cheaper train tickets

jota

Hi guys,
I am totally new to this site, I've been a fan of martins tips for a long time but only found this site tonight ,its a long time since I've been on a train or out of the house for that matter, a balance problem, due to neuropathy in my feet, a diabetes side effect, anyway what I need is advice on how to get the best ticket prices on 2 journeys I'll be trying to go on later in the year, No 1 journey is to scarborough from paisley outgoing on the thurs 6th october and returning on the tuesday oct 11th, leaving as close to 6am on the way out to get there at about 1.30pm, and leaving about 2pm from scarborough on the return leg, to get home about 9.45pm, the tickets I've been told are not out yet but putting in randon similar train times achieved me about £35 return, with the times stated, I have a senior railcard, this splitting phonomenon has amazed me, although I heard martin say something a bit back on tv about it, No 2 journey is from paisley, same start time about 6amto get to bognor regis about 2pm, outgoing on the fri 5th august and returning on the monday 8th, leaving bognor around 2pm to get home at9pm ish, randon similar train times achieved me a price of about £95 return with my senior rail card, both prices and schedules are from the trainline.com, if anyone can point me in the right direction I would be very grateful, thank you.

dzug1

First thing to remember is not to use thetrainline - they charge booking/card fees that most other outlets don't

first great western and east coast are both fine - which to use depends on the style of presentation you prefer. FGW is fairly simple - EC more flexible

The other thing is that splitting is not a panacea - there are plenty of occasions it won't work. A through advance purchase discounted single for the complete journey nearly always works out better than any split.

Your Scarborough journey looks like advance tickets - Bognor isn't. You would pay that on the day. Splitting at Glasgow and/or London may well achieve a cheaper fare

Simon11

Advance tickets (Cheapest tickets but you can only travel on the one train you book on and no refunds) are sold from 12 weeks before departure. Booking for october is too early atm.

I'd assume the prices above are based on off peak or anytime which are more expensive however more flexible.

All train companys sell all train tickets and none charge a fee compared to Trainline.com so use the train company website you prefer.

Livingthedream

Simon11 wrote: »

All train companys sell all train tickets and none charge a fee compared to Trainline.com so use the train company website you prefer.

Whilst not a Train Company, don't forget to add Redspottedhanky.com to your list, No fees and very money saving, if you collect Tesco clubcard points (£10 Tesco voucher into a £30 Redspottedhanky e-voucher).

wealdroam

Simon11 wrote: »

Advance tickets (Cheapest tickets but you can only travel on the one train you book on and no refunds) are sold from 12 weeks before departure. Booking for october is too early atm.

I'd assume the prices above are based on off peak or anytime which are more expensive however more flexible.

All train companys sell all train tickets and none charge a fee compared to Trainline.com so use the train company website you prefer.

Simon, go and check again on the bit where you say "no train companies charge a fee".

For example East Coast Trains charge for posting if departure station has ticket collection facilities.

There are others.