Cheapest train tickets online??

[blueskydrinking]

I'm hoping to book train tickets for a day trip to London next week (midland mainline to St Pancras) but the fares are ridiculous on the trainline . com.

Does anybody know a way to get hold of bargain tickets?! I guess the times I'm looking to travel at are going to have to be peak, which doesn't help.

[hocuspontas]

Have you tried Megabus?

[blueskydrinking]

Thanks, hocuspontas .

Prices are MUCH better but no good for a day trip - earliest we could get there would be midday.

I'll keep that site in mind in the future, though.

[mummytime]

You could try again in a few days. I bought tickets to Birmingham (from London area) the other week, on Monday it would have cost £45 for 2 of us, on Wednesday some cheaper tickets were released making it £17. Alternatively could you stay over at a travel lodge or YHS hostel, it might be cheaper than peak travel.

[blueskydrinking]

Ooh I'll do that then - thanks.

It might be easier just to drive down to Cockfosters and tube in from there... but I want to take DS on a train...

:)

PS a stupid question - is there a concessional price for 2 year olds or do they pay the same as an adult? On megabus it said that concessions are only available in Scotland. It's a long time since I've been on a train in the UK!

[ASuitableGirl]

2 year olds are free.....but it can be cheaper to get a friends and family railcard and then pay for the 2 year old as it can end up cheaper that way as you will save on your ticket and pay not much for his. Railcard costs £24 for a year.

The trainline also charges a fee which other websites like redspottedhanky and eastcoast don't.

[mummymeister]

ASG is right my friends and family railcard is fantastic. just go onto the trainline site and type in that you have a card and check out the difference in prices. once you have one you will get lots of use out of it i guarantee you.

[blueskydrinking]

Thanks for the replies. I looked at the website but the F&F card is for children 5-15 as far as I can see? Why it doesn't include younger children I'm not sure so maybe I read it incorrectly...

[ASuitableGirl]

You are allowed to have one if your child is under 5, you just need to buy them a ticket (which you wouldn't normally do if they are under 5) but it means your ticket will also be much cheaper than it otherwise would. I think it does mention it somewhere, but it definitely can be done.

[ASuitableGirl]

Here's what is says on their website

"All kids under five travel free - and each adult may take up to two 'under fives' with them. However, if the only child in the group is under five, you'll need to purchase a discounted child ticket to qualify for the adult Railcard discount. All child fares are subject to a £1 minimum fare"

[Ponders]

try the Virgin site too - prices should be the same, they don't charge any fees & it doesn't have to be one of their routes

it'll be too late for next week but you can buy \link{http://www.tesco.com/clubcard/deals/product.aspx?R=2022&bci=4294967191|Travel4294966445|Trains%20%26%20Buses\railcards with clubcard vouchers} (half price)

& you can use them for \link{http://www.tesco.com/clubcard/deals/product.aspx?R=1916&bci=4294967191|Travel4294966445|Trains%20%26%20Buses\redspottedhanky} at 3 for 1

& also \link{http://www.tesco.com/clubcard/deals/product.aspx?R=1327&bci=4294967191|Travel*4294966445|Trains%20%26%20Buses\megabus} at 2 for 1