Rail Travel: Tips on Cheap Tickets

[dzug1]

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!

Well you may have been told that but I've just done a dummy booking on the website and the first option it gives me is free first class post.

[MG87]

Hi, i'm utterly useless when it comes to organising train journeys, but was wondering if anyone could come up with a cheap trip for a

return Halifax - London for August 16th, returning August 18th.

Am open to 'split ticketing' and generally cheating my way to an affordable trip :rolleyes:

[mahoney9]

In reply to some of the earlier posts, CrossCountry Trains are still running their Summer Seat Sale campaign on their website.

I've been speaking with people in other rail forums and they're also receiving some excellent cheap deals.

For those of you who arent aware, the URL you need to visit is www.crosscountytrains.co.uk/sale (http://www.crosscountytrains.co.uk/sale) and the promo code that's worked for us to get further 10% discount is GIVEAWAY.

[mahoney9]

You may be able to jump on an NXEC train or perhaps think about using Cross Country service to Reading then changing there...

[mr_maniac]

Hey again,

I've got another "save me money" query for you guys, after your excellent help and advice with planning my trip from here (near Southampton) to York in October, which, as i mentioned in a post a while ago, I managed to book for just over £30 through NXEC using their Advance singles, which was a great saving (seriously) on the standard fare considering the round trip is over 8hrs, almost all of it on the trains! :)

So yeah, I've got another one - I'm going to Exeter on Sat 20th September for the day, leaving from Eastleigh (or Southampton Central, whichever as I have a season ticket between the two places - I'm vaguely aware there are several different ways to get to Exeter from here so it may be worth looking into them!) early in the morning (I need to be in Exeter for about 10:30/11am, leaving Exeter around 4-5pm)...

I don't know where to start with finding the best option, since a quick search on National Rail indicated one could change at Basingstoke for the SWT service to Exeter and beyond, or change at Reading for the FGW train from Paddington, or even change at Romsey and then Salisbury for the SWT one again - infact you could, if you wanted, go down to Weymouth and then change somewhere near Honiton (I think it's there anyway? Could be Yeovil Junction, I didn't check this one as it's a longer trek)...

With all these options, I need to find a solution that won't see me having to leave too early on Saturday to get there for 10:30ish (leaving after 7am would be great if possible!!), yet will see me not paying too much when there's another solution which would save me a packet.... I shall leave this in your hands!!

I have a Young Persons Railcard, and the best I've found so far price-wise is somewhere around £20-25 for a Cheap Day Return which you can presumably get on the day anyway....

So quickly to summarise my slightly waffling post:
Eastleigh/Southampton Central (whichever's faster/cheaper) to Exeter St Davids
Saturday 20th September 2008
Depart after 6am, arrive by 11am latest at Exeter
Depart Exeter after 4pm, arrive back by 9/10pm, if not earlier
Have a Young Persons Railcard

Good luck, and thanks once again for your help and in anticipation of your reply(s)!!

mr_m

[rivers84]

hi guys this site is brilliant and the posts are very usefull but me im not very technical minded when it comes to my travel so was wondering if someone could help.

i travel from brighton every morning at 7:16 on the victoria line to victoria and then i get an underground train to euston

i do the return the same journey but in reverse

this costs me monthly £368 a month!
the ticet i have is called a travel ticket and i have the ability to travel in all zones (I dont need this ability as never travel anywhere else)

i enquired about a year travel ticket and the total is £3880 which is a saving of £536 of the £4416 i would be paying if i carried on getting monthly travelcards. thus turning my monthly payment to £323 with a monthly saving of £45

is there any other way of increasing my savings that anyone can help me with

[MUNCHKIN89]

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!

Because railway prices get rounded to nearest 10p, the NXEC website actually offers an 11% discount to ensure it always gives at least a 10% discount as advertised (so that explains the Maths)

Unlike Tranline it offers free first class post and free TOD collection from self service machines. Unfortunately Ely station's machines don't accept TOD so the service can't be offered there. As you say you can choose to colect them at any station that does. NXEC won't offer First Class post as a delivery mechanism within 5 days of departure because of risk of tickets not turning up on time. But in this case the 10% discount more than makes up for the cost and still makes it the cheapest place to buy the tickets you want.

[kathrynt]

is there any discounts about for money off buying a family railcard

[dzug1]

hi guys this site is brilliant and the posts are very usefull but me im not very technical minded when it comes to my travel so was wondering if someone could help.

i travel from brighton every morning at 7:16 on the victoria line to victoria and then i get an underground train to euston

i do the return the same journey but in reverse

this costs me monthly £368 a month!
the ticet i have is called a travel ticket and i have the ability to travel in all zones (I dont need this ability as never travel anywhere else)

i enquired about a year travel ticket and the total is £3880 which is a saving of £536 of the £4416 i would be paying if i carried on getting monthly travelcards. thus turning my monthly payment to £323 with a monthly saving of £45

is there any other way of increasing my savings that anyone can help me with

You could check whether buying a season ticket just to Victoria and then using Oyster PAYG to Euston would be cheaper.

You could also check whether getting a season on FCC to St Pancras, then walking, would be any better.

[dzug1]

is there any discounts about for money off buying a family railcard

There was a Daily Mail offer - but unfortunately it ran out a few weeks ago. Don't know of anything current.

[dzug1]

Hey again,

I've got another "save me money" query for you guys, after your excellent help and advice with planning my trip from here (near Southampton) to York in October, which, as i mentioned in a post a while ago, I managed to book for just over £30 through NXEC using their Advance singles, which was a great saving (seriously) on the standard fare considering the round trip is over 8hrs, almost all of it on the trains! :)

So yeah, I've got another one - I'm going to Exeter on Sat 20th September for the day, leaving from Eastleigh (or Southampton Central, whichever as I have a season ticket between the two places - I'm vaguely aware there are several different ways to get to Exeter from here so it may be worth looking into them!) early in the morning (I need to be in Exeter for about 10:30/11am, leaving Exeter around 4-5pm)...

I don't know where to start with finding the best option, since a quick search on National Rail indicated one could change at Basingstoke for the SWT service to Exeter and beyond, or change at Reading for the FGW train from Paddington, or even change at Romsey and then Salisbury for the SWT one again - infact you could, if you wanted, go down to Weymouth and then change somewhere near Honiton (I think it's there anyway? Could be Yeovil Junction, I didn't check this one as it's a longer trek)...

With all these options, I need to find a solution that won't see me having to leave too early on Saturday to get there for 10:30ish (leaving after 7am would be great if possible!!), yet will see me not paying too much when there's another solution which would save me a packet.... I shall leave this in your hands!!

I have a Young Persons Railcard, and the best I've found so far price-wise is somewhere around £20-25 for a Cheap Day Return which you can presumably get on the day anyway....

So quickly to summarise my slightly waffling post:
Eastleigh/Southampton Central (whichever's faster/cheaper) to Exeter St Davids
Saturday 20th September 2008
Depart after 6am, arrive by 11am latest at Exeter
Depart Exeter after 4pm, arrive back by 9/10pm, if not earlier
Have a Young Persons Railcard

Good luck, and thanks once again for your help and in anticipation of your reply(s)!!

mr_m

A cheap day return Southampton to Exeter via Salisbury and Honiton at a shade over £20 sounds cheap enough to me. Yes buy on the day.

You might save a small amount by advance singles - Southampton to Westbury and Westbury to Exeter. Remember that connections at Westbury won't be guaranteed.

[jenny_f]

I'm pretty good at finding cheap train tickets if I know the route, however I'm about to move to Nottingham. I'll probably end up meeting my boyfriend often in Milton Keynes. What's the cheapest ticket available? I hae a young persons railcard (or 16-25 as they are now called!).

Most times I will probably just buy this on the day but pre-booking would be an option if it saves me enough money!

I looked on virgin trains as I thought this would go direct but they all had one or two changes. The one change was a chane at Luton.

TIA

[Murphys Maw]

Well don't know if anyone out there will remember my last threads but i was looking for the cheapest train travel from Edinburgh - Cardiff 22nd Aug - 24th Aug.

I spotted really cheap tickets for comparible dates in the month of July and have been looking on every website there is, nearly everyday, for something financially similar in Aug.

I am having no joy whatsoever and time is running out.

Does anyone have any tips, i think ive tried them all. Worst scenario is i have to take the car but i soooooooooooo don't want to.

Any advice experts?

Maw x

[tiggs239]

Hi, I'm not used to buying train tickets, but have booked a mini break in Central London 31 Oct - 2 Nov and am now trying to find out the cheapest way (without driving) to get from Shrewsbury to London and back! Does anyone know the cheapest way to get rail tickets for 2 adults and 1 child?

Thanks for reading.

[portygirl]

I am travelling to Dyce ( for Aberdeen airport ) from Inverness on 3rd of Sep & returning on 25th Sep. The advance tickets ( 2x singles ) which are the cheapest are £45 but to go to Aberdeen which is one stop further is £30. I gather this is because Inverness to Abedeen is a major route & special fares are offered for city to city destinations. Could I purchase the Inv-Aberdeen ticket & get off at Dyce or is this simply not permitted. I know I'd only save £15 but it is really annoying to pay more for a shorter journry on the same route.

[mr_maniac]

A cheap day return Southampton to Exeter via Salisbury and Honiton at a shade over £20 sounds cheap enough to me. Yes buy on the day.

You might save a small amount by advance singles - Southampton to Westbury and Westbury to Exeter. Remember that connections at Westbury won't be guaranteed.

Hi dzug1 , thanks to you once again for replying :) - you're probably right - hopefully I'll be able to make that work as I think the prices change depending on time of travel (or at least they did when I used National Rail) so it could end up costing more than the figure I quoted - we shall see, although I'm hopeful the fact I'm travelling on a Saturday will keep the costs down a bit..?

Anyway, I've got one more for you (I'm a college student heading to University open days, which is why I need all these train tickets!!) - Eastleigh/Southampton Central/So'ton Airport/Brockenhurst (whichever is cheapest) to Bristol Temple Meads on Tuesday 23rd September 2008..

I haven't even looked into the options yet, as I only confirmed that I'd be going on this trip last night but give it your best shot (that's to anyone willing to help!!) and I shall be most grateful :-)

Thank you for your time and efforts!

mr_m

[theome2001]

One child and one teenager with a railcard departing sheffield as early as possible sat23, to Truro.Returning the 26thas late as possiblebut allowing one passenger to continue on to Beverly and arrive by 10pm.More in hope than expectation,many thanks

[p1an0player]

Want to go from London to Swindon for the day off peak


cheapest ticket £37 saver return?! there must be a cheaper walk-up fare by splitting?

[dr1209]

hi.
looking for cheapest/quickest way to get from stockport to portree, isle of sky.
leaving 26th/27th sept & returning 30th.

[bigcol65]

Hi the answer to your question is NO I tried for a week to get £10 ticket to london from York and yes there was one but when i tried to book a return national express said there were no tickets available unless I would pay £96 from london to york how in the name of decency can they justify this its a total con, also the return ticket from Scarborough to london on the same train was £186 also why are travelodge hotels twice as dear in gatwick as they are in manchester, people must be stupid to want to live in aplace where every thing is double the price it is any where else ,is a mars bar double the price in london too. martin your site is useless unless you are prepared to spend your whole life trying to save money we live in ripoff britian and i hope this credit crunch really bites because theres only one person to blame for all these price hikes THATCHER FOR SELLING OFF ALL OUR UTILITIES ENGINEERING AND NOW BROWN WANTS FRANCE TO HAVE OUR NUECLAER POWER GRAET

[Smick100]

Hoping that someone who knows more about these things than me may be able to help.

Travelling from London to Manchester on the 3rd October, coming home on the 5th and are relatively flexible on the return time on the 5th as long as we are back in London before 9pm.

Using Virgin m-ticket option, we can get £7 singles going up on the Friday. Coming back on the Sunday though between about 10am and 11pm a single is £279.50.

No m-tickets available on the Sat or the Sunday.

Anyone any ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Smick

[lufcgirl]

Hey,
Does anyone have any advice on travelling from Newcastle to Exeter and any ways to get cheap tickets. My friend lives there and I try to visit every fortnight (I have a young persons railcard and she doesn't) but still pay 92.25 for each return. I usually go either Friday/Saturday early morning train and always return on 15.23 direct service on the Sunday. Driving would be even more expensive!

Any help would be greatly appreciated

[bbasra]

Hiya,

i would like to go to madame tussauds tommorrow and i've printed the vouchers, however, we (two of us) will be travelling by London Underground not by National Rail.

