Rail Travel: Tips on Cheap Tickets

[dzug1]

My sister and I have to travel from Sunderland to Hull for a family wedding on Saturday July 4th. I thought the cheapest option would be to travel early Sat (wedding at noon) stay one night in a cheap hotel on Sat night and return the next day. Oh my word. I have been on a ton of rail sites to find a good deal and have had absolutely no joy. :( Ive tried, singles, returns and even breaking up the journey ie ticket from home to York, then a ticket from York to Hull, but everthing is so expensive. We are on a really tight budget and I havnt even started to look for a place to stay yet. I thought that looking so far in advance I would have more chance of finding a bargain but no joy. Im thinking about looking at cheap coach travel next. :o Can anyone help me at all pleeeeeeease. I can leave from either Sunderland, Durham or Newcastle and can come back anytime at all on the Sunday. Thanks, Heather x :A


There are advance singles at £13.50 or £14.50 each way from Newcastle. That doesn't look overly expensive to me - but you may have different ideas of course. It's about half the walk on fare.

[Stewartjp]

Stewart - according to the rules for advance tickets, you must be on the train for the complete length of journey - whether you can get away with it is another matter, however.

Looking at fares, the cheapest Euston-Glasgow ticket I can see is £10.00 single, the cheapest Kings Cross-Glasgow is £16.50, the cheapest Milton Keynes is £10.00, cheapest Stevenage is £16.00, and the cheapest Bedford-Glasgow single ticket is £16.50 - I'm not sure of the routing of this without looking further - could possibly be either along the branch to Bletchley, up to Derby, or maybe even down to Euston - the trick will be finding these cheap tickets.
Thanks for your help.
I had used the trainlines best fare feature to find the london to Glasgow prices as they don't do it for MK or bedford to Glasgow.
I did look for those fares you quoted but couldn't find them. Could you tell me what website you used to get these fares? Was you looking 12 weeks in advance?

Thanks

Stewart

[eBayaddict]

No problem, found tickets - many thanks

[dzug1]

I have even had to become a new user because I can't get my usual name/details to work :mad:



People who want to travel:

3 adults(aged 50, 41 and 16)and 2 children aged 14 and 7

When: Friday 29th May
Return: Sunday 31st May


Can be flexible with times there and back (not dates)


Journey

Leicester to Letchworth


We have a Family Railcard.

The cheapest I can find is £134

I really don't want to pay that - especially as we are going to see friends and the men will be watching the Cup Final while the women look after all the children!!! (7 between us!!!!!) :mad:



Many thanks for any help - I have looked for 3 hours and can't find a better price :confused:

It's not a journey that i would want to travel throughout by rail for - it's just too much of a long way round.

I'd look into getting the train to Luton then a local bus to Hitchin (they are frequent - 2 or 3 times an hour) and then either another local bus (don't know much about them or even if they exist) or the train to Letchworth.

[nazli319]

Hi I have been waiting for tickets to be released for 12th July and the timetables are now available but no tickets on offer only about 3 or 4 options.
I want to travel from nottingham to Luton on Sunday 12th July (we fly on the 13th of July and will be staying in the easyjet hotel)
Can anyone tell me how to get this cheaper or if the cheap tickets will be released later. I thought that they were available at 12 weeks but doesnt seem to be the case!
Help or its National Express :rolleyes:

Nazli

[dzug1]

Hi I have been waiting for tickets to be released for 12th July and the timetables are now available but no tickets on offer only about 3 or 4 options.
I want to travel from nottingham to Luton on Sunday 12th July (we fly on the 13th of July and will be staying in the easyjet hotel)
Can anyone tell me how to get this cheaper or if the cheap tickets will be released later. I thought that they were available at 12 weeks but doesnt seem to be the case!
Help or its National Express :rolleyes:

Nazli

Yet another poster who has been taken in the 12 weeks myth about cheap tickets - it's rarely true and even more rarely for weekend travel.

Just wait for the cheap tickets - could be a while as 10 May is the latest date for Sunday tickets on your route.

Martin should really reword his article.....

[sandydog]

I'm wondering about this 12 week rule, too. I would like to travel one way with my 2 children (both 7) from Hinckley to Barnstaple on Saturday, 11th July. I will have a Family Railcard by then (waiting for a new discount code). The cheapest I can find is an Anytime Single for £77.45, which is a good price, I can't complain! But could I get it any cheaper? Is it likely that there won't be Advance tickets available for this route?

Thanks for any help!

[Sammie_]

Well, well well!

I want to travel from Portsmouth to Stafford first class.

Portsmouth to Southampton no problem, but there are no advance fares from Sotton to Stafford!

But there are from Brockenhurst to Stafford.

A return day trip first class is £60 on an advanced fare but must catch the actual timed train from Brockenhurst, it calls at Southampton..

Tell me, do I have to go to Brockenhurst to catch this train, or can I board at Southampton?

Thanks

[gner_ex]

Thanks for your help.
I had used the trainlines best fare feature to find the london to Glasgow prices as they don't do it for MK or bedford to Glasgow.
I did look for those fares you quoted but couldn't find them. Could you tell me what website you used to get these fares? Was you looking 12 weeks in advance?

Thanks

Stewart
Don't use thetrainline - they charge a booking fee. I got these fares out of the ticket office program. They _will_ be available online, its just you'll have to do a lot of searching to find them (and there may literally be one or two of these tickets a day). You could also try a ticket office - tell them that a friend of yours can see a £16.50 ticket Bedford to Glasgow single, and can they help you book it.

[gner_ex]

Leicester to Letchworth


We have a Family Railcard.

The cheapest I can find is £134
That is the "via London" fare, £134.10 (for all those people). There is a "not London" fare of £91.90 off-peak return (for all people). This would entail going Leicester-Peterborough, Peterborough-Hitchin, and Hitchin-Letchworth. Probably quicker too.

Advance tickets wouldn't help you.

[gner_ex]

Well, well well!

I want to travel from Portsmouth to Stafford first class.

Portsmouth to Southampton no problem, but there are no advance fares from Sotton to Stafford!

But there are from Brockenhurst to Stafford.

A return day trip first class is £60 on an advanced fare but must catch the actual timed train from Brockenhurst, it calls at Southampton..

Tell me, do I have to go to Brockenhurst to catch this train, or can I board at Southampton?

Thanks
For advance tickets, you must travel on the complete journey. Whether you could get away with it is another matter (but its expensive if you don't).

There ARE first class advance fares from Southampton Central to Stafford - £56 and £71.50 single (aswell as groupsave fares). These are on Cross Country (i.e. via Birmingham).

There are standard class advance fares from Portsmouth to Stafford starting from £11.50 single (Virgin West Coast) and £20.00 (Cross Country).

[dzug1]

I'm wondering about this 12 week rule, too. I would like to travel one way with my 2 children (both 7) from Hinckley to Barnstaple on Saturday, 11th July. I will have a Family Railcard by then (waiting for a new discount code). The cheapest I can find is an Anytime Single for £77.45, which is a good price, I can't complain! But could I get it any cheaper? Is it likely that there won't be Advance tickets available for this route?

Thanks for any help!

There should be advance singles for the journey. On Saturday 16 May for example it's £26.50 (one person, no railcard). Might be a little while before they are released for July but it's extremely unlikely there won't be any.

(If you get that price a family railcard won't be worth it just for the one trip - only if you intend to travel more)

[sandydog]

Thanks Dzug. So would you say it's worth waiting - are the Anytime Singles likely to be available right until the last minute?

[debjay]

Trying to get cheap fare from Plymouth to Birmingham on 14th July returning on 17th July. According to the website advance tickets are available on FGW up to 18th July.
However I can get £19.50 advance single on 14th but none on the 17th. What am I doing wrong? Also can I use the FGW £5 off PIN code with these fares?

[KeithP]

Thanks Dzug. So would you say it's worth waiting - are the Anytime Singles likely to be available right until the last minute?
Anytime singles are always available. You can buy them right up until just before the train departs.

[Sammie_]

For advance tickets, you must travel on the complete journey. Whether you could get away with it is another matter (but its expensive if you don't).

There ARE first class advance fares from Southampton Central to Stafford - £56 and £71.50 single (aswell as groupsave fares). These are on Cross Country (i.e. via Birmingham).

There are standard class advance fares from Portsmouth to Stafford starting from £11.50 single (Virgin West Coast) and £20.00 (Cross Country).

Yeah thanks for that.. I didn't specify that it was on 24th April.. for that day there were/are no advanced fares for morning trains out and evening trains back from Southampton. Interestingly though there are still some £29.50 1st advanced single still available from Brockenhurst on sale today!

I'll go to Brockenhurst and catch the train from there, I like the New Forest anyway! :beer:

[dzug1]

Thanks Dzug. So would you say it's worth waiting - are the Anytime Singles likely to be available right until the last minute?

Definitely worth waiting - you can't lose. Anytime singles you can buy at the station at the same price just before you travel.

[dzug1]

Trying to get cheap fare from Plymouth to Birmingham on 14th July returning on 17th July. According to the website advance tickets are available on FGW up to 18th July.
However I can get £19.50 advance single on 14th but none on the 17th. What am I doing wrong? Also can I use the FGW £5 off PIN code with these fares?

Yes you can use the FGW PIN code - as long as it's the FGW site you book on. It doesn't have to be their trains. And it won't be - it's a Cross Country route you will be on

This site http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/booking_horizons.html says 10 July is the latest release date for Cross Country. If you are getting patchy availability the following week it suggests they are not fully released yet.

[John89001]

People who want to travel:
3 adults(aged 50, 41 and 16)and 2 children aged 14 and 7
When: Friday 29th May
Return: Sunday 31st May
Can be flexible with times there and back (not dates)
Journey: Leicester to Letchworth
We have a Family Railcard.
The cheapest I can find is £134


A Family & Friends Railcard treats a 16-year-old who was under 16 when the Railcard was purchased as a Child for the whole (12-month) duration of the Railcard. See "Special notes regarding children's tickets" in the terms and conditions at familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk

That may allow you to buy tickets for 2 Adults and 3 Children.

At current prices, this gives
Origin: LEICESTER
Destination: LETCHWRTH GN CTY
Route: NOT LONDON
Discount: FAMILY & FRIENDS RCD
Ticket Type: THE WEEKENDER RETURN
Validity: OUT: Any train on date shown on ticket. Friday or Saturday ONLY
Validity: RETURN: Return travel is NOT permitted on the Friday. Return journeys are otherwise valid at any time within four days.
Availability: Tickets can be purchased in advance or on day of travel.
Price: 2 Adults @ £22.75 = £45.50. 3 Children @ £6.55 = £19.65. Total £65.15

John

[Jurg]

There are a few of us looking at getting from Leamington Spa to Leighton Buzzard and back on Saturday 25th.

Looks to me like our only bet is paying the full whack of £19.60. I've looked at splitting the ticket at Coventry, and the London Midland services offer a £12 return from Coventry but that would seriously limit our options for getting back as we want to leave after about 5.30pm and the only valid train would be at about 8.30pm. We're not waiting that long!

Anyone got any suggestions? We'd like to leave Leamington about 11 or 12, and return about 5.30pm.

[Jurg]

Re. The above, would a route from Leamington Spa to Leighton Buzzard or Coventry to Leighton Buzzard allow for groupsave (4 for 2 tickets)? The groupsave website is very vague.

[dzug1]

Re. The above, would a route from Leamington Spa to Leighton Buzzard or Coventry to Leighton Buzzard allow for groupsave (4 for 2 tickets)? The groupsave website is very vague.

Coventry to Leighton Buzzard - yes, but London Midland only. Not Virgin

From Leamington - no. Cross Country don't participate

[dzug1]

There are a few of us looking at getting from Leamington Spa to Leighton Buzzard and back on Saturday 25th.

Looks to me like our only bet is paying the full whack of £19.60. I've looked at splitting the ticket at Coventry, and the London Midland services offer a £12 return from Coventry but that would seriously limit our options for getting back as we want to leave after about 5.30pm and the only valid train would be at about 8.30pm. We're not waiting that long!

Anyone got any suggestions? We'd like to leave Leamington about 11 or 12, and return about 5.30pm.


I think you are looking up the times wrong - there are several trains between 530pm and 830pm on which £12.00 fares are valid - 1736, 1742, 1836 and 1936.

To find them you may need to specify route Northampton

[KeithP]

I think you are looking up the times wrong - there are several trains between 530pm and 830pm on which £12.00 fares are valid - 1736, 1742, 1836 and 1936.

To find them you may need to specify route Northampton
Isn't the £12 you quote for a single? And an offpeak return valid at anytime on a Saturday is only £19.60.
:beer:

[dzug1]

Isn't the £12 you quote for a single? And an offpeak return valid at anytime on a Saturday is only £19.60.
:beer:

Nope - £11.90 is the single fare (LM off peak); £12 return (again LM off peak)

OP didn't want to pay the more expensive fare that also allows travel on Virgin.

[KeithP]

Nope - £11.90 is the single fare (LM off peak); £12 return (again LM off peak)

OP didn't want to pay the more expensive fare that also allows travel on Virgin.
Fairy nuff. Sorry to have doubted you.

[dzug1]

Fairy nuff. Sorry to have doubted you.

No worries.

The fares are from Coventry BTW, not Leamington. Didn't look them up.

[debjay]

Trying to get cheap fare from Plymouth to Birmingham on 14th July returning on 17th July. According to the website advance tickets are available on FGW up to 18th July.
However I can get £19.50 advance single on 14th but none on the 17th. What am I doing wrong? Also can I use the FGW £5 off PIN code with these fares?

Now I can get £19.50 back but not out :confused:

Help

[KeithP]

Now I can get £19.50 back but not out :confused:

Help
A £19.50 advance single is available as I type on the 15:21 Plymouth departure on 14 July (it is the only £19.50 time left on that day). As you say, there are many £19.50 times on 17th July.
This info from NXEC site (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/).

