I am trying to purchase train tickets off the First Great Western Site. I get as far as purchasing my ticket and a note pops up error during payment validation. It is not my bank that is holding the process. Any idea what I can do other than call England? You have to "register" to use the site. You need to use the name that is on the statement for the "mailing address". Thanks.
Posted by
Middletown, Maryland, USA
1 posts
I am having the same problem. My credit card company says that the charge went through and that I may be billed for it even though I didn't get any tickets. My billing address is the same as on my credit card so that shouldn't be the problem. Do you know why this is happening? I've sent them an email about the problem...before I try to call England.
Posted by
OP
525 posts
Karen, I can't get to the point of purchasing a ticket. I get to the log on and putting in my address but I can't get past it. I click on United States with my zip code but it does not recognize it.
Did you receive a "code" number so you can pick up the tickets at a train station.
Norm said there is a link to click on enter international address but I can't get past the first screen. I need more help to get my tickets purchased.
Posted by
OP
525 posts
First Great Western reply to using USA addresses for purchasing tickets. You can't.
I can confirm the Advance Purchase tickets are available until 1800 hours a day before travel. Since our Address Search database on the website does not recognise postcodes outside UK we are unable to offer this ticket for our overseas customers. I am sorry for the inconvenience caused in this regard.
I can confirm walk-on tickets like SaverSingle, Standard Open Single,First Open Single and return tickets like Saver Return,Standard Open Return and First Open Return tickets are available at the train station on the day of travel.You can also purchase a Standard Open Single ticket on board.
At present, there is no website that accepts Non-UK address. I suggest you buy your tickets on the day from travel from the station. However, you can purchase Advance Purchase tickets once you arrive in UK. On arrival in UK,if you wish to make any bookings, you can call our Telesales department on 08457 000 125 (Monday-Sunday 0800-2000) and our advisor will be happy to make any booking
Posted by
Park Hills, KY, USA
1 posts
I am having this exact same problem. I see this was posted almost a year ago, was wondering if the issue was resolved and howso?
Posted by
London, UK
356 posts
Can you not use www.thetrainline.com? I use the FGW line all the time and always use trainline.
Posted by
London, UK
356 posts
P.S. I have just looked at the trainline help section and it says international customers can buy tickets.
BTW, if you are wanting a return make sure you check the price for two singles as that is often cheaper (it does actually prompt you to check this).
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
It's nationalexpresseastcoast.com that has a spot to click on for international address entries....I registered just fine for it, and for FGW, altho I haven't purchased any tickets from them in a year and a bit now. All the sites will generate the same fare and schedules, so opt for whichever one suits you.....britrail or the trainline included.
Posted by
Ypsilanti, MI, USA
233 posts
Last time I purchased tickets on-line from First Great Western was 2006. I had to have them set up an account for me (I didn't call; I just e-mailed/contacted them through their website) because my US address didn't fit in their system. Once they did that, I had no problems. I paid for the tickets on-line and picked them up from the machine at Gatwick Airport. I did the same with another train company and picked up my tickets in Edinburgh's train station. It was easy, and I was able to get cheap advance ticket prices.