Any train promotion codes out there?

[Livingthedream]

Hello,

I'm traveling from Coventry to Poole on 27th April returning 1st May 2 adults 1 child with a family railway card. The route I am currently looking at buying is a direct service from Coventry to Bournemouth and then paying for the short hop from Bournemouth to Poole when we get there. The cheapest I am getting is £80 with Virgin and The trainline. I really was hoping to get it cheaper. Is there any other sites I can check or does anybody know of any discount codes?

lisae03, the problem you've got is that the direct train from Coventry to Bournemouth is run by Arriva XC and at the moment their been very tight with their cheap advance tickets, in fact they've removed the lower tiers of the price range. However, if you did go via London the price each way would drop to £24.95 but a trip on the undergroud is required, its not a bad trip, one tube journey on the Northern line from Euston to Waterloo :confused:

[lisae03]

Thanks for the replys.

I could have got it cheaper going Via London but the saving wasn't really worth the extra hassle as we have two kids in tow! I have just booked now with the £5 Discount posted above - Thanks!

[evermore]

been trying to book virgin trains advance tickets but may half term in not available yet. dates before and after on already on, anyone know if you can buy advance tickets during school holidays

[dzug1]

been trying to book virgin trains advance tickets but may half term in not available yet. dates before and after on already on, anyone know if you can buy advance tickets during school holidays

Yes you can, normally.

What is happening is that major engineering works are planned for that week, hence late schedules, fewer trains, bustitution over some sections, hence no advance tickets yet.

It would be unusual for there to be none at all but there may well be fewer than usual and maybe a last minute release

[evermore]

thanks for that dzug1 i will just keep checking there web site

[rich_shot2003]

There are a fair few other sites you can check but they will give you exactly the same prices (assuming you ask the same question). It will be a waste of time. Given that the fare you have got is cheap advance singles I can't see you getting it any less by an extra split

However you go to http://www.fgw5pounds.co.uk/ and register you can get a £5 discount off the booking

It's 'just' possible that travel via London, possibly using megatrain for London - Poole, might be cheaper, but I doubt it sufficeiently to not be bothered to look it up

I so though that offer had ended but am glad its not.

I have looked many times on FGW website and could not find it but thankyou for bringing it up again.

[dzug1]

I so though that offer had ended but am glad its not.

I have looked many times on FGW website and could not find it but thankyou for bringing it up again.


It had ended but has been resurrected. Unfortunately if you used it last time you are not eligible for it now - unless you acquire a new e-mail address.

[Charl__x]

Hiya...

Well my nephew in Devon told us he would like to come here (Birmingham) on Saturday for the week. It's abit short notice, and we can't find any real cheap tickets (which would be a bonus) He's not long turned 17, so just misses out on the child fare.. so since he last came, his fares have increased a lot!

I've looked around, and the cheapest I can find from Barntsaple to Birmingham New Street is £26.50 each way, so £53 in total. We've considered the 16-25 railcard, but don't know if it would be worth it in the long run, as he only really comes 1/2 times a year.

Does anyone think we could get a cheaper return? The cheapest I have found it is £48 using the £5 off, provided above. It's a shame, because if he was just over one year younger, the tickets would only be £26! (£21 with the code!)

Any help appreciated, as I get confused and stressed looking for train tickets, lol

[rich_shot2003]

It had ended but has been resurrected. Unfortunately if you used it last time you are not eligible for it now - unless you acquire a new e-mail address.


Just join lots of e mail accounts and get lots of codes that way:j

[dzug1]

Hiya...

Well my nephew in Devon told us he would like to come here (Birmingham) on Saturday for the week. It's abit short notice, and we can't find any real cheap tickets (which would be a bonus) He's not long turned 17, so just misses out on the child fare.. so since he last came, his fares have increased a lot!

I've looked around, and the cheapest I can find from Barntsaple to Birmingham New Street is £26.50 each way, so £53 in total. We've considered the 16-25 railcard, but don't know if it would be worth it in the long run, as he only really comes 1/2 times a year.

Does anyone think we could get a cheaper return? The cheapest I have found it is £48 using the £5 off, provided above. It's a shame, because if he was just over one year younger, the tickets would only be £26! (£21 with the code!)

Any help appreciated, as I get confused and stressed looking for train tickets, lol

Try split ticketing at Exeter and/or Bristol and/or Cheltenham

However if the fare you have got is a 'cheap' advance single, splitting is unlikely to improve on it

[gner_ex]

Hiya...

Well my nephew in Devon told us he would like to come here (Birmingham) on Saturday for the week. It's abit short notice, and we can't find any real cheap tickets (which would be a bonus) He's not long turned 17, so just misses out on the child fare.. so since he last came, his fares have increased a lot!

I've looked around, and the cheapest I can find from Barntsaple to Birmingham New Street is £26.50 each way, so £53 in total. We've considered the 16-25 railcard, but don't know if it would be worth it in the long run, as he only really comes 1/2 times a year.

Does anyone think we could get a cheaper return? The cheapest I have found it is £48 using the £5 off, provided above. It's a shame, because if he was just over one year younger, the tickets would only be £26! (£21 with the code!)

Any help appreciated, as I get confused and stressed looking for train tickets, lol

A young persons' railcard may well be a good investment. Does he ever go elsewhere by train (or will he, now hes that bit older)? What about trips to go view universities etc?

[missscotia]

Can anyone help me?

I am crap at trying to find cheap tickets. I am trying to find the cheapest tickets from Aberdeen to London on about the 27th/28th june for 4/5 days?

Any help would be nice :)

[AirlieBird]

Go to nationalexpresseastcoast.com to get the cheapest fares for this route. You can book the outward trip, but the cheapest fares for the return trip won't be available until, probably, later this week.

[stephen1978]

Im looking to travel from Glasgow to London on the 10th April and return on the 15th April, does anyone know any promo codes for the trains or find anything cheaper than £96?? Thanx

[Livingthedream]

Im looking to travel from Glasgow to London on the 10th April and return on the 15th April, does anyone know any promo codes for the trains or find anything cheaper than £96?? Thanx

You could try Megabus.com and coach it down and back for £38.50

[KeithP]

Im looking to travel from Glasgow to London on the 10th April and return on the 15th April, does anyone know any promo codes for the trains or find anything cheaper than £96?? Thanx
If you want to go by train, it can be done on those dates for £85.00.
10 April dep Glasgow 04:25, arr Euston 09:09, advance single £42.50.
15 April dep Euston 05:47, arr Glasgow 10:36, advance single £42.50.
Book quickly. These tickets will go very soon.

[stephen1978]

:beer:If you want to go by train, it can be done on those dates for £85.00.
10 April dep Glasgow 04:25, arr Euston 09:09, advance single £42.50.
15 April dep Euston 05:47, arr Glasgow 10:36, advance single £42.50.
Book quickly. These tickets will go very soon.


thanx alot for looking for me ....you could'nt tell me wat web site to go to for those prices cheers

[KeithP]

All train companies sell these tickets.
Try National Express East Coast (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/Travel-Information/Journey-Planner/)... the box on the left headed "buy rail tickets". Its easy to use.
Or buy at any station ticket office.

[wapow]

Could someone please explain when the FGW Promotion code kicks in?

It says i have to follow the link in the email. When i do this and check the train times, the prices are bumped up! Im not sure when the discount kicks in either.

Anyone booked with the promotion code? How does it work please explain.

Thanks

[Sunny Saver]

Could someone please explain when the FGW Promotion code kicks in?

It says i have to follow the link in the email. When i do this and check the train times, the prices are bumped up! Im not sure when the discount kicks in either.

Anyone booked with the promotion code? How does it work please explain.

Thanks

Hi

Where do you get a discount code from please?

Thanks.

[scubaangel]

I hope I'm putting this in the right place, am going to London this weekend and booked my tickets with a YP railcard but realised when I checked it that it's expired, so before I rebuy it are there any discount codes for these around?

[Bexbox2]

Please could someone help me, I want to get an adult and child (8) to Taunton station from Penryn in August and then back 4/5 days later. I am aware that there is a 'Devon and Cornwall Railcard' which is an option for £10 and I think it gives a third of adult fare?

Is anyone able to help me clarify the cheapest option please? So far I think it'll be around £70 which is not affordable unfortunatly :(

[dzug1]

Please could someone help me, I want to get an adult and child (8) to Taunton station from Penryn in August and then back 4/5 days later. I am aware that there is a 'Devon and Cornwall Railcard' which is an option for £10 and I think it gives a third of adult fare?

Is anyone able to help me clarify the cheapest option please? So far I think it'll be around £70 which is not affordable unfortunatly :(

Assuming you are a resident of Penryn then yes there's the Devon and Cornwall railcard as you say. It will only take you to Tiverton as Taunton is not in Devon.

Otherwise wait and see what advance purchase tickets become available - maybe from Truro rather than Penryn. You are at least a month too early to buy them but if you look now for travel in say June you will see the sort of thing that's probably going to be available.

