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-   -   2for1 - do I have this right?? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/2for1-do-i-have-this-right-958832/)

oh2doula Dec 9th, 2012 05:38 PM

2for1 - do I have this right??
 
I am finding several post but dated. Hoping I have somewhat of a grasp on this!!!

group of 5 adults arriving in Gatwick March 14 2013 6:20 am - I found the Gatwick express 4 for 2 offer - return ticket - this will take care of 2for1 offers for the entire stay - correct??

This will take us to Victoria. I am trying to get price for Gatwick to St Pan using First Cap - but no luck - any idea which would be cheaper even with deal??

do we do then buy travelcard or 7day Oyster??
We are planning a visit to Cranbrook - will be using tube, bus and of course walking....

Also how difficult will it be to get out of Gatwick at this hour?? I know it will take time to get off plane = luggage = etc but what will be best way into London at this time of day??

nukesafe Dec 9th, 2012 08:03 PM

You might repost with Gatwick in the title, if you want anyone to respond.

janisj Dec 9th, 2012 08:42 PM

"<i>Also how difficult will it be to get out of Gatwick at this hour??</i>"

Not at all difficult. Just buy the train tix and board the train. easy peasy.

"<i>I am trying to get price for Gatwick to St Pan using First Cap - but no luck - </i>"

Try entering <i>London</i> St Pancras (not just 'St Pancras').

"<i>do we do then buy travelcard or 7day Oyster?? </i>" If you have the R-T train tix from LGW, then you just need an Oyster for the rest of your travel w/i London.

"<i>We are planning a visit to Cranbrook - will be using tube, bus and of course walking....</i>"

If you mean Cranbrook in Kent - nothing to do w/ the tube. It is far south of London. You'd take the train to Royal Tunbridge Wells and then a local bus or taxi from there

jamikins Dec 9th, 2012 09:55 PM

You don't need to take the gatwick express - you can get direct trains from gatwick to st pancras on first capital connect check on www.nationalrail.co.uk unless there are engineering works the day you arrive. These tickets will get you 2for1 access if you get a return ticket.

janisj Dec 9th, 2012 10:19 PM

"<i>you can get direct trains from gatwick to st pancras on first capital connect check on www.nationalrail.co.uk unless there are engineering works the day you arrive.</i>"

Just be sure to use 'London St Pancras' - which is how it is listed on the National Rail site.

oh2doula Dec 10th, 2012 02:05 PM

thanks everyone! I do appreciate it.

oh2doula Jan 2nd, 2013 01:38 PM

GOODNESS!! I have been looking on http://nationalrail.co.uk/ for our train tickets - yes janisj me and transportation again!! There will be five in our group and I thought I saw where having five in the group we could take advatange of the groupsave ( I am pretty sure we will when we go to Cranbrook) but when when I do search it showing gatwick express - not that I have a problem with that but I thought Gatwick Express was more expensive.....

we arrive at Gatwick 6:20 am - I have been looking at trains leaving around 8 am - and we will return March 19 and I want to be there around 7 am - giving two and half hours before our plane leaves -

St Pancras was the original plan so we could hit Platform 93/4 but rethinking Victoria will be bette bet - closer, shorter time dragging luggage and we meet our greeter at the flat at 9 am

Again help is appreicated!!

janisj Jan 2nd, 2013 02:13 PM

what do you want to know?

There are other (cheaper) trains to Victoria besides the Express.

here is the link re groupsave http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_...discounts.html

The cheaper trains are on Southern and that company is included in the groupsave. However - it is only good for off peak travel. 8AM on a weekday wouldn't qualify. (8AM on a weekend would.)

oh2doula Jan 2nd, 2013 02:30 PM

Yes the time is what I thought was the issue - how early is offpeak?? If I am reading it correctly with the Groupsave on Gatwick EXpress tickets would be $34 pp for the five of us. Southern even without the groupsave would be $39 and First Capital is the most expensive. Still not bad for roundtrip!!

janisj Jan 2nd, 2013 04:00 PM

around 9:30AM starts off peak - but it can vary a bit.

For a big savings it might be worth hanging around the airport, have b'fast and delay the trip into town during off peak.

oh2doula Jan 2nd, 2013 08:47 PM

I have to meet our greeter at the flat at 9:00 (they do give some time) so that wont work plus I have too much planned to sit around a wait! I just didnt want to miss out on a cheaper fare if I could - again thanks so much!!!!

janisj Jan 2nd, 2013 09:56 PM

then you'll just have to pay the regular fares.

But a couple of things to think about . . . The rep very likely could meet you later.

and - >><i>plus I have too much planned to sit around a wait!</i><< - it may not be a great idea to over fill/over schedule your first day. Jetlag can be a bear . . .

oh2doula Jan 3rd, 2013 08:04 AM

I already asked them to move it back from 8:30 so hate to do that - I did consider jetlag - so March 14 IS less than the other days! But thanks for the reminder. Planning to be outside and moving - hydrating and staying up til a usual bedtime - early bedtime but close to one!!


Did I tell everyone our Ceremony of the Keys tickets have come in too??

janisj Jan 3rd, 2013 08:44 AM

oh -that's great.

Be sure to be there on time. A little early is good for peace of mind, but no need to be there more than say ten minutes ahead. You will be standing outside a gate until precisely 9:30, when they take the tickets and admit you. They say 'precisely 9:30' and mean it.

oh2doula Jan 3rd, 2013 03:46 PM

I remember - we went last time too and no pictures!!


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