 children to travel to London for a couple of days in July. Received the special offer flyer today from school and yet the site seems to show no availability for any of the trains that I am trying to get. Anybody know of tricks or a search technique? ???

I was informed by a very nice ticket man on a train that I had paid over the odds for my ticket. Apparentl you can claim for something called a group discount when buying rail tickets when travelling in groups of three or more. It seems that this is never offered as a discounted fare but only goes to those that ask. Try that one.

[troubleatmill]

Has anyone ever tried asking for a group discount on rail tickets. I was reliably informed by an on-train ticket collector that groups of three or more are entitled to a discount but its not something that can be offered by ticket sellers. The customers need to ask for it.

Might be worth a try?

[yorkie2]

Not available on all routes by any means, here is the info http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/groupsave.aspx

[Frances K]

I'd be grateful for any advice on a journey in July from Oxford to Penrith. There are so many options for a split ticket but I get different prices everytime I try! It's for one way, and as a senior railcard holder I'd would like to know both standard and first class fares - like someone else who posted a comment, it's a luxury - but it's my summer holiday!

Many thanks for any help.

[Burv]

Has anyone ever tried asking for a group discount on rail tickets. I was reliably informed by an on-train ticket collector that groups of three or more are entitled to a discount but its not something that can be offered by ticket sellers. The customers need to ask for it.

Might be worth a try?

I always offered group tickets to passengers and was encouraged to do so. I've never heard of anyone being told not to sell group tickets.
Some people, however, just wouldn't bother 'cause it's easier not to. The only times I wouldn't bother was if the customer was rude to me. It was at my discretion to sell to what and to whom, so I did.

[indiegirl]

I'm going to need to start doing a regular (once fortnightly) journey (roughly) between Milton Keynes Central and Bristol Temple Meads. I'm trying to split ticket, trying routes between MK > Euston > Paddington > Bristol and/or MK > Birmingham > Bristol, but I can't seem to get anything under £31 with a railcard (16-25). Before all the 'new fares', I could regularly get this for £16-20 split ticketing.

The first journey I need to do is 15th Aug, returning 16th, the next 29th returning 30th. Each time I need to leave MK at 16.30, leaving Bristol at 18.00.

[Mrs Wurrm]

I found out something interesting recently. If you buy your train tickets online through Trainline, they now charge for the use of a debit card and then they charge again to post the tickets to you. But you can buy ANY train ticket through the First Great Western website and it doesn't cost anything. They will post it to you, first class post, free. Just like Trainline used to do.

[B23]

Can anyone help me? I'm trying to book return tickets for 2 adults from Carlisle to London departing on friday 11th July arriving in London no later than 2.30pm and returning on Sunday 13th July arriving in carlisle no later than 6.30pm. We need to go via Preston and book a return ticket for 1 adult from Preston to London on the same trains as us. The Preston ticket has a young person's rail card. I've tried every loads of different things and the cheapest I can find works out at £230 in total. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[bluescrubs]

I can't seem to book any weekend tickets in advance, and it's a complete catastrophe for me! Crosscountry in particular just keeps on saying that tickets aren't available yet. Anyone got any info?

[billybigssocks]

Using the Any Permitted route and guidelines from the Atoc website, I believe I could use this ticket to travel via Hertford North, Stevenage, Royston, Cambridge, Stansted Airport, Harlow Town, Tottenham Hale.

And as Conditions of Carriage allow me to break journeys, If I lived in Cambridge and came into work via Stansted Airport, Harlow Town, Tottenham Hale, Liverpool Street and went home via Finsbury Park, Hertford North, Stevenage, Royston, Cambridge I dont see how I could be breaking any rules.

Anyone see any problem with this ?

[hollywoodnails]

Hi i wonder if anyone can help me and my boyfriend are going to Milton kenyes on Friday 27/06 and coming back on 30th/06. the problem is my boyfriend forgot to book the tickets and i cant get a good price for any where virgin are quoting 49.00 ech way for 2 adults. we don't have a rail card either and there are no kids traveling with us .
can any one help please getting myself in a right pickle
thanks in advance
vicxx

[gner_ex]

Using the Any Permitted route and guidelines from the Atoc website, I believe I could use this ticket to travel via Hertford North, Stevenage, Royston, Cambridge, Stansted Airport, Harlow Town, Tottenham Hale.

And as Conditions of Carriage allow me to break journeys, If I lived in Cambridge and came into work via Stansted Airport, Harlow Town, Tottenham Hale, Liverpool Street and went home via Finsbury Park, Hertford North, Stevenage, Royston, Cambridge I dont see how I could be breaking any rules.

Anyone see any problem with this ?
Yes - the fares comparision that you must undertake at the routeing points. If you want to discuss this further, can I suggest you create a seperate thread?

[gner_ex]

Hi i wonder if anyone can help me and my boyfriend are going to Milton kenyes on Friday 27/06 and coming back on 30th/06. the problem is my boyfriend forgot to book the tickets and i cant get a good price for any where virgin are quoting 49.00 ech way for 2 adults. we don't have a rail card either and there are no kids traveling with us .
can any one help please getting myself in a right pickle
thanks in advance
vicxx

What is your starting station?

[Bella_b]

I went onto the National Rail site and found a single journey for £18 which is really good :) (normally £39) but this journey wasn't listed on the Cross Country site, so I went to pay and it said that journey isnt available.. and I tried on all the options for different sites and it's not available on any of them. Why does it show up on the National Rail site?

[dzug1]

What ticket is it that is "specifically" to/from London Marylebone?

The "Route High Wycombe" tickets that are being discussed are to/from London Terminals.


Correct - BUT the validity of the tickets (Just 15, now called super off peak or something like that) being discussed is on specified trains (perhaps defined trains would be a better term). The defined validity is in terms of arrival at and departure from Marylebone. There is no validity defined for Euston, therefore they are not valid there.

Different story for standard tickets via High Wycombe - they are valid.

Chiltern's booking site agrees with the above for sample journeys next Saturday.

[royeee]

In September I plan to travel from Paddington to Totnes then next day continue from Totnes to Redruth then one week later return from Redruth to Paddington. What is the best ticket option in terms of going on specific trains?

[ticketcollector]

Correct - BUT the validity of the tickets (Just 15, now called super off peak or something like that) being discussed is on specified trains (perhaps defined trains would be a better term). The defined validity is in terms of arrival at and departure from Marylebone. There is no validity defined for Euston, therefore they are not valid there.

Different story for standard tickets via High Wycombe - they are valid.

Chiltern's booking site agrees with the above for sample journeys next Saturday.

Validity
Code PU
Super Off Peak

Outward Travel
Monday to Friday
By any train from London Terminals timed to depart from 1100 to 1559, and from 2000.

Saturdays and Bank Holidays
By any train from London Terminals timed to depart from 1100.

Sundays
By any train from London Terminals timed to depart from 1100.


Return Travel
Monday to Friday
By any train except those timed to arrive at London Terminals before 1345.

Saturdays and Bank Holidays
By any train except those timed to arrive at London Terminals before 1345.

Sundays
By any train except those timed to arrive at London Terminals before 1345.

[royeee]

In September I plan to travel from Paddington to Totnes then next day continue from Totnes to Redruth then one week later return from Redruth to Paddington. What is the best ticket option in terms of going on specific trains?

I am now planning to go to Camborne instead of Redruth. On a Standard Advance Single is it possible that if I buy a ticket from London to Camborne I can break the journey at Totnes and use the same ticket to continue to Camborne the next day?

[royeee]

Further to this, I don't think it will work because with this ticket you have to book to go on specific trains.