[ljwoody]

Hi, this is my first post and I hope I am doing it right! My friend and I are looking to travel to Newcastle from Buxted, East Sussex on 22nd April and returning 24th April - this is the first time I have tried to save money online before travelling - the cheapest price I can find is £232.20 return (for the 2 of us) - I hope I am just being silly and not understanding the whole - split fares thing! Any help would be gratefully received!!:confused:

[cheekymole]

Hi guys,
Just wondered if there are any non-expired codes to buy a Family & Friends Railcard. I've googled but they all seem to have expired (just my luck!)

TIA x

[chocdonuty]

I was just looking for the same thing! If there are no codes out there at the moment, does anyone know when the next promo will be?
thanks :)

[stressedoutmum]

Travelling from Derby to Cambridge on 25th July about 10am and departing on 26th July around 3pm but the prices on eastmidlandtrains quote £78 each return which is really expensive considering we're almost 3 months away. Is it worth my while waiting or do you think it will get more expensive. Have booked our hotel was hoping for a cheap train ticket to compliment my shopping trip.

[dzug1]

Travelling from Derby to Cambridge on 25th July about 10am and departing on 26th July around 3pm but the prices on eastmidlandtrains quote £78 each return which is really expensive considering we're almost 3 months away. Is it worth my while waiting or do you think it will get more expensive. Have booked our hotel was hoping for a cheap train ticket to compliment my shopping trip.


Yes it is really expensive considering the walk on return fare is £42 - buy on the day. You are looking at a standard walkon single each way for your £78 - not something you want to contemplate.

And you may get it cheaper still by waiting - but not by a lot. The cheapest possible advance single fare is £18. East Midlands Trains haven't released tickets for your dates yet.

[Livingthedream]

Follow this link (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=21323045#post21323045) for a free F&F railcard valid until 31st July 09 and £13 (50%) discount on a 12 month F&F railcard :beer:

[gazwood]

Hi all and please forgive this blatant advertising, but it's about to expire and I would rather someone got some use from it, proceeds will go to our local Rabbit rescue charity.

National Rail travel voucher value £25 valid up to and including 27th May 2009, issued by National Express East Coast as compenstion/Goodwill for a problem I had with them some time ago but valid for any operator, not specific to me i.e. no name on the voucher, ONLY FOR PURCHASES AT A TICKET OFFICE NOT ONLINE.

Sell for £10 including first class postage, add a pound for recorded or £4 for Special Delivery next day, can pay by Paypal.

Hope of help to someone.

Gaz

[tobiascurious]

proceeds will go to our local Rabbit rescue charity
sounds a good deal
but a rabbit rescue centre?! got a link?

[smilingit]

Hi all and please forgive this blatant advertising, but it's about to expire and I would rather someone got some use from it, proceeds will go to our local Rabbit rescue charity.

National Rail travel voucher value £25 valid up to and including 27th May 2009, issued by National Express East Coast as compenstion/Goodwill for a problem I had with them some time ago but valid for any operator, not specific to me i.e. no name on the voucher, ONLY FOR PURCHASES AT A TICKET OFFICE NOT ONLINE.

Sell for £10 including first class postage, add a pound for recorded or £4 for Special Delivery next day, can pay by Paypal.

Hope of help to someone.

Gaz

Still valid?

[MJD1983]

Help required! I and two other mates are travelling up to Newcastle from London for a stag do on Friday 26th June and returning on Sunday 28th. As the trip is only a few weeks away we have missed all the Advance bookings deal but I was hoping if anyone might know of any other deals which could be of help?! I read somewhere that it might be worth buying a return to York then another return from York to Newcastle. Myth or truth? Any advice would be much appreciated! Btw currently the best dela I have found is £85 return each...

[rich_shot2003]

Help required! I and two other mates are travelling up to Newcastle from London for a stag do on Friday 26th June and returning on Sunday 28th. As the trip is only a few weeks away we have missed all the Advance bookings deal but I was hoping if anyone might know of any other deals which could be of help?! I read somewhere that it might be worth buying a return to York then another return from York to Newcastle. Myth or truth? Any advice would be much appreciated! Btw currently the best dela I have found is £85 return each...


You have a PM.

[KeithP]

Help required! I and two other mates are travelling up to Newcastle from London for a stag do on Friday 26th June and returning on Sunday 28th. As the trip is only a few weeks away we have missed all the Advance bookings deal but I was hoping if anyone might know of any other deals which could be of help?! I read somewhere that it might be worth buying a return to York then another return from York to Newcastle. Myth or truth? Any advice would be much appreciated! Btw currently the best dela I have found is £85 return each...
£64.55 return ok?

Outward Journey
Departing: 06:15
Arriving: 09:36
Std Class Advance Single
Cost: £23.60

Return Journey
Departing: 08:00
Arriving: 11:26
Std Class Advance Single
Cost: £40.95

Total Cost £64.55
The return journey can be done on several trains, but to keep this price you need to travel out on the 06:15 from Kings Cross.

Splitting may produce further savings.

[rich_shot2003]

£64.55 return ok?

Outward Journey
Departing: 06:15
Arriving: 09:36
Std Class Advance Single
Cost: £23.60

Return Journey
Departing: 08:00
Arriving: 11:26
Std Class Advance Single
Cost: £40.95

Total Cost £64.55
The return journey can be done on several trains, but to keep this price you need to travel out on the 06:15 from Kings Cross.

Splitting may produce further savings.

Or he could use Grand Central Trains into Sunderland which would be a lot cheaper then get the Metro to newcastle.

[KeithP]

Or he could use Grand Central Trains into Sunderland which would be a lot cheaper then get the Metro to newcastle.
Really?
I must admit that I had overlooked Grand Central Trains. My mistake.
Having now looked at their site, their cheapest fare from London to Sunderland appears to be £71 offpeak return.
Please let us all know if I have missed something.
:confused:

[rich_shot2003]

Really?
I must admit that I had overlooked Grand Central Trains. My mistake.
Having now looked at their site, their cheapest fare from London to Sunderland appears to be £71 offpeak return.
Please let us all know if I have missed something.
:confused:

Ive got it down to £32 each way if he gets a advance single each way so would be £64 return and if he books it with first great western,s site then he could get another £5 off each ticket with there £5 off each booking offer so he could get it for £27 each way so could get it for £54 return which is not too bad.

[KeithP]

But Rich_shot, you did say using Grand Central would be "a lot cheaper".
Can you please demonstrate how that might be so?

[KeithP]

Ive got it down to £32 each way if he gets a advance single each way so would be £64 return and if he books it with first great western,s site then he could get another £5 off each ticket with there £5 off each booking offer so he could get it for £27 each way so could get it for £54 return which is not too bad.
The prices quoted here are not available on First Great Western's website and are therefore not eligible for the £5 off deal.
As mentioned in an earlier post of mine, the KGX-NCL return can be done for £64.55. This price includes a 10% NX online discount. See the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/) for details.
So in summary, you can have FGW's £5 off or NXEC's 10% discount... you can't have both.

[Livingthedream]

Found this on another forum, might be useful for anybody planning on travelling the West Coast (Virgin Trains) to London for a Weekend in June

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/06/09/free-return-journeys-only-with-virgin-trains-115875-21426388/

[rich_shot2003]

is there any voucher or anything that you have you have to take on train with you?

[Livingthedream]

Just did a bit more digging and yes you need a voucher from today's or tomorrow's Daily Mirror (http://www.mirror.co.uk/virgintrains/)

Virgin Trains T and C's here (http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/mirror/terms)

[discodancing]

Hi I'm trying to use my pin code sent to me by FGW but I can't get it to work!! Anyone else had any hassle?

[discodancing]

Hi I'm trying to use my pin code sent to me by FGW but I can't get it to work!! Anyone else had any hassle?

Just found out it only shows you at last stages, nevermind!

[nexuss]

All the daily mirror free train fares on virgin rail have now all gone.

[yaz]

Hi

I am arrranging a school trip to london and been looking online for cheap train tickets from wakefield westgate to london kings cross. we are going on 13 july at around 9.00am and coming back the following day to wakefield at around 6. The prices vary from £65.50 (national rail) to £79.00 return. As the students are 16-17 i have been told by national rail that they have to pay adult prices. Can anyone help me find something cheaper as we would like to keep the price as low as we can

thank you

[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.

[KeithP]

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.
Dzug has answered your other post (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=22735925&postcount=1842).

[discodancing]

Don't suppose anyone still has the FGW codes that they didn't use??

[rich_shot2003]

Don't suppose anyone still has the FGW codes that they didn't use??




Im After some as well:j

[Jonesy_21]

Hi there,

I am looking to go to London for 2 days on the 19th and 20th July and will need to travel around zones 1 and 2 - does anyone know how I can get cheap 2 day travel cards please?

Thanks

[dzug1]

Im After some as well:j

I thought they had to be redeemed by the end of June?

[dzug1]

Hi there,

I am looking to go to London for 2 days on the 19th and 20th July and will need to travel around zones 1 and 2 - does anyone know how I can get cheap 2 day travel cards please?

Thanks

There are no 2 day cards - only one day ones. £5.60 per day off peak for zones 1-2. The Sunday is off peak all day.

You can reduce this to a cap of £5.10 a day by getting a PAYG Oyster card. Put say £11 on it, pay a £3 deposit and get the excess back when you leave - or save the card for the next trip.