This 15:21 ex Plymouth price is also shown on FGW site... for £5 discount.

[Jurg]

I think you are looking up the times wrong - there are several trains between 530pm and 830pm on which £12.00 fares are valid - 1736, 1742, 1836 and 1936.

To find them you may need to specify route Northampton
Thanks all, yeah the national rail website wasn't showing the cheaper fares on the way back without specifying the N'ton route. Ta!

[KeithP]

A £19.50 advance single is available as I type on the 15:21 Plymouth departure on 14 July (it is the only £19.50 time left on that day). As you say, there are many £19.50 times on 17th July.
This info from NXEC site (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/).

This 15:21 ex Plymouth price is also shown on FGW site... for £5 discount.
Well this advance ticket business does seem a bit of a lottery!
Now there are many £19.50 tickets for the outbound leg, but none at all for the return leg. Again, this is from NXEC site (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/).:confused:

[debjay]

Well this advance ticket business does seem a bit of a lottery!
Now there are many £19.50 tickets for the outbound leg, but none at all for the return leg. Again, this is from NXEC site (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/).:confused:

It just keeps changing but cant seem to book both legs of the journey :confused:

[david harvey taylor]

Its not just southern thats offering cheap tickets out of london. Try great western with £4 single tickets paddington to oxford, cheaper with railcards

[Curly_Chick]

Having a nightmare trying to find cheap Edinburgh to London tickets! I have tried most of the tips and tricks and I have went looking for the cheap £9 singles that the trainline and National Express are running which started yesterday and was mentioned in this weeks news letter.

Has anyone actully found any of these cheap £9 fares? I had the same problem a few weeks ago trying to find cheap fares Edinburgh to York (again there was meant to be a cheap single propo of £14 singles on, on the TV and at the stations - couldn't seem to find any of them either!) and I was looking 12 weeks in advance etc. Tt just seems like there is NOTHING!!!

I'm trying to drive down the cost of my summer holiday (& have had good success with flights and hotels etc) but getting from Edinburgh to London ONE WAY is the same as a return flight to Morocco! - No Scottish airports go to Morocco :cry: so have to go from London...... The coach isn't any better (almost as expensive as the train and takes 11hrs!) any help or suggestions apprecated!

[dzug1]

Having a nightmare trying to find cheap Edinburgh to London tickets! I have tried most of the tips and tricks and I have went looking for the cheap £9 singles that the trainline and National Express are running which started yesterday and was mentioned in this weeks news letter.

Has anyone actully found any of these cheap £9 fares? I had the same problem a few weeks ago trying to find cheap fares Edinburgh to York (again there was meant to be a cheap single propo of £14 singles on, on the TV and at the stations - couldn't seem to find any of them either!) and I was looking 12 weeks in advance etc. Tt just seems like there is NOTHING!!!

I'm trying to drive down the cost of my summer holiday (& have had good success with flights and hotels etc) but getting from Edinburgh to London ONE WAY is the same as a return flight to Morocco! - No Scottish airports go to Morocco :cry: so have to go from London...... The coach isn't any better (almost as expensive as the train and takes 11hrs!) any help or suggestions apprecated!

When is your travel date?? 12 weeks is often too early for advance fares.

However if the coach is almost as expensive as the train that suggests you HAVE found cheap train tickets - just not the cheapest that are sometimes available.

[AirlieBird]

There's plenty of £9 tickets available. What dates were you looking at?

[Curly_Chick]

Sorry forgot the dates - 2nd or 3rd of July (could be as late as 6th) and returning 14-18th July (flexible on date but don't need a flexi ticket! I can pick a date and time and off peak etc to get the best price) and its for me and my friend!

Cheapset train I could find thid moring was £96 RTN - which seems alot I have managed £56 RTN before - although this is mid summer holidays, so mayby that is why? Thanks

[AirlieBird]

You're outward dates are during a period which NXEC say there is limited availability on the Edinburgh route, and that appears to be the case. You may need to delay until the 6th when there are trains with the £9 fare available from 11am. Coming back you shouldn't have any problems finding the £9 fare. Edited to add there are £9 fares available on the afternoon of the 2nd.

I've found that you must book through this link http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/9, and click on enter your travel requirements now, otherwise the £9 fares don't show up if you go through NXEC booking engine from their front page.

[lexilex]

Hi, I have a couple of questions, not sure whether I'm better posting here or making my own topic, so I'll see what response I get.

Have just tried asking The Train Line the same questions but it's like talking to a brick wall.

I'm wanting to travel from Manchester Airport to Hull on 19th July, on a train around 9am (flight due back at 7.15).

Two questions, at the moment there are no airport advance tickets available for this time, though there are others available the same day, anyone any idea if this may change?

Next question, for the journey to to Manchester airport I've booked seperate tickets, from Hull to Leeds then Leeds to Manchester Airport, it's worked out £8.50 each using the £5 off vouchers around at the minute. I could do a similar thing coming back, but I'm worried what would happen if we were delayed. I could use the Manc to Hull ticket up to three hours later, but would I lose my Leeds ticket?

Has anyone any ideas?

I'm trying to do it as cheap as possible.

[dzug1]

Hi, I have a couple of questions, not sure whether I'm better posting here or making my own topic, so I'll see what response I get.

Have just tried asking The Train Line the same questions but it's like talking to a brick wall.

I'm wanting to travel from Manchester Airport to Hull on 19th July, on a train around 9am (flight due back at 7.15).

Two questions, at the moment there are no airport advance tickets available for this time, though there are others available the same day, anyone any idea if this may change?

Next question, for the journey to to Manchester airport I've booked seperate tickets, from Hull to Leeds then Leeds to Manchester Airport, it's worked out £8.50 each using the £5 off vouchers around at the minute. I could do a similar thing coming back, but I'm worried what would happen if we were delayed. I could use the Manc to Hull ticket up to three hours later, but would I lose my Leeds ticket?

Has anyone any ideas?

I'm trying to do it as cheap as possible.

It's just possible but exceedingly unlikely that further cheap tickets will become available if there are already tickets released for that day.

Yes you would lose the Leeds ticket.

[lexilex]

It's just possible but exceedingly unlikely that further cheap tickets will become available if there are already tickets released for that day.

Yes you would lose the Leeds ticket.

Thanks, will have to try thinking of something else now.

[Brybo]

Hi o wise ones!

I've been searching for cheap tickets from Birmingham to Newcastle 17th July, returning 19th July. Cheapest I can find is £32 single, anyone suggest a cheaper alternative?

Thanks

[dzug1]

Hi o wise ones!

I've been searching for cheap tickets from Birmingham to Newcastle 17th July, returning 19th July. Cheapest I can find is £32 single, anyone suggest a cheaper alternative?

Thanks

That IS a cheap ticket, albeit not the cheapest theoretically available. It's 25% off a normal return.

Try split ticketing at one of York, Leeds, Doncaster or Peterborough. It may not work - in fact I don't think it will so I'm not offering to look it up for you. But it might.

[AirlieBird]

Thanks, will have to try thinking of something else now.There appears to be only the 1 train on a Sunday - the 8.39 - that Airport Advance tickets are offered to Hull. For your date they start at £17 per person. Your alternative is Advance tickets from Manchester Piccadilly.

[Calvino]

I'm also having a right bother finding £9 fares from Edinburgh to London. However, the good point is that it doesn't really matter when I go, it can be any week in the offer leaving on Sunday and returning on Thursday. anyone had any success with the fares?

[lexilex]

There appears to be only the 1 train on a Sunday - the 8.39 - that Airport Advance tickets are offered to Hull. For your date they start at £17 per person. Your alternative is Advance tickets from Manchester Piccadilly.

Yeah, I've seen that one, I did consider it, we land at 7.15, but I don't want to risk it. If there was a delay we would be fine, they would let us travel on a later train, but I'm wondering about getting stuck at baggage or something, think we would have to pay for tickets again if that was the case.

[apt]

An alternative would be to book tickets on the 12.02 from Manchester Piccadilly to Hull. They are available for £9.50. Or book Manchester Airport to Leeds £7 at 9.20 or 10.19. Leeds to Hull then for £5.50.

[lexilex]

An alternative would be to book tickets on the 12.02 from Manchester Piccadilly to Hull. They are available for £9.50. Or book Manchester Airport to Leeds £7 at 9.20 or 10.19. Leeds to Hull then for £5.50.

Yeah, I've been looking into those options today. The only thing that puts me off is the fact if we are delayed we will have to buy tickets again for the Leeds to Hull train, but I suppose we'll just have to deal with it.

I'm starting to think it would have been easier just to drive!

[adamtrainman]

This is by no means a given thing but in times of trouble say with the split Man air ticket with one bit been valid for 3 hours after and the other bit been train specific before you get on the train have a word with the conductor show him/her the tickets explain the situation and leave the decision with them. A fair few would appreciate your honest and up front and say get on and youll be fine. But beware there is some ogres out there so dont take it personally should it not work because at the end of the day they are doing you a favour.

Just as a side line how long would people allow between landing time and the time to book a adv ticket for, personally i land at 12:30 i was thinking 14:05?

[lexilex]

This is by no means a given thing but in times of trouble say with the split Man air ticket with one bit been valid for 3 hours after and the other bit been train specific before you get on the train have a word with the conductor show him/her the tickets explain the situation and leave the decision with them. A fair few would appreciate your honest and up front and say get on and youll be fine. But beware there is some ogres out there so dont take it personally should it not work because at the end of the day they are doing you a favour.

Just as a side line how long would people allow between landing time and the time to book a adv ticket for, personally i land at 12:30 i was thinking 14:05?

Originally, I was planning leaving a similar amount of time. I normally travel from Humberside or Leeds Bradford and don't think there's ever been more than 45 minutes between landing and getting out of the airport. I suppose it depends which airport you're using. I'm just thinking, larger airport, more chance of problems which could lead to me missing the train.

Thanks for your advice by the way, I'll keep that in mind.

[lingojingo]

It's quite a walk at Manchester from getting out of the airport bit to the train platforms, you need to allow time for that too.

[adamtrainman]

I just wondered how long people would allow?

[sianebu]

Everytime I try to do a search with Virgin Rail I can never find the advertised £11 sale tickets :mad:

[howskint?]

I'm wanting to travel from Derby to London on 4th July, returning on 5th July. At the moment the cheapest I can find is £106 return. I'm sure I've never had to pay that much. Do you think it's worth waiting til nearer the date? Would I get a better deal going into the train station to buy the tickets?
Thanks

[Livingthedream]

I'm wanting to travel from Derby to London on 4th July, returning on 5th July. At the moment the cheapest I can find is £106 return. I'm sure I've never had to pay that much. Do you think it's worth waiting til nearer the date? Would I get a better deal going into the train station to buy the tickets?
Thanks

There seams to be engineering works on that weekend, but you can get a limited direct service to London St P for £54 off peak return but you can try this for a split;
Derby to Birmingham New St
Birmingham New St to London Euston

Some good savings to be had but make sure you give yourself plenty of time to catch your connections (30mins-45mins) in case of delayed trains

[Bogof_Babe]

I just searched on National Express for the Derby to London (any) return and it brought up loads of £54 return tickets. I don't know what London station the poster is travelling from, but if they can be flexible it looks like £54 for the return trip is generally available for the dates in question.

[lochmaben]

New subscriber to the site - so hello to everyone .

All the talk of cheap travel. Live in Scotland and ScotRail (god bless them) are offering free kids travel off peak all week. Unbelievably this is NOT an offer and NOT subject to availability and does NOT need booked in advance!!

You can go anytime at on Sat / Sun and after the peak trains Mon- Fri.

Seems really good value with no catches.

G

[Livingthedream]

New subscriber to the site - so hello to everyone .

All the talk of cheap travel. Live in Scotland and ScotRail (god bless them) are offering free kids travel off peak all week. Unbelievably this is NOT an offer and NOT subject to availability and does NOT need booked in advance!!

You can go anytime at on Sat / Sun and after the peak trains Mon- Fri.

Seems really good value with no catches.

G

It a great deal, used it many a time to go to Edinburgh or Dundee as its cheaper than using my F&F railcard. You can use any Train operating companies trains ie NXEC or Crosscountry not just Scot rail's, there is a few restriction on this but not many.

http://nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/promotions/pr53a4ffc35ce74101ed57e9b82fad4e/details.html

[Bogof_Babe]

I saw that National Express were accepting bookings up to 9th August, and as that is a day I want to travel I put in all the usual details last night, only to find there were only two £11 Advance tickets showing as available, one at 05.58 and the other at about 22.30, taking 8 hours overnight for a 3.5 hour journey (obviously included long waits at changes). All the others were £19.50.

Anyway I decided to see if any of the other providers had anything more suitable at the £11 price. Couldn't get Qjump to work for some reason, there was no right-hand scroll bar so couldn't get down the page. However I found a multitude of £11 tickets on the Trainline site, so I booked one, thereby incurring a £1 booking fee, which National Express don't charge.

Today I re-visited the National Express site, only to find there are now loads of £11 tickets available for that date, so I could have saved myself the £1.

If it wasn't that there were the two showing at silly hours, I would have assumed they hadn't been released yet and waited until today to try again. However it gave the impression that they must be all sold out (which I thought was possible given the time of year and the fact that I was travelling from a holiday resort).

It would be good if they could give some clearer indication as to whether these bands of ticket prices have been released and sold out, or whether they are yet to come.

This post is really just a bit of a rant, and a warning not to make any assumptions from what you see (or don't see!) on the screen.

[adamtrainman]

To be perfectly honest some good advice has come from your mis fortune, just hold out a day after the release date as it can take a day to get all the fares on.