[susancs]

Just seen on Uk hot deals that mega train are offering seats form £1 on a route that starts on the 14th July from Birmingham, Manchester, Preston, Oxenholme, Carlisel, Glasgow and Edinburgh- just checked 14th july Birmingham to Edinburgh and coming back 16th and seats £1. (50p booking fee) www.megatrain.com (http://www.megatrain.com)

[kindalen]

looking to travel from birmingham airport to liverpool on saturday september 13th,landing at 7.35am, and have to be back in birmingham on sunday 14th september for a flight at 7.30pm,so want to be there for about 5pm.
any advice on how to get cheapest fare?
ta muchly.

[fcred]

Anyone know the best way of getting from london to manchester on 2nd august. The outgoing journey is ok( need to be in manchester by 1), but i need to leave manchester after 6 and the only train listed on trainline takes 4 hours 51 mins and involves a replacement bus. Is there a quicker route i could take that may also be cheaper?

The total cost of the journey i have found is £62

[dzug1]

Anyone know the best way of getting from london to manchester on 2nd august. The outgoing journey is ok( need to be in manchester by 1), but i need to leave manchester after 6 and the only train listed on trainline takes 4 hours 51 mins and involves a replacement bus. Is there a quicker route i could take that may also be cheaper?

The total cost of the journey i have found is £62

In a word, no. However:

There's a National Express coach at 1805. It's no quicker, but you don't have to change and you can do it for £5 at the moment.

Or you can fly - BA have mid-evening flights to both Heathrow and Gatwick for around £60

[sparkymark]

If you are travelling to/from London + south east - Cornwall this summer you might want to look into travelling on the Sleeper train, this allows you to travel overnight in berths from £59 Twin Advance single for 2 people (travel and berths) kids half price, if 3 or 4 in a group connecting door can be unlocked between cabins. Kids will find this a great way to start/end a holiday and avoid amusing them on a long journey.
The train has recently had a £2 million refurb. so should be comfy ! Lounge car for night caps /snacks etc. also a wake up call with tea/coffee etc.
If you are on very tight budget day coaches on this train are 1st class style reclining seats, usually Advance single tickets available from £15 (would not advise with children) As normal book as far ahead as possible for best prices, Friday nights being very popular for example.

[navyeyelash]

Hi everyone I am going to London with my BF on Sat the 19th of July and coming back on the 20th. We can need to be in London for no later than 1pm and can leave any time on Sunday after 12.

Mega bus is £36.50 (for both) which seems like so much to me but maybe this is becauseI am used to £1 seats! I heard somethign on the radio about a train deal between bath spa and London for a few pound but can not find the offer. Anyone have any helpful hints for cheaper tickets or should I just lump it!?

[dzug1]

Hi everyone I am going to London with my BF on Sat the 19th of July and coming back on the 20th. We can need to be in London for no later than 1pm and can leave any time on Sunday after 12.

Mega bus is £36.50 (for both) which seems like so much to me but maybe this is becauseI am used to £1 seats! I heard somethign on the radio about a train deal between bath spa and London for a few pound but can not find the offer. Anyone have any helpful hints for cheaper tickets or should I just lump it!?

You can do it by train very cheaply if you book far enough in advance - but you are a little near the date for the best prices.

Some possibles - no guarantee they will work:

put a via of Salisbury in the train journey planner - tickets this way can be cheaper and sell out slower. The journey is slower too....

Look at National Express as well as megabus, who are not always cheaper

[buxtonrabbitgreen]

I have just had an e mail and megatrains are doing a £2.50 return from/to Birmingham Glasgow

[gner_ex]

I am now planning to go to Camborne instead of Redruth. On a Standard Advance Single is it possible that if I buy a ticket from London to Camborne I can break the journey at Totnes and use the same ticket to continue to Camborne the next day?
You can certainly get a Paddington to Camborne OPEN RETURN which you can break anywhere, either direction.

With a SAVER RETURN, you can only break your journey on the return, OR in circumstances where you cannot complete your journey in one day. Are you going on a weekday?

If so, the last Paddington to Camborne service (excepting the sleeper) is 19:03 from Padd (arr Camborne 00:04). If you get the 19:45 from Paddington (to Plymouth) this arrives at Totnes 22:52 - you cannot reasonably complete your journey that day, so you are allowed to recommence your journey the following morning (journey must be complete by 12:00, if I recall correctly - or may be the clause is that journey must start by 12:00 - anyone help?).

[gner_ex]

Anyone know the best way of getting from london to manchester on 2nd august. The outgoing journey is ok( need to be in manchester by 1), but i need to leave manchester after 6 and the only train listed on trainline takes 4 hours 51 mins and involves a replacement bus. Is there a quicker route i could take that may also be cheaper?

The total cost of the journey i have found is £62
You can change trains at Birmingham International, as Virgin WC are running a special train to Euston via a different route. However, this may only be available to people who have proper tickets, not people on cheapie ones.

[gner_ex]

looking to travel from birmingham airport to liverpool on saturday september 13th,landing at 7.35am, and have to be back in birmingham on sunday 14th september for a flight at 7.30pm,so want to be there for about 5pm.
any advice on how to get cheapest fare?
ta muchly.
The problem with getting cheap train tickets to connect with flights is that if your flight is delayed, you have no comeback (except possibly against your travel insurance, or the airline itself).

A saver return (flexible ticket) is £32.10, and allows use on any train (theres a M-F peak time restriction), you can buy from any station, or any website.

[kindalen]

thanks again mate,how about london to manchester,mid afternoon, on fri july 25th?is there a type of railcard for couples,we are 30,we visit the uk about 5+ times a year so would make sense as we prefer to use trains.

[dzug1]

thanks again mate,how about london to manchester,mid afternoon, on fri july 25th?is there a type of railcard for couples,we are 30,we visit the uk about 5+ times a year so would make sense as we prefer to use trains.


There is no railcard for you that would help with Manchester trips. There is a network railcard - but only valid in London and the south east.

[misskool]

Hi

Hope someone can help. Am looking for London-cheltenham ticket, going 22 august evening, returning 26th am. I have a railcard but it expires 23 august.
And my annual gold card doesn't seem to kick in a discount. Any tricks on getting a cheaper ticket?

[dzug1]

Hi

Hope someone can help. Am looking for London-cheltenham ticket, going 22 august evening, returning 26th am. I have a railcard but it expires 23 august.
And my annual gold card doesn't seem to kick in a discount. Any tricks on getting a cheaper ticket?

Try National Express - it barely takes any longer and is a lot cheaper. Or Megabus even, though it takes a bit longer as it goes to Gloucester first

I assume you've tried cheap single fares and not found any?

[hulagirl79]

hi
I am traveling from cheshunt to london in august and really need a travel card but an off peak one is £21+.
Can anyone tell me if i can get it any cheaper.
Thanks

[Sam Bee]

I've missed the boat, foregone my own advice of booking when the price is right. So can anyone assist.

Friday 08 August.

London - Honiton
or
London - Tiverton

Leaving London between 14.30 - 18.00.

Can only find £55 single fares. Any ideas for cheaper / split journeys etc?

Many thanks!

[dzug1]

I've missed the boat, foregone my own advice of booking when the price is right. So can anyone assist.

Friday 08 August.

London - Honiton
or
London - Tiverton

Leaving London between 14.30 - 18.00.

Can only find £55 single fares. Any ideas for cheaper / split journeys etc?

Many thanks!

Cheap single on 1420 or 1820 from Waterloo (OK just ouside your times) £22

On 1620 £27

Walkup single £43.90.

From Paddington to Tiverton on 1506 - £25 single; on 1703 £29.50

Where the #### does £55 come from????

