| PalQ |
May 17th, 2006 07:43 AM |
Investigate the LondonPlus railpass if doing more than one day trip - the pass starts with two days of unlimited train travel in about a 100-mile radius of London, including Cambridge, Oxford, Salisbury (Stonehenge) and will take you nearly to Stratford which you can buy a cheap supplemental ticket fromn where the pass leaves off.
In November the pass would cost just $53 p.p. for two days of unlimited travel out of an 8-day period. After the first two adults subsequent adults pay only 50% of what the first two pay - thus two couples traveling together could get four passes for $106! And kids 15 and under get a free pass to match what the adults buy. Thus really a bargain for groups and families - also can be used on trains to Gatwick Airport (but not Heathrow) - compare prices in UK at stations or online at www.nationalrail.co.uk. Passes are only sold i believe by RailEurope and not in the UK - for current prices (also comes in 4- and 7-day versions) i'd consult BETS ( www.budgeteuropetravel.com), a RailEurope agent who i've always dealt with and they also don't charge RE's $15 mailing fees. (Note prices for the pass in October are 25% higher as November pass prices are in the Off Peak period where all British rail passes sold thru RailEurope are discounted 25% (thru the end of February). Trains to me are much better than buses - more comfortable, can get up and walk around, better toilet facilities and are usually significantly quicker. No need for a bus tour to places like you're going as trains run at least hourly right to the town centres. |
