Nottingham-London commute

Calvinandhobbs

dacouch wrote: »

Have you tried a getting a ticket from nottingham to grantham and then a seperate ticket / season ticket from Grantham as it looks to be cheaper

Thanks, we haven't, but I certainly will

omelette451

Calvinandhobbs wrote: »

I think it is hard to find bargains on peak travel, even in advance, though I would love to be proved wrong on this obviously!!

Usually it is, yes, but often train companies offer reasonable fares if you can plan a few weeks ahead, and especially on routes where there is effective competition (Virgin's northwest routes spring to mind). Plus I'm not sure I'd assume 5.30am to be the busiest time of day...

Anyway, I'm not saying it'll definitely work, but it's worth investigating. As is moving house to be nearer his work, though I'm sure you've thought of that already...;)

Calvinandhobbs

omelette451 wrote: »

Usually it is, yes, but often train companies offer reasonable fares if you can plan a few weeks ahead, and especially on routes where there is effective competition (Virgin's northwest routes spring to mind). Plus I'm not sure I'd assume 5.30am to be the busiest time of day...

Anyway, I'm not saying it'll definitely work, but it's worth investigating. As is moving house to be nearer his work, though I'm sure you've thought of that already...;)

Unfortunately, as that train gets into London at 7.30 it is very busy as The City starts pretty early (he's meant to be in at 7am) but I will certainly check and keep my fingers crossed (though he has told me before he has looked, so he'll be in trouble if it was cheaper all along!). I keep offering to move down South, I have lived in London before, also would be happy in Cambridge, even Northampton has good routes. However, it would mean taking the grandchildren away from their extended family and we have elderly relatives etc who would be upset if we moved too far, you know how it is :rolleyes:

ticketcollector

(fares from 17th may 09, which may be the same as current).

Nottingham to London
Weekly
£ 231.40 ANY PERMITTED
£ 182.60 VIA GRANTHAM

Monthly
£ 809.10 ANY PERMITTED
£ 701.20 VIA GRANTHAM

Yearly
£ 8428.00 ANY PERMITTED
£ 7304.00 VIA GRANTHAM

You can get a package of 10 Anytime Returns for £1179.00 (which can be used at any time and the time doesn't start till you use the tickets). Dunno if this would be worth your while considering he only makes 1 journey out and 1 back. Alot cheaper then a season.

dacouch

Wow I was right, I think the some of the Grantham Trains are quicker as well

Calvinandhobbs

Thanks ticketcollector, sorry to be a pain, I have done a google search, but can't find the info about these 'anytime returns', where's the best place to look please?

omelette451

Calvinandhobbs wrote: »

Thanks ticketcollector, sorry to be a pain, I have done a google search, but can't find the info about these 'anytime returns', where's the best place to look please?

Try here; look under the 'carnet' section. Note that those season prices above are for train travel from Nottingham via Grantham, and if he's going to be driving there (as you suggested he might) a season from Grantham may be even cheaper still.

ticketcollector

omelette451 wrote: »

Try here; look under the 'carnet' section. Note that those season prices above are for train travel from Nottingham via Grantham, and if he's going to be driving there (as you suggested he might) a season from Grantham may be even cheaper still.

You can also get a carnet from Grantham to Kings Cross.
The tickets listed in the system priced at 912.00, and you get 10 any time return tickets for that price.