[Jonesy_21]

Hi Dzug1,

Thanks for this - my plans have changed now and I only need it for a Monday, where do I get the £5.60 ones from? Please excuse my ignorance, I am very new to this site.

Thanks

Kelly

[sunnyboyjim]

yeh i thought the fgw codes couldnt be used either? The site says the offer has ended? i must have used about 100 codes since the offer started saving me hundreds!

[miller]

Thanks for this - my plans have changed now and I only need it for a Monday, where do I get the £5.60 ones from?
You can get paper ones from any one of these (the one on the left does Oyster too for reference):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/darryl_se7/164849804/
or ask the man ;)!
http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2008/07/ticketoffice_415x275.jpg
or get one online:
http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com (http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2008/07/ticketoffice_415x275.jpg) enter any Nat Rail station in zone 1 or 2 as the start point (e.g. West Brompton) and then destination as 0032. As long as the date is correct the time(s) don't matter.

[beanieboy01]

use thise tool and it makes trains cheaper

splitfare . co .uk

[dzug1]

use thise tool and it makes trains cheaper

Yer what????

[dzug1]

Hi Dzug1,

Thanks for this - my plans have changed now and I only need it for a Monday, where do I get the £5.60 ones from? Please excuse my ignorance, I am very new to this site.

Thanks

Kelly

Sorry missed this post.

Any tube station will sell you one.

[beanieboy01]

Yer what????

forgot to type the link

splitfare. co .uk

[nancmat]

South West Trains have very good offers at the moment £10

[KeithP]

South West Trains have very good offers at the moment £10
Nancmat is talking about their 'Midsummer Madness' promotion.

A day return for £10 throughout (most of) SWT's network.

Some restrictions of course. See their website (http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/SWTrains/News/_midsummermadness.htm).

[Livingthedream]

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

Promotion Code: NXEC20
Offer closes: 31 August 2009

[miller]

20% of Family and Friends Railcards, £20.40 for a Year
Promotion Code: NXEC20
Offer closes: 31 August 2009

Also, MAIL09 for a £13 one which ends on 21st August.

[nelly10]

Hi all. Just thought i'd mention that Chester Zoo have a free bus for rail passengers. Just get the train to Chester and then get on the bus free, you cant miss it, its stripey!

Also Merseyrail offer an inclusive deal for train fare and entry, and most of us have to travel a leg of the journey on Mersey Rail. Buy your tickets part way there, then buy an all inclusive ticket from mersey rail.

[glider3560]

First Great Western now offer an additional 10% discount if you book tickets for their own services on their own website.

[manicspaniard]

loads of cheap ticket combos out there, let me know where from and to, and i will work out a combo for you

[skywalker83]

loads of cheap ticket combos out there, let me know where from and to, and i will work out a combo for you


hi! is there anything for London-Liverpool and London-Norwich please

[KeithP]

hi! is there anything for London-Liverpool and London-Norwich please
Just a guess skywalker, but I think ManicSpaniard may want more info.
Single or return?
Dates?
Time of day (if important)?
How many travelling?
Any railcard?

[skywalker83]

Just a guess skywalker, but I think ManicSpaniard may want more info.
Single or return?
Dates?
Time of day (if important)?
How many travelling?
Any railcard?


:)
Thanks!
2 return journeys
2 adults travelling
Any time of day
no railcards

[eframe]

Does anyone have a code for Virgin Trains?

I am looking to travel from Edinburgh Haymarket to Builth Road on the 2nd October.

Thanks

[Livingthedream]

Does anyone have a code for Virgin Trains?

I am looking to travel from Edinburgh Haymarket to Builth Road on the 2nd October.

Thanks

I don't have a Virgin Code, but it does save over 50% of the walk on fare, however, it does include a long (3hr) wait at Shrewsbury :eek:

Haymarket to Shrewsbury 06:56 Advance Single £37.50 arrives 10:41
Shrewsbury to Builth Road 14:05 Day Single £9 arrives 15:45

Total: £ 46.50

[christophp]

First Great Western now offer an additional 10% discount if you book tickets for their own services on their own website.

I booked tickets for FGW services last week on their website but the 10% discount did not kick in in the booking process. Is it still applying? If so can anyone advise how to claim it? Thanks

[dzug1]

I booked tickets for FGW services last week on their website but the 10% discount did not kick in in the booking process. Is it still applying? If so can anyone advise how to claim it? Thanks

AFAIK it still applies.

What sort of tickets did you buy? It doesn't apply to all FGW tickets - just 'ADVANCE' ones. The fares with the 10% already applied appear (highlighted in greeny yellow) straightaway. I've just done a dummy booking and it works

I would guess you either already have the discount without knowing it or the tickets you purchased don't qualify.

[Cannyshopper]

We used to live in the Builth area and here is some information which might be of help to you and/or others. From Shrewsbury to Builth Road there are only four trains a day on a Monday to Saturday on the Heart of Wales line. Also Builth Road is a couple of miles from Builth Wells itself. The people at the Heart of Wales Line Travel Centre in Llandrindod Wells might be able to help (tel. 01597-822053).

Hope this helps and make sure you look out for the pretty station at Dolau - where we used to live - which wins awards for its garden displays.

Make sure the guard knows you are getting off at Builth Road because I understand it is a Request stop.

[christophp]

AFAIK it still applies.

What sort of tickets did you buy? It doesn't apply to all FGW tickets - just 'ADVANCE' ones. The fares with the 10% already applied appear (highlighted in greeny yellow) straightaway. I've just done a dummy booking and it works

I would guess you either already have the discount without knowing it or the tickets you purchased don't qualify.

Thanks. I have checked and had the discount without knowing it. The discount was #2 off a #20 fare so not obvious to me. Thanks for the explanation.

[ljaybrad]

Can someone please help... I'm struggling to find something I can afford.
I need one adult from preston to oxford, leaving afternoon of thursday 17th september, returning evening the day after

Any help whatsoever would be very much appreciated.

Thanks Laura

[KeithP]

Can someone please help... I'm struggling to find something I can afford.
I need one adult from preston to oxford, leaving afternoon of thursday 17th september, returning evening the day after

Any help whatsoever would be very much appreciated.

Thanks Laura
What's the best you have found?

Can you afford £29.50 per person each way?

Advance Singles at that price are available leaving Preston on 17Sep at 16:17. 17:17, 18:17, 19:17 and 20:08 arriving Oxford at 19:14, 20:14, 21:14 and 21:14 respectively.

Advance Singles at that price are available leaving Oxford on 18Sep at 19:35 and 20:35, arriving Preston at 22:53 and 23:43 respectively.

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

[ljaybrad]

£29.50 each way is the best I've found..... could really do with something better than that though if anyone could help... otherwise is going to be an expensive trip :(

[KeithP]

£29.50 each way is the best I've found..... could really do with something better than that though if anyone could help... otherwise is going to be an expensive trip :(
Thanks for that.
If I had known your finding so far I would not have spent time on typing my last post.

However, again using Advance Singles, if you split your ticketing at Birmingham, the outbound trip can easily be done for £27.00. Not a big saving there then. But it is possible to do the return leg for £18... if you don't mind getting back to Preston at 23:05.

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

[ljaybrad]

Thankyou very much, and I'm sorry for causing you the extra typing, It is very very much appreciated :)

[Livingthedream]

Can someone please help... I'm struggling to find something I can afford.
I need one adult from preston to oxford, leaving afternoon of thursday 17th september, returning evening the day after

Any help whatsoever would be very much appreciated.

Thanks Laura

Have you tried Megabus (http://www.megabus.com/uk/), take a bit longer and a change at Manchester but is a lot cheaper;

09:20 Depart Preston, Bus Station
Arrive Manchester, Shudehill Interchange 10:25 1 seat = £1.00
12:00 Depart Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
Arrive Oxford Water Eaton Park and Ride 16:15 1 seat = £5.00

12:20 Depart Oxford Water Eaton Park and Ride
Arrive Manchester, Shudehill Interchange 16:30 1 seat = £13.00
17:00 Depart Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
Arrive Preston, Bus Station 18:25 1 seat = £3.00

Total: £22.00 + your booking fees, on your return if your worried about the Friday traffic and a half hour change time at Manchester there is a later bus from Manchester that you can catch.

[laurel7172]

10% discount on Family and friends railcard until 31 December-code Family10 when you buy online.

Also, if you are a new customer, sign up before 31 October to get a year's free family YHA membership when you buy your railcard.

[WAVENEY]

I am traveling to nottingham from Lowestoft 12/55pm october26
returning7/55 a m October29 Avance ticket £48 .50,with a senior railcard discount.
Do any one know of a better deal
Any replies greatly appreciatted !

[dzug1]

I am traveling to nottingham from Lowestoft 12/55pm october26
returning7/55 a m October29 Avance ticket £48 .50,with a senior railcard discount.
Do any one know of a better deal
Any replies greatly appreciatted !