What is the cheapest national rail ticket i can buy and will i need two or will one ticket suffice.

someone said it should be around £2.40 but didn't give anymore information.

[pompeyrich]

Hiya,

i would like to go to madame tussauds tommorrow and i've printed the vouchers, however, we (two of us) will be travelling by London Underground not by National Rail.

What is the cheapest national rail ticket i can buy and will i need two or will one ticket suffice.

someone said it should be around £2.40 but didn't give anymore information.


What area are you in? You can get 2 for1 admission if you show an Oyster card too. Click HERE (http://www.tfl.gov.uk/microsites/oysteroffers/attractions/madameTussauds/) for more info.

[bbasra]

Hi,

We are near heathrow. i can borrow an Oyster card.

[pompeyrich]

Hi,

We are near heathrow. i can borrow an Oyster card.

Sorry just saw your reply and probably too late for you now but you could borrow an Oyster card or get your own, from various outlets,instantly, they charge £3 deposit, which is fully refundable, you then add credit to it and when you enter or leave the station/bus it deducts the fare from the card. You can get back any un-used credit and the deposit.

Hope you had a good day and manged to take avantage of the 2for1 offer

[Neonoptic]

Hi guys,

Does anyone know if NXEC are going to be releasing any standard advance tickets for the 26th October? Right now advance tickets are available up to 7th November with the exception of the 25th & 26th of October and the 1st & 2nd November. Does anybody know why?

[dzug1]

Hi guys,

Does anyone know if NXEC are going to be releasing any standard advance tickets for the 26th October? Right now advance tickets are available up to 7th November with the exception of the 25th & 26th of October and the 1st & 2nd November. Does anybody know why?

Those days are weekends. The probability is that there is engineering work being planned. Advance tickets (if any) will be released when the plans are finalised and they know exactly what trains they will be allowed to run.

[mjon3105]

Cheapest Virgin Trains I can see on their website are £32.50 for FIRST CLASS (some trains £42.50) on Sunday 5 October Manchester-London. Bizarre but standard class is more expensive that day!

Hope this helps. Plenty at those prices as at time of this email.

Mike


Hoping that someone who knows more about these things than me may be able to help.

Travelling from London to Manchester on the 3rd October, coming home on the 5th and are relatively flexible on the return time on the 5th as long as we are back in London before 9pm.

Using Virgin m-ticket option, we can get £7 singles going up on the Friday. Coming back on the Sunday though between about 10am and 11pm a single is £279.50.

No m-tickets available on the Sat or the Sunday.

Anyone any ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Smick

[Neonoptic]

Those days are weekends. The probability is that there is engineering work being planned. Advance tickets (if any) will be released when the plans are finalised and they know exactly what trains they will be allowed to run.

Thanks.

Just checked the website and it seems tickets have been released today, got my bargin £11 ticket!

[mr_maniac]

Hi dzug1 , thanks to you once again for replying :) - you're probably right - hopefully I'll be able to make that work as I think the prices change depending on time of travel (or at least they did when I used National Rail) so it could end up costing more than the figure I quoted - we shall see, although I'm hopeful the fact I'm travelling on a Saturday will keep the costs down a bit..?

Anyway, I've got one more for you (I'm a college student heading to University open days, which is why I need all these train tickets!!) - Eastleigh/Southampton Central/So'ton Airport/Brockenhurst (whichever is cheapest) to Bristol Temple Meads on Tuesday 23rd September 2008..


I haven't even looked into the options yet, as I only confirmed that I'd be going on this trip last night but give it your best shot (that's to anyone willing to help!!) and I shall be most grateful :-)

Thank you for your time and efforts!

mr_m If anyone can help on this one, it would be fantastic - that's Eastleigh/Southampton Central/Soton Airport/Brockenhurst (whichever's cheapest) to Bristol Temple Meads on Tue 23rd September 2008, with Young Persons Railcard - arriving mid-morning, departing mid/late afternoon :-)

Cheers,

mr_m

[pompeyrich]

If anyone can help on this one, it would be fantastic - that's Eastleigh/Southampton Central/Soton Airport/Brockenhurst (whichever's cheapest) to Bristol Temple Meads on Tue 23rd September 2008, with Young Persons Railcard - arriving mid-morning, departing mid/late afternoon :-)

Cheers,

mr_m

Have a look HERE (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk), the cheapest, from SC based on 2 advanced singles is £6:60 no flexibility for that price, i.e. you must travel on the train you book and buy asap, up to £18:15 for an open return valid on most trains and you can buy on the day.

[dzug1]

If anyone can help on this one, it would be fantastic - that's Eastleigh/Southampton Central/Soton Airport/Brockenhurst (whichever's cheapest) to Bristol Temple Meads on Tue 23rd September 2008, with Young Persons Railcard - arriving mid-morning, departing mid/late afternoon :-)

Cheers,

mr_m

£16.50 saver return (from Central). Buy on the day. 0910 and later trains. £18.15 open return if you want to go earlier.

Or £6.95 out on 0910 and £3.30 back advance singles if you wait until the evening to return.

[samf1971]

Wonder if anyone can help me on this journey.

I'm wanting to travel from Leeds to Ashford or St Pancras and then on to Disneyland Paris on the eurostar.

Due to the length of the journey I'd like to have an overnight stay and have found a couple of cheap nights in Travelodges for the dates I need at Ashford

Can anyone advise on the Journey from Leeds to Ashford or St Pancras where I should split the journey to get cheaper tickets than a straight price. The quote is £97.50 and about the same on the Eurostar which Idon't think I can get cheaper, so I'd like to see if I can shave a bit off the first leg of the journey.

thanks anyone who can help

[dzug1]

Well the Eurostar is I think going to be the same price from St Pancras as Ashford

The fare from Leeds to Kings Cross or St Pancras is going to be at least a little cheaper than Leeds to Ashford.

Split ticketing doesn't work that well on journeys that involve crossing London and finishing at a suburban station (which Ashford is) - the through deals can be well priced, but a separate ticket London-Ashford is difficult/impossible to discount.

So I'd break my journey in London and get the Eurostar there. If you book ahead the Travelodges can have good deals and there are several within a couple of miles of St Pancras

Edit - is the fare you've got a saver or supersaver? If so you may be trying to book too early for advance singles. If you've got advance singles anyway, then split ticketing is probably not going to help.

[samf1971]

Thanks for that info. Yes the Eurostar appears to be the same cost from St Pancras as it is from Ashford. £182 pp - is that a fixed price or does anyone sell tickets cheaper?

The train from Leeds, as you mentioned, goes to Kings Cross and I think from looking at it we can walk from Kings Cross to St Pancras so I'll have a scout for hotels/travelodges near by (wasn't sure if there were any so thanks again for that extra info)

Leeds to St Pancras via Kings Cross I can't obtain fares for the actual journey yet as it's in December, so I was working on the basis of travelling in November and the prices being pretty similar, I've had a look on Virgin and can get Supersaver as you mentioned at £79.20 pp, the website shows supersaver singles at £72 (which would work out more) can't see any advance singles though - do these usually work out cheaper?
so I guess when the dates become available I will be in time to get supersavers returnes if they are available then too, or would the advance singles still be cheaper?

Thanks very much that's very helpful information, I'll wait for the journeys to come available and then book.

[Altarf]

If you are travelling from Leeds to Paris on Eurostar, have you investigated the combined tickets - http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/en/Special-offers/Fast-routes-to-Europe-from-only-75-/

I assume that you have looked for cheap Eurostar travel here - http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/latest_deals/cheapest_fares.jsp

If you are connecting in London and the connection is the same day, then book a ticket to 'London International CIV', not 'London Terminals' or Kings Cross / St Pancras. This is a special destination for Eurostar (so you may need to show your Eurostar ticket at the station to buy it).

These tickets are covered by the European international conditions of carriage (Convention Internationale pour le transport des Voyageurs' or 'CIV') rather than UK domestic conditions of carriage. This means that they cover you for your whole journey from UK starting point to European destination. If the UK train is late and you miss your Eurostar, CIV conditions of carriage oblige Eurostar to put you on the next available Eurostar without additional charge, even if your Eurostar ticket theoretically restricts you to the specific departure you've booked.

More details at at the Man in Seat 61 (http://www.seat61.com/Europe-train-tickets.htm#UK%20train%20tickets)

[dzug1]

Advance singles normally work out much cheaper - from about £10 or £12 each way Leeds - London

You are too early for them, even for November.

[Altarf]

the Eurostar appears to be the same cost from St Pancras as it is from Ashford. £182 pp - is that a fixed price or does anyone sell tickets cheaper?.

Just playing around on the Eurostar site - www.eurostar.com (http://www.eurostar.com/) you can get Leeds to Paris returns for £79, which includes the Kings Cross to Leeds part of the journey. They seem to have tickets loaded up to the end of October, but not after, so you may want to keep trying until they do.

[the mackem]

can anyone help me on this journey please, im after a 2 or 3 night stop in bath around about the december the 1st time,im travelling from the north east area durham/n,castle ive tried getting some sort of timetable and price and coming up with zilch hope you can help please.

[dzug1]

can anyone help me on this journey please, im after a 2 or 3 night stop in bath around about the december the 1st time,im travelling from the north east area durham/n,castle ive tried getting some sort of timetable and price and coming up with zilch hope you can help please.

You'll get zilch for a while yet - the cheap tickets on the direct route haven't been released beyond mid October yet and via London is mid November. Weekends are worse.

The 'three months in advance' twaddle is very misleading 90% of the time.

Timings will be the same as now in the week but may vary at weekends.

[the mackem]

sounds like to hang fire for a while dzug,tell me though which site do you go off to look for dates/price/times ect

[dzug1]

The 'Booking Horizons' link on this site: http://www.atoctravelagents.org/ is useful - but be aware it's only updated about once a week so can be a little out of date

[the mackem]

dzug can anybody register.

[dzug1]

Register?? You don't need to to access the horizons link.

But you do have to be a travel agent to register fully and quote registration and licence numbers and the like.

[louise3965]

York London 9 - 11 Jan 2009

This seems so complicated but I am determined to get cheap tickets, and hope that your fabulous advice can point me in the right direction.

Just booked a family room in a Travelodge for 2 nights for the bargain price of £18 (on grabbit board) for dh's birthday, and a Christmas treat for our 2 kids. I want to find some of these elusive cheap tickets on the train - when should I start looking, and is it just via trainline and can I use a family railcard on these?

I know noone will know exactly, but I thought they were released 90 days in advance but have looked 90 days in advance of now and they are hubdreds of pounds.

I need this to be the cheapest London weekend ever, and hopefully I will succeed. Thanks in advance

[dzug1]

York London 9 - 11 Jan 2009

This seems so complicated but I am determined to get cheap tickets, and hope that your fabulous advice can point me in the right direction.

Just booked a family room in a Travelodge for 2 nights for the bargain price of £18 (on grabbit board) for dh's birthday, and a Christmas treat for our 2 kids. I want to find some of these elusive cheap tickets on the train - when should I start looking, and is it just via trainline and can I use a family railcard on these?

I know noone will know exactly, but I thought they were released 90 days in advance but have looked 90 days in advance of now and they are hubdreds of pounds.

I need this to be the cheapest London weekend ever, and hopefully I will succeed. Thanks in advance

Don't use the trainline - they charge extra
Use http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/ - you will pay no extra and may get a discount depending on the type of ticket
The 90 days is the absolute maximum that cheap tickets are released - it rarely actually happens. 8 weeks is common - less for weekend travel. So start looking at the 90 day mark but don't expect anything for a month after that.

And cheap tickets are not really elusive - as long as you book soon after they come out (and I mean days or even a week or so, not hours) they will be there.

and yes you can use a family railcard

[AirlieBird]

If you go to the link that dzug1 has posted, you can enter your details and they'll email you when the tickets are released (on the right hand side where it says sign up for alerts).

[james_yorks]

Can anyone recommend away to get train tickets from Preston(lancs) to london any dates in october, tuesday-thursday journeys only. Departing preston around 7 am and returing after 5 pm.
Thanks

[citrinequeen]

Hi, my first post. Tried reading all of the previous posts with regards to splitting tickets. So sorry if this has been posted before. One thing you do need to be aware of are peak trains and split tickets. The tickets for these trains are peak for the whole of the journey. You can still split them but each leg would still be a peak ticket. There was a court case, which the train company won, a few years ago when someone did this. It's the time you board the service that determines the ticket prices. Sadly I don't have the details to hand but I did read the outcome of this case. I believe a hefty fine for fraud.