[Danny983]

I have a new job and will be commuting to work on the train to Manchester from Sandbach or Crewe.
I've looked on the national rail site and a season ticket seems the cheapest way to go but is there nowhere you can buy them online?

Does anyone else have any other tips at getting cheaper tickets for Mon-Fri?

[dzug1]

I have a new job and will be commuting to work on the train to Manchester from Sandbach or Crewe.
I've looked on the national rail site and a season ticket seems the cheapest way to go but is there nowhere you can buy them online?

Does anyone else have any other tips at getting cheaper tickets for Mon-Fri?


First Great Western sell them online - doesn't need to be for their trains

[wayne77]

Any tips for cheap train fares between Gatwick and central London.

TIA.

[adamtrainman]

Crosscountry website also do on-line season tickets.

The cheapest i can find is just the normal walk-up fare of £11 each way per person

[AirlieBird]

And Southern also sell season tickets online.

[dzug1]

Any tips for cheap train fares between Gatwick and central London.

TIA.


Travel off peak and book in advance specifying London Victoria - £5 each way is possible

Avoid the Gatwick Express anyway

[wayne77]

Booked with Southern for £15.50 return. £4.50 out and £11 back.

[lalu]

I dont know if this has been mentioned before but just in case, Im a frequent train traveller and am always on a look out for a bargain.(which I usually do get) Both national rail and trainline are crap and never give proper fares. I realise it takes longer to do research but it is usually worth it in the end. I made a mistake of using CROSS COUNTRY TRAINS via National Rail. After booking I realised I had made a time mistake,got in touch with CS and got the routine answer. Anyways I decided to check out my regular train operater National Express and got the the same ticket for I/2 price. I searched national rail and trainline twice to get the same deal but didnt show up.My advice definitely check train operators websites in conjunction with National Rail(just to see which operators are on the route)Forget trainline its a waste of time.btw dont you think 10£ is steep for admin charges.

[Bogof_Babe]

The booking fee for Trainline is £1 (well for ordinary mainland routes anyway) to the best of my knowledge and experience.

I always try National Express first, as they don't charge a booking fee, but if there are no £11 ones available I go to Arriva or Qjump. I can sometimes get an £11 one where Nat Express had presumably sold out, although there is also the £1 charge added then, made up of 50p ticket collection fee and 50p debit card payment. Better than the next price up, which is usually £19.50, anyway.

I'm finding August tickets are going much faster than others I have booked this year, probably obvious why, so do check daily on Nat Express as they don't release the cheapies straight away even though the "now booking up to..." date is when you want to travel.

[blackbear]

Looking to get a train from Grimsby to Inverness on the 10th June. Cheapest I can find is £53.50 single
Is there anything I could use to get this cheaper?

[Bogof_Babe]

Looking to get a train from Grimsby to Inverness on the 10th June. Cheapest I can find is £53.50 single
Is there anything I could use to get this cheaper?

There's a £47.60 if you can depart at 6.26 a.m.

Got any railcards?

[blackbear]

There's a £47.60 if you can depart at 6.26 a.m.

Got any railcards?

Thats cheaper. Have a family railcard. But traveling on my own. I'm 45 not a student. What railcards are available?
thanks

[Bogof_Babe]

Sounds like you're like me and don't qualify for any railcards to travel on your own. Just thought I'd ask in case you didn't know about them. Apart from the Young Persons (under 25) or Family cards, the only other one that I know of is for over-60s.

I found the £47.60 on the National Express site - if it is any good for you I'd book it a.s.a.p. as it's the only cheaper one left for that day.

[whitethigh]

Martin, as ever you are completely right! I've just been looking into return tickets from London to Great Malvern in July. All the usual suspects (Nationalrail.co.uk / Thetrainline.com/ Raileasy.co.uk) have quoted me £46 +, but booking separately with Virgin trains from London > Birmingham, then Birmingham > Great Malvern as 2 separate journeys has brought it down to £21. Many thanks.

[remembered_nights]

Tip for anyone doing Liverpool-Glasgow.

Booking last minute I was being offered £63 return.

Instead try:
Liverpool - Preston return, about £10.
Preston - Glasgow return, about £30.

£20+ saved, score! The man at the ticket office was really surprised at how cheap it was.

[surfsister]

hiya i need to travel from ipswich to barnstaple two adults with rail cards and i child going 18th july return 24th july. amy help would be great! ta

[Livingthedream]

hiya i need to travel from ipswich to barnstaple two adults with rail cards and i child going 18th july return 24th july. amy help would be great! ta

The best tip I could give for this one is to buy advance single tickets from the NXEC (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/) website as you will get a 10% discount, this will reduce the price from £87.60 to £78

You could try splitting at London and Exeter for some more savings.

[chivers1977]

Please help me travel from Chatham to Old Street via Stone Crossing tomorrow cheapest poss.......... I have to be at work in Stone crossing at 8.30 for work until 2.30 when I will travel to Old street. I then will travel from Old street to chatham to get home.

thanks in advance

[KeithP]

Please help me travel from Chatham to Old Street via Stone Crossing tomorrow cheapest poss.......... I have to be at work in Stone crossing at 8.30 for work until 2.30 when I will travel to Old street. I then will travel from Old street to chatham to get home.

thanks in advance
Buy an ANYTIME DAY RETURN from Chatham to London Bridge at £26.20.... you can break your journey at Stone Crossing without problems.
Then change to Northern Line to Old Street.
Someone else will be able to tell you about ways to pay for the Underground trip... Oyster cards, Travelcards etc are a black art.

[missscotia]

Hi,

Anyone got any tips on getting cheap tickets for return train tickets from aberdeen to london leaving on 28th June and returning 1st July?? any help appreciated as i keep getting costs of £300!!!!! :o

thanks.

[Mike1901]

nationalexpresseastcoast.com is currently doing advance tickets for those dates at £55.20 out and £48.50 return, if you're not fussed what time of day you travel on those dates :)

[missscotia]

nationalexpresseastcoast.com is currently doing advance tickets for those dates at £55.20 out and £48.50 return, if you're not fussed what time of day you travel on those dates :)

I can't get these prices up, going to have to look again :D

[Mike1901]

They're there I assure you ;)

On the NXEC home page put in the details (on the left hand side) then on the page with the grid-type thing, you're after an advanced single e/w :)

[BlueyHSI]

Experts needed.
Ok guys I am totally lost here, I want to travel from Peterborough to London (kings cross/paddington/anywhere cheaper) on August 28 and return August 30th.
I will also need a ticket to travel on the underground and buses for that weekend.

I've searched myself and all the results from the main sites are quite expensive, £50 single, returns even more and thats not adding the cost of local travel in london.

There are 2 adults going and im trying to get this weekend on a budget so any help will be greatly appreciated.

So 2 adults and I can even change the dates to 4th September till 6th September if it will save £££'s :beer:

[KeithP]

Bluey, Advance Singles haven't been released for your Sunday return yet.
Keep checking the National Express East Coast site (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/). You should be able to get Advance Singles for around £10 per person each way when they become available.
Currently, a £10.25 Single fare is available on the Friday.

[BlueyHSI]

Nice one buddy, i'll keep checking. Also any advice on underground/bus travel in London? Is it worth getting a travel card if i'll be using the undergroud/buses often?

[adamtrainman]

Tickets havent been released for 30th August or 4th/6th Sept yet.
Put in Peterborough to Kings Cross for the 28th and got 07:50/08:04/08:33 at £18.70 for both people one way and 09:26/09:50 for £20.50.
Journey time of just less than an hour plus £5.60 each for zone 1&2 travelcard for underground and central london buses.
So looking at just short of £30 cheapest one way.
Just keep your eye on www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com) for release dates for the other dates

[youwot]

Hi to all
I have received an appointment for my daughter in London at the national neurological hospital, on the 30 th of June at 2 pm. I have been trying to get the cheapest return ticket and am getting ridiculous prices can anyone help please. We are in chesterfield Derbyshire but can go from Nottingham also, my wife has a disabled rail card (not in a wheelchair) my daughter is 19 plus myself, 3 adults.
Thank you in advance

[miller]

Hi to all
I have received an appointment for my daughter in London at the national neurological hospital, on the 30 th of June at 2 pm. I have been trying to get the cheapest return ticket and am getting ridiculous prices can anyone help please. We are in chesterfield Derbyshire but can go from Nottingham also, my wife has a disabled rail card (not in a wheelchair) my daughter is 19 plus myself, 3 adults.
Thank you in advance
I think Groupsave might be the way to go here which can be bought on the day. I would phone East Midlands Trains on 0845 712 5678 (saynoto0870 lists an alternative number as 0115 850 7931) and ask what price for Groupsave 3 from Chesterfield to London.

Other people on this board might be able to help too. Tube is Russell Square, although it looks walkable.

[John89001]

I think Groupsave might be the way to go here which can be bought on the day. I would phone East Midlands Trains on 0845 712 5678 (saynoto0870 lists an alternative number as 0115 850 7931) and ask what price for Groupsave 3 from Chesterfield to London.

Unfortunately, the EMT version of GroupSave is only available where an Off Peak Day Return fare exists, so a Chesterfield - London journey would need to be split into some 4 chunks. The trains would need to stop at the stations where one moved from one ticket to the next, and this would mean the fast trains could not be used.

youwot, have you tried returning after 1900? This should make the cheaper fares available.

John

[Boohoo]

Hello.

I am going to a wedding in Ipswich and i am trying to get cheap tickets.
What i need is 2 single adult tickets from Ipswich to Leagrave(1 stop after Luton) on 30th August leaving between 10 and eleven in the morning.
I tried raileasy but the price has gone from £17 to £38 for that day.
We dont have any railcards.
Thanks.

[dzug1]

Hello.

I am going to a wedding in Ipswich and i am trying to get cheap tickets.
What i need is 2 single adult tickets from Ipswich to Leagrave(1 stop after Luton) on 30th August leaving between 10 and eleven in the morning.
I tried raileasy but the price has gone from £17 to £38 for that day.
We dont have any railcards.
Thanks.

Try splitting Ipswich - London and London - Leagrave, allowing for the bus/tube transfer

Don't use Raileasy - they charge a booking fee. Any train company site will do.

If it comes to it the bus from London to Luton then local train/bus might save a bit

[youwot]

Unfortunately, the EMT version of GroupSave is only available where an Off Peak Day Return fare exists, so a Chesterfield - London journey would need to be split into some 4 chunks. The trains would need to stop at the stations where one moved from one ticket to the next, and this would mean the fast trains could not be used.

youwot, have you tried returning after 1900? This should make the cheaper fares available.

John
Hi John
Yes i have tried after 1900 but no joy I am working on splitting but still tooo much anymore info would be appreciated
Thank You YOUWOT
:money:

[youwot]

Hi to all
I have received an appointment for my daughter in London at the national neurological hospital, on the 30 th of June at 2 pm. I have been trying to get the cheapest return ticket and am getting ridiculous prices can anyone help please. We are in chesterfield Derbyshire but can go from Nottingham also, my wife has a disabled rail card (not in a wheelchair) my daughter is 19 plus myself, 3 adults.
Thank you in advance

If Anyone can give a bit more info I would be very grateful
Thank You:j

[bellajack]

I have to get to Brighton and live near Ashford (Kent).
Have just purchased a ticket which will take me all the way for £10.00:j
Took some finding as OH told me about it. Ticket is called South Coast Donlander and the website is
http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/off-peak-fares/advance-southern-railways.aspx
The 10.00 fare allows up to 4 or 5 passengers to travel as well and does include coaches in the area.

Great value - hope this helps!

[Summer-Caitlin]

I am going to London (Kings Cross I have been told is the closest to New Edwardian Providence Wharf) from Aberdeen on 28/29 August (flexible). I think I need a one way as we are then travelling up to Chester on the 1st Sep for 3 nights before returning to Aberdeen. Would like to leave at about 7.30-8.00am from Aberdeen to get into London at a good time.

I have tried several websites going from Abd to Lon at £176, then Lon to Ches £44, then Ches-Abd £248. Can anyone see where I can get this cheaper? It is for two adults, is there a site I am missing? Looked on Trainline and Virgin.

Thanks

[rosebyanyothername]

hi booked alton towers day tickets using my tesco deals and need to find a cheap train for our stay there we live swansea so cant really do it in a day without car. any ideas on ticket splits please. I find the cheapest is 128 with a family railcard.

[mm66]

i cant seem to find any decent tickets for 4 adults travelling London to Edinburgh July 5th leaving after 3pm and return to london on july 10 leaving edinburgh after 3pm. the cheapest i can find london-EDI is £318 in first class and £510 for the return journey. Help would be apprecited.

thanks all

[KeithP]

i cant seem to find any decent tickets for 4 adults travelling London to Edinburgh July 5th leaving after 3pm and return to london on july 10 leaving edinburgh after 3pm. the cheapest i can find london-EDI is £318 in first class and £510 for the return journey. Help would be apprecited.

thanks all
Seems like the cheapest option is...
Super Off Peak Return £435.20 (thats total cost for all four people)
Dep:London Kings Cross, 15:00
Arr:Edinburgh, 19:33
Date:Sun 5 Jul 2009 Changes:0 Duration:4:33hrs
Valid on off-peak services by the route shown.
Return travel any day within 1 month.
Dep:Edinburgh, 15:00
Arr:London Kings Cross, 19:19
Date:Fri 10 Jul 2009 Changes:0 Duration:4:19hrs

This fare is fully flexible, available on the day.
It might be worth investigating split ticketing.
Also, consider FGW's '£5 off offer' (http://www.fgw5pounds.co.uk/)... can save you £20.