That isn't an advance ticket - it's the normal anytime fare you can buy on the day

It's £38.90 if you can delay your return departure until after 0930 - it becomes off-peak

For a cheaper fare, rebook at Peterborough:

Lowestoft - Peterborough £13.60 off peak return

Peterborough - Nottingham £14.15 off peak return (or £17.50 if you want that early train back)

These are buy on the day tickets - no need to book in advance

[KeithP]

I am traveling to nottingham from Lowestoft 12/55pm october26
returning7/55 a m October29 Avance ticket £48 .50,with a senior railcard discount.
Do any one know of a better deal
Any replies greatly appreciatted !
If you can be slightly flexible with your times, the whole return trip can be done for £18.00.

26 Oct
Dep Lowestoft 12:50, arr Norwich 13:29. Anytime Single £3.70.
Dep Norwich 13:57, arr Nottingham 16:36. Advance Single £5.30.

29 Oct
Dep Nottingham 08:34, arr Norwich 11:13. Advance Single £5.30.
Dep Norwich 11:57, arr Lowestoft 12:35. Anytime Single £3.70.

All fares are with railcard. Remember, with Advance Singles you must travel on the booked train.

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

[WAVENEY]

Thank you so much for this information Dzug 1 and Keith P i have had a rethink on times and
will be looking at the NXEC website.

[Oatbag]

Hi everyone

I'm looking to travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Euston on Friday 16th Oct 09, around 4pm, returning on Sunday 18th at around 3pm.

While I'm there, I need a travelcard for the Friday & Sunday to travel on the tube and another form of transport that I can't remember the name of! My friend lives in Essex

I have looked on Nationalrail & Virgin & the cheapest I can seem to find is £33, but I must admit, this is the 1st time ever I have looked into train travel so am pretty clueless!

Is this the cheapest fare I'll find, and shall I wait to buy the travelcard until I arive at Euston?

Thank you

[dzug1]

That looks cheapish to me.

Yes, get your travelcard at Euston - you'll need two one day ones for whatever zones you need to travel in. They will be valid for all forms of transport.

[KMc]

Hi I am travelling from Rhyl North Wales to Edinburgh on 9th October after 4pm returning on 11th October.Cheapest I can find is £92....Help!!!!

[Livingthedream]

Hi I am travelling from Rhyl North Wales to Edinburgh on 9th October after 4pm returning on 11th October.Cheapest I can find is £92....Help!!!!

You could try this;
Rhyl to Manchester Pic 9th Oct Off Peak Return £22.50
Manchester Pic to Edinburgh Wav 9th Oct 18:16 Advance Single £19
Edinburgh Wav to Manchester Pic 11th Oct 16:10 Advance Single £22.50
Manchester Pic to Rhyl 11th Oct Off Peak Return £0

Total: £64

Make sure you catch a train from Rhyl to Manchester with plenty of time to make your connection with the Edinburgh train. (at least 45 min)

[KMc]

Thanks so much that sounds much better, how is the Manchester to Rhyl free? and do i book all this online? Thanks again

[Livingthedream]

Thanks so much that sounds much better, how is the Manchester to Rhyl free? and do i book all this online? Thanks again

Its not free it's the return part of your off peak Rhyl to Manchester return which comes in two parts outward and return.

You can buy it online, NXEC (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/) is good, or if you've got the train details from any manned railway station, wouldn't recommend trainline.com or raileasy as they charge fees.

But don't wait to long as the advance singles can sell out and remember the only trains you must travel on are the one's detailed in your advance tickets from Manchester to Edinburgh and back, the off peak returns from Rhyl to Manchester and back you can travel on any off peak train.

[KMc]

Sorry silly me i always get excited by £0!!! Anyway im all booked thanks so much again. Spare money for new shoes now yay xxxxxxxxxxx

[dorsetjohn]

hi
anyone got a friends and family discount code please

[Livingthedream]

You could try this one, but I think you've already got this code from another thread that you posted on. Its not much I know and If your not in a rush to get hold of one then hold out as from past experience and railcard renewals they normally do a good deal Oct/Nov.

10% discount on Family and friends railcard until 31 December 2009 use code Family10 when you buy online.

Thanx to laurel7172 who posted this on another part of the Forum

[kezbean]

My friend is such a numpty and thought he could get a cheap ticket at the station on the day. Now the cheapest ticket I can find for him is just over £30.
We originally saw it for £19.

Can you help me get something this cheap?
Thing is, he wants the ticket for tomorrow.
22nd sept 09

The journey is from:
Birmingham New street - Doncaster

The cheaper the better :)

Thanks.

[dzug1]

My friend is such a numpty and thought he could get a cheap ticket at the station on the day. Now the cheapest ticket I can find for him is just over £30.
We originally saw it for £19.

Can you help me get something this cheap?
Thing is, he wants the ticket for tomorrow.
22nd sept 09

The journey is from:
Birmingham New street - Doncaster

The cheaper the better :)

Thanks.

It's £35.50 if you buy it tomorrrow

Split ticketing - Brum - Derby £11.60 after 0930; Derby - Sheffield £8.60 Sheffield Doncaster £3.90 saves a fair bit

Tell him not to be a numpty in future

[weaselwithin]

Hey everyone,

Can anyone help me please??

I'm looking for cheap fares from Glasgow Central to Prestatyn. I'd like to travel on 20th Nov and return on either the 22nd or 23rd. I have a 16-25 railcard. The cheapest fare I've found is £40 which I know is already cheap but I can't afford it!!

If anyone can help I'd be so grateful!

Thanks

[Livingthedream]

Hey everyone,

Can anyone help me please??

I'm looking for cheap fares from Glasgow Central to Prestatyn. I'd like to travel on 20th Nov and return on either the 22nd or 23rd. I have a 16-25 railcard. The cheapest fare I've found is £40 which I know is already cheap but I can't afford it!!

If anyone can help I'd be so grateful!

Thanks

You could try this but you do have to travel early, found on the NXEC (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/) website prices include 16-25 RC

Glasgow Cen to Prestatyn 20th Nov 04:25 Advance Single £12.20
Prestatyn to Glasgow Cen 23rd Nov 05:02 or 06:29 Advance Single £9.25
Total Return £21.45

[weaselwithin]

Thanks for the advice, the times are really too early though :(

I need to be in Prestatyn around 4pm or later on the 20th

Thanks for your ideas everyone!

[Livingthedream]

Thanks for the advice, the times are really too early though :(

I need to be in Prestatyn around 4pm or later on the 20th

Thanks for your ideas everyone!

Another option for the outward journey;
Glasgow Cen to Manchester Pic 20th Nov 10:10 Advance single £10.25
Manchester Pic to Prestatyn 20th Nov 14:50 Advance single £7.25

Prestatyn to Glasgow Cen 23rd Nov 05:02 or 06:29 Advance Single £9.25
New total again with 16-25 RC £26.75

[lexilex]

Hi, can anyone do anything with this?

Hull -> Birmingham New Street arriving before lunch time on 19/12
Birmingham -> Hull departing around 2pm (just a guide time, not really bothered aslong as we're not getting back to Hull really late) on 20/12

Cheapest I've got is £32 each!

Thanks

[KeithP]

Hi, can anyone do anything with this?

Hull -> Birmingham New Street arriving before lunch time on 19/12
Birmingham -> Hull departing around 2pm (just a guide time, not really bothered aslong as we're not getting back to Hull really late) on 20/12

Cheapest I've got is £32 each!

Thanks
£24.00 each ok?

Dep Hull 08:08, arr Birmingham NS 11:07. Advance Single = £12.00.
Dep Birmingham NS 12:03, arr Hull 14:59. Advance Single = £12.00.
Book before they are sold.

Cheapest walkup fare is £63.10, so your £32.00. is very good too.

[bevs1983]

Hi, can anyone do anything with this?

doncaster >> great yarmouth on 19th october arriving for before 5pm
and returning great yarmouth>>doncaser arriving in doncaster before 9pm
thanks

[Livingthedream]

Hi, can anyone do anything with this?

doncaster >> great yarmouth on 19th october arriving for before 5pm
and returning great yarmouth>>doncaser arriving in doncaster before 9pm
thanks

Just had a quick look, book thru the NXEC (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/) wesite to get a 10% discount
Doncaster to Great Yarmouth 19th Oct 09:36 or 11:37 £19.15 Advance Single
Great Yarmouth o Doncaster 19th Oct 16:17 £19.15 Advance Single

Total £38.30

You could try splitting at Peterborough and/or Norwich?

[dark_biker]

Really would like to see my girlfriend...but the cheapest return is £47

Bodmin Parkway to Faversham...does anybody have any ideas?

Thanks in advance, Alex

[KeithP]

Really would like to see my girlfriend...but the cheapest return is £47

Bodmin Parkway to Faversham...does anybody have any ideas?

Thanks in advance, Alex
You asked a very similar question in August.
Did you notice dzug's answer (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=24665345&postcount=1980)?
The information supplied is still true today.

Are you still eligible for a child ticket?
If so, £27.60 is possible.
A lower price may or may not be possible depending on dates and time of day.

[dark_biker]

i did, but i cant get anywhere near £26.....the cheapest i can find is £47.50 return

My journey is on the 16th, returning on the 18th...and i qualify for a child

Thanks, Alex

[KeithP]

i did, but i cant get anywhere near £26.....the cheapest i can find is £47.50 return

My journey is on the 16th, returning on the 18th...and i qualify for a child

Thanks, Alex
Can be done for £36.80 on those dates, but you may not like the times.