[Sam Bee]

Cheap single on 1420 or 1820 from Waterloo (OK just ouside your times) £22

On 1620 £27

Walkup single £43.90.

From Paddington to Tiverton on 1506 - £25 single; on 1703 £29.50

Where the #### does £55 come from????

Sorry - £55, I meant £58 (Saver Single).

I was using Qjump to check general fares (then use the train operators own website to book), and last night and this morning it appeared to flip out and only showed £55 tickets as cheapest. I see what you are showing now, they have resolved their issues, thanks for looking.

Still annoyed at myself for missing a £12 single that was there end of last week.

[wagsforever]

Does anyone know what day and time Virgin update the cheap tickets for the furthest possible weeks ahead?

If that makes sense. At the moment they have the advance for the 19th September available so i was wondering when they will put the next weeks lot up?

[Mike J]

Two queries:-

Me and wife going to Scraborough from Warrington on 18 Sep returning 20th. Tired direct prices and then also split tickets but direct (albeit 2 x singles) comign up best. Any other offers to get this jounrey below £56.

Also Virgin trains website indicating direct tickets from Warrington to Paris via Eurostar at £84. Seeming good value Ive tried to get prices etc but no matter what dates I put in I get "There are no trains running on either your outbound or inbound dates". Do they mean at that price or is the site simply messed up?

[dzug1]

Sorry - £55, I meant £58 (Saver Single).

I was using Qjump to check general fares (then use the train operators own website to book), and last night and this morning it appeared to flip out and only showed £55 tickets as cheapest. I see what you are showing now, they have resolved their issues, thanks for looking.

Still annoyed at myself for missing a £12 single that was there end of last week.

Ah that explains it.

But why bother with Qjump at all - the train companies will quite happily display and sell tickets for each other's trains at (with very few exceptions) the same prices. Cut a stage out of the process. The Waterloo fares I quoted came from Great Western's web site for example.

Pity about the £12....

[dzug1]

hi
I am traveling from cheshunt to london in august and really need a travel card but an off peak one is £21+.
Can anyone tell me if i can get it any cheaper.
Thanks

Where did you get £21 from?? I've just looked it up at £11.50 or £16 for a peak one.

You can get it cheaper still with a railcard - but have to shell out for that as well so only worth it if you are going to tavel a lot.

[Leopardlady]

Hi Guys,
My OH and i need to get to edinburgh on the 23rd Aug and returning on the 25th or 26th. Can anyone find us cheap tickets everything i have found is over £200!?
Thanks

[donnyboy]

Could someone advise me please on collecting tickets, I wish to book a train journey for Monday and I've found that raileasy are best, splitting my journey is about £10 cheaper, questions:

can I book 2 lots of tickets on the same basket, avoiding the £1 booking fee and can I pick the tickets up from a TOD station the day before travel instead of 20 mins before departure as advised on the website?

Thanks

[dzug1]

Could someone advise me please on collecting tickets, I wish to book a train journey for Monday and I've found that raileasy are best, splitting my journey is about £10 cheaper, questions:

can I book 2 lots of tickets on the same basket, avoiding the £1 booking fee and can I pick the tickets up from a TOD station the day before travel instead of 20 mins before departure as advised on the website?

Thanks

I really doubt if raileasy are any different to the other companies - better at finding the fare maybe but all will have it if you know how to ask them.

Other sites allow you to book multiple tickets before you actually pay for any of them (and allow you to delete one or more if you change your mind), so raileasy should be the same. It ought to save multiple booking fees - try it and see.

Not sure about picking them up the previous day - remember that a lot of booking offices are closed on Sundays though. However, having read their website I'd say probably yes to the previous day. (It says 'anytime before you travel') The 20 minutes is the LATEST time for (reliable) collection, not the standard time.

[gner_ex]

Sorry - £55, I meant £58 (Saver Single)
But a saver return is only £59..... and it is flexible with times in both directions. Do give this some thought before spending £29 each way for a fixed cheapie ticket.

[gner_ex]

Hi

Hope someone can help. Am looking for London-cheltenham ticket, going 22 august evening, returning 26th am. I have a railcard but it expires 23 august.
And my annual gold card doesn't seem to kick in a discount. Any tricks on getting a cheaper ticket?

Is your railcard a young persons (16-25) railcard? Can you renew it, or are you now too old?

Your gold card will offer a discount if you split at Didcot, i.e. do London to Didcot, and then Didcot to Cheltenham.

Where is your season ticket for? If a travelcard, what zones does it cover?

[donnyboy]

I really doubt if raileasy are any different to the other companies - better at finding the fare maybe but all will have it if you know how to ask them.

Other sites allow you to book multiple tickets before you actually pay for any of them (and allow you to delete one or more if you change your mind), so raileasy should be the same. It ought to save multiple booking fees - try it and see.

Not sure about picking them up the previous day - remember that a lot of booking offices are closed on Sundays though. However, having read their website I'd say probably yes to the previous day. (It says 'anytime before you travel') The 20 minutes is the LATEST time for (reliable) collection, not the standard time.

thanks for the info, I did book more than journey, 4 singles £1 booking fee plus 50p card fee. cheers

[gner_ex]

hi
I am traveling from cheshunt to london in august and really need a travel card but an off peak one is £21+.
Can anyone tell me if i can get it any cheaper.
Thanks
Will you be going to different places in London?

If you are going somewhere that is walking distance of Liverpool Street, a Cheshunt to Liverpool Street off-peak ticket (with morning and evening peak restrictions) is £7.10, and peak ticket £9.70.

I was also trying to see if there was also a fare to underground zone 1 (Zone U1, code # 0785) but there doesn't seem to be any on the West Anglia route for some reason.

[gner_ex]

Hi Guys,
My OH and i need to get to edinburgh on the 23rd Aug and returning on the 25th or 26th. Can anyone find us cheap tickets everything i have found is over £200!?
Thanks
Tell us where you're starting from, and we will help. Musselburgh to Edinburgh Waverley, for example, is £2.90, but I guess you're coming from further afield (Musselburgh is the first station out of Edinburgh on the east coast main line to Newcastle/York/Peterborough/London Kings Cross)

[spspyrou]

I've been using First Capial connect to book trains to brighton (http://www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk/Main.php?crs_code=BTN&sEvent=StationInfo) once a month for the last year.. have found them to be quite reliable and not too dear. If you need a train and time matters, it fair to say that you'll be ok with them in my experience.

[Leopardlady]

Tell us where you're starting from, and we will help. Musselburgh to Edinburgh Waverley, for example, is £2.90, but I guess you're coming from further afield (Musselburgh is the first station out of Edinburgh on the east coast main line to Newcastle/York/Peterborough/London Kings Cross)

oops sorry about that, how stupid do i look!:rolleyes:
we are travelling from Swindon, so yes a little further away, we usually go to London on great western then on from Kings cross.

Thanks

[dzug1]

Does anyone know what day and time Virgin update the cheap tickets for the furthest possible weeks ahead?

If that makes sense. At the moment they have the advance for the 19th September available so i was wondering when they will put the next weeks lot up?

The question makes sense but there is no sensible answer other than it varies.

[wagsforever]

The question makes sense but there is no sensible answer other than it varies.
Great :rolleyes:

I'll just look daily then

[shoe*gal]

Can anyone tell me the best way to get 2 adults and 2 children to London for a day trip on the 10th August? We are near Telford Central but would be able to travel from Wolverhampton or Birmingham as well. Last time I went to London by train I got a really cheap ticket but that was years back and I don't remember how we got them. The children are 5 if that makes a difference. Thanks.

