Help save my relationship! Cross-country travel

ali_student

Hi everyone,

Just joined the forums, my names Ali - nice to be here - been reading the tips on this site for a while.

I am in a long distance relationship and the cost of seeing each other is crippling us financially, and because it costs so much we can not do it as regularly as what we would like.

I stay in Glasgow and she stays in Goole (near Doncaster). I am a student and she works full-time. As such, we do not have a load of time to plan in advance what days off we have free in a week so things are usually short notice (maybe 2/4 weeks in advance).

We tried using the Megabus but what a horrendous experience. Took about 12 hours for a one-way once, uncomfortable.. Just not fond of the bus for that journey.

So currently stuck buying advance tickets which are, at the cheapest, £37 pound for a single, so coming to over £70 just for us to get to one another!

I going to invest in a railcard, so I get 1/3 off.
But is there any way that I can reduce the cost further? We want to spend new year together but given the time of year it will cost nearly £90 for a single on the 2nd.

Thanks to anyone that can help us out!
Ali

maxheadroom

I am sure someone more knowlegeable will be along, but I found the last few times i did a long distance rail trip it was only a few quid more for a return - vs just buying a single.

Split ticketing can help.

Brian_The_Lion

Welcome to the forums! Before I start, take a look at http://railforums.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=105 They have dedicated members who know all the tricks of the trade when it comes to train travel!!!

I'd recommend considering different dates than the 2nd because the fares dont appear to be discounted for that day.

If you send me a PM with your favoured travel dates Ill see if I can come up with anything for you.. also whats the closest station to where you live?

AirlieBird

ali_student wrote: »

But is there any way that I can reduce the cost further? We want to spend new year together but given the time of year it will cost nearly £90 for a single on the 2nd.

I assume it's you going to Goole on the 2nd Jan. There are £77 1st class Advance's available on that date. If you get your railcard this comes down to £50.80. If it's going Goole - Glasgow there are Advance's for £26.70 with a railcard.

I assume you're going to need to return? An off-peak return ticket costs around £90 (without the railcard) and gives you more flexibility - although do check if there are any time restrictions.

I'd suggest buying the ticket this weekend - new fares for travel from 2nd January come into effect from 20th December.

ali_student wrote: »

So currently stuck buying advance tickets which are, at the cheapest, £37 pound for a single, so coming to over £70 just for us to get to one another!

Cheapest Advance tickets Glasgow - Goole are £11.85 (£7.85 with the railcard). These are available through eastcoast.co.uk.

Mark_Hewitt

In the long run it may be better to invest in a car?

Sambucus_Nigra

AirlieBird wrote: »

I assume it's you going to Goole on the 2nd Jan. There are £77 1st class Advance's available on that date. If you get your railcard this comes down to £50.80. If it's going Goole - Glasgow there are Advance's for £26.70 with a railcard.

I assume you're going to need to return? An off-peak return ticket costs around £90 (without the railcard) and gives you more flexibility - although do check if there are any time restrictions.

I'd suggest buying the ticket this weekend - new fares for travel from 2nd January come into effect from 20th December.

Cheapest Advance tickets Glasgow - Goole are £11.85 (£7.85 with the railcard). These are available through eastcoast.co.uk.

If the OP is spending new year in Goole, with the gf - then they will be coming back on the 2nd, I would suggest. Otherwise they will completely miss the new year together...