Something that bugs me is this!!
Train ticket prices change quite a lot, depending how you buy them! They dont always have to tell you the cheapest way to travel..... you have to find that out yourself.
For me to go to London on the train it would cost between £79 and £90, unless I book in advance then if im lucky can get a £30 ticket.
Now Ive found a cheap ticket from where I live @ £13 return (cheaper than the coach unless you buy a funfare), they are conditions but im happy with them..suits me in fact!
So basically its about shopping around and doing your homework..
The one thing that always makes me cross is having to stand up for two hours when youve paid so much for a ticket!!
xanaisx
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London on the train
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Quote by anais
Something that bugs me is this!!
Train ticket prices change quite a lot, depending how you buy them! They dont always have to tell you the cheapest way to travel..... you have to find that out yourself.
The one thing that always makes me cross is having to stand up for two hours when youve paid so much for a ticket!!
xanaisx
Start from Plymouth Anais ... you will always get a seat from there :giggle: :giggle: :giggle:
DD
Quote by flower411
We went to london on the train today.
We got to Tonbridge station and there was a huge queue so we looked at the machines and in the end decided to queue !!
Got to the nice man in the booth and asked for tickets for 2 adults and 4 children.
He tapped his keyboard a bit and said ...
" You would be better off going as 4 adults and 2 children "
I won`t bore you with the details, but the trip would have cost about twice as much if we had gone as 2 adults etc ...
Is this a half term rip off ???? Or is the pricing system made up by half wits ??
You should be living in "Network" area which in the BR days was the Network South East area. This allows you to buy a Network card and gives 1/3 off all journeys in the Network area subject to certain time restrictions. Check it out!
Quote by devondelight
Something that bugs me is this!!
Train ticket prices change quite a lot, depending how you buy them! They dont always have to tell you the cheapest way to travel..... you have to find that out yourself.
The one thing that always makes me cross is having to stand up for two hours when youve paid so much for a ticket!!
xanaisx
Start from Plymouth Anais ... you will always get a seat from there :giggle: :giggle: :giggle:
DD
Thank you for being so helpful DD
:grin: 
Sex God
When you're planning a return train journey more than seven days in advance, on one of the rail websites, e.g. or , once you've found the trains you want, it pays to click on the option for two singles, which can make the return journey a lot cheaper. Confusing? Yes. Daft? Yes. But worth remembering.
Quote by MikeNorth
When you're planning a return train journey more than seven days in advance, on one of the rail websites, e.g. or , once you've found the trains you want, it pays to click on the option for two singles, which can make the return journey a lot cheaper. Confusing? Yes. Daft? Yes. But worth remembering.
Your right Mike... it can work out cheaper. Probably why when I attended the NW Munch I had five tickets just for the outward journey....no wonder I got lost
:? going home was worse I got off at the wrong station 
Sex God
:notes: to buy anais a world atlas for her world trip to make sure she comes back!
Sex God
do they still do the family travel cards where kids go for a couple of pound??
think all the bus n train fares r a complete rip off.....not the way to get cars off the roads at all....
think all the bus n train fares r a complete rip off.....not the way to get cars off the roads at all....
:rotflmao:Quote by twos_company
do they still do the family travel cards where kids go for a couple of pound??
think all the bus n train fares r a complete rip off.....not the way to get cars off the roads at all....
Try for different discount card details. Also, Virgins own site lists various deals but you have to be quick to get them. Dont be too fixed on your start/finish points or routes and you can get some good deals.
Sex God
You lot so knew i was going to find this thread eventually..... 
okay..... where do i start with this thread .. as most of you know i work in the rail industry, so i'll answer as many of the different things that come up in the thread
the problem with doing it on the internet is because you are choosing specific trains they only give you the cheapest option on those trains....whereas if you call up and say that you want to roughly travel and want the cheapest ticket, sticking to fixed times... then they have to give you the cheapest ticket option by law! if you say you want a flexible ticket this is where people can and do get caught out.....with higher prices....
the advice we would always give is because with some companies they can book up to 3-4 months before travel, the sooner you book, the more likely you are to get a cheaper priced ticket (great for those going to munches to do advance scouting)
Not always and in fact i have seen people caught out by this.... and here is the reason why.....