[dzug1]

Can anyone tell me the best way to get 2 adults and 2 children to London for a day trip on the 10th August? We are near Telford Central but would be able to travel from Wolverhampton or Birmingham as well. Last time I went to London by train I got a really cheap ticket but that was years back and I don't remember how we got them. The children are 5 if that makes a difference. Thanks.

Try http://www.wrexhamandshropshire.co.uk/train-times.php who operate a direct service from Telford to London

Otherwise try Chiltern http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/start/commuter/ from Birmingham Snow Hill

Sunday is not the best day for rail travel unfortunately

[shoe*gal]

Thank you. I found tickets for £37.50 with Chiltern but we'd have to drive into Birmingham. Hopefully parking at Snow Hill won't be outrageous.

[gner_ex]

oops sorry about that, how stupid do i look!:rolleyes:
we are travelling from Swindon, so yes a little further away, we usually go to London on great western then on from Kings cross.

Thanks
For the through journey, there isn't anything that brilliant. A flexible ticket (saver return) is £141.50 (via london, inc the tube) or £128.30 (not London), so for two of you, a total of £257 not London.

The cheapest advance fare on your dates (based on a quick scan) appears to be £50.50 each way, so a total of £202. Are either of you eligible for 16-25 railcard, senior railcard, disabled railcard, etc?

Spiltting at Reading or Didcot is an option. Didcot to Edinburgh (route not London) is £106.90 saver return, or I can see an advance fare of £33.50 (leaving Didcot at 12:56 on Sat 23rd Aug), and an advance fare of £54.50 (leaving Edinburgh at 09:30 on Tue 26th). Swindon to Didcot is £14 for a saver return per person.

Best advice I can give is to have a play around at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk yourself. You could try Swindon to Birmingham, then Birmingham to Edinburgh, however I always caution against this - simply because if one train is late then you will miss your connecting train, and will then have to purchase a new ticket anyway.

Unless you're saving at least 50% of the cost of a saver return (in my view) it is best to just get that flexible ticket.

[gner_ex]

Thank you. I found tickets for £37.50 with Chiltern but we'd have to drive into Birmingham. Hopefully parking at Snow Hill won't be outrageous.
Telford to Birmingham is £7.50 cheap day return for one adult. Contrast this with the cost of fuel and parking. Perhaps start a seperate thread, asking for the cheapest place to park near Birmingham Snow Hill station?

A further option, is that the Chiltern trains also stop at Solihull and Dorridge. BE AWARE that if you have already purchased cheap tickets, you cannot start your journey 'short' (it seems silly, but this is the rule!).

[jenny_f]

Can anyone help me. I used to be fine with gner tickets but now it's all changed I just can't seem to handle the new website.

I'm wanting to go from Huddersfield to Stevenage leaving on Friday after 17:15 and returning Sunday anytime but not getting back *too* may be 11pm latest. Either the weekend of the 18th to 20th or the following weekend the 25th to 27th.

I do have a young persons railcard.

Any help appreciated. Thanks in advance

[dzug1]

Try someone else's website if you can't hack the new GNER one - Great Western for example show the cheap singles first.

You'll lose the GNER discount - but to get that you are going to have to work out their new site.

Maybe find the cheapest fares on GW then go look for the same thing on GNER.

[TCG]

I am going to Cornwall for a long weekend in October. I do not want to drive and having heard about cheap train journeys and splitting tickets etc I just tried it on thetrainline.com yet the cheapest is £71 return and singles works out the same??? I am booking way in advance so am surprised at the cost. Or is that reasonable?!

I'm not contemplating flying instead :rolleyes: probably works out the same only much quicker!

[KeithP]

I think you probably only need to get to the railway station five minutes (or so) before the train leaves. Don't try getting to the airport five minutes before your plane leaves.:D

Whereabouts in Cornwall?
It might help if you told us where you are travelling from.
Travelling weekdays or weekend? Peak or offpeak?

[moonrakerz]

Apologies if this has been posted before, have done a quick search and couldn't find anything.

If you are going to (through) London on SWT have a look at this page:-
http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/SWTrains/Ticketsandprices/Ticket+types/AdvancedFares.htm?Letter=0#navigation

There are fares on here that do not appear on the National Rail site. I have tried several "trips" on various dates from my local station to Waterloo.
Nat Rail gives: £18 ret std class. £50.40 ret 1st class
SWT gives. £18 ret std class. £34 ret 1st class.
Railcard discount are available on these tickets.

[dzug1]

I am going to Cornwall for a long weekend in October. I do not want to drive and having heard about cheap train journeys and splitting tickets etc I just tried it on thetrainline.com yet the cheapest is £71 return and singles works out the same??? I am booking way in advance so am surprised at the cost. Or is that reasonable?!

I'm not contemplating flying instead :rolleyes: probably works out the same only much quicker!


You are trying to book TOO early - only full fare tickets will be available until the cheap tickets are released. 12 weeks is the earliest, but usually later.

And do yourself a favour - don't use the trainline. Use a train company and avoid booking and CC fees.

[gner_ex]

Apologies if this has been posted before, have done a quick search and couldn't find anything.

If you are going to (through) London on SWT have a look at this page:-
http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/SWTrains/Ticketsandprices/Ticket+types/AdvancedFares.htm?Letter=0#navigation

There are fares on here that do not appear on the National Rail site.
Incorrect. What you probably mean is that they don't appear unless you choose the correct parameters (i.e. "cheapest" rather than "fastest" and perhaps adding "via Salisbury" etc).

TCG - what is your ultimate destination in Cornwall, and where are you heading from? London (if so what is your local station, and do you have a season ticket/travelcard)?

For flexible tickets, it is a quirk of the British Rail fares system that a "saver single" fare would be say £71, and a "saver return" fare £72. For a journey that may be 300 miles, I personally wouldn't (and don't) begrudge paying £72 at all.

[moonrakerz]

Incorrect. What you probably mean is that they don't appear unless you choose the correct parameters (i.e. "cheapest" rather than "fastest" and perhaps adding "via Salisbury" etc).



Sorry but you are incorrect ! I meant what I said. These fares do not appear on National Rail and they are only available from SWT.

All the SWT services (I would use) are routed direct via Salisbury as this is their route. The Nat Rail & FGW sites can route you via Salisbury, Westbury or even Bath, with up to 3 changes !

If you had bothered to look at the link I posted you would see that this is a SWT offer only and is not available from all their stations. I can get a first class ret to W'loo for £21.10 - which is a bargain in any one's language.
The same journey, on the same (SWT) trains, on the same dates, is priced at £33.30 on the Nat Rail site ! and that is using "cheapest route" parameter. I suppose I could get it from Trainline and pay even more if I wanted to.
(Railcard prices quoted)

[macmillen]

The special section just for discussing motoring and public transport. ... start, The Motoring and Public Transport Resource Bar.
The Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works (DPTRW) and the ... This will enable the Department to better plan for capacity and resource deployment.
__________________________________________________ ________
Mac
Debt Consolidation (http://www.mydebtconsolidation.name)

[byrnie125]

Hi I am new to the forum. I would be grateful if anyone has any information in relation to discounted rail tickets for 2, from Stoke-on-Trent to Huddersfield for this comimg Saturdy(26th July).

[mahoney9]

For those of you aren't aware, rail operator Cross Country is currently running its SUMMER SEAT SALE on their website www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/sale Via (http://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/sale Via) this link you can get large discounts on advanced purchased rail tickets and even get an extra 10% off by using the promotional code GIVEAWAY.

