Rail Travel: Tips on Cheap Tickets

Livingthedream

dzug1 wrote: »

B1 does cover break of journey - it is silent on the matter therefore it is allowed, both ways. If there was a restriction it would say so

Lol, had a little giggle to myself when I read your reply, but yes your logic is correct.

wealdroam

In view of the most recent posts, I would opt for the London to Eastbourne Off Peak Day Return.

Costs £19.45 when bought from Southern Railway's website.

The first train from St Pancras that you can use that ticket on leaves at 09:37 and arrives at Ashford at 10:15.

The last direct train from Ashford to Brighton that arrives before 4pm leaves Ashford at 13:32, arriving in Brighton at 15:20.
Of course, it almost goes without saying, you must travel via Eastbourne.

The_Parrot

I recently travelled back from the IOW (Yarmouth) and the kind lady in the Ferry office (they sell rail tickets as well!) suggested that I travel back to Tonbridge via Barnham (and Redhill) and save a shed full of money. As often with super cheap fares the snag is that the journey takes longer but the saving could be worth it.

By travelling on this route it avoids London, so can be less stressful and, might be the reason it is cheap. However I do note that Wealdroam cunningly used Southern rail services in what you might think is a Southeastern area- it couldn't be that competition is creeping in to rail ticketing at last!

You really have to struggle or really know your stuff to make the search engines look for this routing. I think that it would work well for many south coast destinations and possibly from other start points.

The Parrot speaks

geordieracer

The_Parrot wrote: »

I recently travelled back from the IOW (Yarmouth) and the kind lady in the Ferry office (they sell rail tickets as well!) suggested that I travel back to Tonbridge via Barnham (and Redhill) and save a shed full of money. As often with super cheap fares the snag is that the journey takes longer but the saving could be worth it.

By travelling on this route it avoids London, so can be less stressful and, might be the reason it is cheap. However I do note that Wealdroam cunningly used Southern rail services in what you might think is a Southeastern area- it couldn't be that competition is creeping in to rail ticketing at last!

You really have to struggle or really know your stuff to make the search engines look for this routing. I think that it would work well for many south coast destinations and possibly from other start points.

The Parrot speaks

you dont really have to know your stuff you just add 'via' into the search window if you look at the map and go that way. Though it does make it a whole load of effort in doing.

The only reason wealdroam used southern is because the site is a bit easier to navigate then some and also southern like to give you a bit of a discount off of their slaes % so you use them again and again. All ticket prices are the same wherever you buy them and its up to the website you use as to whether you get a little extra discount.

gothmaz

Hi I was wondering if I could get some advice?
I have booked advance tickets for London - Aberdeen on East Coast trains for this Saturday for myself and my 2 children aged 9 and 13. I know they offer weekend first and i'm considering upgrading us to first class when we get to kings cross, as it's such a long journey. What I am wondering is if nyone happens to know if the charge of £25 applies to adults and children? Is the upgrade cheaper for children? I don't really want to pay £75 for the 3 of us, although I am happy to pay something for them.

dzug1

The upgrade is a flat rate.
It's possible but rather unlikely that you might get let off for one of the kids.

carby

I would like some tips on buying a return ticket from Birmingham to Barnstable Sept 9th departing about 1800hrs or later returning Sept 11 after 12pm. Any help suggestions welcome.

4 Adults travelling

dzug1

carby wrote: »

I would like some tips on buying a return ticket from Birmingham to Barnstable Sept 9th departing about 1800hrs or later returning Sept 11 after 12pm. Any help suggestions welcome.

4 Adults travelling

There are cheap advance singles at £35.50 a head each way.


You might be able to shave a £1 or two max off that by splitting tickets at Cheltenham Bristol and Exeter

bb21

dzug1 wrote: »

There are cheap advance singles at £35.50 a head each way.

I wouldn't bother with this one as splits are cheaper. Also, what's the routeing on these Advances? The only Advances for the Birmingham Stations - Barnstaple flow is routed XC & Connections and the highest tier is £31.00, according to Avantix NFM09.

Birmingham Stations - Cheltenham
Off-Peak Return
Route Any Permitted
£21.10
Valid at or after 0930 weekdays.

Cheltenham - Bristol Temple Meads
Off-Peak Return
Route Any Permitted
£15.50
Valid at or after 0825 from Cheltenham, 0833 from Bristol Temple Meads weekdays.

Bristol Temple Meads - Barnstaple
Off-Peak Return
Route Any Permitted
£34.00
Valid at or after 0833 weekdays.

You can stay on a through train however the through train must call at the stations where you change from one ticket to another, which I believe is all of the trains between Birmingham New Street and Exeter St Davids.

Total: £70.60

Edit:

Furthermore, if you can avoid travelling on Cross Country and restrict yourselves to First Great Western trains south of Cheltenham, you can obtain Groupsave for Cheltenham - Bristol and Bristol - Barnstaple, where four adults can travel for the price of two. All of you must travel together for Groupsave fares to be valid. There is no through train operated by First Great Western Birmingham New Street - Exeter St Davids, and you will need to change at Cheltenham and/or Bristol Temple Meads.

dzug1

bb21 wrote: »

I wouldn't bother with this one as splits are cheaper. Also, what's the routeing on these Advances? The only Advances for the Birmingham Stations - Barnstaple flow is routed XC & Connections and the highest tier is £31.00, according to Avantix NFM09.

.

XC changing at Exeter. £35.50 is what FGW are saying they are. The tiers are £23/£28.50/£35.50

Fare increase at beginning of September? Next week £31.00 is the max.

Brum Chelt can be done for marginally less on advance singles as can Chelt Bristol. I didn't try Taunton as well - that can knock a few pence off.