16 Oct
Dep Bodmin Parkway 09:00, arr Exeter St.Davids 10:50. Child Advance Single £2.00.
Dep Exeter St.D 11:55, arr Faversham 16;40. Child Advance Single £16.40.

18 Oct
Dep Faversham 09:14, arr Exeter St.Davids 14:36. Child Advance Single £16.40.
Dep Exeter St.D 15:52, arr Bodmin Parkway 17:32. Child Advance Single £2.00.

Note that on that Sunday its bus between Faversham and Sittingbourne.

[Tanya07]

I would like to travel from Man Pic to London Euston on 9th Jan 2010 returning the next day. The cheapest fare I have found is £66.40 through Virgin. Can anybody please suggest how I may beable to get this fare cheaper?

[KeithP]

I would like to travel from Man Pic to London Euston on 9th Jan 2010 returning the next day. The cheapest fare I have found is £66.40 through Virgin. Can anybody please suggest how I may beable to get this fare cheaper?
£66.40 is the Off Peak Return walk up fare which can be bought on the day of outward travel if need be.

Wait a week or two (or more) for the cheap Advance Single tickets to become available.
In theory, it should be possible to get a Advance Single for as cheap as £8.00 each way.

[anna42hmr]

I would like to travel from Man Pic to London Euston on 9th Jan 2010 returning the next day. The cheapest fare I have found is £66.40 through Virgin. Can anybody please suggest how I may beable to get this fare cheaper?

are you registerd with quidco, because when i was on there earlier this week they had added virgin rail on there £5 cash back when spending over £25

[glider3560]

are you registerd with quidco, because when i was on there earlier this week they had added virgin rail on there £5 cash back when spending over £25
Have you got a link? I can't seem to find it

[Tanya07]

£66.40 is the Off Peak Return walk up fare which can be bought on the day of outward travel if need be.

Wait a week or two (or more) for the cheap Advance Single tickets to become available.
In theory, it should be possible to get a Advance Single for as cheap as £8.00 each way.

Will the advance single fares be on the Virgin website?

I am registered with Quidco so will have a look for that link.

Thanks

[KeithP]

Will the advance single fares be on the Virgin website?
Yes, and all the other ticket selling sites.

I am registered with Quidco so will have a look for that link.
I couldn't find the reference either. :confused:

[crazychatter]

I need 2 adults and 1 child from Romford to Dumfries 11-13th dec but there aren't any decent advance tickets.
Does anyone know if Scot Rail does any winter offers like their summer 50% off one??

[KeithP]

I need 2 adults and 1 child from Romford to Dumfries 11-13th dec but there aren't any decent advance tickets.
Does anyone know if Scot Rail does any winter offers like their summer 50% off one??
11 Dec
Dep Romford 09:18, arr Preston 12:38. Advance Singles £36.25.
Dep Preston 13:41, arr Dumfries 15:36. Advance Singles £18.75.

13 Dec
There are no trains between Dumfries and Carlisle before 1pm on any Sunday.
So you need to get to Carlisle somehow. Bus looks difficult. Taxi?
Dep Carlisle 11:45, arr Romford 16:30. Advance Singles £51.25.

The fares shown are for two adults and one child.
The three figures shown can be reduced to £21.85, £11.35 and £31.00 with a Family and Friends Railcard. Saving £42.05.
F&F railcard can be got for £19.50 at this website (http://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/halfterm).

So total train fare for three people inc. railcard = £83.70. (plus a taxi)

[girltaristhan]

Hey :)

I am looking to get tickets from Bedford to London and I'm hoping to be in London (at the Indigo02 for 9am) on the 17th November.

I'm looking at getting an advanced ticket because it looks like I might have to travel down after work on the Monday and sleep over at a friends house before travelling from hers onto the Indigo O2.

I was looking for discount vouchers but I'll take any suggestions that could save me money lol.

[dzug1]

Hey :)

I am looking to get tickets from Bedford to London and I'm hoping to be in London (at the Indigo02 for 9am) on the 17th November.

I'm looking at getting an advanced ticket because it looks like I might have to travel down after work on the Monday and sleep over at a friends house before travelling from hers onto the Indigo O2.

I was looking for discount vouchers but I'll take any suggestions that could save me money lol.

Fraid you are totally out of luck - advanced tickets do not exist on your route. An off peak return, coming back next day, is £28

An anytime day return is £34, or £42.50 including a travelcard around London, should you decide not to travel overnight

Any of these can be bought at the station on the day.

[miller]

I am looking to get tickets from Bedford to London and I'm hoping to be in London (at the Indigo02 for 9am) on the 17th November.

If you go for the day and literally want to go to the O2 and back specify North Greenwich as the destination. They should issue a ticket to "Zone U12* Londn" which is £35.30.

If you decide to stay overnight, consider getting a railcard (details here: www.railcard.co.uk). It will save you a 1/3 off the £28 dzug1 mentions above. So if you use the train regularly it might be worth it.

[KeithP]

If you decide to stay overnight, consider getting a railcard.
Ooops... I think you mean Travelcard. :beer:

[miller]

Ooops... I think you mean Travelcard. :beer:
Yep, might need one of them as well ;) on the Tuesday. That was just to get a discount on the off-peak return (if staying overnight, obviously a railcard is no use if just doing it as a day trip due to the early morning start).

[brownbabygirl]

2 adults travelling from London to Swindon on Sat 10 October and returning 13 October after 1800. Cheapest was £40 return per adult on first great western. Can I get any cheaper?

[KeithP]

2 adults travelling from London to Swindon on Sat 10 October and returning 13 October after 1800. Cheapest was £40 return per adult on first great western. Can I get any cheaper?
If over 55, you could use First Great Western's Club 55 offer (http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=4205). Off Peak Return for £25 each.

[dzug1]

2 adults travelling from London to Swindon on Sat 10 October and returning 13 October after 1800. Cheapest was £40 return per adult on first great western. Can I get any cheaper?


Advance singles may be cheaper - certainly for the return trip you can get a £10.50 fare on FGW's site on some trains. Outward looks like £20 on most trains - so £30.50 each return, maybe a bit less if you are flexible on timing

[beany]

Need to go from Margate to Poole travelling Monday 12th Oct return Friday 16th flexable with times
Travelling with DH, he has a Disabled Rail Card
Margate to Waterloo East I found £39.10 but when I look at Waterloo to Poole I get different prices on thetrainline.com and first great western (singles advanced fares look cheaper for this part of the journey)
any suggestions please? thank you

[dunk]

What would be the best way to book for a train journey from stevenage leaving after 4pm on 22nd oct and returning on sunday 25th october can arrive and depart any glasgow station or any edinburgh station and depart any time after 2pm.

[KeithP]

Need to go from Margate to Poole travelling Monday 12th Oct return Friday 16th flexable with times
Travelling with DH, he has a Disabled Rail Card
Margate to Waterloo East I found £39.10 but when I look at Waterloo to Poole I get different prices on thetrainline.com and first great western (singles advanced fares look cheaper for this part of the journey)
any suggestions please? thank you
Advance Singles (with railcard) from Waterloo to Poole can be had on several trains each way on your dates for £19.80 (that's for two people, not each) each way.

Megatrain looks more expensive at £12-£16 per person each way.

I got these fares from the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx), but I can see that the First Great Western website has the same prices. South West Trains - who run the trains from Waterloo to Poole - are the same price too.

I don't use The Trainline because of their charges. Are their prices more expensive?

[KeithP]

What would be the best way to book for a train journey from stevenage leaving after 4pm on 22nd oct and returning on sunday 25th october can arrive and depart any glasgow station or any edinburgh station and depart any time after 2pm.
I don't know what fares you have found, but...

22 Oct Dep Stevenage 15:54*, arr Edinburgh 20:29, Advance Single £42.30.
25 Oct Dep Edinburgh 16:05, arr Stevenage 22:34, Advance Single £42.30.

May be able to save a fiver or so on outward journey by splitting at Doncaster.

To get these fares you must book through the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx).

If you are eligible for any railcard, buy one. You will save more than the cost of the railcard on this one trip alone.

* I know, six minutes before you wanted, but more expensive later.

[beany]

Advance Singles (with railcard) from Waterloo to Poole can be had on several trains each way on your dates for £19.80 (that's for two people, not each) each way.

Megatrain looks more expensive at £12-£16 per person each way.

I got these fares from the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx), but I can see that the First Great Western website has the same prices. South West Trains - who run the trains from Waterloo to Poole - are the same price too.

I don't use The Trainline because of their charges. Are their prices more expensive?

Once again a huge thank you Keith
I thought I saw the same train £19.80 and £26.40 will check again,
think I will try and buy my tickets today at the station and save booking fee

[dzug1]

think I will try and buy my tickets today at the station and save booking fee


Fine - but there is no booking fee with First Great Western, NXEC or the TOCs. Only the trainline, qjump and raileasy charge

[jamesbrownontheroad]

I don't use The Trainline because of their charges. Are their prices more expensive?

No, not in theory, all train companies and booking websites should have equal access to the same quotas of advance purchase tickets. However, it can and does happen that on occasion some fares may be available but not shown up in a search because (for example) the website needs to be specifically told to search for a slower route.

