Rail Travel: Tips on Cheap Tickets

geordie_taxi

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thescouselander

A small group of us (between 4 and 7) want to go from Bristol to Matlock in August. We can travel off peak and I was hoping to get hold of some sort of group discount (group save?) but I don't seem to be able to find this sort of ticket.

Are group save tickets available on this route or is there another way to get a discount on the standard advance ticket?

System

miller wrote: »

Enter code ECOAST10 at www.railcard.co.uk to receive 10% off the £28 cost of:

Family & Friends Railcard
16-25 Railcard
Senior Railcard

Ends 23.59 18 May 2013
Full details:
http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/railcard10

I can't see anywhere on the link you gave that suggests a 10% discount.

miller

Once you click through to the relevant railcard (from www.railcard.co.uk) and start the application process a promotion box appears to enter the code. However, if you are thinking of the Family and Friends railcard this might be a more attractive proposition:
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/home/prmts/article-2321452/A-free-month-Family--Friends-railcard-Daily-Mail-readers.html

wealdroam

islandman wrote: »

I can't see anywhere on the link you gave that suggests a 10% discount.

Did you see the second link that Miller gave?
especially the bit where it said:

How to claim your 10% discount
Visit https://www.railcard.co.uk and select the railcard you wish to buy, then enter your exclusive East Coast code: ECOAST10. Your 10% discount will be automatically taken off the £28 cost. Happy travelling and happy saving!

System

My wife has a disabled railcard and I'm able to get 1/3rd off as well as her carer.

dzug1

thescouselander wrote: »

A small group of us (between 4 and 7) want to go from Bristol to Matlock in August. We can travel off peak and I was hoping to get hold of some sort of group discount (group save?) but I don't seem to be able to find this sort of ticket.

Are group save tickets available on this route or is there another way to get a discount on the standard advance ticket?

Cross Country don't do Groupsave and their own group booking is for 9 or more passengers

There's scope for split ticketing - Cheltenham Brum and Derby - on either normal or advance tickets or a combination

It's a bit early for advance tickets for August though - no point in looking beyond 4 August just yet

mcphail

Hello, I'm away to purchase a one day peak travelcard for FCC trains only, for a Saturday. Travelling from Gatwick Airport to London Bridge, then tube to 02, then back to Gatwick Airport the same day. I'm booking in advance as I have my free £5 Red Spotted Hanky voucher from Tesco! Someone mentioned on this thread that I could get the Travelcard valid from The Three Bridges (it's cheaper which is strange, as it's further to travel?). I just wanted to double check that I wont have a problem at Gatwick if the ticket I have is valid from another station. I don't know how the ticket machines work, so would hate to be stuck for the sake of a few pounds.

Also, when booking in advance, I have to stipulate a train time - but I'm assuming that I'm not held to that particular train if it's a one ay travelcard - It's difficult to know just now what train I will be getting in to London Bridge. Can anyone clarify this please?

Thanks for your help.

dzug1

mcphail wrote: »

Hello, I'm away to purchase a one day peak travelcard for FCC trains only, for a Saturday. Travelling from Gatwick Airport to London Bridge, then tube to 02, then back to Gatwick Airport the same day. I'm booking in advance as I have my free £5 Red Spotted Hanky voucher from Tesco! Someone mentioned on this thread that I could get the Travelcard valid from The Three Bridges (it's cheaper which is strange, as it's further to travel?). I just wanted to double check that I wont have a problem at Gatwick if the ticket I have is valid from another station. I don't know how the ticket machines work, so would hate to be stuck for the sake of a few pounds.

Also, when booking in advance, I have to stipulate a train time - but I'm assuming that I'm not held to that particular train if it's a one ay travelcard - It's difficult to know just now what train I will be getting in to London Bridge. Can anyone clarify this please?

Thanks for your help.

Pass on the Three Bridges issue other than to note that distance is not the only factor in ticket pricing.

It doesn't matter what trains you specify when you buy - your travelcard will be valid on any train (off peak if relevant) that day. (FCC only if it's an operator specific fare). I think you need only specify an outward train anyway

If it's a Saturday you won't need a peak travelcard - all trains are off peak.

thescouselander

dzug1 wrote: »

Cross Country don't do Groupsave and their own group booking is for 9 or more passengers

There's scope for split ticketing - Cheltenham Brum and Derby - on either normal or advance tickets or a combination

It's a bit early for advance tickets for August though - no point in looking beyond 4 August just yet

Sounds like the train is a non-starter then - we'll drive instead.