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England Train Questions, 2for1 Deals

Happy New Year!
I have a question about train transport to/from Stansted Airport.

Upon using the National Rail website, I found that the best way for us would likely be the Stansted Express Train to/from Liverpool Street Station.

We are planning to get the Two Together Railcard, and it seems like that would work with the Stansted Express? I 'did the math' and it seems like we'd break even on the cost of the Railcard with the trips from Moreton in Marsh and Windsor (return) that we're already planning. If we could also use it on the Stansted Express, that would be even better!

My questions are as follows:
Do Stansted Express tickets need to be purchased far in advance (are they a set rate, or will the price increase for same day)? It's my understanding that you can book Off Peak or Anytime, and these tickets can be used anytime that day-true? When I link from the National Rail Website, it takes me to Greater Anglia Train, and it lets me add my Rail Price to a purchase. But when I looked at the Stansted Express Website, it tells me that purchases using Railcards must be made in person. So is it OK to book ahead with Greater Anglia online (and getting the Railcard discount) rather than doing it in person at the train station that day? The Stansted Express website offers a Duo ticket for two, but it is much more expensive than using the Two Together railcard.

I am also aware of the Days Out 2for1 deals for some attractions. Is this in any way tied to the Two Together Railcard, or am I just conflating the two in my mind? I do see that train tickets are needed to get the discounts, and I'm assuming that the train from Stansted would suffice?

Thanks in advance!

Posted by
11003 posts

Stansted Express tickets are pretty much a fixed rate, depending on time of day, and railcards are valid. Anytime valid anytime, Off Peak after 0930 Monday to Friday, anytime weekend.

I think it is getting too penny pinching, but you can reduce the fare by split ticketing (see the scotrail website)- splitting tickets across Stansted Mountfitchet or Bishop's Stortford depending on the stopping pattern of the train.

Duo Tickets work for the occasional user, they also allegedly have Advance Fares but those seem to be as rare as hen's teeth. If you actually find an Advance Ticket they are flexible for any train that day (like on Heathrow Express) but don't get a further railcard discount.
To Windsor railcard is cheaper than using Contactless.

The days out is a separate scheme which you get, with or without a railcard. Yes any train ticket to London qualifies- technically you need an 'in' and an 'out' ticket- so your 'in' ticket is the one from Stansted and your 'out' ticket the one to Windsor or Moreton in Marsh.

Posted by
401 posts

Thanks isn31c, that helps a lot.

It seems like it doesn't really matter whether we buy the Stansted Exp tickets ahead of time or that day at the station-that's good to know!
I also appreciate the clarification on the 2for1 Days Out offers, that helps:)

Posted by
36163 posts

The Two Together (requires photos of both, and both must stay together on covered trips) is not valid on weekdays before 9:30