Dear Sir:
Next spring we will be visiting London and we are reading Rick's guidebook on Great Britain.
We will be traveling from London to York by train. Is it advisable to buy the train tickets before the travel day? Or
can we feel safe that we can purchase the tickets on the day that we would like to travel?
Please write soon.
Thank you.
A. Kuhn
Tickets will not be sold out on your day of travel, but they will be expensive, maybe equal to about $110 US for off-peak travel times. Booking earlier for a particular train departure gives you access to significant advance-purchase discounts (with limited seats sold at variable price levels). See also https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/britain-rail-passes#ticket-tips or pages 1053-7 of RS Great Britain, 22nd Ed.
If you are travelling on a Friday or Sunday night, train seats can be sold out, so buy in advance. Prices are generally cheaper 11 weeks out.
Check prices on www.nationalrail.co.uk (Compare today/tomorrow with around 11 weeks ahead). Pre-book specific train(s) for cheapest tickets but note that you can pre-book too far ahead before the cheapest fares get loaded - usually around 11 weeks ahead).
One caveat - it is best not to buy Advance (the very cheap but highly restricted and non refundable and difficult to change) tickets for travel straight after landing. If your plane is delayed you may miss the train and wind up paying for a full-fare walk-up ticket in addition to the one you bought ahead. If your plane is early you will have to wait around until departure time.
However, if you have at least one night in London before the trip to York, Advance (with the capital A, a type of ticket as well as when you have to buy it) tickets 11 weeks out will be the best buy. Just be sure you understand and are happy with the restrictions.
