How far in advance is advance?

[adc82140]

I'm looking at some commuting options for work (Sailsbury-Pinhoe) as I'm sick of driving. Looking at National Rail for today just to see prices I note that there are advance fares listed. This is an attractive option, but I will only be certain what train I'm getting home once I actually leave the building. I was surprised to see advance fares listed at all for the same day, at what point before departure do they cease to be available?

 

[Haywain]

At the time of writing (14:57), the next train from Pinhoe to Salisbury departs at 15:35 and Advance tickets are still available. However, you should be aware that at the current price of £15.90 you are not making much of a saving over buying a fully flexible Anytime Day Return at £35.90 unless you get something significantly cheaper for your outward journey.

 

[thejuggler]

I have purchassd advance fares from a station TVM minutes before departure.

 

[Wallsendmag]

APOD (Advance Purchse On the Day ) was introduced years ago, LNER has these available up to departure even if the service is running late.

 

[adc82140]

At the time of writing (14:57), the next train from Pinhoe to Salisbury departs at 15:35 and Advance tickets are still available. However, you should be aware that at the current price of £15.90 you are not making much of a saving over buying a fully flexible Anytime Day Return at £35.90 unless you get something significantly cheaper for your outward journey.

Thanks. It would be a single as I stay a couple of nights away at a time for work.

 

[Kite159]

On SWR services I believe the cut off is 15 minutes before departure.

And please don't attempt to buy an advance for the following train as that can result in either being requested to leave the train at an intermediate station to 'wait for your booked train' or charged up to a whole new ticket.

 

[adc82140]

I will have started the 25 minute walk to the station before the cutoff, so I'll know for certain, short of getting run over on the way, which train I'm getting.

 

[Hadders]

Be aware that Advance fares can change price, have their quota reduced and even be completely removed so do not rely on a decent value fare always being available, especially if commuting to work.

 

[z444z]

On SWR services I believe the cut off is 15 minutes before departure.

And please don't attempt to buy an advance for the following train as that can result in either being requested to leave the train at an intermediate station to 'wait for your booked train' or charged up to a whole new ticket.

Or being charged a penalty fare, or reported for prosecution.

 

[johntea]

I managed to purchase an advance for a Transpenine Express service today at a TVM literally 4-5 minutes before departure which surprised me!