Aberystwyth - Edinburgh Waverley

[alcyon]

Hi everyone! I'll run the Edinburgh Marathon on 2015, and I need to get a train ticket that carries me to Scotland. I've heard that it's not easy, and that the trip involves several changes in different stations. I'm also a bit concerned about the money that such a train fare may cost, as it should be a return ticket. Anyone has ever done that route before, and what would be in your opinion the best traveling strategy? Many thanks pals! Sergi

 

[yorkie]

Welcome

it can be done with just one change at Wolverhampton.

It may be that whoever said it needs many changes was either travelling on a day when there was engineering works, or perhaps they bought a combination of cheaper tickets?

A flexible return ticket (Off Peak Return, code SVR) is £142.20 valid on, effectively, any train. Return within one month.

Or would you prefer to get the price down, and commit to specific trains?

 

[Crossover]

To add to what Yorkie has said, are you eligible for any railcards (such as 16-25 etc)?

 

[alcyon]

Or would you prefer to get the price down, and commit to specific trains?

Thanks for the quick reply Yorkie! Yes, the second option seems also quite attractive, as I have a tight budget...
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Not eligible, Crossover, as I'm older than that! I'll ask in station though...

 

[yorkie]

You can get the price down to £125.50 with flexible Off Peak Returns (again, effectively valid by any train, despite the name) by "splitting" at Preston. The website trainsplit.com will calculate such "splits" and book a through itinerary for you (the fee is minimal and a proportion of the saving) or you can book them separately yourself.

Alternatively you can get through Advance Single fares for £44 each way.

 

[alcyon]

£44 each way? That would add to £88 return... Do you think I could book those two tickets months in advance, say like buying two advance/single tickets tomorrow or next week? I should be there at the end of May... Thanks again Yorkie!

 

[yorkie]

No, not next week for May; that's too early.

See the booking horizons page on the National Rail website (updated regularly but not as regularly as the tickets are actually released!).

The £44 fares are non-refundable, subject to availability, and are quota controlled for travel at less popular times. I found them on random weekdays in March.

If you fail to be at your origin station for any reason your tickets are completely invalid.

So, only go for Advance fares if you're happy with the T&Cs!

Yes, £88 is a lot cheaper than £125, but it is also a lot less flexible.

 

[alcyon]

Well, that's a lot of useful info... I'll have a look to it at some point, as it seems I'm too early to book in advance. I'll post here with whatever info I get in my train station. Thanks to all!