I've recently booked a Birmingham to Manchester return journey for only £14.40 which is approx 40% off normal price.

www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/sale (http://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/sale) :j

[jamesnardels]

There is flip side to cheap tickets: time spent scouring the web for the best deal. Get tips and advice for finding cheap flights, booking cheap tickets and traveling on low-cost or no frills airlines.LIMOHIRE (http://www.hilifelimos.co.uk)

[gner_ex]

Hi I am new to the forum. I would be grateful if anyone has any information in relation to discounted rail tickets for 2, from Stoke-on-Trent to Huddersfield for this comimg Saturdy(26th July).
Day return or period return?

Look up Huddersfield to Stoke on Trent, and compare with Huddersfield to Manchester and Stoke on Trent to Manchester. Also look at Huddersfield to Stockport, and Stockport to Stoke.

[FeeDon]

Look on Southern trains website - great internet offer. You can book a 'daysave' ticket which acts as a kind of day travelcard, but for the whole of the southern train area, which includes Portsmouth, Southampton, Gatwick, Bognor, Littlehampton. Costs £20 for 4 travellers (children over 5 and\or adults), has a time restriction, after 10.00am during the week, must be booked 7 days in advance and only on-line. You'll need to register, but its a fantastic bargain for the holidays - you could just ride the trains and take in the sights! Have added the links below........hope they work?!

http://www.southernrailway.com/buytickets/daysave
http://www.southernrailway.com/network

[rinso]

any ideas on cheap fares from Wakefield to Edinburgh?? goin 8th or 9th August, comin back on 11th... cheapest ive seen so far is £75...

[hongkong]

London to Salisbury standard advance single = £26.70

London to Tisbury (village 13 miles west of Salisbury, therefore a longer journey) standard advance single = £9

I'm going to try this from now on, instead of booking a ticket to a major station, try a smaller place a few stops down the line. It only seems to work with advance purchase tickets, but then I presume that everyone on this forum gets their lovely cheap tickets in advance anyway!

[hongkong]

Any advice on a cheap overnight return London - Harrogate? Go up Friday or Saturday, come back Sunday or Monday.

Ta

[hongkong]

I've come to realise that the Natiaonl Rail website does not give the cheapest fares and I now only use it to find out which train company runs the route that I want to use, then go to the train company's website to buy the ticket, it always seems to work out cheaper.

[hongkong]

I've missed the boat, foregone my own advice of booking when the price is right. So can anyone assist.

Friday 08 August.

London - Honiton
or
London - Tiverton

Leaving London between 14.30 - 18.00.

Can only find £55 single fares. Any ideas for cheaper / split journeys etc?

Many thanks!
Try southwesttrains.co.uk London to Pinhoe (three stops past Honiton) leaving at 16:20 = £27 single. Or go First Class on the same train for £39.60! But be aware of the possibilty that if there's a ticket inspector at Honiton s/he may not like you getting off the train early. If so, you could always stay on the train to Pinhoe and get a £4 ticket back to Honiton! Or Megatrain to Exeter for £15 and then get the train back to Honiton, that's a long day tho!

[dzug1]

London to Salisbury standard advance single = £26.70

London to Tisbury (village 13 miles west of Salisbury, therefore a longer journey) standard advance single = £9

I'm going to try this from now on, instead of booking a ticket to a major station, try a smaller place a few stops down the line. It only seems to work with advance purchase tickets, but then I presume that everyone on this forum gets their lovely cheap tickets in advance anyway!

Bear in mind that you are breaking the T&C of the ticket and could be in trouble if you get caught. As theere are no ticket checks at Salisbury you'd probably get away with it, mpst of the time

[dzug1]

Try southwesttrains.co.uk London to Pinhoe (three stops past Honiton) leaving at 16:20 = £27 single. Or go First Class on the same train for £39.60! But be aware of the possibilty that if there's a ticket inspector at Honiton s/he may not like you getting off the train early. If so, you could always stay on the train to Pinhoe and get a £4 ticket back to Honiton! Or Megatrain to Exeter for £15 and then get the train back to Honiton, that's a long day tho!

You could get off the megatrain at Honiton, come to that, if you are willing to break the T&C for the journey and risk the consequences.

[mahoney9]

Hi all,

I was amazed to see the great price that I've just booked for return a ticket from Edinburgh to Leeds for my son via Cross Country Trains.

He is travelling during peak hours in August and on their website, if you look in their "Summer Seat Sale" link, enter promotional code GIVEAWAY and it unlocks a further 10% off already reduced advanced tickets.

This really is a great deal and I got him a return for under £13.50 which really did please me.

So just so other members are aware visit www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/sale (http://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/sale) and enter the promotional code GIVEAWAY.

Please drop me a note if you have any problems but the website was easy enough to understand and navigate.:T

[kathrynt]

any ideas on cheap fares from Wakefield to Edinburgh?? goin 8th or 9th August, comin back on 11th... cheapest ive seen so far is £75...
£53 if you get two singles 8.47am leaving on the friday,15.05 on the monday

[mr_maniac]

Hey.. I think I posted back here some time ago, now I've returned with a new query!!

I've got myself a 16-25 Railcard, which is handy, but I am currently unable to find a way of getting from Eastleigh to York (or Southampton Central/Airport to York), on Friday 3rd October, for less than £65.65.

I challenge you to find me a cheaper deal - the cheaper the better! Please note that I will have to travel peak-time out of necessity :mad: , so anything that involves me arriving in York after about 11:30 isn't much help unfortunately!

Good luck, and thanks for any help I receive!!

mr_m

[dzug1]

Hey.. I think I posted back here some time ago, now I've returned with a new query!!

I've got myself a 16-25 Railcard, which is handy, but I am currently unable to find a way of getting from Eastleigh to York (or Southampton Central/Airport to York), on Friday 3rd October, for less than £65.65.

I challenge you to find me a cheaper deal - the cheaper the better! Please note that I will have to travel peak-time out of necessity :mad: , so anything that involves me arriving in York after about 11:30 isn't much help unfortunately!

Good luck, and thanks for any help I receive!!

mr_m

You will stand a chance of getting a cheaper deal if you wait for the cheap tickets to be released. The fare you've found can be bought on the day so you are not going to lose out. NXEC are not yet booking into October as far as I can make out.

[mr_maniac]

Hi dzug, thanks for the quick reply :-)

I made my search on the National Rail site, and have just tried changing my route so that it goes via Birmingham New Street (CrossCountry run direct trains between Southampton and York several times a day), the journey time is longer, but the price is about £5 cheaper... not much of a saving tho!

I've also tried the National Express East Coast site and I was still able to book tickets at this stage (I believe there are less than 12 weeks to go so Advance tickets were available, though not at the times when I need to travel!), but not for a cheaper price....

Any idea when (i.e within how many weeks) cheaper tickets will be released? As you say, the fare I got can be bought on the day, in which case it makes booking in advance a bit pointless, unless a worthwhile saving can be found!

Thanks again for your help, and if anyone else is out there who can give me a hand, it would be greatly appreciated :D

mr_m

[dzug1]

Hi dzug, thanks for the quick reply :-)

I made my search on the National Rail site, and have just tried changing my route so that it goes via Birmingham New Street (CrossCountry run direct trains between Southampton and York several times a day), the journey time is longer, but the price is about £5 cheaper... not much of a saving tho!

I've also tried the National Express East Coast site and I was still able to book tickets at this stage (I believe there are less than 12 weeks to go so Advance tickets were available, though not at the times when I need to travel!), but not for a cheaper price....

Any idea when (i.e within how many weeks) cheaper tickets will be released? As you say, the fare I got can be bought on the day, in which case it makes booking in advance a bit pointless, unless a worthwhile saving can be found!

