London Trip

strawbeery90

Check out rail options on sites like Trainline to get the best deals.

Emmia

strawbeery90 said:

Check out rail options on sites like Trainline to get the best deals.

Wouldn't use the Trainline, they charge you for the privilege, not very MSE.

I'd personally use one of the Train Operators own websites - I've come across some great operator specific deals in the past.

MilesT6060842

I currently do London-Stoke from time to time, the usual cheap train split is use whichever cheap train company can get you to Stafford from Stoke, then London North West/West Midlands (same company really) to Euston.  Takes about 30 mins longer. My experience is that WMR is more reliable than Avanti as well as usually cheaper, although the train is "metro" seating (and no buffet/trolley), not express so isn't as comfortable (some tables may be available in part of the train).

Get a return ticket from SOT-STA, then another return from STA-EUS.  if you have 30 mins at STA there is a big Tesco just outside the station for snacks.

Wasn't aware that changing at Birmingham on this route to get to Marylebone was potentially cheaper, although I have had good luck in getting returns under £40 for EUS-SOT by splitting at STA, and normally I wouldn't have the extra time to change between stations in Birmingham.

J_B

MilesT6060842 said:

I currently do London-Stoke from time to time, the usual cheap train split is use whichever cheap train company can get you to Stafford from Stoke, then London North West/West Midlands (same company really) to Euston.  Takes about 30 mins longer. My experience is that WMR is more reliable than Avanti as well as usually cheaper, although the train is "metro" seating (and no buffet/trolley), not express so isn't as comfortable (some tables may be available in part of the train).

Get a return ticket from SOT-STA, then another return from STA-EUS.  if you have 30 mins at STA there is a big Tesco just outside the station for snacks.

Wasn't aware that changing at Birmingham on this route to get to Marylebone was potentially cheaper, although I have had good luck in getting returns under £40 for EUS-SOT by splitting at STA, and normally I wouldn't have the extra time to change between stations in Birmingham.

Interesting stuff, thanks.

Whether we use Crewe, SOT or STA is immaterial really, they are all similarly 'hard' to get to, all take over half an hour.

Just wondering which has the cheapest parking

IIRC, last time we went on London Midland (?) which seemed to stop at every station on the way , but was the most MSE way!