Advance Train Tickets

Maureen43

Hi All


I've read Martin's guide on cheap train travel and he says that Advance tickets are the cheapest and usually available from 12 weeks before travel.


Are these actually called "Advance Tickets"? I ask because I've looked today for tickets (for roughly 12 weeks time) and the cheapest fare I can get is a "Super Off Peak Return", and it'snot particularly cheap!


Is this the same thing?


Thanks
Maureen

martindow

No they are not the same - these tickets can be bought at that price any time up to the day before travelling. The fact that you are only seeing these may be because the train company has not yet released advance tickets or they are not available at all on the route you are looking at. First Great Western are selling tickets up to 4th November at the moment but different companies may have other dates.

Try looking for tickets a week or two earlier and see if you can see cheaper fares then. If so you need to wait until your dates are on offer.

If you post the dates and journey you have in mind some of the resident experts will be able to give you specific advice.

Maureen43

martindow wrote: »

First Great Western are selling tickets up to 4th November at the moment

.

Thanks for this. Where did you see the above? If there is a website then I will monitor that.

dggar

Maureen43 wrote: »

Thanks for this. Where did you see the above? If there is a website then I will monitor that.

Do you have a specific journey in mind. If so then search the web site of the Train Operating Company(TOC) for that route. you may be able to register for advance ticket release date updates.


For a more general view I would use National Rail enquiries,
http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/personal/home/search


to search for prices and times.


Don't use TheTrainLine, they charge a booking fee.

wealdroam

Maureen43 wrote: »

If there is a website then I will monitor that.

This NRE webpage claims to have details of which dates Advance Singles are available.

Altarf

Maureen43 wrote: »

I ask because I've looked today for tickets (for roughly 12 weeks time) and the cheapest fare I can get is a "Super Off Peak Return", and it'snot particularly cheap!

Not every train company sells Advance tickets.

Many of the train lines that serve commuter routes do not sell Advance tickets, and an Off Peak or Super Off Peak is the best you will get.

The simplest way to see, is pick a few dates nearer than 12 weeks, if no Advance tickets are shown, then they probably don't sell them.

Indie_Kid

Someone once told me that it's cheaper nearer to 6 weeks?

dzug1

Indie_Kid wrote: »

Someone once told me that it's cheaper nearer to 6 weeks?

This relates specifically to megatrain bookings which are (or were - it may have changed) released about 6 weeks in advance

martindow

Maureen43 wrote: »

Thanks for this. Where did you see the above? If there is a website then I will monitor that.

I noticed this on FGW's web site. It has scrolling messages at the top, one of which has news of dates when advance tickets are for sale.

yorkie2

Maureen43 wrote: »

Hi All

I've read Martin's guide on cheap train travel and he says that Advance tickets are the cheapest and usually available from 12 weeks before travel.

Are these actually called "Advance Tickets"?

Yes, see Advance tickets for details

Maureen43 wrote: »

I ask because I've looked today for tickets (for roughly 12 weeks time) and the cheapest fare I can get is a "Super Off Peak Return", and it'snot particularly cheap!

What's the journey?

Maureen43 wrote: »

Is this the same thing?

No.

20aday

East Midlands Trains also run a "Best Fare Finder" which allows you to browse through tickets and see if a bargain can be found.

Granted some of the times can be in the afternoon/late evening but with a discount email I received from them the other week and using the tool I've bagged myself a £35 First Class Return to London St. Pancras (from Derby).