We are traveling in July and looking at purchasing our tickets in advance.
Seems there are huge variations in price of tickets. Is it better to wait until
the time you are traveling to get the best deal?
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4140 posts
Absolutely not , the best deals on rail tickets are essentially - " The early bird , catches the worm " True , throughout Europe .
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23290 posts
Since England probably has the most expensive rail system in Europe, it is to your advantage to buy as early as possible to take advantage of any discounts that might be available. I would not wait.
Posted by
California USA
3958 posts
What Steven says, buy when they are offered for the best deal. When you say we are there 2 of you traveling together or do you have more family members in your group? Are you doing other long journeys by train? There can be further savings which we could tell you about if it applies to your situation. This would need to be done prior to buying your tickets.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
There are two of us. We will be in London for 5 nights and York 2 nights
Posted by
Eagle, CO
288 posts
The best prices are usually about 3 months out. Here is a good primer on buying tickets http://seat61.com/UK-train-travel.htm
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16333 posts
When in July? Tickets are available up to April 18 now. Advance fares for July 17 are as low as £16---a great price.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2026 posts
You might check into the Two Together rail card as well. It may be advantageous depending on your travels. In our case, advanced purchase and this card offer a considerable savings.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Lola....We will be departing London to York July 3 ... returning July 5
Posted by
Lubbock, TX
403 posts
You should buy your York tickets now. The cheapest tickets will sell out quickly. There are currently only a few tickets left at the lowest possible price on July 5 (leaving at 10:27, 14:06, 17:02, 19:11). The cheapest tickets you're going to find are GBP 12.80 each way. They won't last long.
Posted by
California USA
3958 posts
Go for it, buy your tickets.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16333 posts
If a York trip is their only rail trip I doubt that a Two Together Railcards will be worth the £30 investment, especially if they get good Advance prices.
I hope they jumped on this and we're able to get the low Advance fares . . . . They sell out fast!
When I booked our last year's Yorkmtripm( we were there exactly a year ago today) I missed out on the absolute lowest price for the northbound trip, but scored it on the return. Pretty sweet.