FIP Rate Ireland (Also Rail & Sail)

[hornbyfan99]

Hey Everyone

It's been a really long time since I last posted on RailUK Forums so bear with me...

I'm planning a trip to Ireland next week with accommodation etc all booked. I'll be using my FIP Card whilst I'm in the country as I didn't order the coupons.

As I will be travelling from Fishguard to Rosslare then Dublin ( I know I can go via Holyhead!) does anybody know how I get about a FIP Rate once I arrive?

Also I'll be travelling with someone who aren't entitled to FIP so will be getting the Rail & Sail ticket as far as Rosslare from Ealing Broadway. Fustratingly I have yet to be able to get the ticket itself. Online it's saying 'sold out' and it's getting closer to our travel date on the 11th this month!

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

Rosslare Europort (Harbour in old money) is unfortunately now just an unmanned platform with only a ticket machine. As an ordinary punter I managed to buy a ticket (just to Wexford), but I don't know if it has an option for discounted FIP fares. You can also print and collect tickets you have ordered on-line. I note that an ordinary single to Dublin from Rosslare tomorrow is 16.30 euros, which is very reasonable by our standards.

 

[Flying Snail]

As above the only ticketing facilities at Rosslare is a TVM and they do not sell staff discount fares.

Irish Rail priv rate is 25% of standard fares. For Rosslare - Dublin they are €30.95 single, €39.40 return so priv rate €7.74 single, 9.85 return.

These days the online fares on long distance routes are substantially cheaper than the standard fares, Rosslare - Dublin is one of the cheapest with the lowest level fare bought more than a few days in advance being €7.49 single.

I would strongly advise you to book any Irish Rail tickets for your companion ASAP as the walk-up fares are bad value and there is a substantial jump from the "Low" fare once it is sold or timed out. These can be collected from the TVM at Rosslare.

Redirecting...

What you do is another matter, you cannot buy your staff rate before travel as there are no facilities, it is entirely possible the first opportunity would be at the gateline exiting at Dublin Connolly.

It would be a good bet that you would just get let through without being asked for payment as in general IR/CIE staff just wave their priv ID card and travel without further questioning.

If you are uncomfortable with the arrangement of possibly travelling without a ticket then just buy the web fare for yourself as well. Unless you are returning through Rosslare - Fishguard (I am guessing due to the inability of doing that journey without breaking overnight you are probably not) the Low web single is slightly cheaper than paying the priv rate.

For other travel you can buy priv rate singles/returns at manned ticket offices. You can see what those fares would be by here: https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/rail-fares-and-tickets/fares-info

As with the Rosslare example it is worth comparing 25% of the standard fares to the cheapest public web fares available.

If you are planning some travel within the Dublin region, particularly if that includes bus or tram journeys Leap cards might be a better option, regular ones that require a €5 (refundable online) deposit can be purchased from ticket offices, ticket machines or you can get visitor Leap cards from a handful of places in Dublin City centre.

https://www.leapcard.ie/

Leap Visitor Card - Leap Card

The Leap Visitor Card is a public transport ticket for tourists and visitors to Dublin. Buy it in Dublin airport or online. Valid on Dublin Bus, trams and trains.

about.leapcard.ie

Sail-Rail for Friday 11 Feb are available online now, nothing past that date is currently showing, possibly they are adding them late due to short notice rail timetable disruptions. If you are returning by ferry/train and cannot buy from UK retailers before you leave you can get them in Ireland, either from Stena/Irish Ferries terminals or some Irish Rail ticket offices, including Connolly.

 

[gordonthemoron]

I tried Sail Rail for 5/2/22 just now, Milton Keynes-Dublin Irish Ferries and Stena, absoiutely nothing

 

[Flying Snail]

I tried Sail Rail for 5/2/22 just now, Milton Keynes-Dublin Irish Ferries and Stena, absoiutely nothing

Where are you looking? Trainline has availability on all 4 Stena and both IF sailings for 5 Feb.

 

[gordonthemoron]

Where are you looking? Trainline has availability on all 4 Stena and both IF sailings for 5 Feb.

Avanti app

 

[Flying Snail]

Avanti app

I don't have or use that app but certainly in the past sailrail has been unable to be sold on apps where the same seller's website will work.

Just to clarify, it was the trainline site, not app (I haven't checked) that works.

 

[hornbyfan99]

All booked.

Managed to get the FIP Port Tax on the way out sorted. On the return no availability. Apparently down to a quota system so I had to book RailSail Advance to Fishguard and Goodwick on the 0730. There was apparently plenty of availability on the 1815 but that's no good if you're needing to go to the Isle of Wight after!

Not exactly what I wanted but not the end of the world I suppose... It could have been worse.

 

[Thewanderer]

You do not need to use your FIP Card in Ireland. Your RDG Priv Card is accepted for use on IE and NIR services.

Bear in mind not all stations are staffed these days.