Thanks again for your help, and if anyone else is out there who can give me a hand, it would be greatly appreciated :D

mr_m

Forget the 12 weeks - it's an urban myth. Yes you can book - but at full fare. 8 weeks is far more realistic and even that is not always met

According to ATOC info as at 24 July Cross Country have released weekday cheap fares up to 10 October and NXEC to 26 September - so for the latter a guess would be 1-2 weeks time.

For Cross Country split ticketing in Birmingham may help.

Given your peak hour need cheap tickets may be hard to come by.

[jozy]

Newbie here, so please be patient. I have looked through the forum but nothing is jumping out as what I want to know.

Don't know :confused: where to start looking for the cheapest deals for probably just 1 person. Although the date is open, I will need to return within one week of going, (have never been to Southampton and am hoping to visit some cousins there). Also cheap fares for Boston to Leeds Yorks.(&back), but this would be 3 or 4 times per year.

I don't mind the looking if someone can point me in the right direction as i only seem to find normal priced fares.
Boston to Southampton £59.90
Boston to Leeds £37.20
seems to be the best price i can find I just keep going round in circles and pc is freezing on the searches.

Thanks in advance for any advice given

[dzug1]

Newbie here, so please be patient. I have looked through the forum but nothing is jumping out as what I want to know.

Don't know :confused: where to start looking for the cheapest deals for probably just 1 person. Although the date is open, I will need to return within one week of going, (have never been to Southampton and am hoping to visit some cousins there). Also cheap fares for Boston to Leeds Yorks.(&back), but this would be 3 or 4 times per year.

I don't mind the looking if someone can point me in the right direction as i only seem to find normal priced fares.
Boston to Southampton £59.90
Boston to Leeds £37.20
seems to be the best price i can find I just keep going round in circles and pc is freezing on the searches.

Thanks in advance for any advice given

If the return date is open you will only get normal priced fares.

To get cheap fares you buy advance purchase singles in each direction. Eg Boston to leeds £10 each way

[sherryf]

Hey.. I think I posted back here some time ago, now I've returned with a new query!!

I've got myself a 16-25 Railcard, which is handy, but I am currently unable to find a way of getting from Eastleigh to York (or Southampton Central/Airport to York), on Friday 3rd October, for less than £65.65.

I challenge you to find me a cheaper deal - the cheaper the better! Please note that I will have to travel peak-time out of necessity :mad: , so anything that involves me arriving in York after about 11:30 isn't much help unfortunately!

Good luck, and thanks for any help I receive!!

mr_m

hi!
don't know if i'm doing something wrong but according to nationalrail.co.uk and trainline.com with a 16-25 railcard, there's a ticket leaving southampton central @ 05.15, to york, arriving 10.41 (changing at B'ham new street) for £22.45 (standard advance single). Hope this helps!

[sophlowe45]

I want to go from London to Coventry on Sat 16th August, coming back on 17th August.

I'm confused over the just 15 ticket from chiltern, some posts on here saying it can be used on connecting trains if they go to high wycombe?

so can i get the train from marylebone to paddington and then from paddington to coventry using this ticket?

otherwise, if anyone knows how to get the cheapest tickets, the saver options are not available on the earliest days on the saturday with virgin trains from euston as far as i can see. thanks.

[chrisann]

:T London to Salisbury standard advance single = £26.70

London to Tisbury (village 13 miles west of Salisbury, therefore a longer journey) standard advance single = £9

I'm going to try this from now on, instead of booking a ticket to a major station, try a smaller place a few stops down the line. It only seems to work with advance purchase tickets, but then I presume that everyone on this forum gets their lovely cheap tickets in advance anyway!

Thank goodness I read this forum! Was going to pay £77 for a return ticket Bournemouth to London travelling on Thur 31 July. Instead I've found out that by travelling between Christchurch (2 miles from my house) and London I can buy two 'Advance Singles' for a total of £33!! And the parking is cheaper at Christchurch too.

[chrisann]

You also get free seat reservations on Advance tickets.

Word of warning though. Just went to the station to buy Advance tickets and it was closed. So had to go to another station. Found out that South West Trains are closing lots of ticket offices so, regardless of what the national rail website says, the office may not be open.

[newcastlebelle]

have been trying to get on the raileasy site, but not been able to.

will be travelling ely to gateshead metro station on 18th aug, return 20th or 21st [ whichever is cheapest]

this ticket splitting, is it legal?
think my journey will involve at least 3 trains either way and what happens if a train is delayed or cancelled?

any suggestions as how to a a reduced priced ticket please

[KeithP]

any suggestions as how to a a reduced priced ticket please
Why not look at the top of this page?
See where it says...
http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/FM_StartHere.gif The Motoring and Public Transport Resource Bar (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel)
Just below it is Best Buy Articles:Cheap Train Tickets (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-train-tickets)

Hope this helps.

[vikashjasani]

hi all, sorry for my first post to be a question

but just wondering if any one got any advice for train tickets from london - windermere

cheapest ive found is £52 (with young persons railcard) wondering if anyone thinks they have seen it cheaper

£52 seems like a fair enough price tho (is for bank holiday weekend)

thanks for anyones advice

[jenny_f]

Just wondered whats the best way to split tickets from Nottingham to Stevenage to get the cheapest deal.
Or....which trains companies run this line?

TIA

[dzug1]

Just wondered whats the best way to split tickets from Nottingham to Stevenage to get the cheapest deal.
Or....which trains companies run this line?

TIA

You shouldn't need to split tickets - cheap singles should do it.

East Midlands trains run to Grantham and National Express East Coast from there to Stevenage.

Alternatively East Midlands (or Megatrain) to London and local train out again.

The megatrain option may be cheapest but has a limited choice of times

There are only two possible splits anyway - Grantham and Peterborough - or London if you go via London

[dzug1]

have been trying to get on the raileasy site, but not been able to.

will be travelling ely to gateshead metro station on 18th aug, return 20th or 21st [ whichever is cheapest]

this ticket splitting, is it legal?
think my journey will involve at least 3 trains either way and what happens if a train is delayed or cancelled?

any suggestions as how to a a reduced priced ticket please

Well forget raileasy - they charge fees

http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/ should be better

Ticket splitting is legal providing the train stops at the station where you split. If a train is delayed you may be stuffed - if you miss the train you have booked on with a separate ticket you have to buy another, full fare ticket. They may take pity on you, but don't bank on it.

If a train is cancelled then you should be allowed on the next train

[dzug1]

A further thought (on Nottingham - Stevenage) - get an East Midlands advance ticket to Luton (town, not airport) and get the Arriva bus from there. It runs every 20 minutes in the day, but the evening service is pathetic

[Alun]

Hi,
I seem to be having a problem getting a cheap return portion for a trip to Stratford and I can't understand why?

Outward
Monday 8th September
Chesterfield - Stratford upon Avon = £10.80 with the 10% discount from Cross Country Trains]

Friday 12th September
Stratford - Chesterfield = £24.00

I cannot find any of the £10.80 tickets back anywhere?

Can anyone give me any clues why - have I missed them all - will they appear later - or is there a travel option I am missing?

Any help you can give me would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Alun

[dzug1]

Hi,
I seem to be having a problem getting a cheap return portion for a trip to Stratford and I can't understand why?

Outward
Monday 8th September
Chesterfield - Stratford upon Avon = £10.80 with the 10% discount from Cross Country Trains]

Friday 12th September
Stratford - Chesterfield = £24.00

I cannot find any of the £10.80 tickets back anywhere?

Can anyone give me any clues why - have I missed them all - will they appear later - or is there a travel option I am missing?

Any help you can give me would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Alun

Looks distinctly odd - I can't find any cheap fares in that direction on any of quite a number of dates I've tried. They OUGHT to be there - so maybe there has been an error in loading them.

