I am traveling with my 13 year old and am wondering if the Britrail pass would be better for us as he will travel free rather than try to time a low fare advanced purchase. I have not been overseas in 20 years and am getting stressed about navigating the technology aspect. We are traveling in June. Thanks
Posted by
Lake District, England
8136 posts
It is hard to give an accurate answer without knowing if you have any other train travel planned.
But based on the facts given the answer is no.
There is a lot of focus on this forum about saving every possible dime on transit fares, and all these gee whiz apps,
However it is not always realised that some operators, like LNER (the main, but not only operator) on this route do last minute advance fares. On some companies that is up to 15 minutes up to departure.
On LNER it is up to 2 hours.
These can be purchased at stations, quaint as that seems.
The risk, of course, is of getting a busy day due to some big event, but it's a risk you take.
I am writing this at 0630.
For you and your son fares today are-
£149.55 immediately, £98.95 to travel in an hour's time (advance fare), tapering down to as low as £58.50 in 4 hours time.
These are all fares with a £30 Family and Friends Railcard. That can be bought on the spot and used immediately.
Without the railcard the above fares are-£264, £174.75 and £103.35.
So the railcard pays for itself on this journey, but at the same time you can still get an affordable fare doing it "old school".
The £58.50 is on Lumo, the other company who operate the route. LNER at that time are a bit higher at £67.10.
Posted by
2599 posts
Just go to https://www.nationalrail.co.uk and put in for KGX > EDB.
I just did it for Wed May 10th & got a mid morning departure for £43.60 per adult (that’s without any Railcard discount).
Railcards cost £30 and give a third off:> https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/National-Railcards.aspx
You can play around with other dates and see how the prices vary. When you have found the service you want - just select it and you will be sent through to the train operator - either LNER or LUMO.
Note that York is on the same route so you might wish to have an overnight in that city going one way or the other? LUMO do not stop at York.https://www.visityork.org
Obviously, if stopping at York, you would have to book KGX > YRK and YRK > EDB or vice versa.
So, does Britrail work out cheaper? Britrail Pass does not tie you to a particular train(s). Downside = no reserved seat(s).
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you for the info!