[mm66]

Seems like the cheapest option is...
Super Off Peak Return £435.20 (thats total cost for all four people)
Dep:London Kings Cross, 15:00
Arr:Edinburgh, 19:33
Date:Sun 5 Jul 2009 Changes:0 Duration:4:33hrs
Valid on off-peak services by the route shown.
Return travel any day within 1 month.
Dep:Edinburgh, 15:00
Arr:London Kings Cross, 19:19
Date:Fri 10 Jul 2009 Changes:0 Duration:4:19hrs

This fare is fully flexible, available on the day.
It might be worth investigating split ticketing.
Also, consider FGW's '£5 off offer' (http://www.fgw5pounds.co.uk/)... can save you £20.

thank you. this is certainly better than what i found and more flexible. I tried splitting in Carlisle and also travelling via leeds and it wasnt much cheaper. Any suggestions? By the way where did you see this price and how do i get it?

[KeithP]

thank you. this is certainly better than what i found and more flexible. I tried splitting in Carlisle and also travelling via leeds and it wasnt much cheaper. Any suggestions? By the way where did you see this price and how do i get it?
I used the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/).

[dzug1]

I am going to London (Kings Cross I have been told is the closest to New Edwardian Providence Wharf) from Aberdeen on 28/29 August (flexible). I think I need a one way as we are then travelling up to Chester on the 1st Sep for 3 nights before returning to Aberdeen. Would like to leave at about 7.30-8.00am from Aberdeen to get into London at a good time.

I have tried several websites going from Abd to Lon at £176, then Lon to Ches £44, then Ches-Abd £248. Can anyone see where I can get this cheaper? It is for two adults, is there a site I am missing? Looked on Trainline and Virgin.

Thanks

Chester to Aberdeen is £99 open single so where £248 (= £124x2 presumably) I don't know.

A £43.50 advance single is available to travel back on the Saturday - maybe extend your trip by a day?

Alternatively try a split at York or Leeds - a longer journey though

I'd avoid thetrainline (fees) and most of the time Virgin (doesn't allow a flexible enough search). Any of the train company sites will do - doesn't have to be one you are travelling with.

For Aberdeen - London you may get a small discount using the NXEC site. And you could try splitting at Edinburgh or Glasgow

[dzug1]

i cant seem to find any decent tickets for 4 adults travelling London to Edinburgh July 5th leaving after 3pm and return to london on july 10 leaving edinburgh after 3pm. the cheapest i can find london-EDI is £318 in first class and £510 for the return journey. Help would be apprecited.

thanks all

They ARE decent tickets.

£318 is a very good price outward for first class travel.

Coming back £216 is available in standard - also not too bad a price

All total fares for the lot of you.

[madbobby]

Hello Forum members, I am a newbie to this site! I have often heard that its easy to save money on travelling on the trains but to date have never succeeded in getting any cheap tickets.
I travel every Thursday from Wilmslow to London. I end up travelling on the 09.11 (first off peak train of the morning) and come back on the 18.40 (first off peak return) - I pay £63.90 return. The train only stops once (Crewe) and have tried so many permutations and I cant figure out a cheaper way of travelling. Can anybody help me? I am happy to book 3 months in advance if this helps.

thanks

Bobby

[bc3000]

Hello Forum members, I am a newbie to this site! I have often heard that its easy to save money on travelling on the trains but to date have never succeeded in getting any cheap tickets.
I travel every Thursday from Wilmslow to London. I end up travelling on the 09.11 (first off peak train of the morning) and come back on the 18.40 (first off peak return) - I pay £63.90 return. The train only stops once (Crewe) and have tried so many permutations and I cant figure out a cheaper way of travelling. Can anybody help me? I am happy to book 3 months in advance if this helps.

thanks

Bobby

For the short term try the First Great Western £5 off thing- sign up on their website and they email you a code. I know this is against the T&Cs but you could use different emails to get £5 off both ways.

Is it 63.90 if you book in advance?

[miller]

I travel every Thursday from Wilmslow to London. I end up travelling on the 09.11 (first off peak train of the morning) and come back on the 18.40 (first off peak return) - I pay £63.90 return. The train only stops once (Crewe) and have tried so many permutations
I've tried splitting at crewe and its more expensive for the full-price Off-Peak Return ticket. Also, tried a few thursdays and the Advance Purchase fares come out at more than the full price ticket.

[KeithP]

Well picking a Thursday at random... 16 July...
Advance single dep Wilmslow at 08:27, via Stockport, arr Euston at 10:42. = £28.00.
Advance single dep Euston at 19:40, arr Wilmslow at 21:36. = £28.00 or
Advance single dep Euston at 20:40, arr Wilmslow at 22:29. = £22.00.

By booking even further in advance... Thurs 20 August...
Advance single dep Wilmslow at 10:11, arr Euston at 12:04. = £15.00.
Advance single dep Euston at 19:40, arr Wilmslow at 21:36. = £22.00 or
Advance single dep Euston at 20:40, arr Wilmslow at 22:29. = £11.00.

Don't know how flexible you are on times. Have a play on the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx).

[Big_les]

Does anyone know when the first of the Daily Record tokens was published? I have no.4 but need another, plus the voucher you stick them to. I'm guessing that it was last Friday's since no.4 was Monday, and there was one in the Sunday Mail as well.

[KeithP]

Does anyone know when the first of the Daily Record tokens was published? I have no.4 but need another, plus the voucher you stick them to. I'm guessing that it was last Friday's since no.4 was Monday, and there was one in the Sunday Mail as well.
Les, is this (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/lifestyle-catchall/2008/04/29/rail-travel-to-london-from-only-11-50-86908-20398630/)the offer you are talking about?

If not, can you please refine your question.

[philce]

Hi,
We need to go to London St Pancras from Leicester on Sept 19th 2009.

5 adults and 1 child (7y) need to be at St P at 12 noon to get Eurostar.

Cheapest I can see is £253 return! The Eurostar is cheaper!

When are the cheap seats released? Or did we miss out?

At this rate it will be cheaper to go in the car, so much for being eco!

Cheers

Phil

[KeithP]

Hi philce, welcome to the forums.
Unfortunately you haven't said where you are travelling from.You might find the ATOC Booking Horizons website (http://www.atoctravelagents.org/clientfiles/File/Booking%20Horizons/TOC%20Booking%20Horizons%2002%20Jul%2009.htm) useful, but it looks like 19 September may not have been released yet... depending where you are travelling from.

[philce]

Thanks!

Edited, we leave from Leicester!

[KeithP]

Looking at Saturday dates in August as a guide, it looks as though you should be able to buy Advance Single tickets for £12.00 each (£6.00 for child), each way, when the Sept ones become available. So your whole party should probably be able to do the return journey, Leicester to London StP) for a total of £132.00.
No guarantees of course.
Keep checking the NXEC site (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx), where i got the above info, for the tickets to come available.

[philce]

Thanks.

Ive found that the tickets are only onsale till Sept 5th. So I need to wait another couple of weeks.

But do I buy the Eurostar now or wait?

[dzug1]

Also worth checking the East Midlands Trains site - they seem to have a policy of offering cheaper 'internet specials' than they release to the general booking sites. An £11 single is sometimes available

[bestpud]

I'm hoping someone with more experience of travelling by rail can help me out:

We (2 x adults and 1 x 7yr old) want to travel from Hereford to London on Saturday July 18th. We need to be at Earl's Court by 11am at the latest. We will be leaving London after 6pm.

So far the cheapest I can find are £42 each for the adults and £21 for the child. That is buying single tickets from London to Paddington, and back.

There is no benefit in buying a split ticket from Newport (where we change) as it is the same cost from there.

I checked out whether we could go up to Birmingham and get the saver tickets (on offer) from there to London, but the cost of getting to Birmingham and the extra time involved ruled that out.

Can anyone think of anything else?

I am happy to drive some of the way if it will reduce the cost...

Thanks in advance for any ideas :D

[miller]

We (2 x adults and 1 x 7yr old) want to travel from Hereford to London on Saturday July 18th. We need to be at Earl's Court by 11am at the latest. We will be leaving London after 6pm.

Try with a Family and Friends railcard (£26 - though check MSE for any offers). You can use the railcard in the future so it might work out cheaper.

(There was a fare of £66.45 total for a One Day Travelcard via the slower Evesham route with a Friends and Family railcard, but it looks like there is engineering work which means you could not arrive in time via that route)

[KeithP]

I'm hoping someone with more experience of travelling by rail can help me out:

We (2 x adults and 1 x 7yr old) want to travel from Hereford to London on Saturday July 18th. We need to be at Earl's Court by 11am at the latest. We will be leaving London after 6pm.

So far the cheapest I can find are £42 each for the adults and £21 for the child. That is buying single tickets from London to Paddington, and back.

There is no benefit in buying a split ticket from Newport (where we change) as it is the same cost from there.

I checked out whether we could go up to Birmingham and get the saver tickets (on offer) from there to London, but the cost of getting to Birmingham and the extra time involved ruled that out.

Can anyone think of anything else?

I am happy to drive some of the way if it will reduce the cost...

Thanks in advance for any ideas :D
Bestpud, definitely consider the Family and Friends railcard, as mentioned above. Without it, as you have found, the best that can be done appears to be £105.00 for all three of you return to Paddington. With a railcard, that reduces to £77.10 (plus of course £26.00 for the railcard). So a small saving even if you cannot get a discount on a railcard.

[KeithP]

I am happy to drive some of the way if it will reduce the cost...
Just noticed this bit.
If you were to drive to Gloucester, you can get a direct train to Paddington, dep 07:45, arr 09:37, £30.20 for all three of you, with F&F railcard.
Return dep Paddington 18:15, arr Gloucester 20:06, £24.95 for all three of you, with F&F railcard. Again a direct train.
So total cost = £55.15 + railcard + Paddington to EarlsCourt.

Just another option... depends on your value/cost of the drive to Gloucester.

[miller]

Paddington to EarlsCourt.
Under-11s can travel free on Tube, DLR and London Overground services when accompanied by an adult (maximum of 4 children per adult).

Tube options
Paper Zone 1-2 Travelcard £5.60
#Oyster £1.60 * 2 = £3.20 each way.
Request ticket to "Zone U1* Londn" increases purchase price by £9.10 with railcard (effectively £4.55 each way but no faffing around with buying/refunding Oyster cards)

#£3 refundable deposit needed for each card www.tfl.gov.uk/oyster (http://www.tfl.gov.uk/oyster)

[bestpud]

Thanks very much for your replies!

The Gloucester option looks a good one as not far and easy enough to drive. I'm just going to check out parking there - long time since I've been to Gloucester!

That's a much better option than driving all the way to London.

I looked at the Evesham route but ruled it out for some reason - can't recall why now. I'll have another look at that one too.

Thanks for the tube info as well - that's another thing that was baffling me!

:beer:

[bestpud]

Under-11s can travel free on Tube, DLR and London Overground services when accompanied by an adult (maximum of 4 children per adult).

Tube options
Cash single £4.00 * 2 = £8.00 each way
#Oyster £1.60 * 2 = £3.20 each way.
Request ticket to "Zone U1* Londn" increases purchase price by £9.10 with railcard (effectively £4.55 each way but no faffing around with buying/refunding Oyster cards)

#£3 refundable deposit needed for each card www.tfl.gov.uk/oyster (http://www.tfl.gov.uk/oyster)

The problem I have with the tube is dd(17) will just be doing Paddington to Earls court and back, but dd(7) and I will be doing that journey plus another from EC to South Kensington and back as it is only dd1 going to EC.

So, I was thinking a day travel card was cheaper but then I got myself very confused between that and an Oyster card, and where each could be purchased etc.

Am I going to be better off getting myself an Oyster card?

[KeithP]

Here is a thread (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1799951) about a discount on Family and Friends Railcard.

[bestpud]

Here is a thread (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1799951) about a discount on Family and Friends Railcard.

Thanks for that. I tried searching earlier but it said something about a data error, so I assumed the site is still playing up a bit and left it.

I'm so glad I posted here. :beer:

[miller]

The problem I have with the tube is dd(17) will just be doing Paddington to Earls court and back, but dd(7) and I will be doing that journey plus another from EC to South Kensington and back as it is only dd1 going to EC.
Am I going to be better off getting myself an Oyster card?

If you opt for paper tickets you will need a Zone1-2 Travelcard. These are £5.60 each.

Oyster will be cheaper at £3.20 (plus the £3 refundable deposit). I am not sure about better, because with a 7 year old in tow, I wouldn't want to queue up at Paddington underground station (twice) to get/return the Oyster card(s).

[dzug1]

Thanks very much for your replies!

The Gloucester option looks a good one as not far and easy enough to drive. I'm just going to check out parking there - long time since I've been to Gloucester!

That's a much better option than driving all the way to London.

I looked at the Evesham route but ruled it out for some reason - can't recall why now. I'll have another look at that one too.

Thanks for the tube info as well - that's another thing that was baffling me!

:beer:

The Evesham route closes on 18 July for 6 weeks. It will be buses. Forget it.

[d_peppa]

Hi all, need some help to find decent priced train fares from London - Stoke on Trent (single), travelling saturday 29th august around 8am, 4 adults, one holds a 16-25 railcard. Virgin seem to have no services going to stoke, and there is no engineering work taking place. London midland and East midlands trains are giving some extortionate prices. Any help appreciated

[KeithP]

Hi all, need some help to find decent priced train fares from London - Stoke on Trent (single), travelling saturday 29th august around 8am, 4 adults, one holds a 16-25 railcard. Virgin seem to have no services going to stoke, and there is no engineering work taking place. London midland and East midlands trains are giving some extortionate prices. Any help appreciated
Your best bet at the moment appears to be from London Marylebone changing at Banbury...
Dep London Marylebone 08:18
Arr Banbury 09:38
Dep Banbury 09:53
Arr Stoke On Trent 11:54
Total cost, for all four of you with one railcard = £27.45
That's less than £7.00 each... amazing.
:beer:
P.s. I got this info from the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx)... use the "show slower routes" feature.