Likewise, I agree with your recommendation of the NXEC website (www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/) ... and I cannot say this often enough or loud enough:

Don't use thetrainline.com or raileasy.com - you can get the exact same fares without the credit card, debit card, ticket delivery or ticket collection fees on other train operators' websites!

[brownbabygirl]

Now due to travel from Swindon to London on 12 October one way. Not sure of what time but certainly after 5pm. Apart from buying at the station is there anyway of buying it in advance without having to be committed to a time?

[KeithP]

Now due to travel from Swindon to London on 12 October one way. Not sure of what time but certainly after 5pm. Apart from buying at the station is there anyway of buying it in advance without having to be committed to a time?
Generally speaking, you can buy any ticket online or by phone.
12 Oct isn't far away, so too late to get it posted.
Buy online to collect at a ticket machine?

[brownbabygirl]

Generally speaking, you can buy any ticket online or by phone.
12 Oct isn't far away, so too late to get it posted.
Buy online to collect at a ticket machine?

great minds think alike. i did that 10 mins ago. Had to commit to a time but sure i will make it. not bad for £11.65.

[miller]

Don't use thetrainline.com or raileasy.com
Its always worth repeating this - my blood boils when I see their advert with the sheep. Sheep don't pay sneaky booking fees. They go to www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/) or any other TOC site.

I'd also be happy to stand corrected, but there are some caveats...
- Southern only sell some of their discounted tickets via their own website.
- Virgin can sell "half" a normal ticket to compliment a discounted single - sometimes useful.

[geordieracer]

Its always worth repeating this - my blood boils when I see their advert with the sheep. Sheep don't pay sneaky booking fees. They go to www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/) or any other TOC site.

I'd also be happy to stand corrected, but there are some caveats...
- Southern only sell some of their discounted tickets via their own website.
- Virgin can sell "half" a normal ticket to compliment a discounted single - sometimes useful.

Add to this the Chiltern £5 fares to Birmingham from the Chiltern site..

no need to use trainline or raileasy at all..ever

[kaj70]

Hi,

I'm looking to go to London on the 26th Oct. fr myself, and a 14 and 17 year old. (returning 31st) with 1 adult disbaled persons railcard. i will be travelling from tiverton to london. i wondered if anyone has used mega bus/train, it would mean a different journey from exeter to london but if it works out cheaper then thats not a problem.
any help on this would be great, thankyou.

[dzug1]

Hi,

I'm looking to go to London on the 26th Oct. fr myself, and a 14 and 17 year old. (returning 31st) with 1 adult disbaled persons railcard. i will be travelling from tiverton to london. i wondered if anyone has used mega bus/train, it would mean a different journey from exeter to london but if it works out cheaper then thats not a problem.
any help on this would be great, thankyou.

Remember that with megabus/train your railcard will be no good and that kids pay full fare. Also they don't run at weekends on many routes.

But if it works out cheaper and you are happy about the longer journey time then go for it - the train is the normal South West train to Waterloo, nothing special about it either good or bad.

[elaine373]

As above says, I am desperate to find a cheaper fare for 2 adults and 3 children, travelling from Birmingham new street on october 26th to hayle, cornwall.We are returning on the 30th oct. Cheapest i can find is 221.45 and i just wondered if it was any cheaper? I would be so grateful for any help. :)

[jamesbrownontheroad]

As above says, I am desperate to find a cheaper fare for 2 adults and 3 children, travelling from Birmingham new street on october 26th to hayle, cornwall.We are returning on the 30th oct. Cheapest i can find is 221.45 and i just wondered if it was any cheaper? I would be so grateful for any help. :)

I presume that you are using a Family & Friends Railcard? £221.45 is indeed the cheapest available fare for your journey that day (Off-peak Return with the Family & Friends Railcard).

In situations like this, when no Advance fares are available, it's time to start searching for cheap split-ticket combinations. Your journey would require a single change in Exeter or Plymouth, so I tried searching for two Off-peak returns: Birmingham - Exeter and Exeter - Hayle. That works out as £133.65 and £60.50, total £194.15.

EDIT:

You can shave another few pounds off by splitting the journey into three sets of off-peak returns. All fares below are Off-peak returns for 2 adults, 3 children with a Family Railcard.

Birmingham New Street - Bristol Temple Meads: £79.60
Bristol Temple Meads - Exeter: £42.60
Exeter - Hayle: £60.50
Total: £182.70

If you are a novice to split ticketing, here are some points to note. Using a combination of tickets like this is fine as long as your train calls at those stations. You can buy these tickets on the day, and you don't need to get off or change at the intermediate stops defined by your tickets.

2nd EDIT:

For added comfort between Birmingham and Exeter / Plymouth you might like to try and get on board one of CrossCountry Train's refurbished HST125 trains, which have more carriages, more luggage room and more comfort than that sh!tbox Voyagers that Virgin ordered when they had the franchise. They are scheduled to operate the 0812, 0912, 1112 1312 departures southbound from Birmingham New Street and the 1221, 1321, 1521, 1721 departures northbound from Plymouth on weekdays until the December timetable change.

Alternatively, for less platform-changing and general family travelling stress, note that there is one train every weekday that offers a direct Birmingham New Street - Hayle connection: southbound dep. Birmingham New Street 1712 arr. Hayle 2230; northbound dep. Hayle 0952 arr. Birmingham 1526.

[mintymoneysaver]

We're looking to travel to London on Thurs 29th Oct and return Sunday 2nd Nov. Not too fussed about times, but it's two adults and two children. Cheapest I've found is to buy a £26 railcard and then I can get it for £95 so £121 in all. Can anyone see any way of me getting it cheaper than this?

[jamesbrownontheroad]

We're looking to travel to London on Thurs 29th Oct and return Sunday 2nd Nov. Not too fussed about times, but it's two adults and two children. Cheapest I've found is to buy a £26 railcard and then I can get it for £95 so £121 in all. Can anyone see any way of me getting it cheaper than this?

Depends. Perhaps if you tell us where you are travelling from? :D

[KeithP]

We're looking to travel to London on Thurs 29th Oct and return Sunday 2nd Nov. Not too fussed about times, but it's two adults and two children. Cheapest I've found is to buy a £26 railcard and then I can get it for £95 so £121 in all. Can anyone see any way of me getting it cheaper than this?
I can find cheaper tickets, but I'm probably not looking at the same journey. ;)

Where are you travelling from?

[mintymoneysaver]

:rotfl:That might help, mightn't it! Liverpool....

[Livingthedream]

is to buy a £26 railcard

Get a Family and Friends Railcard for £19.50 25% discount

Here (http://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/halfterm)

[Livingthedream]

We're looking to travel to London on Thurs 29th Oct and return Sunday 2nd Nov. Not too fussed about times, but it's two adults and two children. Cheapest I've found is to buy a £26 railcard and then I can get it for £95 so £121 in all. Can anyone see any way of me getting it cheaper than this?

Just to help you a bit more, if you don't mind a change of train and a slower journey to London then try this;

Use the NXEC (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/) website do your search Liverpool LS to London and your dates, once your fare options are shown, on the left side of the screen click 'show slower routes' then tick 'via london midland trains only' then update. Your new fare details will give the whole journey for £34 (2x £17 advance Singles) or £37.40 Super Off Peak Return which is more flexible.

You can buy the tickets of the NXEC website, however, you can only travel on London Midland Trains Only

[dzug1]

EDIT:

You can shave another few pounds off by splitting the journey into three sets of off-peak returns. All fares below are Off-peak returns for 2 adults, 3 children with a Family Railcard.

Birmingham New Street - Bristol Temple Meads: £79.60
Bristol Temple Meads - Exeter: £42.60
Exeter - Hayle: £60.50
Total: £182.70

.

Haven't checked it out recently, but an additional split BNS - Cheltenham Spa, Cheltenham Spa - Bristol Temple Meads always used to save a bit. Apart from Summer Saturdays (or engineering work), all trains call at Cheltenham

[mintymoneysaver]

Just to help you a bit more, if you don't mind a change of train and a slower journey to London then try this;

Use the NXEC (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/) website do your search Liverpool LS to London and your dates, once your fare options are shown, on the left side of the screen click 'show slower routes' then tick 'via london midland trains only' then update. Your new fare details will give the whole journey for £34 (2x £17 advance Singles) or £37.40 Super Off Peak Return which is more flexible.

You can buy the tickets of the NXEC website, however, you can only travel on London Midland Trains Only

Am I reading that right? £37.40 all in for all 4 of us? If so that would be fantastic! Off to check the train times now....

[Livingthedream]

Am I reading that right? £37.40 all in for all 4 of us? If so that would be fantastic! Off to check the train times now....

Hopefully, you've found the train times/prices, if your having any difficulty then post back, I'm sure somebody on the forum will help. One last thing the London Midland Super Off Peak Return is a walk on fare and therefore available at that price now and on the day of travel, if you need to just ask for it by name at the railway station.

[KeithP]

Am I reading that right? £37.40 all in for all 4 of us? If so that would be fantastic! Off to check the train times now....
Almost.

You still need to get a Friends and Family Railcard. At £19.50 from the link that Livingthedream provided earlier.

