Train Tickets Question

TheMagicPirate · 7 Jun 2008 at 00:38

I'm trying to book 4 train tickets from Newcastle to Glasgow and back on the 19th Aug and 3rd Sep respectively.

Booking as a return ticket, it comes to about £220 for the 4, but a single ticket there is only £46 for the 4 tickets. No problem, I'll book the singles.

However, getting the tickets for the return journey seems a little harder, they are £218 for the 4?!

I've noticed that the further away the date from today the fewer 'Standard Single Tickets' there are.

Is there a limit on how far in advance you can book these tickets? Is it worth booking the outward tickets now and the return ones later on?

Thanks for any help

Kyle009 · 7 Jun 2008 at 00:39

Think with train ticket singles I was told you can only book 3 months in advance...might just be the site I use though www.thetrainline.com

TheMagicPirate · 7 Jun 2008 at 00:40

Yeah thats what I was told, my return ticket is less than 3 months away.

I'm using TheTrainLine too

DB_SamX · 7 Jun 2008 at 00:42

Have you thought about using a Young Person's Railcard? £20 but will give you a third off. It ought to give you a return straightaway.

jhmaeng · 7 Jun 2008 at 00:43

I don't think the September cheap tickets have been loaded yet, given by the fact that none of the cheap tickets are available for travel after 29th August at this time. You should be absolutely fine to book them, say, this time next week, or at the very latest then in 2 weeks' time.

TheMagicPirate · 7 Jun 2008 at 00:44

jhmaeng said:
I don't think the September cheap tickets have been loaded yet, given by the fact that none of the cheap tickets are available for travel after 29th August at this time. You should be absolutely fine to book them, say, this time next week, or at the very latest then in 2 weeks' time.

Cracking, just what I was hoping to hear. Thanks!

uvarvu · 7 Jun 2008 at 06:39

I looked on some cheap flights websites and found a deal for £154 for the four of you with BA.

Glaucus · 7 Jun 2008 at 10:56

3 Months in advanced, there's only a set number of cheap tickets so the further you book ahead the cheaper you will get it. But rail is stupidly expensive. Coach it or drive.

jhmaeng · 7 Jun 2008 at 22:16

AcidHell2 said:
3 Months in advanced, there's only a set number of cheap tickets so the further you book ahead the cheaper you will get it. But rail is stupidly expensive. Coach it or drive.

When it costs £10 per person one-way on the train, driving or going on coach is just silly... The East Coast Main Line is one of the best run lines in the country, and when there's no delays etc, train is infinitely comfortable and pleasant than either coach or driving.

Glaucus · 7 Jun 2008 at 22:24

jhmaeng said:
When it costs £10 per person one-way on the train, driving or going on coach is just silly... The East Coast Main Line is one of the best run lines in the country, and when there's no delays etc, train is infinitely comfortable and pleasant than either coach or driving.

yes however he said it was £220 for 4 people. Which certainly isn't worth it.

jhmaeng · 7 Jun 2008 at 23:16

Yes, but it was only £220 because the cheap fares hadn't been loaded yet. When he looks again in a week or two's time, it will probably be £10 per person. Which is definitely worth it.