[dzug1]

Virgin seem to have no services going to stoke, and there is no engineering work taking place. appreciated

There IS engineering work taking place - that's why there are no Virgin services. I would be wary of services currently advertised - I don't htink everything is finalised yet.

[KeithP]

Hi all, need some help to find decent priced train fares from London - Stoke on Trent (single), travelling saturday 29th august around 8am, 4 adults, one holds a 16-25 railcard. Virgin seem to have no services going to stoke, and there is no engineering work taking place. London midland and East midlands trains are giving some extortionate prices. Any help appreciated
Where did you get the idea that no engineering work is taking place?

National Rail Enquiries tell us that there is:
Engineering work between Coventry and Rugby on Saturday 29 until 12:00 Sunday 30 August 2009 (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/ena8f81dac2e4242bf3a2477ee032db9/details.html)

Engineering work between Watford Junction and Northampton from 07:30 Saturday 29 until 13:30 Monday 31 August 2009 (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/en8df505a0e543d0b32594da35ae84aa/details.html)

[chippylisa]

Hi, first post but a big fan of this page helped me a lot in the past.

Need some help on finding a cheaper fare.

I need to get home from the Leeds festival back to Bristol (either station) on 31st August (Bank Holiday Monday:eek:) the cheapest fare I can find at the moment is the standard £79.

I've tired via Cheltenham, Birmingham and Sheffield with no luck.

Does anyone know if the price will go down or is it that price because of the Bank Holiday or do I have to hold tight for a few more weeks and hope the price will go down

Thanks in advance for any help

[John89001]

I need to get home from the Leeds festival back to Bristol (either station) on 31st August (Bank Holiday Monday:eek:) the cheapest fare I can find at the moment is the standard £79.

There are Advance fares from Leeds to either Bristol station via London at http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/ for £52.50. There's even one for £40.50 if you don't mind arriving at Temple Meads just after midnight.

These fares are only at the NXEC site and include their online booking discount.

For a slightly cheaper option, split at London. For example,
1840 Leeds - Kings Cross 2103 £25.35
and 2145 Paddington - Temple Meads 2333 £10

John

[AirlieBird]

There are only two trains that have cheap Advance singles from Leeds to Bristol on 31st August. These are the 19:11 and the 20:11 and are currently priced at £19.

[Bogof_Babe]

Could any of the rail personnel with insider knowledge please clarify for me whether there has been a change to the Advance tickets policy?

I've been trying to find a Hereford to Southport trip for 30th September, but all there is all day is £42 standard one way tickets. I would normally assume that perhaps they haven't been loaded onto the system yet, except that on Saturday 3rd October there is one solitary Advance ticket (at £19.50 not £11) departing 0755 a.m. and not going on the route I prefer (via Chester/Liverpool Moorfields). This would indicate that they are simply not offering any weekday Advance tickets now, and that the cheapest Advance one on a Saturday will be £8.50 more than it used to be.

Has their financial difficulties caused them to severely prune the cheap Advance ticket availability, or is there a chance that more might appear if I leave it a bit longer?

[rich_shot2003]

Could any of the rail personnel with insider knowledge please clarify for me whether there has been a change to the Advance tickets policy?

I've been trying to find a Hereford to Southport trip for 30th September, but all there is all day is £42 standard one way tickets. I would normally assume that perhaps they haven't been loaded onto the system yet, except that on Saturday 3rd October there is one solitary Advance ticket (at £19.50 not £11) departing 0755 a.m. and not going on the route I prefer (via Chester/Liverpool Moorfields). This would indicate that they are simply not offering any weekday Advance tickets now, and that the cheapest Advance one on a Saturday will be £8.50 more than it used to be.

Has their financial difficulties caused them to severely prune the cheap Advance ticket availability, or is there a chance that more might appear if I leave it a bit longer?

The weekday Advance Tickets have not been put on yet so give it another couple of weeks and they should be on.

They are selling Advance Tickets up to Mid sept at the Moment.

[Bogof_Babe]

Thanks for clarifying that rich_shot, I'm so glad I didn't commit to the £19.50 one on the wrong day and the wrong time! I'll be patient then :).

[adamtrainman]

chippylisa ive just looked on nationalexpresseastcoast.com and you can catch 19:11 or 20:11 from Leeds to Bristol for £19, journey time of 3hrs30mins.

[Bogof_Babe]

Well National Express are now booking up to 9th October, and still no sign of any Advance fares for 30th Sept or any weekdays, so it looks like they might be a thing of the past :(. There are Advance (£19.50) fares on Saturdays, one a day departing 0755, so it looks like they have been severely pruned.

So, changing tactics, I'm looking at splitting at Chester (Hereford to Chester £36.60 open return - not ideal but better than two £42 singles), and then local Mersey Rail service Chester to Southport. Now for the mad bit - a single for that leg of the journey is £7, but a day return is £4.40. No brainer really is it? They are not going to know if I don't come back!

So what once cost me £22 for my return trip is now going to be £45.40, more than double. Doesn't seem fair (no pun intended) :(.

[Quentin]

Think you need to hang on. They do have £11 advance fares available up to 18/09, so give them time!

[Bogof_Babe]

Think you need to hang on. They do have £11 advance fares available up to 18/09, so give them time!

Well I might as well give it longer now, as buying the ones I mentioned above can be done on the day, so no panic.

I have actually already got an Advance back from Southport to Hereford (via Manchester) for £11 on the 19th Sept. It's just that they seem to have fizzled out since I bought that one about three weeks ago. I wish they would get a move on!

What puzzles me is that they are showing the crack of dawn £19.50 ones as far ahead as 3rd Oct, so it looks as if the previous week has been missed out.

[rich_shot2003]

Well I might as well give it longer now, as buying the ones I mentioned above can be done on the day, so no panic.

I have actually already got an Advance back from Southport to Hereford (via Manchester) for £11 on the 19th Sept. It's just that they seem to have fizzled out since I bought that one about three weeks ago. I wish they would get a move on!

What puzzles me is that they are showing the crack of dawn £19.50 ones as far ahead as 3rd Oct, so it looks as if the previous week has been missed out.

Hang on for another couple of weeks and they will be on there.

[Bogof_Babe]

Hang on for another couple of weeks and they will be on there.

Lol, promise? :D

[dzug1]

Well National Express are now booking up to 9th October, and still no sign of any Advance fares for 30th Sept or any weekdays, so it looks like they might be a thing of the past :(. There are Advance (£19.50) fares on Saturdays, one a day departing 0755, so it looks like they have been severely pruned.

:(.

It really doesn't matter what National Express are booking for. What matters is what Arriva Trains Wales or Cross Country or whatever have released. If they haven't released them National Express can't sell them

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/booking_horizons.html may be useful though it can be a few days out of date

[Bogof_Babe]

Great link dzug1, have put it in favourites. Thanks for clarifying who runs what too - I never knew who instigated the cheapies, and as National Express sounds, well, national, I assumed it was all coordinated from there. I'll know better in future :).

[Bogof_Babe]

Yessss :T got my £11 ticket! Patience is a virtue. Thanks to all who assured me they would appear eventually :).

[beanieboy01]

just go here.

www. splitfare.co.uk

[rich_shot2003]

Yessss :T got my £11 ticket! Patience is a virtue. Thanks to all who assured me they would appear eventually :).

Glad you have got it all sorted.

Told you to wait and you would get it all sorted didnt i?

Well done:j

[Captain_Fishy]

I am considering flying to the states from Heathrow, rather than my usual choice Manchester because of the cost saving, however I have to get to down to Heathrow from the frozen barren wastelands up north!

Doncaster > Heathrow
Depart 01/11/09.... Return 01/01/10 .............. two months!!
Unfortunately I will probabley be travelling at the premium times of 0600-1000 window.

Can anyone provide me with minimum train costs as I cannot find any websites that look beyond three months......or any other advice?

I just need to get a handle on the costs as ultimately it may cheaper for me to drive to Manchester as usual.

Thanks in advance

[dzug1]

I am considering flying to the states from Heathrow, rather than my usual choice Manchester because of the cost saving, however I have to get to down to Heathrow from the frozen barren wastelands up north!

Doncaster > Heathrow
Depart 01/11/09.... Return 01/01/10 .............. two months!!
Unfortunately I will probabley be travelling at the premium times of 0600-1000 window.

Can anyone provide me with minimum train costs as I cannot find any websites that look beyond three months......or any other advice?

I just need to get a handle on the costs as ultimately it may cheaper for me to drive to Manchester as usual.

Thanks in advance


Doncaster to Kings Cross starts at around £12 each way. It won't be as cheap as that peak time but £30 might be acheivable.

A walkon single is £86 peak - less off peak or on Hull Trains/Grand Central.

Given your stay returns are out

Kings Cross to Heathrow is £4 each way on the tube.

Going the day before (you will be much more flexible on time) and a hotel might even be cheaper

Isn't two months parking at Manchester going to cost a bomb?

[pmm1981]

Hi, first post but a big fan of this page helped me a lot in the past.

Need some help on finding a cheaper fare.

I need to get home from the Leeds festival back to Bristol (either station) on 31st August (Bank Holiday Monday:eek:) the cheapest fare I can find at the moment is the standard £79.

I've tired via Cheltenham, Birmingham and Sheffield with no luck.

Does anyone know if the price will go down or is it that price because of the Bank Holiday or do I have to hold tight for a few more weeks and hope the price will go down

Thanks in advance for any help

This is a good route for splitting tickets, if you want total flexibility to travel on ANY train buy the following

Leeds-Sheffield SDS £8.70
Sheffield-Derby CDS £8.10
Derby-Birmingham New Street CDS £11.60
Birmingham New Street-Cheltenham Spa CDS £17.90
Cheltenham Spa-Bristol Parkway/Temple Meads CDS £7.30

Total cost £53.60

Leeds-Bristol SOS £79.00

SAVING £25.40

Key
SDS=Anytime Day Single
CDS=Off Peak Day Single (as its a bank holiday all time restrictions are lifted)
SOS=Anytime Single
The above fare example are valid on any train between Leeds and Bristol so no need to worry about missing connections, but remember to buy before boarding or else you wont be able to purchase CDS's.

[spirit]

Morning all,

On Saturday 15th August I am going from Winchester to Wembley (stadium - too see U2) I need to be there by 6pm.

Should I book a ticket now - which is £30 according to national rail website or wait until the day. I guess I ought to get a one day travel card for the tube part of the journey?

What would you advise please?

[dzug1]

No don't get a separate travelcard for the tube - the fare of £30 which is a superoff peak one day travelcard includes it.

But there is a cheaper way - SW trains are doing a 'midsummer madness' sale of £10 return tickets. You would need a travelcard for the tube/journey to Wembley in this event - zones 1-4 is £6.30

None of these tickets need be bought in advance - they are all the same price on the day.

[madeinleeds]

Anyone know if I can still use an adult ticket if bought in advance using a family and friends rails card, but the child cant go on the day due to unforseen circumstances?

[dzug1]

Anyone know if I can still use an adult ticket if bought in advance using a family and friends rails card, but the child cant go on the day due to unforseen circumstances?

Sorry no you can't. A child must travel for the tickets to be valid

[madeinleeds]

Thanks, I feared that would be the case...

[spirit]

thank you dzug1 :j

[A little stressed!!]

Thought I'd found a deal on Hastings to London, South-something trains £10 return. Gives all times of travel (leave 9.47) and one change - Hamden park. Says £10 BUY, so i click BUY and the only time I can travel at £10 is 16.20!! Bit of a mickey take showing the times and BUY, then u cant buy!

Best I can find is £27.20 return, including travelcard.

Can anyone find better? 2 adults, 1 under 5years (I know free, but not sure if a deal could get us cheaper!)

THANKS!!

[KeithP]

A Little Stressed, when do you want to travel? Date? Day of week? Time of day? Single or return? Origin=Hastings, but Destination?

I'm a bit puzzled because the 09:47 train doesn't go via Hampden Park (on a weekday it doesn't).

[A little stressed!!]

tomorrow, return to London (any station) morning, about 9.30 (give or take if cheaper) Will look again at the Hamden park one and see! (I am very big stressed today, so brain like goo!)

[A little stressed!!]

Hastings (HGS) (http://nationalrail.co.uk/permalink/stations/HGS.html) on Tuesday 04 August 2009 at 09:25 Arrives at: London Victoria (VIC) (http://nationalrail.co.uk/permalink/stations/VIC.html) on Tuesday 04 August 2009 at 11:27 Duration: 2:02 Changes [1]: Hampden Park (Sussex) (10:00) (http://nationalrail.co.uk/permalink/stations/HMD.html)


9.25 sorry, days £10 buy now! http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/en/pj/pts

[KeithP]

Hastings (HGS) (http://nationalrail.co.uk/permalink/stations/HGS.html) on Tuesday 04 August 2009 at 09:25 Arrives at: London Victoria (VIC) (http://nationalrail.co.uk/permalink/stations/VIC.html) on Tuesday 04 August 2009 at 11:27 Duration: 2:02 Changes [1]: Hampden Park (Sussex) (10:00) (http://nationalrail.co.uk/permalink/stations/HMD.html)


9.25 sorry, days £10 buy now! http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/en/pj/pts
Yes, and if you buy online before 6pm today via Suothern railways website (http://www.southernrailway.com/index.php), you can ge t that journey at £7.50 per adult. Or the 10:25 at only £4.50 each. They're singles.
Singles for the return journey are also available at £3, or £4.50 each.
Best bargains can be had from Southern's website... then choose "Southern trains only".

[stikiuk]

Hey guys can someone please help,

I'm trying to get back from London Euston to Liverpool on 28th August which is a friday I can't get any cheaper than £23 i know it's not that expensive but was just wondering maybe if i split them would it work out cheaper.
Can someone tell me where i could try the splits. I can't find a map of the stations.

Thnx in advance x

[A little stressed!!]

