Where can I get cheap train tickets?

[Nbg]

Got a friend coming up next Friday from Nottingham but the cheapest train fare she can find is £42.

There must be something cheaper surely!

She said its probably easier to go from Derby. She will be coming to Northallerton.

Any ideas?

leave the chuffing camping threads and help me.
I want my friend here

Could she come by coach?

Possibly but just looked up national express and it will take 5 hours .

Not great as shes most likely coming with her 1 year old dd.

National Rail Enquiries

Still £42.

There has to be something cheaper.

Yes, fare-dodging (unless caught)

How much does it cost to hire a car, if she drives?

The amount of times I've bought a ticket and never had it checked

She doesnt drive sadly.

www.trainline.com

there are some general rules for buying cheap fares, ie. buying 2 weeks in advance reduces the price considerably. The web above shows different prices according to the special you are buying. Unfortunately, most good prices are not available in short notice but at least she could save something in the return trip

right will have a look, thanks.

don't know if it's too late, but for future reference go into your local station - the staff there have access to all the same info as on the internet, but know what to look for if a particular bit is sold out. eg cheapest way to get from coventry to minnfordd (near portmeirion, in case you were wondering) was 3 singles: cov-brum b/ham-minnfordd then minnfordd-coventry. zoe at coventry station saved me a fortune!

also, get a family railcard - you have to buy a ticket for the child (even if they're under 5 and would usually travel free - this is allowed, it says on the leaflet), but children's fares get 60% off and adult fares get 30% off, so it usually works out cheaper with just one adult travelling, but definitely with more than one. and up to 4 adults can travel on one card and they all get the discount! amazing!