Split Ticketing - Help please

millerose

Hello

I am wanting some help if possible on split ticketing a return journey to London. I have tried to split ticket along the route, but its costing more money by having 4 tickets than just a bog standard advance. Is this aften the case?

Can anybody with any help or knowledge offer me any tips please?

1. I'm travelling from the North of England (I will get on at either Doncaster or Sheffield).
2. There will be 2 adults and 2 children (7yrs and 5yrs) travelling together.
3. I will be using a family and friends railcard.
4. I am wanting to go for the day only.
5. Earliest possible travelling time would be from 7am and looking to return anytime after 7pm.
6. I am looking to travel on a Saturday 15th December (11 weeks in advance)
7. I have credit in Red Spotted Hanky so would like to use that up if possible.

I have tried travelling from Leeds to London, York to London, Newcastle to London and Doncaster to London as Ill be able to get on at Doncaster still. I have also tried splitting the ticket, so for example Doncaster to Newark, Grantham, Peterborough, then, wherever to London on a seperate ticket. I have looked at Sheffield routes but for some reason they are more dearer.

Cheapest return ticket I have found is £62.80 and that was a direct return with no splitting! :cool:.

Is there anything else that Im doing wrong or should I just suck eggs and pay it?

Thanks in Advance.......

thelawnet

That far in advance, straight Advance tickets (no splits) will nearly always be cheaper.

Cheapest fare I found was £34.20 return from Doncaster.

This is outbound on the 06:35, returning on the 20:30, 21:00 or 22:00 (pick one!)

That's from eastcoast.co.uk

Red spotted hanky charges a little more - £38.40

If you must leave after 7am, it's £48.50 return on the 07:51, 8:31, or 08:36 (the 08:31 is faster than the 07:51, albeit still arriving later), returning on the same trains

Redspottedhanky again a little more expensive (£52.30), and the 08:31 is also not available.

Bear in mind that £38.40 for that distance is very cheap and it's unreasonable to expect a lower price, since people have no choice but to pay higher fares than that from places much closer than Doncaster

Livingthedream

Just to add to what thelawnet has stated, the reason it will be cheaper to buy from the East Coast website is that they will give you a 10% online discount for their Advance Tickets, which by the look of it will be the cheapest option if you book early.

emmaloux87

And also in my experience split ticketing doesn't work on the east coast route!

millerose

Thanks guys :j

I did wonder if it was me that was doing something wrong or maybe the split ticketing doesn't work. I'll take all your advice on board and have another look in a few days and book up. Many thanks.