Irish Rail - Family Tickets

Lisha

Hi am not sure if this is right ace to post but ill chance it. Was afraid my query is not thread worthy on its own..

Anyway, am hoping to travel to dublin from mallow station using a family day ticket. 2 adults, plus 2 children aged 6&4.

From website I understand that family day ticket costs €86.

So I have 2qts,

Is it cheaper if I buy in advance or is it €86 if I buy on day.? (People say tickets are cheaper 5+days in advance, I don't know if this includes family ticket or not)

Do I have to pick time of traveling (both to and from dublin) at time of purchasing ticket ?

Sorry if these are silly qts.
Thanks for any replies

Victor

http://www.irishrail.ie/fares-and-tickets/tickets-explained

Children under 3 years on DART services and under 5 years of ages on InterCity services travel free when accompanied by a passenger holding a valid ticket, provided children do not occupy seats required for paying passengers.

1. It is the internet special fares that are cheaper if purchased in advance. The family ticket is a standard ticket that doesn't change in price if purchased in advance. http://www.irishrail.ie/fares-and-tickets/family-travel

2. Note the price of €86.50 is for a day return - you have to return on the same day. Otherwise the family ticket is €138 for return within 30 days.

3. If you know exactly when you are travelling and are happy there won't be any changes, the internet special fares may be cheaper. For example, if you book now to travel on 28-29 August, the total fare is €81.94 for three passengers (hoping the trains won't be busy) or €103.92 for the four passengers. If you need to change the time of travel, you mat need to pay a surcharge. If you need to change day, you would need to get a refund and rebook. However, as you approach the day, the fares increase.

http://www.railusers.ie/passenger_info/fare_calc_2014.php?station_from=HSTON&station_to=MLLOW&stage1=Submit+Query

Welcome to the Rail Users Ireland Fare Calculator!

This version is the November 1st/December 1st 2013 fare revision

Station From: Dublin (Heuston)
Station To: Mallow

The journey distance is: 232.40km, fare zone RE future zone R via route CORK

Ticket Adult Child Student Family
Single €57.20 €28.50 €25.20
Open Return €72.30 €29.50 €31.50 €138.00
Day Return €64.80 €29.50 €86.50
Annual €4,400.00

*Monthly tickets are not issued for journeys beyond 153km, an annual all services Irish Rail annual ticket is better value at this point

Check another fare or calculate for reverse journey

The fares listed are available at the station, cheaper fares may be available by booking in advance online. This is a trial service and may not always return the correct fare, Rail Users Ireland does not make any guarantees to the accuracy of this service, if you believe the fare to be wrong please tell us. The fares quoted are based on the official Irish Rail fare matrix issued by the National Transport Authority. Short term pormotions and internet fares are not included.

Lisha

Thanks a mil for that Victor.
That's perfect. I'll stick with the family ticket so. I'm not exactly sure what day we will travel but it's great to know it won't be any dearer than that.

Thanks again