what they will end up eventually happening, and are in the process of doing, is that train tickets will end up all being single tickets (like the low cost airlines) so the price going out, and the price coming back may not necessarily end up being the same
only do the two singles option where there are advance purchase tickets left in BOTH directions...... because as it stands at the moment, the difference between a flexible single and a flexible return can be as little as one pound.....
get in contact with the company involved..... let them know in writing.....you should get some money back!
you are spot on for this journey... and it is one of those little gems that people seem to have forgotten.....if you like in the south east i would get one of these and the area involved is huge.... and it costs 20 pounds for the year!
yes they do... but it can vary from train company to train company..... but the best thing to do would be to buy a family railcard, again 20 pounds for 12 months use....
or you could just PM me.....
If anyone need cheap UK train travel, or tickets from the UK to france, belgium, holland or germany, leave me a pm with your contact details... and i'll do the legwork when i am at work and give you a call back!!!
you might as well turn this into an "Ask Fabio" thread.....
:D :D :D
sean xxxxxxxxxxxx
okay..... where do i start with this thread .. as most of you know i work in the rail industry, so i'll answer as many of the different things that come up in the thread
Quote by anais
Something that bugs me is this!!
Train ticket prices change quite a lot, depending how you buy them! They dont always have to tell you the cheapest way to travel..... you have to find that out yourself.
For me to go to London on the train it would cost between £79 and £90, unless I book in advance then if im lucky can get a £30 ticket.
Now Ive found a cheap ticket from where I live @ £13 return (cheaper than the coach unless you buy a funfare), they are conditions but im happy with them..suits me in fact!
So basically its about shopping around and doing your homework..
xanaisx
the problem with doing it on the internet is because you are choosing specific trains they only give you the cheapest option on those trains....whereas if you call up and say that you want to roughly travel and want the cheapest ticket, sticking to fixed times... then they have to give you the cheapest ticket option by law! if you say you want a flexible ticket this is where people can and do get caught out.....with higher prices....
the advice we would always give is because with some companies they can book up to 3-4 months before travel, the sooner you book, the more likely you are to get a cheaper priced ticket (great for those going to munches to do advance scouting)
Quote by MikeNorth
When you're planning a return train journey more than seven days in advance, on one of the rail websites, e.g. or , once you've found the trains you want, it pays to click on the option for two singles, which can make the return journey a lot cheaper. Confusing? Yes. Daft? Yes. But worth remembering.
Not always and in fact i have seen people caught out by this.... and here is the reason why.....
what they will end up eventually happening, and are in the process of doing, is that train tickets will end up all being single tickets (like the low cost airlines) so the price going out, and the price coming back may not necessarily end up being the same
only do the two singles option where there are advance purchase tickets left in BOTH directions...... because as it stands at the moment, the difference between a flexible single and a flexible return can be as little as one pound.....
Quote by flower411
We went to london on the train today.
We got to Tonbridge station and there was a huge queue so we looked at the machines and in the end decided to queue !!
Got to the nice man in the booth and asked for tickets for 2 adults and 4 children.
He tapped his keyboard a bit and said ...
" You would be better off going as 4 adults and 2 children "
I won`t bore you with the details, but the trip would have cost about twice as much if we had gone as 2 adults etc ...
Is this a half term rip off ???? Or is the pricing system made up by half wits ??
get in contact with the company involved..... let them know in writing.....you should get some money back!
Quote by Bumpkin
You should be living in "Network" area which in the BR days was the Network South East area. This allows you to buy a Network card and gives 1/3 off all journeys in the Network area subject to certain time restrictions. Check it out!
you are spot on for this journey... and it is one of those little gems that people seem to have forgotten.....if you like in the south east i would get one of these and the area involved is huge.... and it costs 20 pounds for the year!
Quote by twos_company
do they still do the family travel cards where kids go for a couple of pound??
think all the bus n train fares r a complete rip off.....not the way to get cars off the roads at all....
yes they do... but it can vary from train company to train company..... but the best thing to do would be to buy a family railcard, again 20 pounds for 12 months use....
Quote by Bumpkin
Try for different discount card details. Also, Virgins own site lists various deals but you have to be quick to get them. Dont be too fixed on your start/finish points or routes and you can get some good deals.
or you could just PM me.....
