After our RS tour in late May we plan to take the train back to St Andrews for a few days of golf. Then on to London by train for 5 days. Hope to take a train to Kew Garden with a return to London by river cruise. Finally the train to Heathrow for our fight home. So that would be 4 UK train reservations for 2 seniors. I have been looking at advance ticketing and enrolled in price alerts. I did search the forum and lots of great info here but now dizzy with either or and this and that. The senior pass cost is £30 ea and I need to check every conceivable train schedule to figure the saving so my question Is it worth it?
Posted by
United Kingdom
119 posts
A Two Together Railcard will 1x £30. less pricey than 2x£30 Senior Railcards.
The two together Railcard can't be used until after 09:30hours, mon-fri.
The journeys to Kew and Heathrow from central london are tiny commuter distances, you don't book or reserve these, they can be done by the inexpensive underground, you cannot use the Two Together Railcard for journeys on the underground.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
1) Advance discounts are the biggest discounts, if you're ready to book ahead, especially for that one longer train ride from Scotland to London.
2) Two-Together discount cards are cheaper for pairs than if each senior buys a separate £30 Senior discount card (it's not a pass). £30 total is not a big price for the pair to pay, so why not go ahead and plan to buy one upon arrival, if you're interested. This can give you discounts on both advance bookings and tickets bought at shorter notice (but not during the morning weekday rush hour). It looks like it will pay for itself even on just that one long ride, even when combined with an Advance rate.
See links at https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/britain-rail-passes#ticket-tips
Posted by
OP
67 posts
Thanks for the clarification on the Two Together discount. That makes better sense for this senior couple. As I was looking at fares I did see using the discount toward the London to Kew and Heathrow Express so , hum maybe I’m confused yet again. I do understand the discount would not apply to London Underground. I did find re this forum several good website to research.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13934 posts
I have a suggestion regarding taking the boat back to London from Kew. After you buy your ticket and go thru the main Kew gates, go over to the building on the right (gift shop and cafe) to the Visitor Information desk and ask if they have a boat schedule for that day and have them mark on your Kew map what exit to use and the route. I'd looked at the boat website and even emailed them and the times they gave me via email were not the same as the actual times for that day. Give yourselves about 30 minutes from leaving the gate to walking along the river path to the boat dock. It won't take that long but it will give you some cushion in case you think you're in the wrong spot. The ticket booth is pretty unassuming.
Posted by
OP
67 posts
Wow Pam! Thank you ever so much for this priceless tip. You and the folks here have made travel so enjoyable. Last year we were in Italy and could not have managed without all the direction I got here pre travel. I will make a note to do just as you directed when we visit Kew. Wow you are The Best!