[Gio]

Could anyone tell me a cheaper way to get to Leamington Spa from Bristol, It cost me £44.00 2 months ago on the train, any ideas? Thanks

[dzug1]

Could anyone tell me a cheaper way to get to Leamington Spa from Bristol, It cost me £44.00 2 months ago on the train, any ideas? Thanks

By booking in advance you should be able to get £12 each way singles.

[dzug1]

Can anyone recommend away to get train tickets from Preston(lancs) to london any dates in october, tuesday-thursday journeys only. Departing preston around 7 am and returing after 5 pm.
Thanks

The Virgin Trains website is the obvious choice - failing that Preston Station booking office.

If you can travel more off peak than you are planning it should be cheaper.

[dzug1]

Hi, my first post. Tried reading all of the previous posts with regards to splitting tickets. So sorry if this has been posted before. One thing you do need to be aware of are peak trains and split tickets. The tickets for these trains are peak for the whole of the journey. You can still split them but each leg would still be a peak ticket. There was a court case, which the train company won, a few years ago when someone did this. It's the time you board the service that determines the ticket prices. Sadly I don't have the details to hand but I did read the outcome of this case. I believe a hefty fine for fraud.


I'm extremely suspicious of this report - given that the national conditions of carriage specifically allow for split ticketing I suspect there were some special circumstances in this case. Pity you don't have the details to hand - it would be interssting to analyse them

[Photoshopguru]

I've met a girl.. she lives a billion miles away.. Driving is cheaper than rail.. but falling asleep at the wheel and crashing wont be... I've done a budget plan, and I'm going to be up to my neck in debt unless I can find a cheaper way to get to Preston from Nottingham.. any advice? I cant believe that driving is cheaper than the train...

[The_Grateful_Ghoul]

I am looking to goto Newcastle on the 17th December.
Birmingham to Newcastle train fares seem to be £80!!!
The site says cannot book until 3 months before and singles are from only £11 but I cannot see any singles for £11.

Can anyone point me in the right direction

[citrinequeen]

I'm extremely suspicious of this report - given that the national conditions of carriage specifically allow for split ticketing I suspect there were some special circumstances in this case. Pity you don't have the details to hand - it would be interssting to analyse them
The reason I haven't got them now is that I read the report at work and it was a few years ago. As I said there is nothing wrong with splitting them, just be aware of the peak trains. If I knew the train company involved it would be easy to check on. I will ask around and see if anyone has a copy of the case.

[dzug1]

I am looking to goto Newcastle on the 17th December.
Birmingham to Newcastle train fares seem to be £80!!!
The site says cannot book until 3 months before and singles are from only £11 but I cannot see any singles for £11.

Can anyone point me in the right direction

Oh not another 3 months in advance post. That has to be one of the most misleading pieces of information out.

The cheap tickets are not released for December yet. They won't be for some time - my guess, and it's only a guess, is at least a month, maybe longer. Keep checking and they will eventually appear.

[EagerLearner]

I have used Raileasy to book return tickets to London for 4pm-ish tomorrow - does that mean I *have* to get the 4pm train and the 11pm one back, or is it any time I want?

[robt]

I have used Raileasy to book return tickets to London for 4pm-ish tomorrow - does that mean I *have* to get the 4pm train and the 11pm one back, or is it any time I want?

It depends what kind of ticket you bought. Need more information.

[EagerLearner]

Hi Robt, it was just a return ticket from Brighton to London for the day, I ticked 'network railcard'.

Have received the tickets just wondering if it matters whether I get that exact train. No one ever seems to look that closely at the ticket anyway as long as you have for the date and destination but just wanted to check. All the e-mail said was:
Ticket types

Outward: Advance
Return: Advance

[cjp]

Hi

i' trying to find the cheapest price/route from Bristol either parkway or Temple meads to london waterloo (retunr) on saturday 13th Sept - 2 adults and 3 children with a railcard.
cheapest i can find is £921

thanks

[dzug1]

Hi Robt, it was just a return ticket from Brighton to London for the day, I ticked 'network railcard'.

Have received the tickets just wondering if it matters whether I get that exact train. No one ever seems to look that closely at the ticket anyway as long as you have for the date and destination but just wanted to check. All the e-mail said was:
Ticket types

Outward: Advance
Return: Advance


How much did you pay? If it was £13 odd return then you have an off peak cheap day return and can use any off peak train. You could have saved the raileasy fee by buying at the station on the day

If it was £3 or £5 each way then you have advance singles which are only valid on the specified trains. It's highly likely they will be checked and you are in trouble if you are on the wrong train

[dzug1]

Hi

i' trying to find the cheapest price/route from Bristol either parkway or Temple meads to london waterloo (retunr) on saturday 13th Sept - 2 adults and 3 children with a railcard.
cheapest i can find is £921

thanks

Please say that's a typo, please.......

£53 odd saver/cheap day return via Salisbury

£70 odd (plus underground) advance singles each way to Paddington

[EagerLearner]

How much did you pay? If it was £13 odd return then you have an off peak cheap day return and can use any off peak train. You could have saved the raileasy fee by buying at the station on the day

If it was £3 or £5 each way then you have advance singles which are only valid on the specified trains. It's highly likely they will be checked and you are in trouble if you are on the wrong train

Thanks :beer: they were £3 each way, per person so we better ensure the train back is the right time... although have used these tickets twice now and no-one did look at the time, I know though best to be safe.

[Optimisticpair]

I looked on journey planner - it says advance tickets are available single cost £18.50 and £18.00 for my journey out Monday coming back Thursday but when I went to purchase through Raileasy just now the cheapest is over £100 return - so I don't understand how to buy the tickets at the cheap rate. Who is wrong here?

[dzug1]

I looked on journey planner - it says advance tickets are available single cost £18.50 and £18.00 for my journey out Monday coming back Thursday but when I went to purchase through Raileasy just now the cheapest is over £100 return - so I don't understand how to buy the tickets at the cheap rate. Who is wrong here?

Maybe they sold out between you looking and trying to buy. As you don't say where it's difficult to replicate your situation

Anyway - don't use raileasy - use a train company site to avoid raileasy's fees. Doesn't normally matter which one though using the company that runs your trains occasionally attracts a discount.

[p1an0player]

Emergency? Have you heard about the boy who cried wolf?

[Optimisticpair]

Emergency? Have you heard about the boy who cried wolf?

Wow, that's cynical.

[Roland]

Today saw the introduction of simpler rail fares, but don't be fooled into thinking that you will now always get the best deal. There were many loopholes in the old system and many of them still remain.

For example, I earlier checked on a peak time day return from Leeds to Birmingham. The "Anytime" return fare is £76.00. Using "Anytime" Day Returns the fare can be reduced to £39.10 with the splits at Sheffield and Derby. These tickets can be used on any train on this route.

It still pays to do your research for the cheapest fares.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7602559.stm

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/simple_fares.html

[ha07329]

I'm traveling to Liverpool from london every weekend, friday evening and back sun afternoon, i have a young persons rail card but the tickets are still £45 return! As a broke student can anyone help? Has anyone found anyway of doing the journey for less?

Thanks

[trixibelle69]

I'm not a student, but in similar position travelling between Doncaster and Guildford 2-3 times month Fri -> Sun.

If anyone has any advice, would love to hear from you!

[miller]

I'm not a student, but in similar position travelling between Doncaster and Guildford 2-3 times month Fri -> Sun.
If anyone has any advice, would love to hear from you!
Use the National Express East Coast site to book your tickets and get 10% off their advance fares which go via London.

Investigate split ticketing and routes via Birmingham/Reading (I don't know if this is cheaper, but it probably takes longer).

[samobi]

Hi my daughter is studying in croydon and needing to use a train from herne bay to victoria then victoria to east croydon 5 days a week anyone have any great advice on the cheapest way to do this

any advice greatly appreciated

sam

[miller]

Hi my daughter is studying in croydon and needing to use a train from herne bay to victoria then victoria to east croydon 5 days a week anyone have any great advice on the cheapest way to do this

any advice greatly appreciated

sam

If the outward journeys are made in the morning peak a season ticket is usually cheaper than the equivalent day tickets.

[cutterschoicenotmine]

Hi everyone,

Im looking for a cheap train from Cardiff Central to Leeds and Back. Departing October 10th 2008, returning October 12th 2008. Best price I've had so far is £37, thats from thetrainline.com buying 2 singles.

Many thanks

[KeithP]

£37 is a good price, but don't buy from thetrainline.com.
Almost anywhere else will be cheaper... no card fees, no post fees, no collect at station fees, etc, etc.

[wattyuk]

Hi could anyone let me know of any cheap train fares from Swansea to Nottingham? Or any other ways to reduce the fare as I will be making this journey a few times over the next couple of months. Thanks

[dzug1]

Hi could anyone let me know of any cheap train fares from Swansea to Nottingham? Or any other ways to reduce the fare as I will be making this journey a few times over the next couple of months. Thanks

You go onto a rail website and look for them. Advance purchase singles are the way to go if you can get them.

If you have trouble post here with specific dates and you'll get help

[wattyuk]

Cheers, any other help or info appreciated

[Tarry]

Is it cheaper to buy a weekly or a monthly ticket?

Thank you.

[Altarf]

Annual tickets are cheaper than monthly tickets, which are cheaper than weekly tickets, but these are usually much cheaper than daily tickets.

On the route I use, a weekly ticket costs the same as 3.2 daily tickets. A monthly ticket costs 12.2 daily or 3.84 weekly tickets. An annual tickets costs 128 daily tickets, 40 weekly tickets or 10.4 monthly tickets.

[Tarry]

Thank you :) That is very helpful for me :)

[gner_ex]

I am travelling to Dyce ( for Aberdeen airport ) from Inverness on 3rd of Sep & returning on 25th Sep. The advance tickets ( 2x singles ) which are the cheapest are £45 but to go to Aberdeen which is one stop further is £30. I gather this is because Inverness to Abedeen is a major route & special fares are offered for city to city destinations. Could I purchase the Inv-Aberdeen ticket & get off at Dyce or is this simply not permitted. I know I'd only save £15 but it is really annoying to pay more for a shorter journry on the same route.
The advance tickets do not allow break of journey, or starting long/finishing short, no strictly speaking no.

However, does Dyce have ticket barriers? If so, you'd probably be okay getting out. Be aware however that on the train back if the guard notices you weren't in your seat when leaving Aberdeen (and if he is hot on the rules) he is within his rights to excess you. If this happened however, I would be happy to help anyone try and get off this.

[gner_ex]

The reason I haven't got them now is that I read the report at work and it was a few years ago. As I said there is nothing wrong with splitting them, just be aware of the peak trains. If I knew the train company involved it would be easy to check on. I will ask around and see if anyone has a copy of the case.
Can you give an example of what you're trying to show? Are you saying that if I have a peak ticket for London to Peterborough, then an offpeak ticket from Peterborough to York, that I can't board a train at Kings Cross until 09:30 - if that is what you're saying, then you are wrong.

[gner_ex]

Hi my daughter is studying in croydon and needing to use a train from herne bay to victoria then victoria to east croydon 5 days a week anyone have any great advice on the cheapest way to do this

any advice greatly appreciated

sam
A travelcard (allowing use from Herne Bay to the boundary, and use within all of zones 1 to 6)
Day tickets: travelling any time, one day travelcard from Herne Bay to zones 1-6 is £39.30, leaving Herne Bay after 09:30 is £22.80 (a railcard would reduce this further).

Weekly ticket: travelling any time, £95.


Travelling just from Herne Bay to East Croydon (or West) would be a bit cheaper, and there are two options depending whether you want to travel via London or to avoid London (I assume going via Tonbridge, _possibly_ via Bromley but I would have to check:
day tickets (via London) £40.00 anytime and £22.70 offpeak. NOT London £35.50 anytime and 18.30 day return.

There is also a weekly ticket (available via London, but NOT including any of the underground) for £81.50.

Does your daughter go into London at the weekend (shopping, nights out, etc)? If so look at the travelcard, but otherwise the £81.50 ticket seems the best bet - you can get monthly versions that give an even bigger saving.

[gner_ex]

Annual tickets are cheaper than monthly tickets, which are cheaper than weekly tickets, but these are usually much cheaper than daily tickets.

On the route I use, a weekly ticket costs the same as 3.2 daily tickets. A monthly ticket costs 12.2 daily or 3.84 weekly tickets. An annual tickets costs 128 daily tickets, 40 weekly tickets or 10.4 monthly tickets.
A monthly ticket is the same whether it is 30 or 31 days. What I do in the 28 or 30 day months is buy a ticket that is valid for five weeks - you get the monthly level of discount, but don't loose a day.

