Best way to travel to London for the day, perhaps 1 overnight stay

hubb

I have an appointment with someone in London on the 23rd in Kensington. I am based in Cheshire and was wondering the cheapest way of getting down there, with an overnight stay. I have not been to London for years so I am thinking would driving down as far as the beginning of the congestion area, parking somewhere and getting the tube in be the best way as petrol has dropped considerably now. I can't see getting down on the train being cheap.

Also somewhere like a travel lodge or similar for a cheap overnight stay.

Thanks.

Nile

Hi, we move threads if we think they’ll get more help elsewhere (please read the forum rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com"]forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

I’ve moved your thread from the ‘I wanna’ board to the ‘UK Holidays, Days Out & Holidays’ board, where it is better suited.

Regards

Nile

joerugby

Why don't you check out advance train fares. They seem to start at around £21 each way

hubb

joerugby wrote: »

Why don't you check out advance train fares. They seem to start at around £21 each way

I could get to London and back in my Polo on a full tank that would cost around £40

susancs

hubb wrote: »

I have an appointment with someone in London on the 23rd in Kensington. I am based in Cheshire and was wondering the cheapest way of getting down there, with an overnight stay. I have not been to London for years so I am thinking would driving down as far as the beginning of the congestion area, parking somewhere and getting the tube in be the best way as petrol has dropped considerably now. I can't see getting down on the train being cheap.

Also somewhere like a travel lodge or similar for a cheap overnight stay.

Thanks.

Saturday night is the most expensive for hotels in London and surrounding areas, so it might be worth considering travelling and returning the same day via train. If you could drive to Crewe (15 miles away?), and park up in the car park for £2 and get the train, it would be a £20 return fare Crewe to London. London Midland trains 6.11am is £10 and return on 7.46pm train for £10. There are better morning times for about £6 more. Also Virgin trains have a sale on and the fast trains from Crewe to London Euston are £36 return e.g. 9.30am train arrives at 11.08am in Euston and returning train at 7.07pm on 23/1/2016.
Use www.tfl.gov.uk to plan your journey from Euston to where you are going to in Kensington. Use contactless bankers card to pay for your fares.

http://www.ukcarparks.info/crewe-railway-station-car-park-crewe#sthash.tKgxTWn0.dpbs

http://www.farefinder.virgintrains.co.uk/

hubb

susancs wrote: »

Saturday night is the most expensive for hotels in London and surrounding areas, so it might be worth considering travelling and returning the same day via train. If you could drive to Crewe (15 miles away?), and park up in the car park for £2 and get the train, it would be a £20 return fare Crewe to London. London Midland trains 6.11am is £10 and return on 7.46pm train for £10. There are better morning times for about £6 more. Also Virgin trains have a sale on and the fast trains from Crewe to London Euston are £36 return e.g. 9.30am train arrives at 11.08am in Euston and returning train at 7.07pm on 23/1/2016.
Use www.tfl.gov.uk to plan your journey from Euston to where you are going to in Kensington. Use contactless bankers card to pay for your fares.

http://www.ukcarparks.info/crewe-railway-station-car-park-crewe#sthash.tKgxTWn0.dpbs

http://www.farefinder.virgintrains.co.uk/

I am having a meeting with someone at 12am so it will be difficult to travel back after that.

wealdroam

hubb wrote: »

I could get to London and back in my Polo on a full tank that would cost around £40

Best going by car then and returning after your midnight rendevous, because train fare plus accommodation will be significantly more than that.

hubb

Sorry, I tried to answer from my ipad but for some strange reason the MSE site design is different from it, not like my prefered old school design from my PC. It also didn't seem to accept my login details, even though entered correctly. Ditto for the captch as well.

Anyway, there was a mistake with my meeting and they have confirmed it is in fact 12pm mid day I will be meeting so I can travel down and back the same day. The Virgin from Crewe trains seem a good deal and perhaps bets to have a stress free journey.

hubb

wealdroam wrote: »

Best going by car then and returning after your midnight rendevous, because train fare plus accommodation will be significantly more than that.

I am starting to wonder if it is worth going in car because Virgin trains on Trust pilot have terrible reviews :eek:

susancs

hubb wrote: »

Sorry, I tried to answer from my ipad but for some strange reason the MSE site design is different from it, not like my prefered old school design from my PC. It also didn't seem to accept my login details, even though entered correctly. Ditto for the captch as well.

Anyway, there was a mistake with my meeting and they have confirmed it is in fact 12pm mid day I will be meeting so I can travel down and back the same day. The Virgin from Crewe trains seem a good deal and perhaps bets to have a stress free journey.

British Midland have a 20% off sale so fares have gone down today to £8 each way on the date you want. I would recommend you travel by train as cheaper, quicker and less stressful. Although a longer journey on BM trains v Virgin trains you would be saving £20 and for that you could buy your snacks and drinks and any reading material for the train before you board and you wouldn't notice the difference in journey time or travel First class with free wifi for a similar price.

hubb

Many thanks. I did check BM earlier but the prices were normal. Will have another look.