Manchester - London train discounts?

Cpu2007

I am aware that if you book well in advance, you can get train tickets from Manchester to London for as cheap as 12.50£, however most of the time it requires to book well in advance and I don't know if I will be actually free; another option is to buy a railcard 16-25,which gives a 1/3 off and I think this is a good offer; however I'm wondering whether it's worth paying for it if I travel a few times a year to see my friends.

I was wondering if you guys are aware of any other methods, discounts that can be used to get cheaper train tickets

Thank you

LexyBoy

Those are the best options. A Railcard, if you are eligible for one, will quickly pay for itself with a few longish trips (3 journeys costing £30 for example). Another bonus is that Virgin allow you to use any train with an Off Peak Return if you have a Railcard- even in the peak.

For your journey, there are alternative routes which can save you a bit. One is to specify "via Chesterfield"- this gives you fares on the EMT route which can be cheaper. There aren't as many services though, and you'll have to change.

Another route is to use London Midland, who do very cheap Advance and walk-up fares from Crewe to London- look at splitting there. You will again need to change and the journey time is over double the Virgin service.

wealdroam

Cpu2007 wrote: »

I was wondering if you guys are aware of any other methods, discounts that can be used to get cheaper train tickets

Yes, and lots of them are listed here: Cheap Train Tickets

Virgin also do a Super Off Peak Day Travelcard which covers tube and bus travel in London too.
Costs £38.25 and you do need to book the outward travel a couple of weeks ahead, but for example, on Saturday 26 November you could leave Manchester Piccadilly at 05:25 and be at Euston before 8am.
You do need to travel on the booked service towards London, but can travel back on any train.
Only useful on Saturdays though, when there is no peak period.

Cpu2007

I forgot to ask one thing, I have read that article but it didn't really have stuff that I could take advantage of. I was interested in applying for the 16-25 railcard as I'm entitled to it but I was wondering if there's a similar offer like the tesco one that allows you to buy the railcard for cheaper(as I don't have tesco card).

dzug1

SAVE10 may still work on one year cards

You get a discount if you buy a 3 year one - no code needed

Cpu2007

Thank you dzug1, the code worked, not a big saving (only £3) but better than nothing