Surbiton to Oban/ Iona?

[tanyalbeck]

Hi all,
You guys have been the most amazing source of help before, so here goes!

We are looking to get from surbiton to Iona, arriving on the 23/8/14 and leaving Iona on the 29/8/14.
Previously this has meant getting the sleeper train from Euston to Glasgow, then Glasgow to Oban where we get the ferry to Mull, bus across Mull, ferry to Iona- phew!
What's the cheapest way of booking tickets? We are 3 adults and 2 kids with one F&F railcard between us.
Any advice on booking/ routes/ split tickets etc are most welcome!
Thanks so much, as always
Tanya x

 

[adrock1976]

From the top of my mind, I would recommend using Oyster from Surbiton to central London (or 1 day paper travelcard if the railcard discount works out cheaper than the daily Oyster cap).

Use First Scotrail website to book the Fort William sleeper as far as Crianlarich, then book separate tickets for the Crianlarich - Oban leg. Advance bookings only go as far as 11 July at the moment, but you can get reasonably priced advance fares or the Bargain Berth fares. A word of warning though - the Fort William sleeper is only a small train, meaning that advance fares and Bargain Berths are extremely limited. An alternative would be to book London - Glasgow, and Glasgow - Oban.

In peace

Adam

 

[CallySleeper]

Would definitely recommend the Glasgow sleeper over the Fort William for this. Partly because you'll be waiting at Crianlarich for two-three hours, but also because cheaper tickets will be more readily available. Though, you will still have to book asap given that it's high season.