Ordering ticket from NationalRail - Just a question

Schizophonic · 19 Jul 2010 at 21:33

Planning to go to London tomorrow via train.

If I order a return ticket with travel card, am I restricted to only catching the trains I choose or can I just get on when I want?

Maccy · 19 Jul 2010 at 22:06

I think unless it says at the time of ordering, then you can catch any train on that day? Although it's cheaper to buy a time-specific ticket rather than on 'open' one.

Gackt · 19 Jul 2010 at 22:30

Just get a travelcard to London, it counts as a return ticket and is pretty much the best way of getting around London and back. You can also get on the highspeed (if you ask/set that option) for only a little bit more.

Schizophonic · 19 Jul 2010 at 22:33

On the day or try to book now for tomorrow (if it makes any difference)

Tikkabhuna · 19 Jul 2010 at 22:40

When my cousin ordered tickets from Bournemouth to Plymouth we had to get on the set trains and had a ticket for each train journey. When I go Bournemouth to Colchester and order it from the station I can choose whenever I want to that day and can return any day I want to within a month as long as it is off-peak.

The travelcard with underground would be your best bet I think.

[TW]Fox · 19 Jul 2010 at 23:51

It absolutely depends on the ticket type not who you buy it from.

[TW]Fox · 20 Jul 2010 at 00:09

Milkybk said:
You might want to look at those tickets that allow you to travel on the underground as well, really useful.

That is exactly what he is talking about - a Travelcard.

Weazle · 20 Jul 2010 at 12:05

Schizophonic said:
Planning to go to London tomorrow via train.

If I order a return ticket with travel card, am I restricted to only catching the trains I choose or can I just get on when I want?

A travelcard allows travel on most public transport systems (eg. bus, tbue, overground, trams, DLR and riverboats) within the zones the travelcard covers. They don't cover special express services such as the Heathrow Express & Gatwick Express.

Pudney · 20 Jul 2010 at 12:20

I always use a travelcard when travelling on the Stansted Express, no one ever seems to mind as long as I get off either at the correct station or before!

Weazle · 20 Jul 2010 at 13:48

Pudney@work said:
I always use a travelcard when travelling on the Stansted Express, no one ever seems to mind as long as I get off either at the correct station or before!

Yeah its weird that TFL has these overlaps in rules .... you're allowed to travel within the zone, just not to Stanstead

chriscpritchard · 20 Jul 2010 at 14:22

Weazle said:
A travelcard allows travel on most public transport systems (eg. bus, tbue, overground, trams, DLR and riverboats) within the zones the travelcard covers. They don't cover special express services such as the Heathrow Express & Gatwick Express.

Don't cover riverboats, do give a discount on some services though