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Booking train, London to York, same day return, Brit Rail vs Virgin East Coast or by ?

Hello, hoping to get your recommendation for this. Three of us are going to York for a day in about 7 weeks. Booking asap. Is there any reason to book with Brit Rail vs other train agencies for reliability or cost or seat assignments etc or is it ok to go with the cheapest? I see some threads in past years have pointed to Virgin East Coast... others to Brit Rail. This site has been invaluable for planning and thank you in advance,
RnR
Sebastopol, CA

Start with www.nationalrail.co.uk and they’ll show you the best ticket prices and lead you directly to the train operator site to buy them. It’s not Virgin East Coast now - I think it’s LNER. But start at National Rail and take it from there.

Look for the Advance tickets (capital A) for best price but they must be used on specified train.

BritRail is an agency that sells to tourists and tends to specialise in passes. It does sell individual tickets but last time I looked it only offered the most expensive ones.

Posted by
32821 posts

are you going early in the morning and returning late at night? Or specifically, what time do you want to leave, and when do you want to return or get back? What day of the week? (the exact date would be better). 3 adults, no seniors, no kids? How flexible can you be? Are you going for business or pleasure?

Is this the only train you will be taking on this trip?

Then I can really help.

Posted by
1326 posts

There is no such thing as Brit Rail. The train companies were denationalised quite a while ago. http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ will show you trains from every train operating company. The company that operates London to York is now called LNER https://www.lner.co.uk/
Book as soon as possible to lock in the lowest fares, they won't be going down as your trip gets closer.

Posted by
85 posts

thanks everyone, I can be more specific. We are looking at Thurs. Sept. 20 leave about 8 a.m. Kings Cross, head back in the evening. somewhat flexible on the time. It's just a fun day trip to York and we're wishing we had more time there but this trip it'll be just a day. Three adults no kids. thanks! R
.

Posted by
85 posts

thanks everyone, I can be more specific. We are looking at Thurs. Sept. 20 leave about 8 a.m. Kings Cross, head back in the evening. somewhat flexible on the time. It's just a fun day trip to York and we're wishing we had more time there but this trip it'll be just a day. Three adults no kids. thanks! R
.