train costs in england,

lmtduffy

Looking at the national rail enquires websites,
you get quoted fares,
but would they be the same fares youd pay if you just turn up on the day,
or is it like with airplane tickets as in do they change with deamand and that,
I need to go from bangor ot london,
london to bristol,
and am currently in Ireland

BuffyBot

The train operating companies in the UK tend to operate on an airplane style sales plan - i.e. cheaper fares are available the further you book them. Walk up fares on long distance routes tend to be much more expensive.

John R

There are 3 basic types of fares;

Open: no restrictions, valid on all trains on day of travel/ one month for return. Very expensive for long distance travel, no advance purchase necessary.

Saver/Cheap Day: valid on off-peak trains (what is off-peak depends on specific routes) one month for return. Big discount over open fares for return fares but singles are usually just £1 cheaper than return fare, no advance purchase necessary.

Advance: Have many different names depending on the train company but usually have "Advance" in the title. Valid on a specific seat on a specific train only, if you miss your train (except for a missed rail connection) they are not valid on any other and you have to buy a new saver or open ticket. If a change of train is involved the specific train restriction may apply to specific legs only. One-way tickets only, add 2 for return. Cheapest fares by far for long-distance travel, advance fares are added to the system approx 12 weeks before travel and once they are gone no more will be available. If any are still available they can be booked up to 6pm on the day before travel but on busy trains they will be booked out well in advance.

I don't know if this is applicable to you but combined sea/rail fares to/from Ireland are very goood value (€44 single from London to DunLaoghaire/Dublin) particularly if you cannot get any advance fares as they are cheaper than saver/open fares from London to stations on the Chester-Holyhead line.

lmtduffy

Thanks for the info,