We need to arrange for some train travel in England, for a trip we're taking next week. It's been some years since I've traveled by train there, and I'm finding online information confusing. It seems there are a number of train companies now, not just British Rail. Is there an advantage to buying tickets here, from the Internet, ahead of time, or is it just as good to buy them there, but a day ahead? What is the difference between some of the ticket rates/classes? (I don't think it's worthwhile to pay for first class for the several short trips we'll take, but do the classes vary much between the different providers?)

Thanks.

try this website www.thetrainline.com
When you do a search for trein times it list the ticket option if you click on it wil tel you the details of the type of ticket and if there is restricted travel times. Yes there can be some advantages to buying before you journey. Some cheap tickets can olny be bought in advanced. Aslo check out if 2 singles are cheaper than a return ticket.

I forgot to add no worth paying first class as you said. Trai tickets have gone up to silly prices in some trips. There is no diffrence in classes between different providers.

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ the official site.

When you need to buy your tickets varies a LOT.

For just trips someplace for the day and return the same night - day return tickets are usually cheap and you buy them at the station before boarding.

But for long distance, sleepers, special excursions, etc. - it is just like plane tix. Generally the farther ahead the cheaper the price. Walk-up tickets can be very expensive.

GENERALLY it's only on long distance trains that discounts are available for booking in advance.

With some rail companies (eg GNER, Virgin) 2 one way (single) tickets are generally cheaper than a single return ticket.

Also some of the rail companies (eg GNER) give a discount if you book their trains through their website

thetrainline charges for credit card, none of the rail companies do.

You can book any English train service through the website of any rail company, so you can book Virgin trains through the GNER website for example.

Reservations - where available - are normally free (hello raileurope)

If you will be near a main station you can pick up the tickets for any pre-booked train journey if you book using the Fastticket option - just remember to bring the CC you used to book with & the booking reference.

The same also applies to trains in Wales & Scotland BTW

Testing

penel - what are you expected train trips exactly? The LondonPlus pass is a bargain and could cover your trips and Gatwick trains if you are traveling in about a 100-mile radius of London. The neat thing about the pass is it can be used on most trains anytime - no dealing with advance pegging yourself into one train line or time.