[mrbadexample]

I want to go to Ashford International to Charing Cross on Friday 17th Oct after 8am-ish. I'd like to return from Charing Cross at about 1800 on the 19th.

Not knowing about these things, I'd normally pitch up at the station in the morning and buy tickets. :confused:

Is there a cheaper way? There'll be 2 of us.

[gner_ex]

I want to go to Ashford International to Charing Cross on Friday 17th Oct after 8am-ish. I'd like to return from Charing Cross at about 1800 on the 19th.

Not knowing about these things, I'd normally pitch up at the station in the morning and buy tickets. :confused:

Is there a cheaper way? There'll be 2 of us.
No advance tickets for this route. If you can travel off-peak there is a saving (day return anytime is £37.30 and off-peak day return is £19.60).

off-peak on this route appears to be code C4 which is arrive at London any time after 10:00. No restrictions coming home.

Do you need a travelcard for onward travel within London (tube/train/bus)?

Anytime day travelcard (from Ashford to approx the M25, and then unlimited travel within zones 1 to 6) is £41.80, off-peak (as above definition) £22.50. Cheaper to get the inclusive ticket than to pay seperately for tube tickets or oyster.

[gner_ex]

Sorry, I've just re-read your message and seen that you're coming back a couple of days later. You can get a saver return which allows outward travel on one day, returning on the next, for £23.50 Ashford to Charing Cross.

All prices are per person. Off-peak for this ticket is any train departing Ashford after 09:30 (code 4A).

[mrbadexample]

Thanks for the help gner. :T We will need to travel around in London when we're there, and I've not much of a clue there except I should apparently buy an Oyster thingy? :confused:

I'm travelling on Friday and returning on Sunday - does the saver return still apply? Where do I buy it - at the station? :confused:

I don't use trains very often, as you may gather. :o However, they would appear to have made it completely pointless to travel anywhere near London in a motor vehicle. :rolleyes:

[gner_ex]

Thanks for the help gner. :T We will need to travel around in London when we're there, and I've not much of a clue there except I should apparently buy an Oyster thingy? :confused:

That is certainly an option - assuming you're staying central. One can also get paper travelcards no problem.

I'm travelling on Friday and returning on Sunday - does the saver return still apply? Where do I buy it - at the station? :confused:

Absolutely!

I don't use trains very often, as you may gather. :o However, they would appear to have made it completely pointless to travel anywhere near London in a motor vehicle. :rolleyes:

Absolutely.

[lufcgirl]

Hi guys,
I'm trying to go Newcastle to Exeter St Davids, problem is I only find out when I'm going about a week in advance. I have a 16-25 railcard but over the past 4 months I've spent in excess of £800 travelling backwards and forwards.
Does anyone have any ideas on how I can cut down on the usual 93.25 fare. Normally I travel on a Saturday and come back the Sunday but it can vary and involve weekdays...next trip will be November 1st (lucky me with 2 weeks notice) but theres still no cheap fares
Any help?!

[louise3965]

Hi, we are going to London on 9 jan til 11 jan for our daughter's 16th birthday on 10th. Now my dilemma is should I risk using our family railcard as she will be 15 on the outward, but a day over 16 on the return!!!! Obviously I want the best fares possible but don't want to look shifty!!! can I use the railcard to get the discount on the 2 adults and our youngest daughter (8) then buy a separate adult ticket at the normal rate for dd1?

Nat express say they are only booking up to 2nd Jan and i am watching every day to get the best possible prices, but it is so blooming confusing not knowing exactly when the cheapest fares will be on sale!

Any advice would be most welcome

[Altarf]

my dilemma is should I risk using our family railcard as she will be 15 on the outward, but a day over 16 on the return

She will still be eligible for the discounted fare. See FAQ question 3 http://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/faqs/eligibility

[jamie303]

Does anyone know when Young Person Cards are valid until?

I am 26 on the 17th of December, and I need to buy one. Is it only valid until my birthday even though it is a 12 month travael card?????

Jamie

[miller]

Does anyone know when Young Person Cards are valid until?

I am 26 on the 17th of December, and I need to buy one. Is it only valid until my birthday even though it is a 12 month travael card?????

Jamie

It will run for 12 months from the day you buy it (i.e. you only have to be aged 16-25 to *buy* the card).

[Happychappy]

Hi

I want to go to London off peak on Saturday 10th January and return off peak on Monday 12th January, looking for 2 tickets from either Derby or Alfreton, cant find anything less than £49 per single making £98 each return. Also looking to use the tube for the three days Saturday to Monday for trips in zones 1&2 with one return trip to canary Wharf on the Sunday. I do have an oyster card but havent used it yet.

Any advice or where to look would be most appreciated

[louise3965]

Thanks for the heads up on the family railcard ages. Brilliant, thanks x

Happychappy I dont think the cheap fares for those dates are out yet. I am looking to go York/London on 9 - 11 Jan and National Express say they arent booking cheapies for thise dates yet so maybe that is the same on your carrier?

[SirSpike]

Hi All was wondering if anyone can help, me and a mate need to do a triangular route in december as follows:-

leaving bristol (either parkway or temple meads) on friday 12th dec, to bournemouth (need to be there by 1pm)
on sat 13th dec, leave bournemouth (about lunchtime but flexible) heading to London (any station)
on sun 14th dec, leaving London (guessing Paddington) to head back to Bristol (parkway or temple meads depending on where we start)

On speaking to national rail they say best option is singles between all locations but i'm sure there must be a better way, any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[GoldenJill]

Hi, excluding Megabus, what is the cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to London end of November?

Thanks
GJ x

[Livingthedream]

Hi All was wondering if anyone can help, me and a mate need to do a triangular route in december as follows:-

leaving bristol (either parkway or temple meads) on friday 12th dec, to bournemouth (need to be there by 1pm)
on sat 13th dec, leave bournemouth (about lunchtime but flexible) heading to London (any station)
on sun 14th dec, leaving London (guessing Paddington) to head back to Bristol (parkway or temple meads depending on where we start)

On speaking to national rail they say best option is singles between all locations but i'm sure there must be a better way, any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Try this; First Part involves a change of train and two tickets;

12th Bristol TM to Southampton central 09:02 Advance Single £5
Southampton central to Bournemouth 11:42 Advance Single £4.50

13th Bournemouth to London Waterloo 12:21 Advance Single £9
14th London Paddington to Bristol TM 09:03 Advance Single £10

all these Tickets are Advance Tickets so you need to book them quick before they sell out. :j

[Livingthedream]

Hi, excluding Megabus, what is the cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to London end of November?

Thanks
GJ x
You didn't give date so assumed these all by train;
Friday 28th £39 Advance Ticket
Sat 29th £15.70 Advance Ticket
Sun 30th £39 Advance Ticket

Could try Split Tickets but as these two stations on east coast main line don't think you will have much luck

[GoldenJill]

You didn't give date so assumed these all by train;
Friday 28th £39 Advance Ticket
Sat 29th £15.70 Advance Ticket
Sun 30th £39 Advance Ticket

Could try Split Tickets but as these two stations on east coast main line don't think you will have much luck

Thanks, was looking to travel out Friday 28th and back Sunday 30th.

Which website do I use to find these advance tickets? I can only find tickets well over £100

[Livingthedream]

[quote=Which website do I use to find these advance tickets? [/quote]

https://www.buytickets.virgintrains.co.uk/JourneyRequest.aspx

is the one I use but any train operating company ie NXEC or Scotrail

Don't use trainline as they charge you extra for you ticket

[SirSpike]

Try this; First Part involves a change of train and two tickets;

12th Bristol TM to Southampton central 09:02 Advance Single £5
Southampton central to Bournemouth 11:42 Advance Single £4.50

13th Bournemouth to London Waterloo 12:21 Advance Single £9
14th London Paddington to Bristol TM 09:03 Advance Single £10

all these Tickets are Advance Tickets so you need to book them quick before they sell out. :j

:T Thanx, so much for pointing all those out, very much appreciated. :T

[shaunbean]

looking to go to london from leeds on 29 december and come back on january 3rd by train but me and my partner must travel on these dates and carnt find cheaper than £160 can any1 help

[dzug1]

looking to go to london from leeds on 29 december and come back on january 3rd by train but me and my partner must travel on these dates and carnt find cheaper than £160 can any1 help

Your problem is that cheap tickets for your return date have not yet been released. (The National Express website says up to 9 January EXCEPT 3/4 January.)

Waiting sounds the best option - the £160 will be available on the day so no point in buying it in advance.

Alternatively buy the outward journey now and wait for the return to become available. There is a risk that it could be more expensive though.

[IM]

I'm looking to book Manchester to Euston 1st class* for February - down Thursday morning, back late afternoon on the Sunday - and I'm confused from scanning (but not reading all 1,300+ posts…:eek: ) this thread, as to when is the best time to book.

First off, is it 12 weeks, 3 months or 90 days before? And does this relate to the return leg?

Secondly, if it's actually some random point later than 12 weeks, that the cheapest tickets are uploaded to the websites, how do I know when to 'blink' (i.e. how to spot the lowest they are going to get).

Cheers

IM

*It's a big birthday, and we're Eurostar-ing to Brugges on Nectar points.

[Livingthedream]

I'm looking to book Manchester to Euston 1st class* for February - down Thursday morning, back late afternoon on the Sunday - and I'm confused from scanning (but not reading all 1,300+ posts…:eek: ) this thread, as to when is the best time to book.

First off, is it 12 weeks, 3 months or 90 days before? And does this relate to the return leg?

Secondly, if it's actually some random point later than 12 weeks, that the cheapest tickets are uploaded to the websites, how do I know when to 'blink' (i.e. how to spot the lowest they are going to get).

Cheers

IM

*It's a big birthday, and we're Eurostar-ing to Brugges on Nectar points.

Your a bit early at the moment the advance cheap tickets are only upto around the 13th of January.

As you will most probably travel by Virgin Trains, use this web page when the dates you want to travel turn green, then search for cheap tickets. You also only want cheap ADVANCE singles there and back. £8 is the cheapest ticket one way you can get unless you do the 'print @ home' or 'send direct to mobile' ticket

http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/buy_tickets/seat_reservations/default.aspx

[dzug1]

I'm looking to book Manchester to Euston 1st class* for February - down Thursday morning, back late afternoon on the Sunday - and I'm confused from scanning (but not reading all 1,300+ posts…:eek: ) this thread, as to when is the best time to book.

First off, is it 12 weeks, 3 months or 90 days before? And does this relate to the return leg?

Secondly, if it's actually some random point later than 12 weeks, that the cheapest tickets are uploaded to the websites, how do I know when to 'blink' (i.e. how to spot the lowest they are going to get).

Cheers



It's a maximum of 12 weeks, but almost invariably a random point somewhat later. I've known it as late as the Monday before for the next weekend but it's more usually about 8 weeks. It does vary between different train companies - they don't all stick to the same dates, and it's often later for weekends and other periods of engineering work.

Once there are cheap tickets (ie advance tickets are shown as well as anytime and off peak ones) that's it. They don't go up in price once released - but they do sell out, which amounts to much the same thing.

SOME of the train companies have the release dates on their website, but there is a central record to be found at http://www.atoctravelagents.org/ - look for the booking horizons link. It can be a bit out of date as it's only updated once a week, but it's a good guide.

[Livingthedream]

SOME of the train companies have the release dates on their website, but there is a central record to be found at http://www.atoctravelagents.org/ - look for the booking horizons link. It can be a bit out of date as it's only updated once a week, but it's a good guide.

Better website for all the latest Advance Ticket release updated every day!

http://www.ticketalert.thetrainline.com/

[ger_ryan22]

Your a bit early at the moment the advance cheap tickets are only upto around the 13th of January.

As you will most probably travel by Virgin Trains, use this web page when the dates you want to travel turn green, then search for cheap tickets. You also only want cheap ADVANCE singles there and back. £8 is the cheapest ticket one way you can get unless you do the 'print @ home' or 'send direct to mobile' ticket

http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/buy_tickets/seat_reservations/default.aspx

Thank you so much for this tip, I've just booked a surprise trip for my wife to London for New Years Eve for £32 return total for the two of us!! Now all I need is a good deal on a hotel!? :T

[KeithP]

Thank you so much for this tip, I've just booked a surprise trip for my wife to London for New Years Eve for £32 return total for the two of us!! Now all I need is a good deal on a hotel!? :T
Wow!! That sounds expensive... if you only live a few miles out of London. :D

On the other hand...

