My husband and I will be traveling from London to Liverpool in mid-July and would like to know the easiest and most economical way to get tickets. It looks like advanced purchase is the way to go, however, it's confusing as to which carrier to use, along with the timetables and prices. We would like to travel in the late morning with a 2.5-3 hour trip to Liverpool and back. Any advice is welcome!
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
The train operator is Virgin West Coast. Their site is here: https://www.virgintrains.co.uk/
If you want a timetable listing all the trains it is here: https://www.virgintrains.co.uk/~/media/vt/files/pdf/timetables/dec%2015/virgin%20trains%20timetable%20december%202015%20de.ashx
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17563 posts
I find it easiest to start with the National Rail website:
Then you do not need to know the actual train company, or the correct nMe of the London station---just put in LON for all stations, and Liverpool, and select from the menu of three-letter station codes. Fill in the date and number of passengers, and an approximate departure time. It will show you all the options for several hours after the start time, including different companies if there is more than one. And the lowest fare for each train displayed.
Fares, including the excellent Advance fares, are generally released twelve weeks in advance. However, I found that with Virgin East Coast, which we are taking up to York and back, the best Advance fares are not released right at the 12-week mark, but a bit later. And I found out too late---after I booked our outbound train. So we are paying £96 to get to York, and £26 to return! Both fares were labeled "Advance" but they released lower Advance fares later, after I booked.
Posted by
2599 posts
LOLA > Yes, I am aware that to tell people that they should book 12 weeks ahead can lead to them paying higher fares - that is why I tell them to try for 10 or 11 weeks ahead.
Being as you pre-booked what they call an 'Advance fare', you could claim that you were deceived. I would contact Virgin East Coast & ask for a reduction / or be allowed to make a new booking. If they do not respond favourably, then we have a transport consumer organisation who might be able to help:> http://www.transportfocus.org.uk/help/rail-complaints