Yes, and if you buy online before 6pm today via Suothern railways website (http://www.southernrailway.com/index.php), you can ge t that journey at £7.50 per adult. Or the 10:25 at only £4.50 each. They're singles.
Singles for the return journey are also available at £3, or £4.50 each.
Best bargains can be had from Southern's website... then choose "Southern trains only".


Oh My LORD was that a rush! Just managed to book the tickets at 17.59! Took forever to find the right boxes to tick! Thanks KeithP! Lets hope we dont get lost on the changes or miss a train!! :T

[Livingthedream]

Hey guys can someone please help,

I'm trying to get back from London Euston to Liverpool on 28th August which is a friday I can't get any cheaper than £23 i know it's not that expensive but was just wondering maybe if i split them would it work out cheaper.
Can someone tell me where i could try the splits. I can't find a map of the stations.

Thnx in advance x

Yes, go by London Midland (http://www.londonmidland.com/) trains and go for a £10, go to there website and input your journey details then once its come up with the results, select 'show other routes' the tick 'London Midland trains only'

[jen2810]

Hi,

Wondering if anyone can give me some advice. I'm trying to find the cheapest way for 7 adults to travel from Newcastle to Glasgow return on 10th/11th October.

I've managed to find an £8 per person ticket for the Newcastle to Glasgow part of the trip, but tickets back are all coming up at £22 each. I've seen I can get that down to £18 by splitting the ticket at Carlisle, but would love to get it cheaper if I can!

When I look at tickets for the week before, I can see CrossCountry trains for £8.50 each, but these aren't on sale for the 11th. There are engineering works on the 11th - does that mean there won't be any cheaper tickets on sale, or is it worth me holding on in the hope there might be some cheaper tickets released nearer the time?

Any advice will be gratefully received!
Thanks,
Jenny

[Livingthedream]

Hi,

Wondering if anyone can give me some advice. I'm trying to find the cheapest way for 7 adults to travel from Newcastle to Glasgow return on 10th/11th October.

I've managed to find an £8 per person ticket for the Newcastle to Glasgow part of the trip, but tickets back are all coming up at £22 each. I've seen I can get that down to £18 by splitting the ticket at Carlisle, but would love to get it cheaper if I can!

When I look at tickets for the week before, I can see CrossCountry trains for £8.50 each, but these aren't on sale for the 11th. There are engineering works on the 11th - does that mean there won't be any cheaper tickets on sale, or is it worth me holding on in the hope there might be some cheaper tickets released nearer the time?

Any advice will be gratefully received!
Thanks,
Jenny

Just been on the NXEC (http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx) website and there Advance singles Glasgow Queen St to Newcastle leaving 08.30 11 Oct for £8 each

[mangos]

going to london on 05-08 1 adult + 1 child(family railcard)
bristol parkway 9;32
off-peak day return £15.15
didcot 10:17
travelcard off-peak £19.55
paddington11:03
splitting ticket at didcot
the question is about the return
what time trains can we get back.
can we get the 19.15.
on the train web-sites if i go from parkway to london we can,
but when i split at didcot,the paddington to didcot portion says no.

[jen2810]

Thanks Livingthedream. I should probably be a bit more specific... I'm going up to Glasgow for a hen do, so whilst I want to be as moneysaving as possible, I think it's too much of a risk to go for such an early train! We'd probably end up missing it, and having to pay the full standard single back each!

I'm looking for something probably around 12pm at the earliest!

Thanks again,
Jenny

[KeithP]

Thanks Livingthedream. I should probably be a bit more specific... I'm going up to Glasgow for a hen do, so whilst I want to be as moneysaving as possible, I think it's too much of a risk to go for such an early train! We'd probably end up missing it, and having to pay the full standard single back each!

I'm looking for something probably around 12pm at the earliest!

Thanks again,
Jenny
Look on the Virgin website (https://www.buytickets.virgintrains.co.uk/JourneyRequest.aspx).
Advance Singles are available there on the 15:55 Glasgow departure for £9.00 each.
So seven people cost £63 for the return leg.

[Livingthedream]

Thanks Livingthedream. I should probably be a bit more specific... I'm going up to Glasgow for a hen do, so whilst I want to be as moneysaving as possible, I think it's too much of a risk to go for such an early train! We'd probably end up missing it, and having to pay the full standard single back each!

I'm looking for something probably around 12pm at the earliest!

Thanks again,
Jenny

No Worries Jenny, Glasgow's a great nite out Enjoy

[miller]

Would love advice on ways to somehow reduce the cost of my monthly expense for traveling to my job in Hemel Hempsted from Liverpool St area...£361 is a painful amount, so would love to find a saving if possible.
London Euston to Hemel Hempstead monthly season is £280.80. 2 * Zone1 Oyster journeys (Liverpool St. to Euston Sq) = £3.20 per day / ~£70 per month if you work M-F only. So total about £351. I have saved you a tenner, but you lose the travelcard element of your current season which you might use evenings/weekends.

[miller]

Would love advice on ways to somehow reduce the cost of my monthly expense for traveling to my job in Hemel Hempsted from Liverpool St area...£361 is a painful amount, so would love to find a saving if possible.
Another painful amount would be £3760, thats the annual season ticket cost of the ticket you have at the moment. But...over the course of a year that could save you £572 over the cost of 12 monthlies. Some employers have schemes to help spread the cost of these tickets.

[dzug1]

going to london on 05-08 1 adult + 1 child(family railcard)
bristol parkway 9;32
off-peak day return £15.15
didcot 10:17
travelcard off-peak £19.55
paddington11:03
splitting ticket at didcot
the question is about the return
what time trains can we get back.
can we get the 19.15.
on the train web-sites if i go from parkway to london we can,
but when i split at didcot,the paddington to didcot portion says no.

There are greater restrictions on short distance journeys out of Paddington in the evening rush hour than long ones.

You can get a stopping (non HST) train to Didcot no problem - but I suspect that you have to travel AFTER 1915 to get a fast one.

[stikiuk]

Yes, go by London Midland (http://www.londonmidland.com/) trains and go for a £10, go to there website and input your journey details then once its come up with the results, select 'show other routes' the tick 'London Midland trains only'


Thanks livingthedream but I can only find £26 fares on that website :confused:

[Livingthedream]

Thanks livingthedream but I can only find £26 fares on that website :confused:

Just had a quick look and the £10 fares are still available. When you get the £26 fare options, go to the left hand side of the screen and click 'show slower routes' and tick 'valid on london midland trains only' then update.

Slower route but a lot cheaper

[FirstTimer4Me]

i hope someone can help us out

we want a day trip from birmingham to blackpool on friday 14 august for 3 adults and 1 child we don't have any rail cards for discount i looked on virgin website and tried a dummy run and it came out at £162.00 :eek: for a return journey.

national express coaches don't have a service from birmingham until 11.00 which is late for a day trip

ta for any help

[Livingthedream]

i hope someone can help us out

we want a day trip from birmingham to blackpool on friday 14 august for 3 adults and 1 child we don't have any rail cards for discount i looked on virgin website and tried a dummy run and it came out at £162.00 :eek: for a return journey.

national express coaches don't have a service from birmingham until 11.00 which is late for a day trip

ta for any help

Get a Family and friends railcard (use discount code MAIL09 for a £13 one which ends on 21st August or discount code NXEC20 for £20
offer closes 31 August 2009 for £20) for a start it will save you a bundle.

Then try spliting at Liverpool Lime st, use the NXEC (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/) website Birmingham NS to Liverpool LS and when you get the pricing info; go to the left hand side of the screen and click 'show slower routes' and tick 'valid on london midland trains only' then update.

Then get yourself some Off Peak day returns from Liverpool LS to Blackpool

Hope that helps

[Bogof_Babe]

Is there by any chance a discount code available for a senior railcard?

[Livingthedream]

Is there by any chance a discount code available for a senior railcard?

The only one I know off is Senior10 for a 10% discount but don't know if its expired or if its still works, but good luck in trying. :confused:

[SirSpike]

Hi all, just wondered if somebody could help me.

I need to get from Cardiff Central to London Paddington on Saturday 22nd August - hopefully arriving between 10 - 11am.
Then returning on Sunday 23rd can leave anytime during the afternoon or late morning.

Just 1 adult ticket no railcards held.

hope somebody can help me find some cheap tickets.

[dzug1]

Hi all, just wondered if somebody could help me.

I need to get from Cardiff Central to London Paddington on Saturday 22nd August - hopefully arriving between 10 - 11am.
Then returning on Sunday 23rd can leave anytime during the afternoon or late morning.

Just 1 adult ticket no railcards held.

hope somebody can help me find some cheap tickets.

Advance singles at £21 each way are currently available on any of the rail websites. A normal off peak return is £61 so you are saving a reasonable amount.

[dzug1]

The only one I know off is Senior10 for a 10% discount but don't know if its expired or if its still works, but good luck in trying. :confused:


This offer is valid until the end of the year

[Bogof_Babe]

Just a small complaint regarding pre-booked Advance tickets. I travelled from Manchester Piccadilly to Hereford on an Arriva train on Sunday. My ticket reservation was coach A seat 55A. I boarded the train only to find that coach A only had seats numbered up to 39! It was a crowded train too. I sat in an unoccupied seat with no back ticket, but it turned out that a gentleman had a reservation for that one, so I had to move. The ticket inspector was at a loss to know what was going on.

Then it did a detour via Chester for some unexplained reason, adding an hour to my journey. It waited at Chester for 25 minutes, so was obviously combining two services into one (two coach) train.

I spent the entire journey worrying that someone would board and say they had reserved the seat I was sitting in. It didn't have a back ticket on, but neither did the one I first sat in, and the gentleman showed me his reservation for that one.

Get your act together Arriva. And passengers, if you get a high seat number when booking online, don't hold your breath for that seat existing!

[adamtrainman]

Hmmm thats a funny one is that with the seat, unusual because its the same train type for all services its not like its been sunstituted for a different type of train. As for the Chester diversion im thinking crew shortages so instead of outright cancelling it they combined it with a Holyhead - Cardiff train.

[Bogof_Babe]

Hmmm thats a funny one is that with the seat, unusual because its the same train type for all services its not like its been sunstituted for a different type of train. As for the Chester diversion im thinking crew shortages so instead of outright cancelling it they combined it with a Holyhead - Cardiff train.

Well my husband had to get an hour earlier one as we couldn't get two £11 tickets on the same train (booked on separate days), and his was a right old relic. There didn't even appear to be a loo on board, although it was going all the way to Milford Haven! Mine was bound for Cardiff. His took the same detour too, so we both got home an hour later than scheduled. His train was boiling hot with no aircon, mine was like an icebox. People were opening their suitcases and putting on dressing gowns!

I think last weekend they must have dragged out all the odds and ends that were lying around in the sidings, for whatever reason best known to themselves.

Don't normally have much cause for complaint, but it was not a pleasant journey for either of us. There was no soap in the dispenser on my train either, which considering the swine flu epidemic seems a bit remiss.

Thanks for replying anyway. In view of your username, perhaps you could feed back these comments :).

[LolaRose]

Hello,

I'm a wanna be money saver - can anyone help me? :j

I live in Birmingham and and a close family member is having to move to Northampton for specialised hosptial treatment.

I am debating the best way to get there, and thought I would investigate the train lines.

I was amazed to discover a month's season ticket between Birmingham Internation and Northamption totals nearly £150.00. Worse still, a six month season ticket will cost £871.00!! :eek:

To add insult to injury, the ticket will only allow me to travel between Birmingham and Northampton - it's not like I can go anywhere I want!

I have tried to contact the LondonMidland rail line directly but they transferred me to the big daddy of National Rail Enquiries.

I am flexible with when I can travel - it will be mostly off peak.

Any, any, any help would be most appreicated!

[KeithP]

LolaRose, welcome to the forums.

An offpeak day return Birmingham Int-Northampton is £11.20.
A season ticket allows peak time travel.
An anytime day return Birmingham Int-Northampton is £12.70.
A weekly season allows you to get around £390 (30 x £13) worth of travel for £150 (your figure). Sounds like a bargain to me.

A six month ticket will be six times a one month ticket. Sound reasonable?
For a greater discount go for a yearly season ticket.

How many times a week are you planning to travel?

Does National Express coaches do anything suitable?

[lollol]

Hello all

Trying to get two tickets London to edinburgh return
Leave london after 7am return and arrive london before 2130
Dates leave london 02/09/09 return 06/06/09

Hope someone can help. Cheapest i have found on trainline is £192 for 2 people :(

[KeithP]

Hello all

Trying to get two tickets London to edinburgh return
Leave london after 7am return and arrive london before 2130
Dates leave london 02/09/09 return 06/06/09

Hope someone can help. Cheapest i have found on trainline is £192 for 2 people :(
Firstly, don't use the trainline. Others sell the same tickets but without the charges.

From the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx), there are tickets available on many trains to allow a return jouney of £170.80 for two people.
To get these fares you must book via the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx).

Splitting at say York may help too. Nope, its more expensive.

[KeithP]

Hello all

Trying to get two tickets London to edinburgh return
Leave london after 7am return and arrive london before 2130
Dates leave london 02/09/09 return 06/06/09

Hope someone can help. Cheapest i have found on trainline is £192 for 2 people :(
Alternatively, save another £13.40.
Dep Euston 07:30, arr Edinburgh 12:22. Change at Preston. Advance Single £36.00 each.
Dep Edinburgh 16:30, arr Kings Cross 21:25. Advance Single £42.70 each.

Total for two people = £157.40

Again, book via the NXEC website.

[johncas1]

The fare on trainline qjump and the train operators site are all the same no site will have any fares cheaper than another one national rail set fares and thats what the sites have to sell tickets at.

