Planning a trip to London in September. Both of us over 60. Want a side trip to spend a couple of days in York, on to Edinburgh, and return to London to catch a 4pm flight home. The web site is really helpful. Would like confirmation that I (finally) understand rail tickets.
National Rail for two "off peak" Two Together is 127.80BP for KGX->YRK, 114.80BP for YRK->EDB, and 408BP for EDB->KGX. A total of 650.60BP, or approximately $1,137.50USD. Wow! "Off Peak" means we can board any train after 9:30am, but if we want a confirmed seat, we need to make a reservation.
BritRail Point to Point tickets are $190USD for KGX->EDB and return. For two people, that is $760. We can get off in York on one day, and get back on at York a few days later. They are good any day, any train. If we change plans, they are refundable.
A BritRail senior pass for 3 days travel in 2 months is $295. Which brings the total down to $590. Any train, any time (except for that "reservation" thing).
National Rail offers "Advance" tickets, which have limited availability, no refunds, and are good for only the specific train booked. That option comes to 156.60BP + 30BP for the Two Together Card, or approximately $324USD.
It seems to me that the 3 trip BritRail pass makes the most sense. It offers flexibility on when to travel plus can be refunded. The $200 savings from purchasing Advance tickets is much like the savings from buying non-refundable airline tickets.
Am I even close to understanding this?
Thanks