Best bet is to buy from Birmingham New Street to Chesterfield (which is readily available) and get a local ticket on the day to get to Brum.

[EagerLearner]

Hi all,

I am having trouble booking a single trip on raileasy - I just want Brighton to London, including zones 1-3 travelcard? But each time I try 'London inc travelcard' or any of the variants, it says there is nothing available...

Also, it seems to allow you to only book 1 trip at a time, with no shopping basket - charging a booking fee per trip - am I doing something wrong?

[dzug1]

Hi all,

I am having trouble booking a single trip on raileasy - I just want Brighton to London, including zones 1-3 travelcard? But each time I try 'London inc travelcard' or any of the variants, it says there is nothing available...

Also, it seems to allow you to only book 1 trip at a time, with no shopping basket - charging a booking fee per trip - am I doing something wrong?

Using Raileasy for a start - apart from the trainline no other site charges a booking fee.

What you are trying to book doesn't exist - not as one ticket anyway. You can get a day return combined with a zone 1-6 travelcard - online I think a maximum of one month in advance. (That could be the problem)

Or you can buy a single ticket and buy a separate travelcard (if you are travelling off-peak zones 1-4 is what you would need - zones 1-3 is peak only and more expensive).

Why do you want to book ahead anyway? Easier and the same price to do it on the day.

[newcastlebelle]

many thanks dzug1

[Felicity101]

Hi Everyone,

Have spent several days trying to get a reasonable train fare from Bangor (North Wales) to Newcastle upon Tyne. Going this Saturday, coming back Sunday. I started looking about a month ago but all the cheap fares had gone. It looks like it's going to be £90.

If anyone has any suggestions, I'd be so grateful!! Thank you>>>

[dzug1]

If you are the right age (16-25 or 60+) a railcard would more than pay for its cost on a £90 ticket

Otherwise you could try split ticketing at any or all of Chester, Manchester, Leeds, York (to name the most likely places). I don't guarantee that it will work and at this time of night I've no intention of finding out, sorry.....

[EagerLearner]

Using Raileasy for a start - apart from the trainline no other site charges a booking fee.

What you are trying to book doesn't exist - not as one ticket anyway. You can get a day return combined with a zone 1-6 travelcard - online I think a maximum of one month in advance. (That could be the problem)

Or you can buy a single ticket and buy a separate travelcard (if you are travelling off-peak zones 1-4 is what you would need - zones 1-3 is peak only and more expensive).

Why do you want to book ahead anyway? Easier and the same price to do it on the day.

Hi dzug and thanks for your answer - it showed on the menu that I could buy a single ticket to London including all zones travelcard, but I guess I am trying to book it too close to the 9th August.

As that wasn't possible, I booked the single for £5.13 all including fees. I just wanted to get a ticket up to London (single) with a travel card for the day... I couldn't see any option to get the travel card on it's own either so gave up.

I think £5.13 is pretty good all in, then I just need to get the travel card on the day at the station I guess (just would have preferred it to all turn up in one envelope).

I then annoyingly had to book my Sunday leg travel down separately, as the site doesn't allow you to but 2 tickets at once, only one at a time it seems (no shopping basket). So Sunday was £5.13 as well inc booking fee - peeved as I could have booked both legs for £5.13 + £3... still cheap rail travel though :T

[kgall]

Morning all,

I am looking to travel to Thornaby from Birmingham on Monday (4th) and return on Tuesday (5th). The best deal I have found so far is a £9.25 single from B'ham to York and a £4.60 single from York to Thornaby. This is the same in reverse for the return, resulting in a total price of £27.70 (including a 16-25 railcard discount).

If I bought this of the National Express East Coast website I would also get a 10% discount. Can anybody beat this or suggest a better way? (my times are flexable as long as I arrive by 1400).

Cheers,
K

[mahoney9]

Just to let people know that I've also come across another promotional code for the CrossCountry Seat Sale.

If you visit their website via link www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/sale (http://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/sale) and enter the promotional code ONLINE, I've seen that there are further savings.

Hope that helps.

[MR G]

Afternoon

I am toying with the idea of leaving the car at home & travelling to work by train. The big downside is the cost £175.20 per month between Croydon & Crawley.

Has anyone got any codes for discount codes for rail travel or any sites / tips for reduced travel costs ?

[David Perks]

Morning all,

I am looking to travel to Thornaby from Birmingham on Monday (4th) and return on Tuesday (5th). The best deal I have found so far is a £9.25 single from B'ham to York and a £4.60 single from York to Thornaby. This is the same in reverse for the return, resulting in a total price of £27.70 (including a 16-25 railcard discount).

If I bought this of the National Express East Coast website I would also get a 10% discount. Can anybody beat this or suggest a better way? (my times are flexable as long as I arrive by 1400).

Cheers,
K

With the NXEC site, you can have either the railcard discount, or the 10% discount. Shame the 10% discount only applies to NXEC journeys, so in your case, you wouldn't be able to have that as well.

[dezzi_83]

Hey everyone.... I want to travel from Holyhead to staffordshire, whats the best way to get a cheap ticket? :)

[David Perks]

I'm assuming it's Stafford you want to arrive at, so here goes ....

Holyhead - Stafford Cheap Day Return £34.60 or Saver Return £45.60
---------------------------------------
Holyhead - Chester CDR £21.30 SVR £26.60
Chester - Stafford CDR £11.90 SVR £16.50
---------------------------------------
Holyhead - Crewe CDR £25 SVR £33.10
Crewe - Stafford Standard Day Return £9

[charleypink]

hi everyone,
i live in ramsgate kent and am planning to take the family on holiday next easter to looe in cornwall.
i remember someone telling me to book the train tickets in advance over the phone, but i can't for the life of me remember who i need to phone.
i would really appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction!
i have a family rail card, and being a nursing student i really need to get the cost down to as low as possible.
any help would be wonderful.
kind regards, charley:p

[dzug1]

hi everyone,
i live in ramsgate kent and am planning to take the family on holiday next easter to looe in cornwall.
i remember someone telling me to book the train tickets in advance over the phone, but i can't for the life of me remember who i need to phone.
i would really appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction!
i have a family rail card, and being a nursing student i really need to get the cost down to as low as possible.
any help would be wonderful.
kind regards, charley:p

I'd book on this site: http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/

But you are at least 6 months too early to book - the cheaper fares are released a maximum of 12 weeks prior to travel and often a lot less than that

[charleypink]

thank you dzug1,
i'll hold my horses for a while and try after christmas, (bit excited to actually be going away).
kind regards, charley

[dzug1]

Hi dzug and thanks for your answer - it showed on the menu that I could buy a single ticket to London including all zones travelcard, but I guess I am trying to book it too close to the 9th August.

As that wasn't possible, I booked the single for £5.13 all including fees. I just wanted to get a ticket up to London (single) with a travel card for the day... I couldn't see any option to get the travel card on it's own either so gave up.

I think £5.13 is pretty good all in, then I just need to get the travel card on the day at the station I guess (just would have preferred it to all turn up in one envelope).

I then annoyingly had to book my Sunday leg travel down separately, as the site doesn't allow you to but 2 tickets at once, only one at a time it seems (no shopping basket). So Sunday was £5.13 as well inc booking fee - peeved as I could have booked both legs for £5.13 + £3... still cheap rail travel though :T
You can get these tickets on the National Express East Coast website without paying a fee - though they only show up (for me) by clicking through from National Rail enquiries, not on a direct query.

The Southern website shows them as station purchase only - may be easier?

[Luke90]

Hello.

I'm looking to travel from Birmingham to Liverpool on August 10th, a return ticket. What would be the cheapest way to go about this?