Train operators do do advance fares like East Midlands do Leicester to London for £12 each way thats £24 return but you have to book in advance and it's first come first serve the cheap fares are released 3months in advance and go fast to book late and there all gone and it's expensive all the Business man book up the cheap tickets during the week and the Tourists at weekend

[AirlieBird]

The fare on trainline qjump and the train operators site are all the same no site will have any fares cheaper than another one national rail set fares and thats what the sites have to sell tickets at.Generally true, except some train operators offer a discount off Advance tickets for travel on their trains which is why it's usually best to purchase tickets from the train operator you'll be travelling with.

[KeithP]

The fare on trainline qjump and the train operators site are all the same no site will have any fares cheaper than another one national rail set fares and thats what the sites have to sell tickets at.

Train operators do do advance fares like East Midlands do Leicester to London for £12 each way thats £24 return but you have to book in advance and it's first come first serve the cheap fares are released 3months in advance and go fast to book late anhttp://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/newreply.html?do=newreply&p=24335263d there all gone and it's expensive all the Business man book up the cheap tickets during the week and the Tourists at weekend
Is this a response to my two posts just in front of it?
The reason I stated "use the NXEC website" was because in both cases NXEC were offering a 10% discount on their Advance Singles.

Of course we should also remember that The Trainline, Qjump and some other sites make a charge for lots of things.
Here is a list of Qjump's charges (from their website (http://qjump.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/qjump.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1076&p_created=1126081520&p_sid=ZUg7wJFj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9JnBfc m93X2NudD03Niw3NiZwX3Byb2RzPSZwX2NhdHM9JnBfcHY9JnB fY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfbmwmc F9wYWdlPTE*&p_li=&p_topview=1))...
The following charges have been introduced:
• £0.50 debit card fee
• £2.50 credit card fee
• £1.00 for postal deliveries
• £0.50 for Self Service Ticket Machine collection
• £0.50 for Window collectionThese charges are generally not made by the train operating companies.

[Luisa1981]

Keith P is right! I am a PA at a charity so spend lots of my time trying to get the cheapest fare possible for my managers. Trainline etc ALWAYS get you with extra charges at the end, which can sometimes add up to £4 to a fare. Which is quite a lot.

By far and away the cheapest way is to go directly via the train companies themselves. When booking over the phone, make sure YOU know what the cheapest fare is (all of these on the National Rail website) so if they offer you anything more expensive, you can request the ticket you want...

:-)

[chappy]

Hi all,

Which is the cheapest way to travel from Hatfield, Hertford to London Kings Cross (is this the station best located for sight seeing?) sorry not been to London for many a year

Our hotel is only a few minutes away from Hatfield station so train would be better.

We are going down for the weekend, early October and want to spend Friday and Saturday sight seeing round London.

I have had a look at National Rail and the cheapest is £20 each return, per journey is this a fair price to be paying, I know it's still a long way off, however they say book early for cheaper fares or is this not always the case?

Any suggestions would be really appreciated

Thanks
Jayne

[KeithP]

Hi all,

Which is the cheapest way to travel from Hatfield, Hertford to London Kings Cross (is this the station best located for sight seeing?) sorry not been to London for many a year

Our hotel is only a few minutes away from Hatfield station so train would be better.

We are going down for the weekend, early October and want to spend Friday and Saturday sight seeing round London.

I have had a look at National Rail and the cheapest is £20 each return, per journey is this a fair price to be paying, I know it's still a long way off, however they say book early for cheaper fares or is this not always the case?

Any suggestions would be really appreciated

Thanks
Jayne
£20.00 is too high.
An Anytime Day Single is £7.90, so a return, valid on any train, is £15.80 per person.
There are no Advance Tickets for this journey.
This a walkup fare... no need to book in advance.

[miller]

Hi all,
Which is the cheapest way to travel from Hatfield, Hertford to London Kings Cross ...
I have had a look at National Rail and the cheapest is £20 each return, per journey The cheap day return (sorry off-peak day return as its now known) is exactly £10 per person. Sounds like you have been quoted for 2 there.

[KeithP]

The cheap day return (sorry off-peak day return as its now known) is exactly £10 per person. Sounds like you have been quoted for 2 there.
Oh, I see it now!

I read Chappy's post to mean they were going to London from Hatfield, spend Friday and Saturday sightseeing and then return to Hatfield.
But if they're doing day trips to London from Hatfield, then you are of course correct.

In fact, building on that, a SuperOffPeakReturn is only £7.50 and valid all day on Saturday (and Sunday).

[shopndrop]

I have been looking at day return train fares to travel from Liverpool Lime Street to Birmingham International on 25 November but the best price I can find is £58 return, nothing is coming up for single fares. Does anyone know if I can do it any cheaper? There will be 3 adults travelling but at this price it would be cheaper to take the car.

[KeithP]

You are a bit too early for cheap tickets, shopndrop.

The ATOC Booking Horizons page (http://www.atoctravelagents.org/clientfiles/File/Booking%20Horizons/TOC%20Booking%20Horizons%2013%20Aug%2009.doc) will tell you when they are available for a particular train operator.

[shopndrop]

Thanks KeithP, don't use the train very often just know from reading MSE that you need to book early. Hadn't realised that I might be "too early". Will hold on for now and check again in a couple of weeks. Your help is really appreciated. Thank you.

Where can I find an update of the ATOC Booking Horizons page in a week or two?

[chappy]

Thanks Keithp & Miller for your quick response

Oh I see it's £20 return for me and hubby, must have read it wrong,

So we go for the £20 return on the Friday then get the SuperOffPeakReturn at £7.50 each for the Saturday is that right?

Do we have to book these in advance or on the day?

Thanks again you two

Jayne

[dzug1]

Thanks Keithp & Miller for your quick response

Oh I see it's £20 return for me and hubby, must have read it wrong,

So we go for the £20 return on the Friday then get the SuperOffPeakReturn at £7.50 each for the Saturday is that right?

Do we have to book these in advance or on the day?

Thanks again you two

Jayne

Buy them on the day.

Check for a one day travelcard also - it covers the tube, buses, etc, and is usually cheaper than buying a separate travelcard when you get to London. Certainly with the cheap day - not always with the superoffpeak

[KeithP]

Where can I find an update of the ATOC Booking Horizons page in a week or two?
Oops..
That wasn't a very good link was it?

Try this one (http://www.atoctravelagents.org/), then click on booking horizons down left hand side.

[AirlieBird]

Booking Horizons can be found on the National Rail Enquiries site
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/booking_horizons.html

[alice-mary]

Hello,

I'm a wanna be money saver - can anyone help me? :j

I live in Birmingham and and a close family member is having to move to Northampton for specialised hosptial treatment.

I am debating the best way to get there, and thought I would investigate the train lines.

I was amazed to discover a month's season ticket between Birmingham Internation and Northamption totals nearly £150.00. Worse still, a six month season ticket will cost £871.00!! :eek:

To add insult to injury, the ticket will only allow me to travel between Birmingham and Northampton - it's not like I can go anywhere I want!

I have tried to contact the LondonMidland rail line directly but they transferred me to the big daddy of National Rail Enquiries.

I am flexible with when I can travel - it will be mostly off peak.

Any, any, any help would be most appreicated!


Hi LolaRose, I've just PM'd you, let me know if I can be of help!

[josephm4]

Hi all, does anyone out there know the cheapest way to get from London to Pwllheli, North Wales. Last minute holiday to Haven for the children. Thanks in advance.

[Livingthedream]

Hi all, does anyone out there know the cheapest way to get from London to Pwllheli, North Wales. Last minute holiday to Haven for the children. Thanks in advance.

If you give us some dates we could help a lot more, but the best bit of advice is to get a Family and Friends Railcard, use the code below to get it at a discounted price;

20% of Family and Friends Railcards, £20.40 for a Year

Promotion Code: NXEC20
Offer closes: 31 August 2009

[KeithP]

Hi all, does anyone out there know the cheapest way to get from London to Pwllheli, North Wales. Last minute holiday to Haven for the children. Thanks in advance.
When? Date and time of day.

Will you be coming back sometime? Or just a single? Again date and time?

How many adults? How many children?

[josephm4]

Thanks for repying, it was late and brain dead :o. We are a party of 5, 2 adults and 3 children aged 5,5 & 10. Travel dates are Saturday 29 Aug anytime (or as earlier as cheaply possible) and returning Monday 31 Aug (as late as cheaply possible). Once again thanks for responding

[KeithP]

Thanks for repying, it was late and brain dead :o. We are a party of 5, 2 adults and 3 children aged 5,5 & 10. Travel dates are Saturday 29 Aug anytime (or as earlier as cheaply possible) and returning Monday 31 Aug (as late as cheaply possible). Once again thanks for responding
Definitely get a Friends & Family Railcard, as Livingthedream says.
Advance tickets that are cheaper than walk-up fares are not available, or no longer available.
Your best bet is to to get offpeak return from London to Pwllheli.
With the railcard, the complete price for all five of you is £120.65.
Without the railcard, the complete price for all five of you is £223.30.

You can buy these tickets on the day if you want, but get that railcard application in now!

National Express is about the same price with a family coach card, but it takes over ten hours!
But train journey is seven hours plus though.

[HenryTownes]

I just had a quick question, please....does anyone know why a train fare would over triple in price in November? A particular journey I'm looking at costs £23 in October, but in November the cheapest is around £87....??

I could understand if it was closer to the holidays, but this is ridiculous...

[Stompa]

I just had a quick question, please....does anyone know why a train fare would over triple in price in November? A particular journey I'm looking at costs £23 in October, but in November the cheapest is around £87....??

I could understand if it was closer to the holidays, but this is ridiculous...
Sounds odd, what's the journey?

[HenryTownes]

It's Chesterfield to Folkestone, 'round 16 November. I'm getting the quotes from the Southeastern Trains website.

[Stompa]

It's Chesterfield to Folkestone, 'round 16 November. I'm getting the quotes from the Southeastern Trains website.
Hmmm, if you go the the National Rail website it says: "We only hold journeys 12 weeks in advance.". So perhaps the Advance (which I guess would be cheapest) tickets haven't been released yet?

[dzug1]

Hmmm, if you go the the National Rail website it says: "We only hold journeys 12 weeks in advance.". So perhaps the Advance (which I guess would be cheapest) tickets haven't been released yet?

Correct - East Midlands trains (which could be the best place to look for it - they do have internet specials) have only released advance fares to 6 November at the moment - and not as far as that at weekends

[HenryTownes]

Correct - East Midlands trains (which could be the best place to look for it - they do have internet specials) have only released advance fares to 6 November at the moment - and not as far as that at weekends

Ah ha! So that explains it. I'll check again next week sometime. Cheers to you both!

[nausea]

I have a Rail Easy ticket with a timed Departure, can anyone advise as to how stringent the conductors / barrier inspectors are regarding me catching a later train (4 hours). It will cost me £10 just for the change of ticket with Raileasy plus the difference in price! It's Paddington to Bristol btw

[KeithP]

I have a Rail Easy ticket with a timed Departure, can anyone advise as to how stringent the conductors / barrier inspectors are regarding me catching a later train (4 hours). It will cost me £10 just for the change of ticket with Raileasy plus the difference in price! It's Paddington to Bristol btw
Asssuming its an Advance Single...
They are very strict. Not worth taking the chance. It will cost you the price of a single ticket from London to Bristol... thats the minumum.

Btw, if you do this journey often, maybe a good idea next time to get your ticket cheaper from First Great Western for their 10% off and avoid raileasy's charges.

[Armbase]

HI All This probably applies to all west coast scottish tickets.

My wife and I are going to Arisaig. Glasgow to Arisaig fare is £95 return each £50 single each way.

Or Dumbarton to Arisaig on same train £25.20 single each way and £70 return. Saving about £45 each (1/2 price).

Train from Glasgow to Dumbarton is £6-7 single or £11 return but it is 25 mins to the train station in the middle of glasgow or 25 mins drive from the house.

Even going from Partick in Glasgow instead of queen street saves a whack :-) £29 single. :-)

Cheers
Bob:D

[KeithP]

HI All This probably applies to all west coast scottish tickets.

My wife and I are going to Arisaig. Glasgow to Arisaig fare is £95 return each £50 single each way.

Or Dumbarton to Arisaig on same train £25.20 single each way and £70 return. Saving about £45 each (1/2 price).

Train from Glasgow to Dumbarton is £6-7 single or £11 return but it is 25 mins to the train station in the middle of glasgow or 25 mins drive from the house.

Even going from Partick in Glasgow instead of queen street saves a whack :-) £29 single. :-)

Cheers
Bob:D
The Anytime Return fare from Glasgow to Arisaig is £47.50 per person.
I.e. £95.00 for two people.

It is £27.50 single, each way, per person.

I haven't bothered to check your other figures, as that may not be necessary.

:beer:

[pgt67]

Wanting to find best price for the above journey travelling on 24th Nov returning 25th for open day at the uni. Return journey will be after 6pm. There will be 3 of us, 1 a student and prices so far coming out around the £300 mark although a search on virgins site for the week before as a comparison brings up £11 each way tickets to London from Manchester.

One other point I would be eligable for a disabled rail card.

Thanks to anyone looking

[dzug1]

Wanting to find best price for the above journey travelling on 24th Nov returning 25th for open day at the uni. Return journey will be after 6pm. There will be 3 of us, 1 a student and prices so far coming out around the £300 mark although a search on virgins site for the week before as a comparison brings up £11 each way tickets to London from Manchester.

One other point I would be eligable for a disabled rail card.

Thanks to anyone looking

You are a bit early to be booking - the cheap fares aren't out yet though it shouldn't be long before they are.

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

will help

[elcheap0]

Hey, just wanted to say thanks for some of the tips on this thread. Going to be traveling by rail in a bit and every bit counts.