[nitenite]

Travelers can spend a significant amount of time scouring the web for the best deal. Birmingham hotel (http://www.nitenite.com)

[Livingthedream]

Travelers can spend a significant amount of time scouring the web for the best deal. Birmingham hotel (http://www.nitenite.com)

Thanx. but no thanx:spam:

[hypez]

could anyone look up

doncaster to norwich on 29th december to return on the 1st

[Livingthedream]

could anyone look up

doncaster to norwich on 29th december to return on the 1st

Try this;
Doncaster to Norwich 29th 18:35 £12.50 Advance Single
Norwich to Doncaster 1st 12:57 £17 Advance Single

Total:£29.50 :T

Buy Early as these are advance tickets and might sell out

[drkazton]

Hi
Can anyone please help me in finding cheap tickets ( 2 adults )
-from Leeds to Heathrow airport on 16/01/09 leaving ~6-7am
and return on 01/02/09(after 5.30 pm)
-i am unable to find anything below £100.

your suggestions would be grately appreciated
Thank you

[Livingthedream]

Hi
Can anyone please help me in finding cheap tickets ( 2 adults )
-from Leeds to Heathrow airport on 16/01/09 leaving ~6-7am
and return on 01/02/09(after 5.30 pm)
-i am unable to find anything below £100.

your suggestions would be grately appreciated
Thank you

Right the cheapest I can get it down to is £15.25 each one way, however, the train leaves Leeds at 08:40 and arrives at 12:08 (thats the earliest cheap train from Leeds) and the cheap tickets for the East coast main line havn't been released for 1st Feb.

Use this Website to see when the Cheap ticket are available, watch National Express East Coast;

http://www.ticketalert.thetrainline.com/

Other considerations could be coach or flying

[Happychappy]

Hi

Anyone know the cheaest fare from Derby to London on 11th Jan2009 returning on 13th Jan 2009.

£54 seems the cheapest so far.

Thanks HC

[Livingthedream]

Hi

Anyone know the cheaest fare from Derby to London on 11th Jan2009 returning on 13th Jan 2009.

£54 seems the cheapest so far.

Thanks HC

Try this;
Out 11th
Derby to Crewe Off Peak Return £15.20
Crewe to London Euston 20:24 £8 Advance single

Rtn 13th
London Euston to Crewe 11:07 £8 Advance single
Crewe to Derby Use return part of Off Peak

Total £31.20

Advance tickets can sell out quickly so buy early and whatever advance train you book you must travel on it, also give yourself plenty of time to change trains at crewe just in case the train is late

[dzug1]

Try this;
Out 11th
Derby to Crewe Off Peak Return £15.20
Crewe to London Euston £8 Advance single

Rtn 13th
London Euston to Crewe £8 Advance single
Crewe to Derby Use return part of Off Peak

Total £31.20

Advance tickets can sell out quickly so buy early and whatever advance train you book you must travel on it, also give yourself plenty of time to change trains at crewe just in case the train is late

Really? You'd travel 50 miles plus in the wrong direction without first trying for direct advance tickets?

East Midland Trains have not released fares on their London routes for the dates quoted - nor have Megatrain who also run the route on weekdays only. You really need to wait for these before haring off in the wrong direction

[Livingthedream]

Really? You'd travel 50 miles plus in the wrong direction without first trying for direct advance tickets?

East Midland Trains have not released fares on their London routes for the dates quoted - nor have Megatrain who also run the route on weekdays only. You really need to wait for these before haring off in the wrong direction

dzug1 he asked if it was the cheapest, I've proved it it isn't by saving of £22.80 stop being a forum troll and try help out the OP by coming up with a cheaper fare

[dzug1]

dzug1 he asked if it was the cheapest, I've proved it it isn't by saving of £22.80 stop being a forum troll and try help out the OP by coming up with a cheaper fare


I can't - the cheap fares are not there yet.

On a random date when fares ARE available the cheapest megatrain fare is £5 and East Midlands fare £10 on direct trains.

The cheapest possible East Midlands fare is £8, megatrain can be as low as £1 plus 50p booking fee.

Neither has released cheap fares yet for OP's dates - megatrain do so I think 6 weeks ahead. East Midlands are overdue so I've no idea when they will do it. They are just up to Christmas currently.

So my advice is wait and get a cheaper fare when they are released.

[drkazton]

Right the cheapest I can get it down to is £15.25 each one way, however, the train leaves Leeds at 08:40 and arrives at 12:08 (thats the earliest cheap train from Leeds) and the cheap tickets for the East coast main line havn't been released for 1st Feb.

Use this Website to see when the Cheap ticket are available, watch National Express East Coast;

http://www.ticketalert.thetrainline.com/

Other considerations could be coach or flying

That works out cheaper that a return

Thanks a lot for the info.

[Livingthedream]

Thanks a lot for the info.

Can you please suggest me where can I find those fares, coz on nationalexpresseastcoast website the 0840train is for £32.95 each oneway after online discount.

I use this website;
https://www.buytickets.virgintrains.co.uk/JourneyRequest.aspx

Search the following;
Leeds Heathrow Airport(any)
Single
16th Jan
leave after 0800
Number of passengers
Railcard if you have one

press check availability

Any more help just ask

[mr_maniac]

Hi everyone,

it's been a while since I made a request on here, but I've got another one :D

Eastleigh to Cambridge with 16-25 Railcard.... departing Wednesday 10 December (any time of day, just need to arrive by late afternoon/evening), returning after about 5pm on Thursday 11 December :-)

Am I right in suspecting that return tickets might cost more if the journey there and back is not being made on the same day? Regardless, give it your best shot..... :-)

mr_m

PS - the target figure to beat is £36.45 (which is what I've got at the moment using National Rail), and also £42.75, which is what I paid on-the-day when I made a visit to Cambridge one day in July :-) .... I paid just £30.70 overall for a trip to York in October using National Express East Coast advance tickets incidentally :-)

[Livingthedream]

Hi everyone,

it's been a while since I made a request on here, but I've got another one :D

Eastleigh to Cambridge with 16-25 Railcard.... departing Wednesday 10 December (any time of day, just need to arrive by late afternoon/evening), returning after about 5pm on Thursday 11 December :-)

Am I right in suspecting that return tickets might cost more if the journey there and back is not being made on the same day? Regardless, give it your best shot..... :-)

mr_m

PS - the target figure to beat is £36.45 (which is what I've got at the moment using National Rail), and also £42.75, which is what I paid on-the-day when I made a visit to Cambridge one day in July :-) .... I paid just £30.70 overall for a trip to York in October using National Express East Coast advance tickets incidentally :-)

The only way I've made a saving was by the way you stated yourself and thats to travel there and back on the same day;
Eastleigh to Cambrigde £29.90 Off Peak Day Return

Just remember with a Off Peak day return you can't travel until after 08:30 (normally 09:30 for Off Peak Ticket)

hope this helps :o

[mr_maniac]

Cool, thanks for that - I can't travel on the same day unfortunately - for one thing, I need to be in Cambridge by about 10am on the 11th, so would have to travel during peak-time anyway!!

So it looks like I'll have to pay the £36.45 full fare (which I suspect I'd be able to get on the day?), unless anyone else has better suggestions... are there any Advance fares or discount codes valid for travel on South West Trains or First Capital Connect services?

The only other train company I'd be able to use is National Express East Anglia from London Liverpool Street, but I'd need to get there first!! And it would take rather a lot longer than the suggested route to Cambridge which I've used before; that is: Eastleigh -> Waterloo -> Tube to Kings Cross -> Cambridge :-)

mr_m

[Livingthedream]

mr_m what you could do is register with First Great Western via the link below which will give you a £5 off any single or return ticket.

http://www.fgw5pounds.co.uk/

[northstar23]

Just a quick question... are these discount advance fares only open to certain railway companies?

I'd like to travel from Canterbury to Southampton (via Southeastern & South West Trains) in mid December... despite attempting split routes and trying to purchase this early there are no discounts whatsoever, and the cheapest ticket I could get would be a standard £39 3 day cheap return.

This compared to a return of £27 when travelling from Canterbury to Birmingham New Street in two weeks time using southeastern & Virgin. Something doesn't seem quite right when there is such a huge discrepancy in fare prices.

[AirlieBird]

Advance fares are generally only available on long distance train operating companies. You don't usually find them on commuter routes. South West Trains do offer Advance fares, but not between London and Southampton. The first station you can get an advance to is Brockenhurst according to this map (http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/342EF0FA-3CD8-43B1-B11A-E3417A8AAADD/0/SWTAdvancefaresmap2.pdf)

[northstar23]

Top advice thankyou.

I wanted to travel down on December 19th, returning pn the 21st and having looked for a ticket from Waterloo to Brockenhurst its £5.30 each way. Add on £18 for the Canterbury - London return and I've saved £10.

I still intend to get off at Southampton... in the website guide it says that "travelling short" is banned, but in reality are you likely to get kicked off if you say that your travel plans have changed and you're now being picked up at a city centre station rather than 10 miles away?

[mr_maniac]

Livingthedream - I tried that yesterday, but it seems that no savings are applied on my route, as the cheapest fare was still £36.45 using their booking engine (off-peak day return)... entering my journey details took me to the Single fares page, but the single fares were £26.85 each way, (no saving on the original fare), which works out far worse value does it not!!

I will keep that code though, in case I end up needing to travel on the FGW network within the next few weeks (although currently this seems unlikely, you never know!)

mr_m

[mr_maniac]

Oh, and northstar - as a daily user of the SWT line (between Eastleigh and Brockenhurst, passing through Southampton), I'd suggest you'll be absolutely fine getting off the train before the final destination on your ticket - maybe if you're not too sure, just inform the guard of your 'change of travel plan' when he passes through your carriage and he'll OK it.... there are ticket gates at Southampton Central but the gates won't reject the ticket I wouldn't think!!

mr_m

[dzug1]

I will keep that code though, in case I end up needing to travel on the FGW network within the next few weeks (although currently this seems unlikely, you never know!)

mr_m

You can use the code for tickets for ANY train company - just as long as you buy them on the FGW site.

I used mine to buy Cross Country tickets

So you can still get a £5 discount on an Eastleigh - Cambridge ticket

Edit - can't remember - but I think the discount only shows up on the payment page, not with the initial quote

[dzug1]

Top advice thankyou.

I wanted to travel down on December 19th, returning pn the 21st and having looked for a ticket from Waterloo to Brockenhurst its £5.30 each way. Add on £18 for the Canterbury - London return and I've saved £10.

I still intend to get off at Southampton... in the website guide it says that "travelling short" is banned, but in reality are you likely to get kicked off if you say that your travel plans have changed and you're now being picked up at a city centre station rather than 10 miles away?

No you won't get kicked off but if they enforce the rules (and yes, it's a bit of an if) you can be charged the full fare for the journey you actually do, possibly a penalty fare if it's that sort of area.

[northstar23]

Yeah its a big if... how much of a risk is one willing to take? If I'm that worried I'll just buy a single from Southampton Parkway to Central (£1.80) beforehand and voila... I'm then fully justified when I walk through the barriers at the main station. Still saving money but with piece of mind ensued.

[mr_maniac]

You can use the code for tickets for ANY train company - just as long as you buy them on the FGW site.

I used mine to buy Cross Country tickets

So you can still get a £5 discount on an Eastleigh - Cambridge ticket

Edit - can't remember - but I think the discount only shows up on the payment page, not with the initial quote Right you are!!! Thanks very much for that one :D

£31.45 it shall be then - unless there's a cheaper fare available besides the Off-Peak day return? It doesn't help that neither SWT nor FCC do advance fares, to be honest!

mr_m

[CostCutter]

Hi, I don't get a train very often at all and I'm trying to find the cheapest return for 3 Adults to go from Northampton to London on 22/11. Does anyone have any suggestions for cheap tickets?

Thanks very much :D . CC

[Livingthedream]

Hi, I don't get a train very often at all and I'm trying to find the cheapest return for 3 Adults to go from Northampton to London on 22/11. Does anyone have any suggestions for cheap tickets?

Thanks very much :D . CC

The best I could do was £22.40 Off Peak Return per person, However, First Great Western have a Promo on at the moment that gives £5 off any tickets. So each and everyone of you needs to register and buy their own tickets and you will get each tickets for £17.40. If you do this for all of them make sure each registeration has a different e-mail address.

You can only get the £5 discount when you pay and use the discount code they e-mail you.

