I really need help on understanding how to book train tickets. We will be going from London to Bath for 2 days, and then Bath to Cambridge for 1 night and back to finish up the trip in London. I am really confused as to how to book the train. It seems like there are discounts for youth under 26 on some sites? I have an 18 and 22 year old. Also, which rail site do I book through? I have looked through the forums but am still very unsure what is the cheapest option. We are leaving at the end of May so really need to get on this. Thanks so much for any advice!
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2600 posts
Book through any of the train operating companies. They offer the same tickets at the same prices e.g.
I prefer lner because I like their website – it doesn’t matter. There are reports that GWR sometimes doesn’t like US-based credit cards.
Look for Advance tickets – they are the cheapest and commit you to a specific train. Off-peak and Anytime tickets are the ticket you buy on the day at the station.
You can buy tickets online indicating you have a railcard then buy the railcard at the station before you travel. You’ll have to do your sums to decide if it’s worth buying.
https://www.railcard.co.uk/about-railcards/
https://www.seat61.com/train-travel-in-britain.htm#how-to-buy-tickets
Posted by
Stratford upon Avon
470 posts
What days are you travelling?
I am seeing Advance Single Bath Spa to Cambridge from £25.60 in June midweek
This is via London and includes the Underground between Paddington and Kings Cross
Posted by
Freedonia
16418 posts
I prefer to book with the train operating the service. This way, on most lines, I can get seat assignments and change them if I don't like them.
The different train companies sell tickets for all lines at the same price.
use http://www.nationalrail.co.uk for schedules and fares.
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Thanks so much for the replies. I think I am getting a better handle on all this. I'm a bit blown away by the cost of the portion where we would take a train from Bath to Cambridge. I am thinking that renting a car for the day to get from Bath to Cambridge may be more cost effective. I would then take a train back from Cambridge to London. Does this make sense? Our travel dates are leaving London to Bath May 29 - May 31, Bath to Cambridge May 31-June 1, back to London on June 1 for the duration of our trip.
Posted by
107 posts
I'm a bit blown away by the cost of the portion where we would take a train from Bath to Cambridge.
£25.60 for travelling half of the South of England. Do you think that’s a lot?
Posted by
Stratford upon Avon
470 posts
You can a third off £25.60 - with a Rail Card
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34010 posts
there won't be a discount for the youths. 16 is an adult ticket.
There is a 16-25 Railcard which gets 1/3 off but that costs £30 each so they each have to spend £90 before they start to show a profit.
I don't think that Bath to Cambridge is what I'd want to do for a rookie UK drive.
M4 to the abysmal M25 to the Waltham Abbey tunnels to the awful A1 to the A421, and then where will you park in Cambridge?
The miles of low speed on the A1 are patrolled by speed averaging/instant cameras so if either your average speed exceeds the posted limit or you pass a camera above even if your average is below you will be the proud owner of a photo ticket... And the A1 is is crowded and narrow, and has the Black Cat roundabout to deal with.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34010 posts
you may be successful if you don't find Advance tickets going for a Groupsave-3 if available on your chosen trains.
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Thanks for all the great advice (again!). I decided to forget the car option. The worry of roundabouts and speeding tickets would have stressed me out and this trip is about relaxing as much as I can with my kids. So I ended up booking through LNER for London/Bath return tickets and will figure out London/Cambridge soon. The GWR site wouldn’t take my credit card which is why I ended up booking through LNER. It feels great to have some of the pieces falling into place.