No advance rail fares any more?

Herbyme

I know the govt has taken over the franchises but are there no more advance fares now? I used to be able to get from Crewe to Edinburgh 1st class return for about £60, now the standard class is about £150. I almost used to enjoy the many and varied ways to find the cheapest (or nearly the cheapest) tickets! 

yorkie2

Yes there are.

You can do Crewe to Edinburgh for £20.99 in Standard or £60.06 in 1st class if you use a split ticket website, using next Tuesday as an example

See this screenshot : https://ibb.co/JQH7P94

If you prefer to book with Avanti the cost is about £6 more in Standard or £12 more in 1st.

Both sites shown in my comparison allow you to choose the specific seat you want to reserve, and both offer e-tickets (the cheaper e-tickets will be multiple e-tickets but will be issued on one PDF, so it's really easy)

Hope this helps!

Fadacious

Does it not depend on how far in advance you're booking? Maybe it's only giving you an open return option? I've noticed this if I look for trains a good 3 or 4 months ahead.

KeithP

Fadacious said:

Does it not depend on how far in advance you're booking? Maybe it's only giving you an open return option? I've noticed this if I look for trains a good 3 or 4 months ahead.

Yes it does.

Typically, Advance Singles are only issued up to twelve weeks in advance.

yorkie2

And on some routes you may not find them until a week in advance at the moment.

Each company has its own policy; it's a shambles.

Definitely check out a split ticket site if making a longer journey. It may also be worth checking on a dedicated fares advice forum that you are getting the best deal before booking (or asking here on MSE, but you may find more specialist help elsewhere)

Herbyme

Thanks all. I hadn't looked at really short lead times, I'm glad they're releasing some at least, it just makes it slightly tricky planning accommodation in case there are no advance tickets a week before travel - but hey, it's not the worst thing that's happening at the moment. I'm a big fan of split ticketing, the Rail Easy web site is a bit clunky but it seems to me to be very effective. The whole rail ticketing system is bonkers I think, but as it usually works in my favour, I'm ok with that. 

yorkie2

carolinerunner said:

Thanks all. I hadn't looked at really short lead times, I'm glad they're releasing some at least, it just makes it slightly tricky planning accommodation in case there are no advance tickets a week before travel - but hey, it's not the worst thing that's happening at the moment. I'm a big fan of split ticketing, the Rail Easy web site is a bit clunky but it seems to me to be very effective. The whole rail ticketing system is bonkers I think, but as it usually works in my favour, I'm ok with that. 

You may prefer the Trainsplit app

Note if you go through Raileasy, it will charge a £1 booking fee. Going through Trainsplit.com or through the Trainsplit app will not charge a £1 booking fee (even though it does use Raileasy as a retailer)