Thanks.

[Titch89]

Luke - it might be cheaper to buy two singles?

[Luke90]

Luke - it might be cheaper to buy two singles?

Thanks.

What are the best websites to go on? Virgin Trains?

[Titch89]

I usually buy my tickets off Virgin.

[dzug1]

Thanks.

What are the best websites to go on? Virgin Trains?

They are as good as any - but all charge the same price and have the same tickets. Avoid the trainline and raileasy as they charge fees.

Sometimes there is a discount for booking on the web site of the company that operates the trains - in this case it's mainly London Midland and I don't think they do.

[David Perks]

Hello.

I'm looking to travel from Birmingham to Liverpool on August 10th, a return ticket. What would be the cheapest way to go about this?

Thanks.

Once again, here's a few fares for you to consider ....

Birmingham - Liverpool Saver Return £28.90 Valid on all trains seeing it's a Sunday

Cheap singles .... There is singles available for £9 on the 0903 and 1103 from Birmingham, with other departures being £12 each

From Liverpool, the only departures that have cheap singles left are the 2015 at £11, and the 2057 and 2147 at £9. Beware though, as the 2147 is a bus from Crewe to Birmingham.

If you want any of these tickets, it's best to buy now.

[theome2001]

Depart at 9.30 , return about 6pm .Can anyone point me to the cheapest ticket/s.many thnaks for any replies

[dzug1]

A saver return is £45.80 - buy on the day

Cheap advance purchase singles from Sheffield are £17.50 each way with the odd one at £12. If you can get to Sheffield cheaply then get these

[David Perks]

Edale - Sheffield £6.40, and the train leaves bang on 0930. Miss that and you have a 2 hour wait for the next train to Sheffield.

If you get the 1025 from Sheffield to Doncaster (and book through the NXEC site, there is an NXEC ticket for £10.70 (inc the NXEC 10% discount), otherwise it's 17.50 for the 1021 from Sheffield.

On the return, the 1822 from Durham is another NXEC service, but is £17.80, where as the 1752, 1836 and 1852 departures from Durham are Cross Country services with tickets available for £17.50

The 1752 or 1836 departures would be best, as they get you to Sheffield in time for the 2034 train back to Edale.

If you want these tickets, then hurry, but I recommend you choose to collect the tickets from a fast ticket machine at Sheffield. You will have 20 mins at Sheffield after arriving from Edale before having to catch the 1025.)

[mr_maniac]

Forget the 12 weeks - it's an urban myth. Yes you can book - but at full fare. 8 weeks is far more realistic and even that is not always met

According to ATOC info as at 24 July Cross Country have released weekday cheap fares up to 10 October and NXEC to 26 September - so for the latter a guess would be 1-2 weeks time.

For Cross Country split ticketing in Birmingham may help.

Given your peak hour need cheap tickets may be hard to come by.

Hey dzug1 (and sherryf - thanks for your tip too!!)

I did what you suggested and waited a bit, and today NXEC have released Advance fares up to the 3rd.... my return trip will now cost me £31.70 and that's without trying anything fiddly like split ticketing :D

I'm chuffed!! Thanks so much for the advice :j :T

mr_m

[sadiejp]

My daughter is 16 but looks young would it be possible to buy a child ticket and get away with this or am i just being tight lol

Rgerads

[dzug1]

My daughter is 16 but looks young would it be possible to buy a child ticket and get away with this or am i just being tight lol

Rgerads

It would be possible some of the time but eventually some ticket inspector won't believe it which means big trouble.

[chris99mac]

Anyone get better than £73.20 for London to Oxenhome after 12 lunch on 17th August?

[dzug1]

No

As far as I can make out cheap tickets haven't been released for that Sunday nor subsequent Sundays. They do tend to be released at the last minute for weekends at the moment due to engineering work.

There are lots this Sunday for £33 - so you may as well wait and see. The fare you've found is a walk on fare so you are going to lose nothing by waiting

[MR G]

Does anyone know of any Schemes or codes for discounted travel on Southern Railways or FCC ?

Any assistance would be appreciated.

[dzug1]

Does anyone know of any Schemes or codes for discounted travel on Southern Railways or FCC ?

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Look at their websites - both have details of special offers eg Southern daysave

[pompeyrich]

Does anyone know of any Schemes or codes for discounted travel on Southern Railways or FCC ?

Any assistance would be appreciated.

With a bit of planning Southern have singles fares from £3 to from Victoria to Brighton and along the S. Coast, to Portsmouth, this can be reduced to £2 with the appropriate railcard. YP, Family but not a Network card. You have to book the day before travel and travel on the train you book but got to be a bargain. Showing pretty good availability all day tomorrow although some fares are now £5/£3:30 so book a few days ahead if possible.

[gner_ex]

Any advice on a cheap overnight return London - Harrogate? Go up Friday or Saturday, come back Sunday or Monday.

Ta
Do you have a travelcard? What about a network card?

[gner_ex]

Using Raileasy for a start - apart from the trainline no other site charges a booking fee.

What you are trying to book doesn't exist - not as one ticket anyway. You can get a day return combined with a zone 1-6 travelcard - online I think a maximum of one month in advance. (That could be the problem)

Or you can buy a single ticket and buy a separate travelcard (if you are travelling off-peak zones 1-4 is what you would need - zones 1-3 is peak only and more expensive).

Why do you want to book ahead anyway? Easier and the same price to do it on the day.
Or do it on the National Express East Coast website http://www.gner.co.uk and do from BRIGHTON to ZONE R1256.

[gner_ex]

It would be possible some of the time but eventually some ticket inspector won't believe it which means big trouble.
Unless you had already purchased a family railcard when she was still 15.

[gner_ex]

Afternoon

I am toying with the idea of leaving the car at home & travelling to work by train. The big downside is the cost £175.20 per month between Croydon & Crawley.

Has anyone got any codes for discount codes for rail travel or any sites / tips for reduced travel costs ?
Try it for a week, and see how you find it. Remember when you're on the train you're not concentrating, so imagine the time saved - read the paper/a book, look at cute women on the train, do some work. Also, if you're able to walk to/from the station at each end then think of the exercise benefits.

[newcastlebelle]

what a con the national express website is!
tried to book a journey from Ely to Newcastle.........got the journey sorted, went to pay........but I cant collect the tickets from where I want to travel.......got to go to another station for that, or pay £5 for them to send them to you!

why have a fully manned station with 2 cashiers and fully working self serve machines then!!!!

[dzug1]

what a con the national express website is!
tried to book a journey from Ely to Newcastle.........got the journey sorted, went to pay........but I cant collect the tickets from where I want to travel.......got to go to another station for that, or pay £5 for them to send them to you!

why have a fully manned station with 2 cashiers and fully working self serve machines then!!!!

They'll post them for nothing surely??

[newcastlebelle]

nope.......phoned them to double check and it'll cost £5 to send them to me.
wouldnt mind if we lived in the sticks, but it's a city with major lines changing and crisscrossing here!

[dzug1]

nope.......phoned them to double check and it'll cost £5 to send them to me.
wouldnt mind if we lived in the sticks, but it's a city with major lines changing and crisscrossing here!

Delivery by first class post is free - it's only next day delivery that costs £5.

Alternative is just to go to your nearest staffed station and buy the tickets there - forget the web.

[newcastlebelle]

well, was told on the phone it would be £5.....went to the station today and bought the tickets, but they cost £76 instead of £67.20 quoted on website....[ website was supposed to give 10% discount......someone cant do maths!]..........cashier at station told me I could book thro website, but would have to pay £5 to have them delivered to me or do a 40 mile round trip to a station that issues the cheaper tickets!