[tronski]

Hi there,

Can anyone help me find a cheap ticket? I need to get from Braintree, Essex to Nottingham on Sat 12th Sep, returning the next day or Monday. I'm not too fussed about times but would need to be in Nottingham before 5pm.

I've checked trainline and it's coming back at around £43 return - that's travelling from Stansted Airport (saves me £20 on a ticket from Braintree and only up the road).

Thanks!

[KeithP]

Hi there,

Can anyone help me find a cheap ticket? I need to get from Braintree, Essex to Nottingham on Sat 12th Sep, returning the next day or Monday. I'm not too fussed about times but would need to be in Nottingham before 5pm.

I've checked trainline and it's coming back at around £43 return - that's travelling from Stansted Airport (saves me £20 on a ticket from Braintree and only up the road).

Thanks!
Would you prefer to travel from Braintree?

Sat 12Sep dep Braintree 06:00, arr Nottingham 10:13. Change at Witham, Liverpool Street, St.Pancras and East Midlands Parkway. Advance Single £19.00.

Mon 14Sep dep Nottingham 13:02, arr Braintree 16:53. Change at St.Pancras and Liverpool Street. Advance Single £16.00.

All this info gleaned from the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx).

[tronski]

Would you prefer to travel from Braintree?

Sat 12Sep dep Braintree 06:00, arr Nottingham 10:13. Change at Witham, Liverpool Street, St.Pancras and East Midlands Parkway. Advance Single £19.00.

Mon 14Sep dep Nottingham 13:02, arr Braintree 16:53. Change at St.Pancras and Liverpool Street. Advance Single £16.00.

All this info gleaned from link removed as I'm too new.

Thanks for that. Think I'd prefer to go via Stansted and avoid London. But I'll take a look at that website too.

[KeithP]

Think I'd prefer to go via Stansted and avoid London.
That's perfectly fine.

But you did ask for a cheap ticket, and went on to say "from Braintree, Essex".

My proposal meets both these criteria, and is £8 cheaper (not £20 dearer) that from Stanstead Airport.

But, of course, entirely your call.:beer:

[dark_biker]

I've done my best to scout round to get cheap train tickets but to no real avail.

I visit someone on a fairly regular basis in Faverhsam, Kent. My nearest station is Bodmin Parkway. So far I've managed to get the journey cost down to £23.50 return ( child's ) but i was wondering if it was possible to get this journey any cheaper?

The dates in question are 2/10/09 until 6/10/09.

I've heard of split ticketing...but ive got no real idea of which stations to use? Any help would be much appreciated,

Alex

[dzug1]

I've done my best to scout round to get cheap train tickets but to no real avail.

I visit someone on a fairly regular basis in Faverhsam, Kent. My nearest station is Bodmin Parkway. So far I've managed to get the journey cost down to £23.50 return ( child's ) but i was wondering if it was possible to get this journey any cheaper?

The dates in question are 2/10/09 until 6/10/09.

I've heard of split ticketing...but ive got no real idea of which stations to use? Any help would be much appreciated,

Alex


I can't see any way of getting anywhere near that fare so if it's real grab it fast. It's dirt dirt cheap.

split ticketing - Plymouth, Exeter. Possibly Bristol but not all trains go that way and it's a slower roundabout route. NOT London - you need a through advance fare to Faversham to avoid that leg costing the earth.

[muggles]

Hi moneysavers...
Wondering if you can help, I've left this a little late for getting the good advanced fares, but I need to get to Newcastle on 19th September, arriving late afternoon, and returning on the 20th, leaving around lunchtime preferably. I can travel from Tiverton Parkway, any of the Exeter stations, Honiton or Taunton.

I can't seem to find any really good savings, hoping someone can help here...

Thanks in advance

[KeithP]

Hi moneysavers...
Wondering if you can help, I've left this a little late for getting the good advanced fares, but I need to get to Newcastle on 19th September, arriving late afternoon, and returning on the 20th, leaving around lunchtime preferably. I can travel from Tiverton Parkway, any of the Exeter stations, Honiton or Taunton.

I can't seem to find any really good savings, hoping someone can help here...

Thanks in advance

By using Advance Singles and splitting at Birmingham it can be done for £68.00.
Compared to a walk up Off Peak Return (not London) of £135.40, seems like a "really good saving" to me.

I've used Taunton for your starting point simply because its nearer to Newcastle than your alternatives. Slightly higher fares may be available from Tiverton or Exeter StD, but I haven't checked.

19Sep dep Taunton 08:12, arr Birmingham New Street 10:26. Advance Single £14.00.
dep Birmingham NS 12:03, arr Newcastle 15:32. Advance Single £20.00.

20Sep dep Newcastle 14:25, arr Birmingham NS 18:05. Advance Single £20.00.
dep Birmingham NS 19:42, arr Taunton 22:15. Advance Single £14.00.

This info was gleaned from the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx).

[muggles]

You are a good man Keith, thanks for that!!

[WaxiesDargle]

I'm taking my 17 year old daughter to a university open day in London during the week in September. We are travelling to Waterloo from Yeovil junction.....on line it says £48 return each...does anybody know of any discount codes?

[Livingthedream]

I'm taking my 17 year old daughter to a university open day in London during the week in September. We are travelling to Waterloo from Yeovil junction.....on line it says £48 return each...does anybody know of any discount codes?

Have you got any dates and arrival time into London and a prefered time to leave London. One Money saving tip is if she likes that Uni and will be doing this trip often is to get a 16-25 railcard, use discount code Save10 to get a 10% discount on the price of the card.

[KeithP]

I'm taking my 17 year old daughter to a university open day in London during the week in September. We are travelling to Waterloo from Yeovil junction.....on line it says £48 return each...does anybody know of any discount codes?
As you haven't given an exact date or times, I have made some assumptions.
Lets say 29 Sept, and you want to get there in the morning and return after 5pm.

Outbound leave Yeovil Junc at 08:20 arr Waterloo 10:49. £10.00 Advance Single.
Return leg leave Waterloo at 20:20 arr Yeovil Junc 22:49. £10.00 Advance Single.

This info from the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx).

Of course, for other dates and times the fares may be different.

Megatrain (http://www.megatrain.com/uk/index.php) have fares from £6 per person each way on 29 Sept.

[WaxiesDargle]

sorry...we have to arrive at waterloo about 10 ish (so leave Yeovil about 0715) and leave Waterloo about 3pm...on 15 September

[Livingthedream]

sorry...we have to arrive at waterloo about 10 ish (so leave Yeovil about 0715) and leave Waterloo about 3pm...on 15 September

There's;
Departs Yeovil J 07:20 arriving London Wat 09:51 Advance Single £24.00
and
Departs London Wat 15:20 arrives Yeovil J 17:34 Advance Single £10.00

Total: £34 each return :D

[KeithP]

sorry...we have to arrive at waterloo about 10 ish (so leave Yeovil about 0715) and leave Waterloo about 3pm...on 15 September
In that case...
Outbound leave Yeovil Junc at 07:20 arr Waterloo 09:51. £24.00 Advance Single.
Return leg leave Waterloo at 15:20 arr Yeovil Junc 17:24. £10.00 Advance Single.

These fares are per person.
This info from the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx).

[WaxiesDargle]

Thanks all... that helps :)

[aleksander]

Make massive savings on selected all-operator flexible West Coast Mainline tickets that can be used for faster Virgin services tomorrow only (Sunday 6 Sept)!
As London Midland is running very few trains, tickets for London Midland will be valid on Virgin Trains amongst others, so I assume that includes tickets marked 'Via London Midland Only'.

Instead of £60.30 Off Peak Return per adult from London to Crewe on any operator tomorrow, travel on Virgin Trains for the London Midland Super Off-Peak Return fare of £20 return per adult! That's a saving of £40.30 per adult!

Savings can also be had on the route to Birmingham. Instead of £42 Off Peak Return per adult for any operator, pay £15 for a Super Off Peak Return per adult! That's a saving of £27 per adult! It's even cheaper than the £19.50 return price that Chiltern Railways are selling... and much faster too!

Note:
These savings apply on the following Virgin Trains routes only:
- Crewe – Stafford – Nuneaton – London Euston
- Rugby - Milton Keynes – Watford Junction – London Euston
- Stoke – London Euston
- Wolverhampton - Birmingham – Coventry - London Euston

Also, there may still be advance tickets at cheaper prices for selected journeys.

[exeterben]

Hi all,

Hopefully somebody out there can help. We have friends coming down to Exeter from Manchester and at the minute we are having trouble finding a cheap way of getting down.
They want to come down on Friday, October 30th, and then return to Manchester on Sunday, November 1st.
Cheapest tickets we have found so far have been around £50 each. Anybody know of any cheaper tickets than that, any offers going?

Thanks in advance.

[dzug1]

Hi all,

Hopefully somebody out there can help. We have friends coming down to Exeter from Manchester and at the minute we are having trouble finding a cheap way of getting down.
They want to come down on Friday, October 30th, and then return to Manchester on Sunday, November 1st.
Cheapest tickets we have found so far have been around £50 each. Anybody know of any cheaper tickets than that, any offers going?

Thanks in advance.


That actually looks a cheap price for this route to me - about half the walkon fare. It may already have gone - on a quick look I can't see anything under about £72 for two advance singles.

[KeithP]

Hi all,

Hopefully somebody out there can help. We have friends coming down to Exeter from Manchester and at the minute we are having trouble finding a cheap way of getting down.
They want to come down on Friday, October 30th, and then return to Manchester on Sunday, November 1st.
Cheapest tickets we have found so far have been around £50 each. Anybody know of any cheaper tickets than that, any offers going?

Thanks in advance.

30 Oct, dep Manchester Piccadilly 12:07, arr Exeter St.Davids 16:18. Direct train. Advance Single = £22.00.
01 Oct, dep Exeter St.D 16:23, arr Manc.Piccadilly 16:23, change at Brmingham New St. Advance Single = £22.00.

I.e. £44.00 return per person.

This info from the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx).

[StudentSavySaver]

Hi Guy's.

I'm traveling to Winchester leaving Clapham Junction on 17/09 @ 14:12 = £22 (Off-Peak)

However if I purchase the ticket to end my journey at Bournemouth the cost is £9. This would be exactly the same train that would arrive at Winchester however goes two stations further.

I spoke to National rail and they said it's just the way the system works, i.e ripping you off.

This is just ridiculous and makes absolutely no sense, has anyone purchased a ticket and ended there journey at a station before?

Cheers

B

[miller]

This is just ridiculous and makes absolutely no sense, has anyone purchased a ticket and ended there journey at a station before?


Unfortunately, they (South West Trains) only seem to offer Advance fares on the longer routes. You are not permitted to end your journey short on an Advance ticket (there are ticket barriers at Winchester now).

On an entirely separate note, a single from Shawford to Winchester is £2.10.

[squawkbox]

Something that might be useful to Scottish users. ScotRail is running their promotion with Sainsburys again this year. When you shop in the store, you get a voucher allowing you a flat fare of £15 return anywhere in Scotland:

From 30 September to 20 October 2009, if you shop at a Sainsbury’s store in Scotland you will receive a Scotland by Rail voucher which entitles you to purchase up to two of the following tickets in one transaction:

£15 flat fare anywhere in Scotland;
£15 flat fare anywhere in Scotland plus free travel for one child (5-15 years).

Details: http://scotrail.co.uk/sainsburys

Terms:



Each voucher entitles the holder to purchase up to TWO of the following tickets in one transaction: £15 flat fare anywhere in Scotland; £15 flat fare anywhere in Scotland plus free travel for one child (5-15 years).
Travel is valid on all operators’ services (except Caledonian Sleeper services) between any two stations in Scotland.
Outward travel is valid between 30 September and 13 December 2009 inclusive.
Return travel is valid up to one month from the date of outward travel.
Please note there are major rugby matches in Edinburgh on Saturday 14, 21 and 28 November 2009.
Trains to and from Edinburgh on these dates will be very busy and seating cannot be guaranteed.
There are no travel restrictions at the weekend. Monday to Friday, travel is valid after 0915.
This restriction does not apply for journeys on the Glasgow Queen Street-Oban/Fort William/Mallaig, and Inverness-Kyle/Wick/Thurso routes.
No further Railcard or concessionary discounts are available.
Tickets are valid for Standard Class travel only. Upgrades to First Class, including Weekend First are not permitted.
This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Full refund is available on unused tickets before the date of outward travel, subject to a £10 administration fee.
Break of journey or changes to travel plans are not permitted.

[girleight@]

Fame
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009/sep/11/rising-train-fares

[Joppers78]

Can anyone help with my journey..?

I like to regularly travel to Carlisle from London to visit family but even if I try to book well in advance, the tickets are always about £90 return.. I usually travel after 5pm on a Friday, returning Sunday afternoon - I know these are probably peak times but it's just so frustrating that even the "book in advance" rule doesn't apply.. Petrol is almost cheaper but the drive can be an absolute nightmare!! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[KeithP]

Can anyone help with my journey..?

I like to regularly travel to Carlisle from London to visit family but even if I try to book well in advance, the tickets are always about £90 return.. I usually travel after 5pm on a Friday, returning Sunday afternoon - I know these are probably peak times but it's just so frustrating that even the "book in advance" rule doesn't apply.. Petrol is almost cheaper but the drive can be an absolute nightmare!! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Welcome to the forums.

I've just looked for weekend 25/27 Sept on NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx).
Dep Kings Cross Fri at 18:00, Arr Carlisle 23:01. Advance Single £24.05. Change at Newcastle.
Many departures from Carlisle Sun pm for £48.05, again Advance Single.

And for weekend 13/15 Nov...
Dep Kings Cross Fri at 18:00, Arr Carlisle 23:01. Advance Single £16.45. Change at Newcastle.
Dep Carlisle Sun 16:12, Arr Kings Cross 21:25. Advance Single £32.95. Change at Newcastle.

To get these prices you must book online via NXEC website.