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Original poster

Why is it so expensive to go by train to London?

61 replies

Hulababy · 23/01/2004 17:29

DH, myself and 21mo DD are planning on going to stay with friends at the beginning of March. They live right near the centre so we don't want to have to take the car with us. But it is so expensive to go by train. I have been on thetrainline.com and had a look and the cheapest return ticket I can get is £98 each so far - I can't really justify paying out nearly £200 for train travel!

Is there any cheaper way of getting return train tickets to London? We are going for Friday 5th to Sunday 7th March, but are happy to travel on Thursday night (after 5pm) if necessary.

Can anyone help?

OP posts:
nutcracker · 23/01/2004 17:30

Could you go cheaper by coach ???

spacemonkey · 23/01/2004 17:31

where are you travelling from hulababy?

Original poster
Hulababy · 23/01/2004 17:34

Don't want to go buy coach really as I get quite travel sick on them. Besides I don't think it'd be great for DD as she can't walk and stretch her legs. Also, don't have car seat suitable for a coach. I know I don't have one for a train either but seems safer somehow.

Sorry, I am travelling from Sheffield.

OP posts:
sb34 · 23/01/2004 17:43

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Hulababy · 23/01/2004 17:44

Not sure where to park though. Have quite expensive car and it would need to be secure to be able to do that.

OP posts:
spacemonkey · 23/01/2004 17:44

wow, the prices are unbelievable aren't they?! sb's idea sounds good

spacemonkey · 23/01/2004 17:46

would it be feasible to park it in a station car park or similar? Even with the parking charges it would be cheaper than the train fares, and car park security should mean your car would be safe?

spacemonkey · 23/01/2004 17:47

try looking here

dinosaur · 23/01/2004 17:47

That can't be right!

We have a family railcard and the four of us have return tickets for half term for £60 (returns to Doncaster).

Original poster
Hulababy · 23/01/2004 17:49

I really would want VERY secure parking though. Car is a convertable and still reasonable new - so over protective of leaving for any length to be honest. I will try and ask our friends if they know of anywhere really secure roundabout though. Dh would rather not drive into centre at all if possible.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hulababy · 23/01/2004 17:50

Maybe it is cheaper from Doncaster then. Might have a look at that. Our family are in Doncaster so could leave car at their house and get lifts to station. Thanks for that idea!

OP posts:
sb34 · 23/01/2004 17:50

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Hulababy · 23/01/2004 17:51

Thanks for the link spacemonkey. I will get Dh to have a look this weekend.

Disappointed at moment as quite fancied a trip on the train. DD would love it.

OP posts:
spacemonkey · 23/01/2004 17:52

the family railcard only costs £20 for a year, and it claims to save you 1/3 on most railfares

website here

Original poster
Hulababy · 23/01/2004 17:53

LOL sb!

OP posts:
Original poster
Hulababy · 23/01/2004 17:54

Cheapest Doncaster-London train on thetrainline.com is now over £100 each!!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Hulababy · 23/01/2004 17:58

Don't have a child aged 5-15years so can't get a family railcard.

OP posts:
spacemonkey · 23/01/2004 17:59

i just had a look on virgintrains.co.uk and the cheapest return fare for those dates is £58 for an Apex Return ... didn't read the fine print, but worth a look?

spacemonkey · 23/01/2004 18:01

actually i think that might be each way sorry!

Original poster
Hulababy · 23/01/2004 18:03

spacemonkey - I have to go from Doncatser than I think. Trainline has an Apex for £58 Sheffield-London but it isn't available. Think I will have to go into station tomorrow and ask there instead.

OP posts:
lilibet · 23/01/2004 19:08

Put an appeal out for a mumsntter at whose house you can leave your car?

sammac · 23/01/2004 19:13

Can't you buy a railcard and a seat for a child who can't come with you at the last minute! I can get from Glasgow with dh, dd and ds for about £60 (or I did last year) You can borrow my rail card cos I won't be using it. Plus you can upgrade to first class for about £15 each way. You get supplied with food- which was fine- and more importantly- drink!!

twiglett · 23/01/2004 19:21

message withdrawn

JanH · 23/01/2004 19:44

HB, my dds got the train from Leeds to London on an APEX and it was much cheaper than that and the East Coast line is much quicker and more reliable than the west coast line where we are.

Have a look at this link if it works. Seems to be £38 return upwards.

JanH · 23/01/2004 19:46

It's a Standard Off-Peak 1 Return - book 7 days in advance, no railcard discount (not surpirsed!)

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