If anyone need cheap UK train travel, or tickets from the UK to france, belgium, holland or germany, leave me a pm with your contact details... and i'll do the legwork when i am at work and give you a call back!!!
you might as well turn this into an "Ask Fabio" thread.....
:D :D :D sean xxxxxxxxxxxx
Sex God
Quote by anais
Fabio......your a gem!!:kiss:
nah.... just being me... and i would help everyone out...
not all of the rail companies call centres are in india, so there are people who can give you quality advice on the phone, who know the areas concerned....
plus apparently i am paid to know everything...about everywhere!!!
:D :D The european projects are my little baby at the moment, even learning french again and brushing up on my german!!like i said...... if anyone is confused about it all.... they can get in contact with me, and i will talk them thru it all over the phone......honestly!!
sean xxxxx
when ever i visit Northampton to see mates...i take the car....unfortunately its still cheaper and also i got fed up having to take a replacement bus half way back on the Sunday because of line maintenance...cheeky thing is i'm paying the full fare to use the train but having to use the bus.....if that was the case i would have used National Express at half the price the train services charge!
Quote by Mr-Powers
when ever i visit Northampton to see mates...i take the car....unfortunately its still cheaper and also i got fed up having to take a replacement bus half way back on the Sunday because of line maintenance...cheeky thing is i'm paying the full fare to use the train but having to use the bus.....if that was the case i would have used National Express at half the price the train services charge!
I`m sure that Fabio can confirm this, but I`m sure that Northampton is in the Network area, so with a Network card, you should be able to get 1/3 off your ticket from the Capital.
Coming from the South Coast, I always use my Network Card when going to London and by buying a Day Travel Card, get travel to and from PLUS all travel in the Capital by train, tube, bus and Docklands Light Railway included. Fanastic value and so simple to use as it`s just one ticket.
I love travelling by train, I can read a book, get something to eat and generally just chill out.
However when I lived in Manchester it used to cost quite a bit for a return train fair to Bedfordshire, especially because most of my time off was at short notice.
Anyway it turned out that I could get a return flight to Luton at short notice for a 3rd of the cost or a train, which I often took advantage of.
Sad but true.
However when I lived in Manchester it used to cost quite a bit for a return train fair to Bedfordshire, especially because most of my time off was at short notice.
Anyway it turned out that I could get a return flight to Luton at short notice for a 3rd of the cost or a train, which I often took advantage of.
Sad but true.
Quote by Bumpkin
when ever i visit Northampton to see mates...i take the car....unfortunately its still cheaper and also i got fed up having to take a replacement bus half way back on the Sunday because of line maintenance...cheeky thing is i'm paying the full fare to use the train but having to use the bus.....if that was the case i would have used National Express at half the price the train services charge!
I`m sure that Fabio can confirm this, but I`m sure that Northampton is in the Network area, so with a Network card, you should be able to get 1/3 off your ticket from the Capital.
Coming from the South Coast, I always use my Network Card when going to London and by buying a Day Travel Card, get travel to and from PLUS all travel in the Capital by train, tube, bus and Docklands Light Railway included. Fanastic value and so simple to use as it`s just one ticket.
still cheaper even to use the car than with the one third off....taking into account i also have to take a bus to the train station and back....at a trip without an oyster card.
and those in power wonder why less people want to use mass transport systems these days than ever before.
we are always encouraged to use public transport and almost without exception it proves to be a disappointing experience whenever we do.
car ownership will continue to rise and car use will continue to rise until the negative experiences of public transport fall.
we are always encouraged to use public transport and almost without exception it proves to be a disappointing experience whenever we do.
car ownership will continue to rise and car use will continue to rise until the negative experiences of public transport fall.
