I was trying to book train tickets from Bath to Victoria Station on National Rail Express website. I think the station in Bath called Bath Spa, right? I tried to book tickets from Bath Spa to Victoria Station in London, but there was a statement that I could buy the tickets through any of a whole list of sellers and another statement that I could be charged an extra fee for a third party seller. How do I book the tickets for the lowest cost?
Gayle, you might also consider travel from Bath to Victoria Station by Coach (National Express). The Victoria Coach station is just around the corner from Ebury Street and easy walking distance to Victoria Rail station. If you're looking for tickets at "lowest cost", that would be a good place to look. Cheers!
I cant answer why you are having problems with reservations, however i have done the trip by both Coach and train. It is a very long trip by coach- even on the motorways. Go for the train if you have a choice.
Have you tried booking via http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/ as they are the rail company that run that line? I tried to do a mock booking for October and it works fine. When are you travelling? The companies don't realise tickets until a few months before.
You may be having problems because there are no direct trains to London Victoria from Bath. Trains from Bath arrive in London at Paddington station and you will then need to take the underground or a taxi to Victoria. You will find booking fares easier if you search for tickets from Bath to Paddington, and then get an Oyster card or a single tube fare when you arrive, depending on whether you are staying in London or going somewhere else from Victoria.
As mentioned, National Express trains for Bath depart/arrive at Paddington. When I was there, I simply dropped into Paddington the day before I planned to go( Paddington was only a 5 minute walk from my hotel) and picked up a return ticket...quick and easy. Trains to Bath ( and vice versa) leave every 30-45 minutes so I personally wouldn't be too concerned about booking well in advance.
National Express don't run trains to the West Country. First Great Western run trains there, specifically Bath Spa to London Paddington. Coaches go to Victoria Coach Station, trains go to Paddington. Use either the website of the company as mentioned above - First Great Western - or use the National Rail Enquiries www.nationalrail.co.uk for accurate information. Other rail companies can also sell valid tickets, but there are other "agents" out there which can have your arm off.