National Express not always cheaper online

[317 forever]

I have just experienced an example of a National Express fare not being cheaper online. I looked up a fare from Plymouth to Penzance online but the system would have added a £1 booking fee. I felt like getting a traditional ticket instead of an E-ticket for a change. So I went to Manchester Chorlton Street coach station, and was able to purchase the ticket without paying the booking fee!

I can understand a booking fee added to funfares, but it no longer seems best to book online for a flexible fare.

 

[Mugby]

That's quite true.

I sometimes travel between Bradford and Leeds by National Express, the single fare is £1.90 and I book at my local Tourist Information office.
I prefer to do that rather than pay such a small amount on line. And no booking fee!

 

[gnolife]

That's quite true.

I sometimes travel between Bradford and Leeds by National Express, the single fare is £1.90 and I book at my local Tourist Information office.
I prefer to do that rather than pay such a small amount on line. And no booking fee!

I've occasionally done the same thing from Manchester Chorlton Street or Rochdale to get back to Manchester Airport if I've got a bit too rat-faced the night before, and need to get back home (Its about 1.50 cheaper by NX than by bus, or about 70p than by train, single).

 

[bb21]

Speaking of NatEx, you can't beat the drivers on the 0420 Nottingham - Leicester run. I have been asked for any amount between £2 and £3.50 for the single journey (bargain! £6+ bus or train) and even waved into the back of the coach by some drivers a couple of times. They seem to pluck the price out of thin air if I am not aware that they should have a fare table to refer to.

Back on topic, so NatEx have increased the booking fee online, eh? T'was 50p when I checked last time, however I have not used their website for a long time, not since they redesigned it into the awful thing it is these days.

 

[radamfi]

Rochdale to Manchester can be 80p on some journeys, with the booking fee it more than doubles the fare! So I buy them from the vending machines or agents which have no booking fee. I regularly travel Rochdale to London splitting at Manchester as there are no Funfares from Rochdale to London.