Sex God
Quote by Mr-Powers
when ever i visit Northampton to see mates...i take the car....unfortunately its still cheaper and also i got fed up having to take a replacement bus half way back on the Sunday because of line maintenance...cheeky thing is i'm paying the full fare to use the train but having to use the bus.....if that was the case i would have used National Express at half the price the train services charge!
i get this arguement a lot... and this would be my defence...
first of all.... just to make you aware its network rail who do the engineering work, not the train companies.. therefore it is a situation outside of their control, they say we are taking this part of track back, there is nothing we can do about it
if they train companies can divert trains they will do....sometime they can, sometimes they can't and if they can't then yes you have the replacement buses..... otherwise what you have is no service at all.... is that a better option?
if you want a better and more reliable railway then in the end everything is going to have to be upgraded, be that the signals, or the tracks, or a million other bits.... and most of that is done overnight and you'd be surprised just how much actually gets done, I certainly was!!..... but not all of that can be... so something is done at the weekends to get the jobs finished quicker......or would you prefer it if it was done during the week when the majority of people are working????? they are not going to win whenever it gets done someone will complain.......
Sex God
Quote by fabio
When you're planning a return train journey more than seven days in advance, on one of the rail websites, e.g. or , once you've found the trains you want, it pays to click on the option for two singles, which can make the return journey a lot cheaper. Confusing? Yes. Daft? Yes. But worth remembering.
Not always and in fact i have seen people caught out by this.... and here is the reason why.....
what they will end up eventually happening, and are in the process of doing, is that train tickets will end up all being single tickets (like the low cost airlines) so the price going out, and the price coming back may not necessarily end up being the same
only do the two singles option where there are advance purchase tickets left in BOTH directions...... because as it stands at the moment, the difference between a flexible single and a flexible return can be as little as one pound.....
sean xxxxxxxxxxxx
Well yes Fabio, obviously outward and return journeys both have to be at a reduced fare to get any benefit, and people need to check to make sure. Last week I went to London from Yorkshire for eight pound for the outward journey, and even though the return journey was , it was still a pretty good bargain compared with about 70 pound for the saver return.
Quote by fabio
when ever i visit Northampton to see mates...i take the car....unfortunately its still cheaper and also i got fed up having to take a replacement bus half way back on the Sunday because of line maintenance...cheeky thing is i'm paying the full fare to use the train but having to use the bus.....if that was the case i would have used National Express at half the price the train services charge!
i get this arguement a lot... and this would be my defence...
first of all.... just to make you aware its network rail who do the engineering work, not the train companies.. therefore it is a situation outside of their control, they say we are taking this part of track back, there is nothing we can do about it
if they train companies can divert trains they will do....sometime they can, sometimes they can't and if they can't then yes you have the replacement buses..... otherwise what you have is no service at all.... is that a better option?
if you want a better and more reliable railway then in the end everything is going to have to be upgraded, be that the signals, or the tracks, or a million other bits.... and most of that is done overnight and you'd be surprised just how much actually gets done, I certainly was!!..... but not all of that can be... so something is done at the weekends to get the jobs finished quicker......or would you prefer it if it was done during the week when the majority of people are working????? they are not going to win whenever it gets done someone will complain.......
And to try and put what Fabio has said here into context, ask yourself the best way of decorating a room in your house. Do you paint part of a wall during the day when everyone one is at homeand someone is also doing the ironing/cooking meals etc. eventually finishing the job six months later or do you want untill there`s few people at home, clear everything out, get on with it not having to worry about making a mess and complete the job in a day or so? I know which I would choose!
Sex God
Quote by MikeNorth
When you're planning a return train journey more than seven days in advance, on one of the rail websites, e.g. or , once you've found the trains you want, it pays to click on the option for two singles, which can make the return journey a lot cheaper. Confusing? Yes. Daft? Yes. But worth remembering.
Not always and in fact i have seen people caught out by this.... and here is the reason why.....
what they will end up eventually happening, and are in the process of doing, is that train tickets will end up all being single tickets (like the low cost airlines) so the price going out, and the price coming back may not necessarily end up being the same
only do the two singles option where there are advance purchase tickets left in BOTH directions...... because as it stands at the moment, the difference between a flexible single and a flexible return can be as little as one pound.....
sean xxxxxxxxxxxx
Well yes Fabio, obviously outward and return journeys both have to be at a reduced fare to get any benefit, and people need to check to make sure. Last week I went to London from Yorkshire for eight pound for the outward journey, and even though the return journey was , it was still a pretty good bargain compared with about 70 pound for the saver return.
true...... the point i was pointing out and using your trip as an example... the saver return was 70....the saver single would have been 69!!! therefore as I was saying make sure there are advance purchase tickets available in BOTH direction.... or you could end up spending more than you need to.....