[mintymoneysaver]

I found them quite easily, thanks to your help, and it's great to know that that price is valid till we go. You've been really helpful, thanks! Off to order my railcard now.....

[sallytheteamonkey]

Hello

I need to get to Inverness from London for Christmas. Looking to travel on 23rd Dec and return anytime from 27th - 28th or open return. One of us has a young persons railcard. The cheapest I can find it trainline with £207 return for both tickets. Does anyone know of a cheaper fare? I would very much appreciate it if you do!

Thank you

Sally

[Livingthedream]

Hello

I need to get to Inverness from London for Christmas. Looking to travel on 23rd Dec and return anytime from 27th - 28th or open return. One of us has a young persons railcard. The cheapest I can find it trainline with £207 return for both tickets. Does anyone know of a cheaper fare? I would very much appreciate it if you do!

Thank you

Sally

Just had a look on the NXEC (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/) website and the cheapest at the moment is £126 Return 23 Dec back 27/28 Dec
2x Adults 1 with YP RC (£45.65 Virgin Advance Single and £81.25 NXEC Advance Single) but the Virgin West Coast Advance tickets are not out yet for after Xmas day. If you can wait a bit longer you could get 2x £45.65 Advance Singles, this is a bit of a gamble as advance tickets over Xmas do and will sellout quick, I'll leave you to make that choice.

And please don't buy from trainline.com as they charge you fees, use a Train companies website any will do.

**Late Edit** Another option if your stuggling with timing once Virgin release their Cheap advance tickets, is in the advance options or more options of your train search engine put 'via Glasgow' which, however,does mean a 10min walk/ Free bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queens St

[sallytheteamonkey]

Wow, thank you so much! That is brilliant, I will definetely book that. Thanks for your help it's really appreciated. I have just save about £90 :beer:

[jamesbrownontheroad]

National Express East Coast (NXEC) has re-launched its zones offer: valid for all services operated by NXEC up the east coast mainine, between London King's Cross and Peterborough, Grantham, Doncaster, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and intermediate stations.

You must book through this page: http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/zones

Book one-way tickets by 19 October for travel between 2 November and 17 December.

Having divided the country into four zones for our fares offer, we’ve decided to keep it that way. Our great value fares for travelling in zones went down so well, that we’re running them again.


Book by 19 October and you can buy a Zone Fare for Standard Class travel on selected routes from just £6. Travel can be anytime between 2 November and 17 December 2009. The price of your ticket will depend on how many zones you cross…


Travel within one zone – tickets from £6*
Travel across two zones – tickets from £9*
Travel across three zones – tickets from £12*
Travel across four zones – tickets from £15*


To see where you can go and what your ticket will cost, look at the zones marked out on the map (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/Documents/PDFs/August%20SS%20-%20in%20the%20zone/20305_NX_August_in%20the%20Zone%20map%20final.pdf) . Then download your voucher (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/Documents/PDFs/August%20SS%20-%20in%20the%20zone/20305_NX_voucher.pdf) before you book online.

[NikkiP]

some of the savings on here are fantastic but I'm still a bit lost when checking out the train sites !!

Can anyone help, please

Going from Dundee to Aberystwith and back, leaving on either friday 23rd or saturday 24th and staying a week.

[KeithP]

some of the savings on here are fantastic but I'm still a bit lost when checking out the train sites !!

Can anyone help, please

Going from Dundee to Aberystwith and back, leaving on either friday 23rd or saturday 24th and staying a week.
That's really tricky.
The Off Peak return fare is £123.20.
There are not many Advance tickets available.
If you work very hard at split ticketing, you may be able to find a less than £5 saving.

If you are elegible for a railcard then get one.

[little-miss-little]

Hi, i'm getting a bit flustered and confused.

I need to get 2 tickets from Wigan (or somewhere in the northwest) to Edinburgh on the 18th November returning on the 20th.
Does anyone know of any good deals and whats the best price i should be looking for?

Thanks in advance!
LML

[KeithP]

Hi, i'm getting a bit flustered and confused.

I need to get 2 tickets from Wigan (or somewhere in the northwest) to Edinburgh on the 18th November returning on the 20th.
Does anyone know of any good deals and whats the best price i should be looking for?

Thanks in advance!
LML
LML, what have you found so far?

[little-miss-little]

I've had a look on trainline - it's really the only website i know - and i've managed to find 2 return tickets for £118. Is that good? Is there likely to be anything cheaper and how long would that price remain on the internet for?

[KeithP]

I've had a look on trainline - it's really the only website i know - and i've managed to find 2 return tickets for £118. Is that good? Is there likely to be anything cheaper and how long would that price remain on the internet for?
£118.00 is the Off Peak Return fare for two people, and will still be available up until the time the train departs. No need to rush to buy it.

If you can travel at early times, two people can do that return trip for £66.00.

18 Nov
Dep Wigan NW 07:38, arr Edinburgh 10:23. Advance Single = £23.00.

20 Nov
Dep Edinburgh 06:52, arr Wigan NW 09:28. Advance Single = £43.00.

This info from the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx). Those prices are total for two people.

Buy tickets from a train operating company and avoid the TrainLine's fees.

I notice your other post about railcards. If you have them, you can knock a third off those fares.

[boomclart]

Me and my g/f (both adults) need to go from Newcastle to Chester on 14/10 or 28/10 arriving around 1pm or earlier and returning the next day any time really but departing mid afternoon preferably...

Is it worth us getting a Family n Friends card and buying 2 adults and 1 child?
Is it worth splitting the journey and buying seperate tickets?
Is it worth just my g/f getting a 16-25 card and me travelling normally?

Any clues?
I have so far deduced its slightly cheaper buying seperate tickets but not by much about £10 each.
Family and friends card gets us in about £20 cheaper even though we are buying 2 adults and 1 child (note we dont even have a child, is this allowed... ???)

[KeithP]

Me and my g/f (both adults) need to go from Newcastle to Chester on 14/10 or 28/10 arriving around 1pm or earlier and returning the next day any time really but departing mid afternoon preferably...

Is it worth us getting a Family n Friends card and buying 2 adults and 1 child?
Is it worth splitting the journey and buying seperate tickets?
Is it worth just my g/f getting a 16-25 card and me travelling normally?

Any clues?
I have so far deduced its slightly cheaper buying seperate tickets but not by much about £10 each.
Family and friends card gets us in about £20 cheaper even though we are buying 2 adults and 1 child (note we dont even have a child, is this allowed... ???)
OK, first things first.
I assume you mean November, not October.
You cannot use a Family & Friends Railcard if no child is travelling with you.

On 28Nov...
Get an Anytime Day Single to Sunderland = £2.90 each.
Get an Anytime Return via Grand Central Trains only to York. = £16.00 each.
Travel on the 09:29 Grand Central trains departure, arr York 11:04.
Dep York 11:58, arr Chester 14:45. Advance Single = £18.00 each.

For return on 29 Nov...
Dep Chester 16:36, arr York 19:37. Advance Single = £18.00 each.
Travel on the 20:25 Grand Central train to Sunderland arr 22:06.
Get an Anytime Day Single to Newcastle = £2.90 each.

Total each = £57:80.
Or you can buy a fully flexible Off Peak Return for £71.20.
Your choice.

If your g/f wants to buy a 16-25 Railcard, then knock a third off that fare.

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

[lexilex]

£24.00 each ok?

Dep Hull 08:08, arr Birmingham NS 11:07. Advance Single = £12.00.
Dep Birmingham NS 12:03, arr Hull 14:59. Advance Single = £12.00.
Book before they are sold.

Cheapest walkup fare is £63.10, so your £32.00. is very good too.

Thanks very much for this, but I've really messed up. I asked about this then other things got in the way (had to organised a rushed family trip up to Scotland) and now I've remember that I really need to sort this out, all the cheap cheap tickets have gone. I'm about to pay £40ish each return, but beforehand just wanted to check I aren't missing anything obvious...

I need Hull to Birmingham on 19th Dec, returning 20th Dec, times not too important, but boyf doesn't finish work til 8am on 19th so got to keep that in mind...

I'm such an idiot :o

Oh and I am sure I just posted this but it doesn't appear to be anywhere :rolleyes:

[boomclart]

OK, first things first.
I assume you mean November, not October.
You cannot use a Family & Friends Railcard if no child is travelling with you.

On 28Nov...
Get an Anytime Day Single to Sunderland = £2.90 each.
Get an Anytime Return via Grand Central Trains only to York. = £16.00 each.
Travel on the 09:29 Grand Central trains departure, arr York 11:04.
Dep York 11:58, arr Chester 14:45. Advance Single = £18.00 each.

For return on 29 Nov...
Dep Chester 16:36, arr York 19:37. Advance Single = £18.00 each.
Travel on the 20:25 Grand Central train to Sunderland arr 22:06.
Get an Anytime Day Single to Newcastle = £2.90 each.

Total each = £57:80.
Or you can buy a fully flexible Off Peak Return for £71.20.
Your choice.

If your g/f wants to buy a 16-25 Railcard, then knock a third off that fare.

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

Cheers for the above... date has been set as 14th and 15th Nov but I'll look at similar tickets for those days.

