Online bookings, how quick to collect the tickets ?

[shinkansen1966]

I often book online and then collect at ticket machines. I do this to build up points on East Coast rewards, get TOC web site specific fares or in the case of tomorrow get the introductory 25% off Great Anglian's fares.

I understand that 2 hrs is the official minimum between placing an order online and collecting tickets from the TVM ? Has anyone been able to collect in less than 2 hrs ?

Recently found out that you don't have to collect your tickets from the selected station when ordering online. You can go on to collect from your tickets from any compatible TVM... doh.

 

[transportphoto]

They say two hours however it may be possible in under that time, don't rely on it!

 

[DaveNewcastle]

Has anyone been able to collect in less than 2 hrs ?

Yes. This question appears on here once or twice a month, people regularly report being able to collect their tickets within several minutes of booking them.

Recently found out that you don't have to collect your tickets from the selected station when ordering online. You can go on to collect from your tickets from any compatible TVM

Indeed. That too is regulary pointed out to passengers on here - most recently was just this morning. Once booked, then all nationally networked TVMs will be able to print them for passengers who can provide the appropriate confirmation (their payment card and usually the booking reference number) even if another station is specified as the preferred place of collection.

 

[shinkansen1966]

Indeed. That too is regulary pointed out to passengers on here - most recently was just this morning. Once booked, then all nationally networked TVMs will be able to print them for passengers who can provide the appropriate confirmation (their payment card and usually the booking reference number) even if another station is specified as the preferred place of collection.

Forgive my repetitious question !

Be good if rail websites could add a note
"... you may also collect these tickets from another station, provided there are ticket machines capable of printing the order which you just place. And you do so entirely at your own risk."

 

[MikeWh]

Has anyone been able to collect in less than 2 hrs ?

Yes. I live 5 minutes walk from Crayford station and frequently have to buy tickets online in case the booking office is closed. I always order just before leaving and have never failed to pick the tickets up. The only drawback is that I have to lie about my proposed journey time because if it is within 2 hours then the SE website offers no delivery methods. As it's always just an off-peak day return ticket that isn't a problem.

For the curious; in the afternoon peak (1600-1900) it is cheaper to buy an off-peak return ticket from Dartford to Sidcup than it is to use Oyster PAYG from Crayford to Sidcup and back. This is fine if the booking office is open, but the TVM can't sell it if it's closed.

 

[brx378]

The fastest time I had a ticket from the machine was 5 seconds after the transaction was completed.

The member of staff said they was unable to sell railcard discounted tickets anymore. So I had to use my phone to buy the ticket and when I turned to the machine it was already there. I'd of

 

[radamfi]

When booking on WebTIS sites, such as East Coast and Southern, you can normally pick up the tickets straight away. I have booked a ticket sat next to a ticket machine in a station then went straight to the machine to pick them up.

Trainline powered sites (such as SWT and fGW) seem to require 1 hour notice. A couple of times I have tried to pick them up after 55 minutes and wasn't able to pick up but I could after 65 minutes.

Incidentally, according to http://www.northernrail.org/travel/tickets/faqs, you only need 15 minutes notice if you use the Northern site:

9. How soon after booking can I collect my tickets?

We ask you to allow 15 minutes after booking online for the tickets to be available for collection from the self-service ticket machines. Please allow sufficient time to collect your tickets before your journey, especially during peak hours.

 

[wellhouse]

A few years ago I found out the hard way that there was a lag before tickets were available at a TVM at Leeds. My office was just round the corner, and I booked my ticket just before walking to the station.

However, they were able to access the reservatin and print my tickets immediately at the ticket desk in the First Class Lounge.

 

[dvboy]

I went to pick up tickets at WVH last night and it could only print one of the two journeys I had booked, the machine directed me to the ticket office to print the other one, which they could. Very strange.