Another thing i will add to this....if you are doing a return journey.... buy them both at the same time, as again people can end up overspending on tickets....
Orgasminator
Wow Flower411 you struck lucky with your ticket seller :thumbup: its nice too see that a sence of service to the paying public is alive & well in Tonbridge
Quote by fabio
when ever i visit Northampton to see mates...i take the car....unfortunately its still cheaper and also i got fed up having to take a replacement bus half way back on the Sunday because of line maintenance...cheeky thing is i'm paying the full fare to use the train but having to use the bus.....if that was the case i would have used National Express at half the price the train services charge!
i get this arguement a lot... and this would be my defence...
first of all.... just to make you aware its network rail who do the engineering work, not the train companies.. therefore it is a situation outside of their control, they say we are taking this part of track back, there is nothing we can do about it
if they train companies can divert trains they will do....sometime they can, sometimes they can't and if they can't then yes you have the replacement buses..... otherwise what you have is no service at all.... is that a better option?
if you want a better and more reliable railway then in the end everything is going to have to be upgraded, be that the signals, or the tracks, or a million other bits.... and most of that is done overnight and you'd be surprised just how much actually gets done, I certainly was!!..... but not all of that can be... so something is done at the weekends to get the jobs finished quicker......or would you prefer it if it was done during the week when the majority of people are working????? they are not going to win whenever it gets done someone will complain.......
thats why i will stick with the car....i can take a family of four up there and back on twenty pounds of petrol....going by train wouldn't even come close to that!
Sex God
This 99% irrelevant but i dont care (1% relevance because it involves a train)
I started work today and after 45 minutes (945am) i got asked to go and work at the brighton store. i as told they would pay my travel expenses and give me 4 hours extra pay as well. So i got driven to the station and waited 45 minutes for the train, got to brighton, walked to the store which took 15 minutes because i went the wrong way (shut up i got lost) finally arrived at the store for bang on midday....then i had a break at 1pm for half an hour....meaning in theory i had only done 3 and a half hours work and been paid for 10.....not a bad day x
I started work today and after 45 minutes (945am) i got asked to go and work at the brighton store. i as told they would pay my travel expenses and give me 4 hours extra pay as well. So i got driven to the station and waited 45 minutes for the train, got to brighton, walked to the store which took 15 minutes because i went the wrong way (shut up i got lost) finally arrived at the store for bang on midday....then i had a break at 1pm for half an hour....meaning in theory i had only done 3 and a half hours work and been paid for 10.....not a bad day x
Quote by Bumpkin
And if you want, Anais, you can always ask your friendly site railway enthusiast (me!) to accompany you on your trip. I am fully conversant in Birmingham New Street platform changes and which way to walk down the train to get the coffees, find the toilets etc. :giggle:
Bumpkin
your so kind! I always get lost in New St. Station...had some strange experiences there :? :? xanaisx
Sex God
Quote by anais
And if you want, Anais, you can always ask your friendly site railway enthusiast (me!) to accompany you on your trip. I am fully conversant in Birmingham New Street platform changes and which way to walk down the train to get the coffees, find the toilets etc. :giggle:
Bumpkin
your so kind! I always get lost in New St. Station...had some strange experiences there :? :? xanaisx
If it's Birmingham New Street that is a problem Anais, I sympathise. They really need better lighting there, it's so dark and dingy. :?
Quote by MikeNorth
And if you want, Anais, you can always ask your friendly site railway enthusiast (me!) to accompany you on your trip. I am fully conversant in Birmingham New Street platform changes and which way to walk down the train to get the coffees, find the toilets etc. :giggle:
Bumpkin
your so kind! I always get lost in New St. Station...had some strange experiences there :? :? xanaisx
If it's Birmingham New Street that is a problem Anais, I sympathise. They really need better lighting there, it's so dark and dingy. :?
Yes, BNS is awful.... I think it must be the most unattractive train station I have been to besides the London tube stations. Mind you some of the tube stations (and train stations) are beautiful when you look a little more closely and the history is fascinating.
Unfortunately Mike..... I get lost on my most of my travels and I cant blame the stations :? :? Im what you call a tad *scatty* at times.
xanaisx
