Gatwick Express

I certainly could be wrong, but from my reading of the offer on the GEX site, so long as you book your tickets online, you could do so virtually at the last minute and still get the discount. I found no mention of a three-months-in-advance deadline.

Southern Railways also has trains from Gatwick to Victoria and they have what they call GroupSave tickets (up to four for the price of two). No advance purchase necessary. And since their fares are lower across the board, tickets from them will always cost less, whether you buy one ticket or several tickets.

Tim, this was in the email that I received from Gatwick Express......

3 for 2 and 4 for 2 offers terms and conditions......

1.The offer applies to Gatwick Express journeys made after 13 January 2010.
2.The offers apply to a group of three or four passengers travelling together and only paying for two adult single or return journeys.
3.There must be at least two paying adults if children (5-15 years) are included in this offer.
4.The offers apply to customers travelling together at all times; they cannot split from the group to travel separately. Any attempt to use this offer for individual journeys could result in a penalty fare.
5.Discounts apply to listed ticket types only and cannot be secured in conjunction with any other offers, discounts and promotions.
6.These offers cannot be used with Railcards and any other train company special offers.
7.These offers are not available on board the trains and must be purchased from the ticket office or online before travelling.
8.All travel is subject to availability.
9.These offers are not exchangeable for any other offer. Cash or credit alternatives will not be offered.
10.Submissions must not be made by agents or third parties.
11.Tickets can be purchased up to three months in advance.

Robin,

I see now that I misread your original post. You clearly said that tickets can be purchased three months in advance, not that they have to be. All of which makes perfect sense, of course. Sorry!

Groupsave is available throughout the UK, but not for very short journeys. They are turn up and go, but not available on trains unless there is no booking office or it is closed.

We did buy 3 for the price of 2 last year in Victoria station. We just asked the person in back of us in line if he wanted to get a ticket with us and he did and paid us the "reduced" price.