You need to be quick I think there finishing this promo soon as its been removed from their home page but here's the link;

http://www.fgw5pounds.co.uk/

[mr_maniac]

Having checked the terms and conditions, all tickets must be booked by the 30th November if you wish to get the £5 off :)

Just in case anyone else wants to make use of it!!

mr_m

[KenTurner]

As of 13:40h today Tuesday 18th, the £5 discount deal is still available either at
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/
or
http://www.fgw5pounds.co.uk/

Although it's officially only one £5 discount per customer, you can get away with it as many times as you can provide different (valid) email addresses. I've done 4 so far ...

[trixibelle69]

Hey guys-

Looking at travelling from Birmingham International (NEC) to Guildford on Sunday 7th Dec at around 6-7pm.

I can't find anything cheaper than £40! There seems to be no advanced fares at all- can anyone help???

[Livingthedream]

Hey guys-

Looking at travelling from Birmingham International (NEC) to Guildford on Sunday 7th Dec at around 6-7pm.

I can't find anything cheaper than £40! There seems to be no advanced fares at all- can anyone help???

Sorry trixbelle69 got confused helping somebody else, here's the correct one for you, it still requires you to travel earlier if you want to make the best savings and a change of train at Reading;

Birmingham Inte to Reading 7th 12:15 Advance single £12.50 or
Birmingham Inte to Reading 7th 13:15 Advance single £14.50 or
Birmingham Inte to Reading 7th 16:15 Advance 1st Single £20.50

Reading to Guildford £9.20 Off Peak Single
cheapest fare £21.70 better time journey £29.70

Birmingham to Reading Advance tickets so you have to travel on the booked train, Reading to Guildford Off Peak tickets so any train on the Sunday afternoon/evening

[Skint_Student]

Hi MoneySavers,
I'm currently travelling from Leamington to Lincoln on a weekly basis. The cheapest price I have found is 20.95. I've done a bit of browsing but find it all pretty confusing, from what I have seen though it looks like there could be some cheaper alternatives.
Any suggestions or answers you could provide would be really appreciated as the cost is racking up.

Cheers.

PS Not sure I have got the hang of posting threads properly yet.

[dzug1]

Hi MoneySavers,
I'm currently travelling from Leamington to Lincoln on a weekly basis. The cheapest price I have found is 20.95. I've done a bit of browsing but find it all pretty confusing, from what I have seen though it looks like there could be some cheaper alternatives.
Any suggestions or answers you could provide would be really appreciated as the cost is racking up.

Cheers.

PS Not sure I have got the hang of posting threads properly yet.

That's £10 cheaper than the cheapest I can find so you might as well stick with it. Or have you got a railcard you haven't mentioned? It does help to know the basis of the fare you have found......

There are sometimes cheap advance singles between Birmingham and Nottingham, so split ticketing is a possibility if you book ahead. However from what I can see once you've added in Leamington - Brum and Nottingham - Lincoln at normal fares it doesn't save you anything, but you might want to look a bit closer.

[Timbo85]

Hi everyone-
Im traveling from Bangor(North Wales) to Manchester Piccadilly on 13th December and i used to be able to split my journey and get to Singles for £6.60, but it's now gone up to £17.95 for 2 singles. It's £20 for a return with a railcard but im just woundering if anyone knows were i might get it any cheaper for the two singles? any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[lufcgirl]

*Random* your not Timmo from Yates' in Bangor are you?!

[Timbo85]

No im not but i do live on Anglesey

[cheap_charlie]

I am planning to travel from Edinburgh to London on 19th February, returning on 23rd.

The tickets have just been released and the cheapest fare I can get is a Super Off Peak Return costing £87.05 for myself and my daughter - using my Family & Friends Railcard.

Usually there are cheaper single fares available but the cheapest I can find is £86 for the two of us - one way! I am shocked at the increase in price - we travelled down in June using two singles for £55 return!

Is there any way I can go for less or have I just got to accept that £87 is the best I will be able to find the fare for?

[dzug1]

I am planning to travel from Edinburgh to London on 19th February, returning on 23rd.

The tickets have just been released and the cheapest fare I can get is a Super Off Peak Return costing £87.05 for myself and my daughter - using my Family & Friends Railcard.

Usually there are cheaper single fares available but the cheapest I can find is £86 for the two of us - one way! I am shocked at the increase in price - we travelled down in June using two singles for £55 return!

Is there any way I can go for less or have I just got to accept that £87 is the best I will be able to find the fare for?

Just be patient and wait for the cheap advance singles to be released.

Reservations have been released, yes - but only for full price tickets at present. The singles will come along sooner or later. Maybe a day or so, maybe a week or so.

[susan21111966]

you can now use this card without needing to have a child with you

[Livingthedream]

you can now use this card without needing to have a child with you

Have you got a link for this as I can't find anything about this on the Internet

[Livingthedream]

Hi everyone-
Im traveling from Bangor(North Wales) to Manchester Piccadilly on 13th December and i used to be able to split my journey and get to Singles for £6.60, but it's now gone up to £17.95 for 2 singles. It's £20 for a return with a railcard but im just woundering if anyone knows were i might get it any cheaper for the two singles? any help would be appreciated. Thanks.


The cheap Advance tickets are now back on sale, I think there was a problem with the booking websites yesterday as I had the same problems.

:j

[dzug1]

you can now use this card without needing to have a child with you

Well the family and friends railcard website still says at least one child must travel. Whilst I hesitate to say I don't believe you, until you give your source for this, I don't.

[leeniebaby21]

hey everyone. im just wondering if there is a pass that allows you to travel on a train and a bus as i have to catch a bus to the train station £1.20, then pay my trainfare £2.90 (return) and then £1.20 back. this may not seem like alot but as i am only working part time and christmas is drawing closer im really starting to feel it. my work times are not within the cheap day ticket hours :(
any help very much appreciated and thank you in advance :D

[dzug1]

hey everyone. im just wondering if there is a pass that allows you to travel on a train and a bus as i have to catch a bus to the train station £1.20, then pay my trainfare £2.90 (return) and then £1.20 back. this may not seem like alot but as i am only working part time and christmas is drawing closer im really starting to feel it. my work times are not within the cheap day ticket hours :(
any help very much appreciated and thank you in advance :D

In some areas such things exist, in others not.

As you don't say where you live, nor how many days a week you are travelling it's impossible to tell

[miller]

hey everyone. im just wondering if there is a pass that allows you to travel on a train and a bus as i have to catch a bus to the train station £1.20If its anything like the buses I go on, £1.20 doesn't get you very far. The easiest way to save £2.40 a day would be to walk it if its not too far.

[AirlieBird]

See if where you live is listed here (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/passenger_services/plusbus.html)

[leeniebaby21]

In some areas such things exist, in others not.

As you don't say where you live, nor how many days a week you are travelling it's impossible to tell


i live in a small area of Barnsley, i dont get on the bus from an interchange so i cant use the PLUSBUS service as my train station doesnt have a ticket service, i buy my tickets on the train..
i travel from elsecar to meadowhall sheffield 5 times a week.

[dzug1]

You may be able to save on the rail part of the journey with a season ticket - they are usually about the price of 4 returns for a weekly one with a bit more off a monthly.

[AirlieBird]

As dzug says you can get a season ticket. For Elsecar to Meadowhall the prices according to the National Rail site are:

7 Days1 Month3 Months6 Months12 Months
£13.00 £50.00 £149.80 £299.60 £520.00

But as your bus journey costs £2.40 per day or £12 a week, there is another option.

It appears you can get travel passes from Travel South Yorkshire (http://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/Tickets_Passes/ticket_types/travel_south_yorkshire_tickets.html.htm) which gives you unlimited travel on bus, trains and trams in South Yorkshire. I suggest you go into the information centre in Meadowhall interchange and ask what the best option for you is.

[read1]

Hiya I need a return train ticket, Huddersfield, or Manchester Piccadilly to London for December the 31st coming back on the 1st January (for the fireworks and celebrations). Can anyone recommend a good deal? I have tried using national express etc but all are upwards of £100 :o

[dzug1]

Hiya I need a return train ticket, Huddersfield, or Manchester Piccadilly to London for December the 31st coming back on the 1st January (for the fireworks and celebrations). Can anyone recommend a good deal? I have tried using national express etc but all are upwards of £100 :o

I don't know what you've done wrong, but I've just found £11 out and £8 back from Manchester

I used http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/ but all the sites should have these fares. You may just have time to get another £5 off with their current offer.

[read1]

I don't know what you've done wrong, but I've just found £11 out and £8 back from Manchester

I used http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/ but all the sites should have these fares. You may just have time to get another £5 off with their current offer.

Ooooh thank you :) Your a complete ledge! :D Saved me loads of monies.:money:

[Loafer]

I am travelling to Birmingham from Carlisle on Friday 5th December and need 2 day returns (adult, no railcard)
Can anyone help get them less than the £148 i am being quoted!?

[dzug1]

I am travelling to Birmingham from Carlisle on Friday 5th December and need 2 day returns (adult, no railcard)
Can anyone help get them less than the £148 i am being quoted!?

Well the standard fare is £142, so you are being overquoted anyway

You can do it for around £120 by booking on Virgin's website as long as the 0913 departure suits - coming back it doesn't matter

Had you booked further in advance it could have been cheaper

[Livingthedream]

You can get some Advance Single tickets;
Carlisle to Birmingham 5th 08:21 £48
Birmingham NS to Carlisle 5th 20:21 £37

Total £85 for 2 adults

I'll keep looking for any cheaper split tickets

*Update*
Split tickets works out around the same price, so best bet is one of the above. With Advance tickets you must travel on booked trains and get them early as they do sell out

[Loafer]

wow! thats cheaper than i could find!!
Problem is I have to be in Birmingham for around 10am but will try to delay my appointment for greater savings!!! Thanks so much for keeping on trying!

[Loafer]

Well the standard fare is £142, so you are being overquoted anyway

You can do it for around £120 by booking on Virgin's website as long as the 0913 departure suits - coming back it doesn't matter

Had you booked further in advance it could have been cheaper

I was planning on driving down but the car is playing up BIG TIME so have to look at other options. Thanks for looking into the prices though.> I really appreciate it!

[Happychappy]

Hi

I want to go to London off peak on Saturday 10th January and return off peak on Monday 12th January, looking for 2 tickets from either Derby or Alfreton, cant find anything less than £49 per single making £98 each return. Also looking to use the tube for the three days Saturday to Monday for trips in zones 1&2 with one return trip to canary Wharf on the Sunday. I do have an oyster card but havent used it yet.

Any advice or where to look would be most appreciated


After my previous post, didnt look like anyone knew there would be any reductions in fares, however, today booked with Virgin from Derby to London for £18 return, obviously nobody saw that one coming, so worth checking for yourself every day and not always relying on others advice. Saved a good bit and dont now need to park at Stanmore and tube in.

[p1an0player]

After my previous post, didnt look like anyone knew there would be any reductions in fares, however, today booked with Virgin from Derby to London for £18 return, obviously nobody saw that one coming, so worth checking for yourself every day and not always relying on others advice. Saved a good bit and dont now need to park at Stanmore and tube in.
Virgin from Derby to London?
Are you changing at Birmingham?

[Happychappy]

Virgin from Derby to London?
Are you changing at Birmingham?


No, direct each way ? Virgin (https://www.buytickets.virgintrains.co.uk/timetableonly.aspx)

[dzug1]

No, direct each way ? Virgin (https://www.buytickets.virgintrains.co.uk/timetableonly.aspx)

Virgin don't run from Derby to London (or anywhere else), so you are either changing somewhere or not travelling with them.

You've probably bought an East Midlands ticket from them - no problem.

[Bristol Transport]

Just found the site, I travel to London Waterloo from Bristol Temple Meads once a month, the cheapest fare I have found is to spit the journey Bristol to Dodcot Didcot to Waterloo (including off peak travel card-all zone) its £16.80 + £21.90 = £38.70(the train must stop at Didcot but I never get off) the trough ticket costs £53.60 to paddington and then £5.30 for the Zone `1-2 travel card. total £58.90 saving £20.20p
Also using the split ticket you are able to travel on any train from Bristol via Didcot not as the 'cheap fare tickets' and leave London before 19.30 and get a seat on the trains after 19.30 the trains are packed as far as Swindon as everyone on a 'cheap £53.60 ticket from Bristol etc can not travel during the 'peak hours' of `16.00 - 19.30. Hope this helps someone.

[Happychappy]

Virgin don't run from Derby to London (or anywhere else), so you are either changing somewhere or not travelling with them.

You've probably bought an East Midlands ticket from them - no problem.


