Rail Travel: Tips on Cheap Tickets

[Deleted User]

Can I please ask on this thread (sorry if it has been asked lots of times)

2 x adults 2 x children, travelling Sheffield to London (return same day) on Feb 6th 2010. The price quoted is £180. This is one train no changes (which I want as travelling with children (I'd be nervous at the thought of having to change trains and as this is for my DS b.day I wouldn't like a late or missed train to spoil it)

So my question. Is this a good price? I have NEVER travelled by train before (sad I know!) and have no idea what a good price is.

Any replies would be much appreciated.

SL x

dzug1

No it's not a good price - it's what you'd pay on the day

You can do it for under £50 (depending on times) if you buy a Family and Friends railcard (£26 I think) and book advance singles in each direction in advance on the East Midlands trains website. You will have to use the trains booked

Even if you want flexibility that £180 can be reduced to £100 ish with the railcard. Any train out and back as it's a Saturday

[Deleted User]

Thank you for that reply.

Ok, more silly questions. Where do I buy a friends and family railcard??

TIA

SL x

dzug1

Sallylizzie wrote: »

Thank you for that reply.

Ok, more silly questions. Where do I buy a friends and family railcard??

TIA

SL x

Any staffed rail station or online from the railcard site

http://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/buy-family-friends-railcard

You don't need it until you travel - you can buy the tickets (online at least) without actually having it.

[Deleted User]

Thank you for that link, and help, very much appreciated

SL x

KeithP

Sallylizzie wrote: »

Can I please ask on this thread (sorry if it has been asked lots of times)

2 x adults 2 x children, travelling Sheffield to London (return same day) on Feb 6th 2010. The price quoted is £180. This is one train no changes (which I want as travelling with children (I'd be nervous at the thought of having to change trains and as this is for my DS b.day I wouldn't like a late or missed train to spoil it)

So my question. Is this a good price? I have NEVER travelled by train before (sad I know!) and have no idea what a good price is.

Any replies would be much appreciated.

SL x

The £180.00 quote is for Super Off Peak Returns. Valid on every direct train that day. Can be bought on the day, so don't be panicked into buying them too soon. But you are paying for this flexibility.

You don't give any idea of times of travel, but Advance Singles can save a fortune.

Dep Sheffield 07:32, arr St.Pancras 10:28. Advance Single = £42.00.
Dep St.Pancras 18:15, arr Sheffield 21:14. Advance Single = £51.00.
So, £93.00 for your whole party.

But if you had a Family and Friends Railcard, those fares drop to £23.80 out and £28.90 back... total = £52.70.
I.e. spend £26.00 on a railcard to save over £40.

Whatever tickets you get, definitely get a Railcard and save one third.

This info from the East Coast Trains website.

[Deleted User]

KeithP wrote: »

The £180.00 quote is for Super Off Peak Returns. Valid on every direct train that day. Can be bought on the day, so don't be panicked into buying them too soon. But you are paying for this flexibility.

You don't give any idea of times of travel, but Advance Singles can save a fortune.

Dep Sheffield 07:32, arr St.Pancras 10:28. Advance Single = £42.00.
Dep St.Pancras 18:15, arr Sheffield 21:14. Advance Single = £51.00.
So, £93.00 for your whole party.

But if you had a Family and Friends Railcard, those fares drop to £23.80 out and £28.90 back... total = £52.70.
I.e. spend £26.00 on a railcard to save over £40.

Whatever tickets you get, definitely get a Railcard and save one third.

This info from the East Coast Trains website.

So you're saying I could just turn up and be able to get a ticket on the 6th?

As for times of travel. I was thinking of getting an early train of about 7 in order to be in London for 9, however, upon reflection, I was wondering if I should leave later at around 9ish. My DS is 9 and wants to see Big Ben (possibly Madam Tusaurds (sp!) Hamley's) and we were hoping to be back in sheffield for around 6pm (thus leaving London around 4ish). I'm wondering if being in London for 7 hours will be too long. I dont want to spend the day wondering around around in the cold until its time for our train.

Anyways, I will definatly be buying a family and friends railcard (which I can get at the station on the 6th)

Thank you for your advice

SL x

Rail_Staff

Yes, Super Off Peak tickets can be purchsed at the station on the day of travel as there is no pre-booking requirement. But if you are able to pre-book you will probably find it would be cheaper but in getting the cheaper price you sacrifice flexibility.

In a nutshell, the more you pay the more flexibility you have.

[Deleted User]

Thank you Rail Staff.

I'm prepared to forgo the felxibility for the cheaper price.

I will book in advance in the next few days as long as I get to London and home on the same day, with enough time in London for my son to see what he wants to see I will be happy, and a cheaper ticket as well will top the cake. £180 does sound alot to pay now i've been given advice on how to get it cheaper

SL x

KeithP

Sallylizzie wrote: »

So you're saying I could just turn up and be able to get a ticket on the 6th?

As for times of travel. I was thinking of getting an early train of about 7 in order to be in London for 9, however, upon reflection, I was wondering if I should leave later at around 9ish. My DS is 9 and wants to see Big Ben (possibly Madam Tusaurds (sp!) Hamley's) and we were hoping to be back in sheffield for around 6pm (thus leaving London around 4ish). I'm wondering if being in London for 7 hours will be too long. I dont want to spend the day wondering around around in the cold until its time for our train.

Anyways, I will definatly be buying a family and friends railcard (which I can get at the station on the 6th)

Thank you for your advice

SL x

How about these times...
Dep Sheffield 08:32, arr St.P 11:27. Advance Singles = £35.70 (with Railcard).
Dep St.P 15:55 or 16:25, arr Sheffield 18:04 or 18:59. Advance Singles = £27.20 (with Railcard).

These fares only available when booked online via East Midlands Trains.