Why Vast Difference in Train Prices?

RealGem

Hi, I notice train tickets from Bristol to Manchester return are nearly £180 for 17th - 26th June, but only £62 in May for similar days of the week.

I tried changing the days of the week to see if that was it, but no, it seems just June was more expensive. The kids aren't off school in June, so anyone know why?

Thanks

oldernonethewiser

Looks like Advance fares (the cheaper option) haven't yet been released for June

RealGem

oldernonethewiser said:

Looks like Advance fares (the cheaper option) haven't yet been released for June

oh no! - it's only two months off, so they should have been released by now. 

I already booked the coach, and it was not a pleasant journey last time. It took two hours longer than it should have, and the seats had very hard edges, that were clearly designed only for slim (male) hips. As my hip bones were perched on the hard edges of the seat. Very bloody uncomfy!

Yes, I am BIT chubby but this would have happened no matter what size I was, as my hip bones can't change size with diet!

RealGem

oldernonethewiser said:

Looks like Advance fares (the cheaper option) haven't yet been released for June

I just found this page that says Advance tickets are released 12 weeks in advance, so I don't understand why it would so expensive for only two months in advance. 

https://www.thetrainline.com/trains/great-britain/ticket-types/advance-train-tickets

The blurb also says it's only cheaper if you book single tickets, but each single ticket worked out the same price as One Way when I did a "Return" search, so I'm still confused. 

oldernonethewiser

I hope you aren't thinking of using the Trainline to buy tickets?

They can be released 12 weeks in advance but it is not a hard and fast rule.

You could contact the Train Operating Company and ask when they will go on sale or if there is an issue?

p00hsticks

RealGem said:

oldernonethewiser said:

Looks like Advance fares (the cheaper option) haven't yet been released for June

I just found this page that says Advance tickets are released 12 weeks in advance, so I don't understand why it would so expensive for only two months in advance. 

It's usually around 12 weeks, but it can be less ,especially if there are engineering works planned.

 What route do you take from Bristol to Manchester?
 If it's using any Transport for Wales services, then according to Trainlines ticket alert system, they only have advance tickets on sale for up to 25th May
 https://www.thetrainline.com/ticketalert

RealGem

Ooh thanks for that ticket alert thingy!

Have signed up!

oldernonethewiser said:

I hope you aren't thinking of using the Trainline to buy tickets?

Thanks but where do you buy tickets from?

Tucosalamanca

Simple answer, Glastonbury Festival. 

It's officially open 21st-25th June but many will be commuting a few days before and afterwards.

p00hsticks

RealGem said:

Ooh thanks for that ticket alert thingy!

Have signed up!

oldernonethewiser said:

I hope you aren't thinking of using the Trainline to buy tickets?

Thanks but where do you buy tickets from?

I'm a bit out of touch now, but it's usually recommended to buy tickets directly from the Train Operating Company that you will be using.
 
I believe Trainline charge a booking fee, which the TOCs usually don't, and in the event that you need to claim compensation for a delayed or disrupted journey it's usually simpler if you bought the ticket directly from the company causing the delay

oldernonethewiser

RealGem said:

Ooh thanks for that ticket alert thingy!

Have signed up!

oldernonethewiser said:

I hope you aren't thinking of using the Trainline to buy tickets?

Thanks but where do you buy tickets from?

Always directly from a Train Operating Company. Doesn't need to be the one that you travel on. 

If you start at nationalrail.co.uk and search for tickets it will then direct you to the relevant TOC but you can use anyone you like.

Trainline are a third party reseller who charge fees and become a middleman in the event of any problems, hence I never use them.

twopenny

It was recently in the papers that there's a trial for train fares to be fluctuating like airline fares and hotel prices

So prices go up with higher demand and lower to fill spaces.

This could be what is happening now especially with Glastonbury dates but I couldn't see when the trial would be introduced.

Always go to National Rail www.nationalrail.co.uk or the company operating the train for prices.

(sorry about the weird formatting. I can't seem to stop it!)