[KeithP]

Thanks very much for this, but I've really messed up. I asked about this then other things got in the way (had to organised a rushed family trip up to Scotland) and now I've remember that I really need to sort this out, all the cheap cheap tickets have gone. I'm about to pay £40ish each return, but beforehand just wanted to check I aren't missing anything obvious...

I need Hull to Birmingham on 19th Dec, returning 20th Dec, times not too important, but boyf doesn't finish work til 8am on 19th so got to keep that in mind...

I'm such an idiot :o

Oh and I am sure I just posted this but it doesn't appear to be anywhere :rolleyes:
Looks like it is now going to cost you £19.00 per person each way. :rolleyes:
It seems that there are many trains in each direction at that price.

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

[lexilex]

Looks like it is now going to cost you £19.00 per person each way. :rolleyes:
It seems that there are many trains in each direction at that price.

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

!!!!!!!!! I am soooo stupid :mad:

Think I'll have a play about, see if it's cheaper to get a train to Leeds or somewhere then go from there to Birmingham.

Thanks for double checking that for me.

[jeppy]

We are looking to travel from Leeds to Edinburgh on the 4th December to the 6th. Found something on Saturday, but by Sunday it had gone up in price.

Any ideas.

Thanks

Jeppy

[Livingthedream]

We are looking to travel from Leeds to Edinburgh on the 4th December to the 6th. Found something on Saturday, but by Sunday it had gone up in price.

Any ideas.

Thanks

Jeppy

Just had a quick look and can get a return journey for 2 at £72.10 but it involves rotten train times, if these are no good then post back and I'm sure somebody on the forum will help;
Leeds to Edinburgh 4 Dec 07:10 arrive 10:20 £40.90 advance single
Edinburgh to Leeds 6 Dec 20:00 arrive 02:14 £31.20 advance single

I took 'we' meant 2 people, prices via NXEC (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/) website

[KeithP]

We are looking to travel from Leeds to Edinburgh on the 4th December to the 6th. Found something on Saturday, but by Sunday it had gone up in price.

Any ideas.

Thanks

Jeppy
£20.45 each way per person using Advance Singles.
That compares favourably with an Off Peak Return at £76.60.

That price is only available from the the NXEC website (http://www.nationalexpress.com/trainslanding.aspx).

Edited to add...
Pretty much the same as LTD's. ;)

[jeppy]

Thank you both. I had searched these, considering the early outbound, but the return is too long.

On Saturday I found 1 going out around 1ish and returning around 5ish for £40 for 1 adult or £90 for 2. I didnt realise the prices changed so quickly.

Are they likely to keep increasing.

We may drive, we were going to originally, but travelling by train seemed like a far better alternative, too be honest quite exciting!!

Ive read the info on splitting the journey, so I may try this.

Thanks again

[Livingthedream]

Ive read the info on splitting the journey, so I may try this.

There's quite a few options for split tickets;
East Coast - York or Newcastle
West Coast - Manchester Pic or Preston

But if you want a saving and don't mind a longer journey and a 10min walk/taxi/Free bus trip across the center of Glasgow then try this, again from NXEC (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/) website input your stations and dates click 'more options' and add via Glasgow Central/Queen st
Leeds to Edinburgh 4 Dec 06:51 arrives 12:49 £38 advance single
Edinburgh to Leeds 6 Dec 16:00 arrives 22:10 £29 advance single
Total: £67 Return for the both of you

[jeppy]

Thank you. We are unable to leave before 10:00, as we have kids, we intend to travel after they have left for school.

Thanks
for everbodys time it is really appreciated.

JJ

[miller]

50% discount at the Southern website (selected Southern tickets only)

http://www.southernrailway.com/offers/50-off/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=50%25off&utm_campaign=novembernewsletter

[good1]

Hi All

Looking to travel from Tiverton to Portsmouth on 18th Nov return on 22nd the cheapest i can find is £90 for the 2 of us anyone know of cheaper please.

[BruceyBonus]

Hi All

Looking to travel from Tiverton to Portsmouth on 18th Nov return on 22nd the cheapest i can find is £90 for the 2 of us anyone know of cheaper please.
You can get 10% off advance fares at www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
Advance fares for that route range between £8.50 and £25 each way

[Livingthedream]

Hi All

Looking to travel from Tiverton to Portsmouth on 18th Nov return on 22nd the cheapest i can find is £90 for the 2 of us anyone know of cheaper please.

Depends on the time of day you want to travel, info from NXEC (http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/) website and for 2 people;
Tiverton to Portsmouth 18th Advance Single 18:16 arrive £34.40 or 20:09 arrive 23:44 £17

Portsmouth to Tiverton 22nd Advance single 18:12 arrive 22:04 £26.70
Total Return for 2 £61.10 or £43.7

You could try and buy those tickets from Brucebonus' link above for a 10% discount

If those times are no good then try spliting the journey at Bristol Temple Meads and make your journey up of Advance singles but give yourself plenty of time to make your connections incase one of your trains is late (30-45 mins)

[JulieMango]

Finally decided to buy a family and friends railcard but all the good discounts are finished. If you enter "family10" you can get 10% off until December.
It's better than nothing!

[withamnick]

Hi,

I was looking to travel to Hull on saturday 21st nov from London and return the same day, i have found fares ranging from £60 to £120, can anyone give me any idea of a cheaper option.

many thanks

[geordieracer]

Hi,

I was looking to travel to Hull on saturday 21st nov from London and return the same day, i have found fares ranging from £60 to £120, can anyone give me any idea of a cheaper option.

many thanks

what time you want to come home at ? have you tried hull trains site for singles each way?

just had a look for a saver if you leave on the 0934 and return on the 1812 its £69.00

[withamnick]

woul be coming home after 6pm. I had previously seen that price, and it did appear to be the best option, although at £69 it seemed very pricey! I do appreciate though that its only 10 days away so was not sure if there was any other options to get a cheaper deal?

[geordieracer]

woul be coming home after 6pm. I had previously seen that price, and it did appear to be the best option, although at £69 it seemed very pricey! I do appreciate though that its only 10 days away so was not sure if there was any other options to get a cheaper deal?


thats a saver so would be valid for the next day if you decided to stay over for one reason or another.

try the hull trains website for any singles or a split ticket at Doncaster.

[withamnick]

Many thanks for looking, i think it will be the £69 option!

[WFC SAM]

I am looking to travel from London Kings Cross to Newcastle on Friday 4th December and travel back on the Saturday 5th December.
On the Friday can travel anytime even a really early train doesn't matter.
On the Saturday I can travel anytime after 6.00pm.

I have looked on a few website and cheapest I have found is £65.
Can anyone help me find any cheaper please?

Many Thanks

Sam

[dzug1]

I am looking to travel from London Kings Cross to Newcastle on Friday 4th December and travel back on the Saturday 5th December.
On the Friday can travel anytime even a really early train doesn't matter.
On the Saturday I can travel anytime after 6.00pm.

I have looked on a few website and cheapest I have found is £65.
Can anyone help me find any cheaper please?

Many Thanks

Sam

If you haven't already tried http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/ then do so. You may get 10% off, depending on the fare

Otherwise you ain't gonna get it any cheaper.

[KeithP]

I am looking to travel from London Kings Cross to Newcastle on Friday 4th December and travel back on the Saturday 5th December.
On the Friday can travel anytime even a really early train doesn't matter.
On the Saturday I can travel anytime after 6.00pm.

I have looked on a few website and cheapest I have found is £65.
Can anyone help me find any cheaper please?

Many Thanks

Sam
If you are over 60, an Anytime Senior Return at £50.60 (no railcard needed) from Kings Cross to Sunderland may be worth looking at. Its only valid on Grand Central Trains, and on the Sat the last train from Sunderland leaves at 17:30... so may be too early.

If you are under 60 and a 17:30 return departure from Sunderland is ok, try this...
4 Dec,
dep KingsX 06:15, arr Newcastle 09:36. Advance Single £23.60.
5 Dec,
An Anytime Single at £2.90 from Newcastle to Sunderland.
then dep Sunderland 17:30, arr KingsX 21:30. Anytime Single (GC Trains only) £36.00.

Total return trip = £62.50.

[rebeccak]

I need to travel from Manchester to Cardiff on Saturday 16th January and return to Manchester on Sunday 17th January. Cheap advance fares for the Saturday have been available for a while (at least a couple of weeks) but I still can't find any cheap fares for the Sunday. Do I just need to keep checking for when the advance tickets go on sale or are there sometimes dates when no advance tickets are made available? Are there any other ways I can save money on my train tickets?

[KeithP]

I need to travel from Manchester to Cardiff on Saturday 16th January and return to Manchester on Sunday 17th January. Cheap advance fares for the Saturday have been available for a while (at least a couple of weeks) but I still can't find any cheap fares for the Sunday. Do I just need to keep checking for when the advance tickets go on sale or are there sometimes dates when no advance tickets are made available? Are there any other ways I can save money on my train tickets?
It seems as though Arriva Trains Wales have no Advance Singles available for the return leg.

Select 'via Birmingham Stations' and several Advance Singles show up at £19.50.

Info from East Coast Trains website (http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/).