| Trains / Commuting! 19:39 - Jun 11 with 1937 views | Chris_ITFC |
I've recently started commuting on trains for the first time, and I find the whole process of buying tickets absolutely perplexing!
I've just about worked out season tickets, split tickets and railcards, but could anyone be kind enough to give some advice on advance tickets and general pricing?
For example, from Stowmarket to London, I was seeing prices in the 30s, but when I come to look now a few weeks later, they're in the 40s!  The ones in August are even higher!!!
When do Advance tickets go on sale? Does it happen daily or in big waves? How do I know when that's happening? And are they the secret to all this?!
Any thoughts from the TWTD Hive Mind welcomed and appreciated!  |  |
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| Trains / Commuting! on 21:29 - Jun 11 with 1747 views | Lord_Lucan |
Trainline, Red Spotted Hanky, Trip.com etc generally all have the same prices these days and the cost for advance tickets generally depends on how busy they expect it to be at the time and what's on at the destination. So for example, I rearranged a Scottish trip last week because Bruce Springsteen and Harry Styles were in town. Hotel prices were through the roof.
They also all tend to automatically work out and issue split tickets etc.
Sometimes moving plus or minus a day or two can make a big difference. I've managed to get a return train ticket for week after next from Ipswich to Edinburgh for same price as a budget flight with luggage, £130. I thought that was reasonable and although it's a long journey I can work on the train and not have to go through all the security sh1t.
Also, if 1st class is way too expensive when you book, you can register on Seatfrog and near to the time you can offer a bid on a 1st class upgrade because the train franchise will release unsold 1st class seats. |  |
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| Trains / Commuting! on 06:53 - Jun 12 with 1544 views | Chris_ITFC |
| Trains / Commuting! on 21:29 - Jun 11 by Lord_Lucan |
Trainline, Red Spotted Hanky, Trip.com etc generally all have the same prices these days and the cost for advance tickets generally depends on how busy they expect it to be at the time and what's on at the destination. So for example, I rearranged a Scottish trip last week because Bruce Springsteen and Harry Styles were in town. Hotel prices were through the roof.
They also all tend to automatically work out and issue split tickets etc.
Sometimes moving plus or minus a day or two can make a big difference. I've managed to get a return train ticket for week after next from Ipswich to Edinburgh for same price as a budget flight with luggage, £130. I thought that was reasonable and although it's a long journey I can work on the train and not have to go through all the security sh1t.
Also, if 1st class is way too expensive when you book, you can register on Seatfrog and near to the time you can offer a bid on a 1st class upgrade because the train franchise will release unsold 1st class seats. |
Thanks m’Lord, that’s really kind! 
You mentioned Advanced tickets… What’s the story with those then? I keep hearing about them, but only seems to be a few available online, and only for the PM return journey! | |
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| Trains / Commuting! on 07:45 - Jun 12 with 1493 views | Steve_M |
| Trains / Commuting! on 06:53 - Jun 12 by Chris_ITFC |
Thanks m’Lord, that’s really kind!
You mentioned Advanced tickets… What’s the story with those then? I keep hearing about them, but only seems to be a few available online, and only for the PM return journey! |
The National Rail website is always a good place to look for information and the best place to check train times across multiple operators.
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/tickets-railcards-and-offers/ticket-types/
In short though, advance tickets are to fill up trains that might otherwise be empty. They aren't likely to exist for the direction of major commutes. Hence they are cheaper from London in the morning (sometimes) and evenings.
They used to be released three months in advance but covid has messed that up somewhat with certain companies - Avanti in particular - not selling them any more which is probably in breach of their franchise.
Also if travelling regularly look at getting a Network Railcard as that might reduce costs on some journeys but - annoyingly - only as far as Manningtree. |  |
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| Trains / Commuting! on 13:17 - Jun 12 with 1200 views | factual_blue |
You want to be on the booking site at midnight exactly twelve weeks before the day you want to travel. |  |
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| Trains / Commuting! on 16:28 - Jun 12 with 1120 views | Chris_ITFC |
| Trains / Commuting! on 07:45 - Jun 12 by Steve_M |
The National Rail website is always a good place to look for information and the best place to check train times across multiple operators.
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/tickets-railcards-and-offers/ticket-types/
In short though, advance tickets are to fill up trains that might otherwise be empty. They aren't likely to exist for the direction of major commutes. Hence they are cheaper from London in the morning (sometimes) and evenings.
They used to be released three months in advance but covid has messed that up somewhat with certain companies - Avanti in particular - not selling them any more which is probably in breach of their franchise.
Also if travelling regularly look at getting a Network Railcard as that might reduce costs on some journeys but - annoyingly - only as far as Manningtree. |
Ah I seeeeee - thanks Steve!
So if it’s to fill up trains, would a 7am Stowmarket to Liverpool Street be likely to be allocated ANY Advance tickets do you imagine?! | |
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| Trains / Commuting! on 16:29 - Jun 12 with 1120 views | Chris_ITFC |
| Trains / Commuting! on 13:17 - Jun 12 by factual_blue |
You want to be on the booking site at midnight exactly twelve weeks before the day you want to travel. |
Thanks FB! Do they really go THAT quickly?  | |
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| Trains / Commuting! on 18:01 - Jun 12 with 976 views | factual_blue |
| Trains / Commuting! on 16:29 - Jun 12 by Chris_ITFC |
Thanks FB! Do they really go THAT quickly? |
It's the best way to guarantee the cheapest price on the train you want. | |
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