A vague question about North Wales

[JamesM]

Guys,

I am trying to work out the cheapest way for friends to come and visit me in Ruabon, North Wales from London. I'm quoting return fares, in advance cases assuming they get really lucky and get two of the cheapest possible singles.

I am willing to drive, say 45 mins max to go and pick them up, if it means they save a few quid on the train ticket.

I am trying to work out the cheapest ways for them to do it, **IF** Virgin / W&SR advances aren't available. Obviously Virgin up to Chester and back to Ruabon is a winner at £7 single, ditto W&SR advances.

So my question is two fold, and feel free to berate me for such an open ended question:

1. What other advance ways could this be done cheaply
2. What other OFF PEAK "walk on - on a whim" ways could be done cheaply, even maybe splitting?

With the end station anywhere within, say 45 mins drive of Ruabon?

Probably a nightmare query - but any thoughts/ideas appreciated.
Thanks!

++++++

What I've worked out so far - remembering the fares quoted are for returns

London - Shrewsbury. LM Advance @ £16+, or walk on £40
London - Ruabon W&SR Advance @£20+ or walk on £52
London - Ruabon Virgin Advance @£14+ or walk on £65
London - Crewe LM Advance @£16+ or walk on £32 (quite a long drive)

Any other thoughts?

++++++

 

[Mojo]

You can get London to Crewe Super Off-peak Return (walk up) fares for £22 valid London Midland only, so I wouldn't recommend going down the AP route. Crewe to Ruabon SVR is £12.50 also so they could get there all the way for under £35 on walk up tickets.

 

[JamesM]

That's a great point. Thanks.

I should also point out I don't really want them to have to change more than once. Max twice at a push! So i suspect that method is a three changer!

 

[Mojo]

In that case, you may want to look at a London to Birmingham Super Off-peak Return (LM Only) at £17 and 2xCDS Birmingham to Ruabon @ £12.70 each. Change at Birmingham New Street onto Arriva who run direct trains from Birmingham to Ruabon.

 

[John @ home]

you may want to look at a London to Birmingham Super Off-peak Return (LM Only) at £17 and 2xCDS Birmingham to Ruabon @ £12.70 each.

London to Wolverhampton Super Off-peak Return (LM Only) at £17 and Off-peak Return Wolverhampton to Ruabon @ £12.70 requires two changes but gives you flexible returns for less than £30 each.

 

[JamesM]

Now we're talking. Thanks guys, this is why I love this forum! Please do keep the suggestions coming!

 

[Mojo]

London to Wolverhampton Super Off-peak Return (LM Only) at £17 and Off-peak Return Wolverhampton to Ruabon @ £12.70 requires two changes but gives you flexible returns for less than £30 each.

I was going to suggest splitting at Wolverhampton, but as you have said LM don't run direct trains from London to Wolverhampton so wold require 2 changes.

I cannot however see an Off-peak Return at that price, the Off-peak Return in NFM06 is £19.50.

 

[JamesM]

I'm trying to find it as well, haven't managed - I should also stress, that generally there will be an overnight stay, so one day Rail rangers etc, won't really work for me.

 

[Mojo]

I'm trying to find it as well, haven't managed - I should also stress, that generally there will be an overnight stay, so one day Rail rangers etc, won't really work for me.

This shouldn't be a problem, all tickets quoted so far are 2 singles or valid out one day and back within a month.

 

[yorkie]

The Wolverhampton - Ruabon ticket is £19.50, according to NFM06. (With a railcard this is reduced to £12.85)

 

[John @ home]

I cannot however see an Off-peak Return at that price, the Off-peak Return in NFM06 is £19.50.

The Wolverhampton - Ruabon ticket is £19.50, according to NFM06.

Agreed. My copy & paste error, I think. Sorry.

£17 + £19.50 gives a walk-on total of £36.50, not my less than £30 each.

 

[sonic2009]

if your friends travel before 5th september and you book online london midland have a summer sale on, so a london euston to shrewsbury off peak return becomes £17.50, this ticket can only be used on LM and ATW only.