Trying to book a return train from Glasgow to London!

Emmy_

Hi,

Been trying to book a return ticket from Glasgow Central to London (either Kings Cross with East Coast or Euston with Virgin) for the Friday 11th November, returning on Monday 14th November. It is a nightmare though!

When exactly is the best time to book? I've been checking every day since the end of June to try and get a good price, but they are literally hundreds of pounds for a return for two adults! I know train fares have went up, but this is just ridiculous.

Been checking online with Virgin, East Coast, Trainline and Red Spotted Hanky.

Can travel at any time during the day fom about 8am until about 4pm both on the Friday and the Monday.

Can anyone help me, please? Any advice?

Thanks.

moonrakerz

You are too early. The cheaper advance fares are only available up to Nov 11th at the moment.

Just to complicate things, that doesn't necessarily mean that the cheapest fares will become available very soon. They sometimes hold them back to see how other sales are going.

It is a case of looking and seeing what is available. Put in some random dates between now and then to get a feel of what the range of fares is for that route.
When you feel that the best fares have appeared - buy it AND don't look again after you have bought

A big factor is what time of day you can travel - if you want to go at peak times you will pay through the nose.

DON'T use trainline !!!!!!!! The actual fares are the same on ALL the websites, trainline add lots of other charges as well.

Owain_Moneysaver

Emmy_ wrote: »

Hi,

Been trying to book a return ticket from Glasgow Central to London (either Kings Cross with East Coast or Euston with Virgin) for the Friday 11th November, returning on Monday 14th November. It is a nightmare though!

Most of the websites allow you to set up an alert and they will email you when the Advance fares are released for your chosen date.

Rover_Driver

Have you thought about flying, Glasgow to Gatwick with BA - £78.59 each return inc. taxes & fees. A bit quicker than the train.

Emmy_

Thanks, all.

I've signed up for the ticket alert on the trainline and, according to that, the Advance fares for the Friday have already been released!

I would've flown, but I'm travelling with the dog so need to take the train. I quite like the train anyway.

Will keep looking and hoping for a cheaper price!

wealdroam

Emmy_ wrote: »

I've signed up for the ticket alert on the trainline and, according to that, the Advance fares for the Friday have already been released!

Yes, Moonrakerz told you that.
But they are not yet available for your return leg.
Keep wailting.

You were also advised against using thetrainline because of their fees.

spiro

Emmy_ wrote: »

I would've flown, but I'm travelling with the dog so need to take the train. I quite like the train anyway.

You need to check the rules for the ToCo because I think some charge a childs fare for dogs (excluding dogs for the blind), they also insist dog is on a lead at all times.

moonrakerz

emmy_ wrote: »

i've signed up for the ticket alert on the trainline

don't use the trainline !

Emmy_

wealdroam wrote: »

Yes, Moonrakerz told you that.
But they are not yet available for your return leg.
Keep wailting.

You were also advised against using thetrainline because of their fees.

No, I signed up about a month ago after coming across the tool.

I've booked using Trainline before and it has actually saved me money when booking straight through from my home station to Glasgow to elsewhere.

Signing up for the tool though doesn't mean I'm automatically going to book with them. I'm looking around.

As it happens, I received an ticket alert from Trainline telling me the return leg of my journey as now available at Advance fares. I've yet to look in to that, I will do it tonight.

Emmy_

spiro wrote: »

You need to check the rules for the ToCo because I think some charge a childs fare for dogs (excluding dogs for the blind), they also insist dog is on a lead at all times.

I've travelled several times with Virgin Trains and East Coast with the dog and neither have every charged me for the dog. They have been really good with her actually, asking us did we have enough room as there were spare seats elsewhere with more room!

I haven't, as yet, been charged anything for my dog travelling on trains (or busses!).

(She's not an assistance dog either, she's just a pet).

But thanks, I'll bear it in mind when booking.

Emmy_

I'm thinking of going straight the station in Glasgow to try and book it, which is where I've booked before and they have been really helpful. Is this my best bet agian, do you think, or should I keep checking the different train companies online?