Getting the Right Ticket

Getting the right train ticket can be something like negotiating a minefield. Go the ticket office and ask for a return to London and you will be met with a myriad of options. There’s off peak advance, peak advance, one day return, after 09.30 return, weekend specials, seniors, kids, families, 1st class, 2nd class, 1st class weekend specials and so the list goes on. And then there’s the standard return but no on would ever choose that option if given this other set of alternatives.

The price range is equally wide spread. The cheapest ticket is always going to be the one booked way ahead of the date of travel, and this can be the best bargain around. There’s anything up to a 75% discount on the standard price so it’s well worth having a plan and a definite idea of the date of travel. If you plan on leaving in the midday period, that will help as you are not interfering with the high volume commuting traffic. This is especially true of trips to London and other major cities – but London particularly. Going mid week is another way of reducing the price, but there are also those special deals for weekends such as upgrading to 1st Class for an extra £4. That’s a good way to travel, and not to be ignored.

Start Your Ticket Search Online

Going online is a smart way to see the options, but even then there will be the odd train ticket which has eluded the system. In addition you have to go to the station beforehand to collect the ticket, so you may as well buy it there and then.

There’s some pleasure in going to the local railway station and telling the ticket service clerk that you want to travel in 2 months time and you want an off peak, advance purchase ticket, mid-week, 11am out of Derby, return. They’ll be impressed.