Booked on the Virgin website, credit card taken by Virgin, tickets arrive in a Virgin envelope stating on the tickets Issuing Office Virgin Trains.
I really dont care if it's a Virgin train an old slapper train or worn out mare train. It takes me directly to London without any changes and charges £10 to get there and £8 back.

[dzug1]

Booked on the Virgin website, credit card taken by Virgin, tickets arrive in a Virgin envelope stating on the tickets Issuing Office Virgin Trains.
I really dont care if it's a Virgin train an old slapper train or worn out mare train. It takes me directly to London without any changes and charges £10 to get there and £8 back.

Well you might care if you were standing on Derby station waiting for a Virgin train to turn up and didn't work out what was going on in time.

But you've got cheap fares - that's the main thing:j

[p1an0player]

Well you might care if you were standing on Derby station waiting for a Virgin train to turn up and didn't work out what was going on in time.

But you've got cheap fares - that's the main thing:j
:rotfl:,,,,,,,,,,,

[tycumagain]

Anybody know when Megatrain will update their travel dates ?
Seems to have been stuck on upto 12/01 for ages ?

[bluepricey]

hi do you now if i buy a family and friends railcard on the internet can i use it straight away looking to go to london on sunday and it works out cheeper with this card but only need it on sun thanks in advance

[dzug1]

hi do you now if i buy a family and friends railcard on the internet can i use it straight away looking to go to london on sunday and it works out cheeper with this card but only need it on sun thanks in advance

You have to have the card with you when you travel. Whether it would arrive before next Sunday is hard to say (does the website say anything?)

At worst you can buy it at the station, assuming it has an open ticket office on a Sunday

[bluepricey]

thanks think i'll go to the station tomorow and buy one there

[IM]

I'm looking to book Manchester to Euston 1st class* for February - down Thursday morning, back late afternoon on the Sunday - and I'm confused from scanning (but not reading all 1,300+ posts…:eek: ) this thread, as to when is the best time to book.

First off, is it 12 weeks, 3 months or 90 days before? And does this relate to the return leg?

Secondly, if it's actually some random point later than 12 weeks, that the cheapest tickets are uploaded to the websites, how do I know when to 'blink' (i.e. how to spot the lowest they are going to get).

Cheers

IM

*It's a big birthday, and we're Eurostar-ing to Brugges on Nectar points.

I'm confused now…

I've been waiting for Advance fares to become available, and they have been for the journey south, for a couple of weeks - I've been holding on for the return journey on the Sunday.

Today, the Virgin website is showing Advance fares for the Monday onwards, but not the preceding weekend.

Currently, I can get Manchester-London on Thursday 19th February for £34.00 (1st class), and London-Manchester on Monday 23rd February for £46.50 (1st class) - both Advance tickets.

For the Sunday 22nd when I actually need to travel, the only fares listed are Off-Peak Standard (£65.10) or Anytime 1st Class (£193.50)

Is this an attempt to get me to do the £15 upgrade to 'Weekend 1st'? If it is, I'd still be looking at paying £80+, and in any case, I'm not presented with the option if I do a dummy booking.

Should I just book the south-bound singles, and hold out for Advance fares to come up over the next few weeks - or am I stuck with buying an Off-Peak Standard + upgrade?

[GarethEvans]

im looking to book a train juroney from cardiff to london this weekend. I rang up national rail and the cheapest they said they can do it is £57! going on the sat and back on the sunday. surely thats a bit steap. i travel weekly to birmingham from cardiff for work for a tenner.

[bigbullyweedave]

Anybody know when Megatrain will update their travel dates ?
Seems to have been stuck on upto 12/01 for ages ?

Just happened last night! :T

cheers from Mrs. BBWD (using the mister's account :D )

[Livingthedream]

im looking to book a train juroney from cardiff to london this weekend. I rang up national rail and the cheapest they said they can do it is £57! going on the sat and back on the sunday. surely thats a bit steap. i travel weekly to birmingham from cardiff for work for a tenner.

That's the walk on fare, as you have left it late the advance tickets ain't much better, however, megabus do returns from £20 if you don't mine traveling by coach

http://www.megabus.com/uk/

[Livingthedream]

I'm confused now…

Today, the Virgin website is showing Advance fares for the Monday onwards, but not the preceding weekend.

Sometimes the train companies don't release their cheap Advance Singles for the Weekends until the preceding week this is due to the fact that there might be engineering works that weekend and they might have to cancel trains.

You could get the cheap outward now and hope that as it gets nearer the time cheap Advance tickets appear. As one thing is for certain the off peak single price won't change but as it gets closer to the time the cheap outward ticket price will go up and finally disappear.

If you do decide to take a chance keep checking or use a ticket alert service like the one below to warn you of cheap releases

http://www.ticketalert.thetrainline.com/

[74jax]

I'm sure it's been posted on here but I've had a quick look and can't see it so thought I'd mention it again.

All train tickets on the East Coast route are going for 5.00 single for travel in the New Year. I've book return to London from Newcastle in Feb for 10.00 each and some others too.

Apparently it's a birthday special.

link is www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/birthday

[sweetsoul]

Hi

Taking ankle biters to see Santa in London this Sunday. Don't normally use the train so wondered if anyone could give me advice on the cheapest option for 2 adults and 2 children under 12. By the way one of adults has a student card, will this be useful?

Any advice would be appreciated as have not found the ticket office very helpful.

Thanks

[KeithP]

Sweetsoul, for a start look here (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/).

[sweetsoul]

Thanks, will take a look and see what it comes up with .

[dzug1]

Hi

Taking ankle biters to see Santa in London this Sunday. Don't normally use the train so wondered if anyone could give me advice on the cheapest option for 2 adults and 2 children under 12. By the way one of adults has a student card, will this be useful?

Any advice would be appreciated as have not found the ticket office very helpful.

Thanks

Cheapest option is probably a one day off peak travelcard each. The children will be half price, but the student card counts for nothing.

It might be worth looking at a family and friends railcard (£24) but I doubt if it will pay for itself on just this one journey.

Also ask about Groupsave - that should be available on off-peak trains.

In general fares from commuterland (in which St Neots sits) do not have cheap advance fares so all the advice about booking early is irrelevant

[Altarf]

Taking ankle biters to see Santa in London this Sunday. Don't normally use the train so wondered if anyone could give me advice on the cheapest option for 2 adults and 2 children under 12. By the way one of adults has a student card, will this be useful?

Children under 5 travel free, those between 5 and 15 pay £2 each for a return ticket on First Capital Connect providing they are travelling with an adult (up to 4 children per adult). The standard off peak day return from St Neots to London is £18 or £24 with a travelcard. Which you will need obviously depends on how much travelling you are doing in London.

Children under 11 can travel free on the tube and buses when accompanied by an adult with a travelcard or PAYG Oyster.

[northender]

Hi. Going to London (if we can afford the train fares!) in Feb (14-16). Am horrified by the fares currently showing although I realise this is half term week. Are we too late for the cheap fares or have they not been released yet? Have provisionally booked accommodation but will hang fire until we know we can afford the train fares.

Any advice or tips very welcome!

[dzug1]

Hi. Going to London (if we can afford the train fares!) in Feb (14-16). Am horrified by the fares currently showing although I realise this is half term week. Are we too late for the cheap fares or have they not been released yet? Have provisionally booked accommodation but will hang fire until we know we can afford the train fares.

Any advice or tips very welcome!


Depends on the train company - most have released tickets but not all. Virgin and East Midlands are the main late ones. (or were a few days ago - my source hasn't been updated for a while)

[northender]

The operator we're dealing with is Virgin. Is there a chance their cheap tickets haven't been released yet? Will keep checking daily.

[Gray-Fox]

I got from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street yesterday on a Super Off Peak Return Ticket for 14.50. It stipulates that you can only travel on London Midland only though...but on a journey that normally costs upwards of 41.30, it was an absolute bargain. Unless I'm booking WELL in advance, I'm always going into the station in future rather than booking online.

[dzug1]

The operator we're dealing with is Virgin. Is there a chance their cheap tickets haven't been released yet? Will keep checking daily.

They do appear to have been released - just checked and some are available

[shadej]

Can anyone help me find the cheapest way to get to Skegness tomorrow afternoon.
Coach with nx are full. Its for 1A 1C and we are returning on 30th Dec. Traveling from anywhere in london. Cheapest i found is with Trainline @£82 return. I don't even mind two singles or just a single there as i can get the nx coach back. No railcard but I have a nx coach card

[dzug1]

Can anyone help me find the cheapest way to get to Skegness tomorrow afternoon.
Coach with nx are full. Its for 1A 1C and we are returning on 30th Dec. Traveling from anywhere in london. Cheapest i found is with Trainline @£82 return. I don't even mind two singles or just a single there as i can get the nx coach back. No railcard but I have a nx coach card

You are too late for cheap singles on the train - bookings closed at 6pm today - if there were any left.

You might as well get that £82* return - a single will be only pence less. Don't buy it from the trainline, they charge a fee - just buy it at Kings Cross on the day.

*assuming that's total for both of you

You could save a few ££ by buying a family railcard - brings the total cost down to about £70 including the railcard. You can buy it at the same time as you buy your ticket. It will be quicker if you can get the application form in advance and fill it in.

I did look at split ticketing at Peterborough but it didn't help

[shadej]

Do I need need to bring any id or loose photographs when buying a family railcard?

[John89001]

Do I need need to bring any id or loose photographs when buying a family railcard?

No.
See http://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/where-can-i-buy-one

John

[jenny_f]

I've tried searching for the best deals but seem to be going round in circles as haven't done this for ages!

wanting to go from stevenage to brighton tomorrow - either for the day or return early (10am ish) on the 30th - have a young persons railcard.

any help/advice appreciated

cheers in advance

[Livingthedream]

I've tried searching for the best deals but seem to be going round in circles as haven't done this for ages!

wanting to go from stevenage to brighton tomorrow - either for the day or return early (10am ish) on the 30th - have a young persons railcard.

any help/advice appreciated

cheers in advance
Just had a quick look and there 2 cheap options both with YP R'card
1. Off Peak Day return £19.45 (Back same day)
2. Off Peak Return £26.05 (Back next day)

Only restriction is that the outward journey can't be made before 09.30 as these are walkon fares you can buy them at the station before you travel.

[cazscoob]

we are looking for cheap rail fares to inverness on 02/01/2009 or 03/01/2009 from either kirkcaldy or markinch fife. any help apriciated as we are buying a car and will still need to get it home:D

[adamtrainman]

Try splitting your ticket at Perth i got (via national express website) £31.60 kirkcaldy - inverness but splitting at perth £5.70 Kirkcaldy - Perth and £21.60 Perth - Inverness saving nearly £5. Per person. All walk-up fares available from station.

[greyhoundcrazy]

I need a return from Coventry to London Euston. I usually get it for between £11 and £16. I have been trying for 3 days and have only been able to get fares for £45+ (when the websites are actually functioning that is :rolleyes: )

Any tips? Cheers

[dzug1]

I need a return from Coventry to London Euston. I usually get it for between £11 and £16. I have been trying for 3 days and have only been able to get fares for £45+ (when the websites are actually functioning that is :rolleyes: )

Any tips? Cheers

WHEN do you want to travel?? Makes a huge difference.

A possible cheaper alternative is to travel via XC to Leamington then Chiltern to London Marylebone - a bit slower, but can be cheaper.

Or via Northampton with London Midland - ditto

However sounds as though something is wrong if you are travelling off-peak. The walk on fare with Virgin is less than £40, nowhere near £45.

[hippey]

Beware with Virgin, you must buy a ticket before travel, or a full open fare is payable, much more than £45. It's not a pay-train service on WCML.

[greyhoundcrazy]

WHEN do you want to travel?? Makes a huge difference.

However sounds as though something is wrong if you are travelling off-peak. The walk on fare with Virgin is less than £40, nowhere near £45.
I always travel off peak deliberately so that I get a cheap fair. I usually get a slow train (midland mainline) for the out journey and I get on a late virgin train home. There are usually singles available for that from £5. I've never paid more than £16.50 for the return journey.

Since Martin put the warning out about the fair increase on 2nd Jan I thought I'd try and book my ticket now... seems like they already put the prices up :rolleyes:. I stills have 2 weeks til travel so will hold off and see if any cheap ones come up.

[just_looking]

Anybody any idea why I can't book a train ticket from Birmingham to Leicester on Sunday 1st Feb?? Can't find a train???????

[dzug1]

Anybody any idea why I can't book a train ticket from Birmingham to Leicester on Sunday 1st Feb?? Can't find a train???????

Two possibilities - there are no trains due to engineering work, or the timetable hasn't been decided yet.

