Dumb Question - Train Tickets in England

Posted by howard.annie on 04/08/22 04:18 PM

I realize this is a really dumb question, but which website do I buy train tickets in England on?? There are like 5 options. Here in the US it's just the trainline like Amtrack. I didn't know if some of these websites were like expedia (third party) or if it would be better to buy from one or the other.

Also, is the train from London to Oxenholme a ticket I need to pre-buy+ pre-book? I'm hearing stories of packed trains, etc so wasn't sure how busy that train would be. I would either be taking a Sunday afternoon/evening train or Monday morning train.

Thank you!

Posted by Badger

Uppsala, Sweden

04/08/22 04:20 PM

7055 posts

There are a number of train companies in the UK but for most routes you have one choice. A good start is www.nationalrail.co.uk

Posted by ramblin' on

Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus

04/08/22 04:55 PM

2600 posts

Buy tickets from any one of the train operating companies. The link provided by Badger will direct you to the company operating the London to Oxenholme route.

You don't have to pre-book tickets, but if you don't you'll get a shock at walk-up ticket prices. Search for inflexible Advance tickets for the best fares. Usually on sale about 12 weeks before your travel date.

Trains can be busy on Sundays so bear that in mind if you have a choice of travel dates.

Posted by ianandjulie

Yorkshire

04/08/22 05:06 PM

1344 posts

Definitely book ‘Advance’ tickets ahead of time. You’ll save a ton of money, although you’ll be tied to the specific train you have booked. Also reserve seats when booking - you’re right, the trains get extremely full!

Posted by richard

Yorkshire

04/08/22 05:10 PM

1359 posts

Just had a look for random date of Sun 22 April from London and £71-81 turns up.
I often run fares on the NationalRail site through a split ticking app to see if anything comes up

Posted by rogerbrown

Stratford upon Avon

04/08/22 05:45 PM

470 posts

Seeing Advance Single on a Monday at £48.00
I would try to avoid Sunday as services can be disrupted by engineering works

Posted by Nigel

Northamptonshire, England

04/08/22 06:47 PM

34010 posts

The train from London will be from London Euston. It will be operated by Avanti West Coast and the final destination will likely be either Glasgow Central or Edinburgh Waverley.

Sunday afternoon will be busy most likely, Monday morning northbound much less so.

The best trains take around 2:40. If you avoid the 8:43 which goes via the West Midlands and takes an additional hour, you can settle right in because the first stop isn't for an hour and three quarters when the train reaches the Northwest.

Yes, get a reservation for a seat and Advance ticket. National Rail will pass you through to Avanti West Coast as they are the train operator. I don't know which Monday you are speaking about but the 8:30 on the 9th of May has tickets (non-changeable non refundable Advance) for around £43.

Posted by Southam

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

04/10/22 11:41 PM

4088 posts

Any train issues in the UK, and lots of other places, should automatically draw this response: check the info at www.seat61.com

And if you don't already know, public transit in the London region can be researched and planned at tfl.gov.uk