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Original poster

Buying a train ticket for DS

19 replies

mckenzie · 28/06/2017 07:25

DS is away at the moment and I want to buy a train ticket for him to get home. When we bought the ticket for him to go away, we bought the tickets on line and then put my credit card in the machine to collect the ticket.
But I'm here with the credit card and he is there so how will that work this time around?
TIA

OP posts:

InMySpareTime · 28/06/2017 07:33

Either you can get the tickets posted to his address, or if he has a printer you can email the ticket pdf for him to print (but make sure the required ID you choose is e.g. His YP railcard and not your credit card in case they ask on the train)

WinifredAtwellsOtherPiano · 28/06/2017 07:33

You can get tickets on your phone nowadays - not done it myself but the Trainline app keeps offering it as an option so there may well be a way to transfer tickets

InMySpareTime · 28/06/2017 07:36

I've done eticketing before, he'd need the requisite app (Virgin Trains or The Trainline) and then he'd get a QR code on his phone. Make sure it's charged when he gets to the station and perhaps get him to screenshot the QR code in case the wifi or data is dodgy at the station.

Heratnumber7 · 28/06/2017 08:09

Put the money in his account for him to buy the ticket himself.

AgentProvocateur · 28/06/2017 08:26

You don't need the card you booked with. You can put any card in, then enter the booking number to get the tickets.

MrsJayy · 28/06/2017 08:31

I thought you needed to put the card in machine that you used handy to know you don't. Last time i ordered i went to the ticket both with the text code and got my tickets put your sons mobile number in and he should get the code if not you go to train ststion get them and post them to him

Paddybare · 28/06/2017 08:32

You don't need the card you booked with. You can put any card in, then enter the booking number to get the tickets.

Yes, this.

Original poster

mckenzie · 28/06/2017 09:15

Thank very much for all the replies.
He's only just turned 16 and doesn't have a card so we can't do that.
I'll try the Trainline app option.
Worse case scenario he'll have to pay cash at the station but it's more expensive that way isn't it?

OP posts:

MrsJayy · 28/06/2017 09:28

Depends when he wants to travel the cost is the cost iyswim

Janek · 28/06/2017 18:06

Yes, that's true - he can book an advance fare in person at the station and get the same deal you would online. Ime for a complicated journey, it can be cheaper for them to work out the cheapest way at the station - the train staff know a few tricks you might not...

Original poster

mckenzie · 28/06/2017 21:46

Thanks for your extra posts.
Getting to the station is expensive as he has no transport and is out in the sticks so I've bitten the bullet and paid to have it posted to him.

It's a one off and it's been a learning curve for us ready for September when he'll be doing the journeys regularly.
We (or rather he) will be much more organised then.

OP posts:

cestlavielife · 28/06/2017 21:47

Get him a bank card.
And a 16 to 25 railcard

cestlavielife · 28/06/2017 21:50

I mean send him to bank to get an account with a card

Original poster

mckenzie · 28/06/2017 21:51

Yes indeed. Trouble is though he's Monday morning travel will be in the rush hour so he won't be able to use the card

OP posts:

Janek · 29/06/2017 07:27

That never used to be the case, but i know it has changed for a family railcard. I would double check as it may just be from the southeast that you can't use a 16-25 card in the mornings (can't remember if you said where you are...).

Original poster

mckenzie · 29/06/2017 19:27

Thanks Janek.
I shall definitely check it out. He'll be travelling rush hour on Monday but not rush hour on Friday so we'll get the rail card anyway I guess.
Be good to get the discount on both journeys though.

I might start booking tickets now ready for September, if they get more expensive the closer to the travel date you leave it.

OP posts:

kath6144 · 29/06/2017 19:54

Why has a 16yo not got a bank card? Apologies if there is a good reason that your DS cant manage an account/card, but if there isn't then surely teenagers should be paying for things from their own accounts by 16? Even if the money gets paid into the account by their parents.

My DD is due to go on a Guide camp abroad this summer, we have been told the preferred payment at camp for any extras is via cards. I am a bit shocked about this, not least because most accounts will charge currency fees, but at least she has her own card if it is confirmed that cash wont be accepted.

SomeOtherFuckers · 29/06/2017 20:09

You can used 16-25 at rush hour . Get him an annual passc

Original poster

mckenzie · 29/06/2017 22:04

He has got one Kath but didn't think to take it with him. The train travel was a real last minute decision (we'd planned on dropping him off and collecting him because of the amount of stuff he needed to take with him) sogetting his outward ticket was a rush job, let alone anything else.
It's been a good learning curve though.

Thanks SOF for that information - that's got to know.

OP posts:

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