But why book? The tickets are the same price on the day on this route and AFAIK there are no seat reservations.

[tycumagain]

Anybody any idea why I can't book a train ticket from Birmingham to Leicester on Sunday 1st Feb?? Can't find a train???????

No direct train :confused:
Birmingham New Street - Coventry
Coventry - Nuneaton
Nuneaton - Leicester
Puts extra hour on journey time :eek: but gets you there. £9.30

[just_looking]

Two possibilities - there are no trains due to engineering work, or the timetable hasn't been decided yet.

But why book? The tickets are the same price on the day on this route and AFAIK there are no seat reservations.

I wanted to know what times I could get back, fortunately I checked rather than turning up at the train station and realising there was no train, as I would've done if I hadn't checked!

[just_looking]

No direct train :confused:
Birmingham New Street - Coventry
Coventry - Nuneaton
Nuneaton - Leicester
Puts extra hour on journey time :eek: but gets you there. £9.30
How ridiculous, and people are supposed to be encouraged to use public transport- an absolute joke- well, driving it is I guess!

[just_looking]

is there anywhere that shows planned engineering works, I've looked but doesn't appear to be anything scheduled for the 1st feb on birmingham to leicester line, so am at a loss as to why I can't find a direct train, I'm presuming the t/t would be released by now, we are talking only a month after all.

[tycumagain]

How ridiculous, and people are supposed to be encouraged to use public transport- an absolute joke- well, driving it is I guess!

Not sure if it helps you any but you can get a day return on National express coach £8.10

[AirlieBird]

Looking at Crosscountry trains pocket timetable there are no timetabled services between Birmingham and Nuneaton on Sundays between 1 Feb and 22 Mar. There are road replacement services.

[hv6500]

Hello everyone!I am new in this forum.Can anyone to help me to find cheap tickets from London area to Grantham?Normaly I travel Friday evening or Saturday Morning and I return Saturday evening or Sunday evening.MegaBus(train) only travel to Nottingham and I suppose do not go via Grantham.Sometimes I buy in advance and I can get prices like 15 pounds less 11% (online).Next week ticket costs 20 pounds.Any ideas?Thanks in advance!

[dzug1]

Hello everyone!I am new in this forum.Can anyone to help me to find cheap tickets from London area to Grantham?Normaly I travel Friday evening or Saturday Morning and I return Saturday evening or Sunday evening.MegaBus(train) only travel to Nottingham and I suppose do not go via Grantham.Sometimes I buy in advance and I can get prices like 15 pounds less 11% (online).Next week ticket costs 20 pounds.Any ideas?Thanks in advance!


Book earlier
Choose a less busy time
Check if split ticketing at Peterborough helps - my instinct says it won't but it's worth a try.

[pmlindyloo]

Newbie here and think I may have already posted in the wrong place :confused:

Impressed by the knowledgeable people on here so please can you help?

Scenario: return train journey peak times 5 days a week for a year.

Which would be cheaper? Using a 18-25 rail card each day or buying a monthly/yearly season ticket?

Sorry but my brain's aching from trying to do the maths! HELP!

[dzug1]

Newbie here and think I may have already posted in the wrong place :confused:

Impressed by the knowledgeable people on here so please can you help?

Scenario: return train journey peak times 5 days a week for a year.

Which would be cheaper? Using a 18-25 rail card each day or buying a monthly/yearly season ticket?

Sorry but my brain's aching from trying to do the maths! HELP!

It depends very much on the journey - season tickets do not have a fixed relationship to standard tickets.

So more info needed.

[miller]

It depends very much on the journey - season tickets do not have a fixed relationship to standard tickets.

So more info needed.

Plus also need to bear in mind the minimum fares if travelling before 10am on the railcard:
http://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/what-is-a-16-25-railcard/minimum-fares

Interesting also to see the quote on that page:
If you travel regularly before 10am, then a weekly or monthly season ticket may be more appropriate (Railcard discount on these tickets not applicable).

[pmlindyloo]

Thank you very much for that info. I hadn't found out about the minimum fare bit - will now check to see how much it is and work from there.

[greyhoundcrazy]

I can't believe this price increase malarkey :mad:

My usual train to London was £5 single at that particular time in the morning. It is now £35 (and that is using the cheap ticket alert on trainline - tickets just released this evening).

[greyhoundcrazy]

I can't believe this price increase malarkey :mad:

My usual train to London was £5 single at that particular time in the morning. It is now £35 (and that is using the cheap ticket alert on trainline - tickets just released this evening).
Ticket splitting isn't working for me either. Dunno what to do now :confused:

[er14]

Does anyone know what the cheapest way of getting from Peterborough to Cardiff and back, on Sunday 25th January is please?

[Livingthedream]

Does anyone know what the cheapest way of getting from Peterborough to Cardiff and back, on Sunday 25th January is please?

Split Advance tickets at Birmingham New St, got the price down to £44

Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time at Birmingham to catch your connection.

[suenbern]

Hi, like everyone else I'm trying to get the cheapest tickets possible.

My journey is from Preston to London on 21 March returning the next day (weekend visit). The cheapeast I've seen so far are around £31 out & £35 return journey (i.e. 2 singles). Does anyone know if this is likely to get any cheaper so it's worth hanging on or should I just go ahead & book???

Thanks Sue

[Livingthedream]

Hi, like everyone else I'm trying to get the cheapest tickets possible.

My journey is from Preston to London on 21 March returning the next day (weekend visit). The cheapeast I've seen so far are around £31 out & £35 return journey (i.e. 2 singles). Does anyone know if this is likely to get any cheaper so it's worth hanging on or should I just go ahead & book???

Thanks Sue

Try this, split tickets and change of train required;
Preston to Manchester Pic Off Peak Return £13.70
Manchester Pic to London Euston 21st 10:15 Advance Single £8

London Euston to Manchester Pic Advance Single 22nd 14:55 £8
Manchester Pic to Preston Off Peak Return £0

Total £29.70 Return

You can get cheaper Advance singles from Preston to Manchester but the off peak ticket give you more flexiblity and there are other £8 trains from Manchester/London to choose from. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time for connections at Manchester

[Rumman]

Hi,

I am going from doncaster to london on the 22nd jan, but all the morning tickets seem very expensive at 64 pounds for a single, i need to travel at 6am, i guess as it's peak hour, there isn't much scope of getting any cheap

[Livingthedream]

Hi,

I am going from doncaster to london on the 22nd jan, but all the morning tickets seem very expensive at 64 pounds for a single, i need to travel at 6am, i guess as it's peak hour, there isn't much scope of getting any cheap

Try this, takes you via Manchester/change train there, it will be longer time wise but it is cheaper;

Doncaster to Manchester Pic 22nd 05:40 Single £16.40
Manchester Pic to London Euston 22nd 07:35 Advance Single £28

Total £44.40

Hope it helps?
Advance tickets so get them early and you must travel on the booked train

[pgt67]

I have a meeting in London on Sat 28th March, would prefer to be there before 11am and return on same day. cheapest train fare i can find is around the £80 mark from Huddersfield.

Do I wait or take it?? :confused:

[dzug1]

I'd wait. I don't believe that cheap tickets are out yet.

If the ticket you have found is described as 'off peak' or 'anytime' definitely wait. It will be the same price on the day so you will lose nothing by waiting even if you end up buying it (very unlikely)

[suenbern]

Hi Livingthedream - you're such an expert & thanks a lot re:

"Try this, split tickets and change of train required;
Preston to Manchester Pic Off Peak Return £13.70
Manchester Pic to London Euston 21st 10:15 Advance Single £8

London Euston to Manchester Pic Advance Single 22nd 14:55 £8
Manchester Pic to Preston Off Peak Return £0

Total £29.70 Return"

but...........I can't find this info anywhere on The Trainline or Virgin - where oh where did you track it down???????

Thanks Sue

[Livingthedream]

anywhere[/i] on The Trainline or Virgin - where oh where did you track it down???????

Thanks Sue

Those £8 quid Advance ticket don't last long, had a quick check on Virgin trains and theres some still available;
Manchester Pic to London Eus 10:35 £8 advance single
London Eus to Manchester Pic 18:55 £8 advance single

https://www.buytickets.virgintrains.co.uk/JourneyRequest.aspx

The Preston to Manchester ticketsare walk on fares and can be bought anytime

[daisyboo]

Anyone know how to get form Preston to Stowmarket (Suffolk) on sat 4th April without it costing £105 return!

[KeithP]

Anyone know how to get form Preston to Stowmarket (Suffolk) on sat 4th April without it costing £105 return!
Well a walkup offpeak single is only £101.00.
You can get a return for £102.00.
Where did you get £105.00 from?
Try split ticketing or wait a bit until Advance tickets are available.

[daisyboo]

Thanks for the advice. How far in advanced do the advanced ticket prices come out?

£105 was from train line (it adds on for postage )

I will look at split ticketing but not sure how it works do you look for a major station on the way and book two separate journeys?

my mum also recommended raileasy but the only give you prices for the next 12 weeks.

[Livingthedream]

Anyone know how to get form Preston to Stowmarket (Suffolk) on sat 4th April without it costing £105 return!

Just a little bit early at the moment, the cheap Virgin advance tickets are only up to 22nd of March for some of their routes. Use this website to see when they are released;

http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/buy_tickets/seat_reservations/default.aspx

I've checked on a variety of different dates for cheap Advanced from Preston to Stowmarket and can't find any? which is strange:confused: but you can do this when Virgin released their cheap Preston to London Tickets

Preston to London Liverpool St Advance Single £19.50
London Liverpool St to Stowmarket Advance Single £6

Stowmarket to London Liverpool St Advance Single £6
London Liverpool st to Preston Advance Single £19.50

Total: £51 Return

When you book your tickets give yourself plenty of time to get accross London to make your connections at either Euston or Liverpool St. These are advance single so you must travel on the booked train.

[daisyboo]

Thank you so much for that and your time looking for me. Greatly appreciated

[dzug1]

Thanks for the advice. How far in advanced do the advanced ticket prices come out?

£105 was from train line (it adds on for postage )

I will look at split ticketing but not sure how it works do you look for a major station on the way and book two separate journeys?

my mum also recommended raileasy but the only give you prices for the next 12 weeks.

The trainline and raileasy are two sites to avoid. They are the only two that charge postage/fees on top of the ticket which is the same price as anywhere else.

Advance tickets are supposed to come out 12 weeks ahead, but it's a very rare thing if they do. 8 is more common, less at weekends.

I see someone has give advice on possible prices so I won't repeat that

[emrawkgrrl]

Might be travelling to Newcastle from Guildford next Saturday (24th). Need to be there about 1:30pm but don't mind it being a bit earlier, then back the same day but leaving no earlier than 6pm. Is there anything around that is less than £90??? Or any promo codes or anything anyone knows?

[miller]

Might be travelling to Newcastle from Guildford next Saturday (24th). Need to be there about 1:30pm but don't mind it being a bit earlier, then back the same day but leaving no earlier than 6pm. Is there anything around that is less than £90??? Or any promo codes or anything anyone knows?

I suppose a bit earlier doesn't include 0430 in the morning? This from National Express East Coast:

Newcastle - Peterborough 0430 - 0709 £12
Peterborough - Guildford 0709 - 0933 £14
Total: £26

Try also splitting at other places like York, Doncaster etc. if that is not palatable.

[emrawkgrrl]

I suppose a bit earlier doesn't include 0430 in the morning? This from National Express East Coast:

Newcastle - Peterborough 0430 - 0709 £12
Peterborough - Guildford 0709 - 0933 £14
Total: £26

Try also splitting at other places like York, Doncaster etc. if that is not palatable.
Wow, blimey thanks! What's the best way to search for split journeys?

[miller]

Wow, blimey thanks! What's the best way to search for split journeys?Its just trial and error really. I use www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com) as its a bit faster than the other train related sites.

I also checked flybe yesterday and they were £45 quid for a single flight to Gatwick (OK, so there would then be the train to Guildford to pay for so its actually a bit dearer).

There is also an EasyJet flight to Stansted for £29 (though thats a bit of a trek to Guildford from there).

[sadiejp]

need to travel form melton mowbray to london, 23rd jan iseally around lunch time but anytime ok and return on the 25th again anytime, whats the cheapest way to get ther coming up at 50 pound return on trainline,

[KeithP]

You can save yourself £1.00 by getting your tickets anywhere else.
As dzug says a few posts up...

The trainline and raileasy are two sites to avoid. They are the only two that charge postage/fees on top of the ticket which is the same price as anywhere else.

Other than that, try split ticketing, either at Peterboro or Leicester.