Train tickets; I'm sure this is a silly question but...

oojeyboojey

Can you buy "saver return" train tickets for the same price on the day of travel as in advance on the internet? I'm asking because the saver return journey time options on screen seem quite limited, whereas if I bought the ticket on the day there wouldn't need to be any seat reserveations (am I right in thinking this?)

I've checked the single fare options, and they're not cheaper (Exeter - Canturbury on 2nd Jan, returning on 3rd Jan, crazy to go that far in such a short space of time but I wanna meet up with friends!)
Thanks for your help guys!:T

Networkguy

Normally yes.

You should be able to buy most kinds of tickets (including savers and standard singles) online up to 6pm the night before you travel and get a seat reservation. If you are booking this late, make sure there is an option to collect your ticket from the station either from a Fast Ticket machine or over the counter. There normally is.

pompeyrich

Have you looked at MEGATRAIN, they have £13 singles from Exeter to London, then a saver from London-Canturbury at £24 return might be cheaper than a std saver. The Megatrain option goes to Waterloo, which is a slower route than Paddington and you have to travel on the train you book but might save a few quid.

Voyager2002

Savers are walk-up fares, so you would pay the same if you bought at the station immediately before travelling.

The low availability you have found might mean that there are no reserved seats left on the trains you are considering, but might mean that you are not allowed to use savers on those trains: the internet sites do not tell you which.

Please note: whether you buy a saver in advance or on the day, you can travel without a seat reservation on any permitted train. Saver tickets are not valid on some trains at peak times.

I suggest that you telephone a train company, or visit a station.