London to Penzance train question
Jan 15th, 2015, 12:04 PM
#1
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London to Penzance train question
Hi to All, My friends are going to be taking a noon train on a week day. They are wondering if they should reserve ahead or if, like Italy, barring any huge holiday, they can buy same day. And, if they think they won't make a train for which they have bought advance tickets, what are their options? Can they call ahead and re-schedule? Or, as in Italy, they have a certain amount of time to use the ticket?
Also, will the Oyster card cover that trip? I think this might be covered elsewhere, but I'd appreciate the help again.
So many thanks!
Also, will the Oyster card cover that trip? I think this might be covered elsewhere, but I'd appreciate the help again.
So many thanks!
Jan 15th, 2015, 12:28 PM
#2
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they can buy tickets the same day but the price they pay will make them wish they'd bought in advance
if they buy advance tickets that are changeable they'll have to pay for any difference in their re-scheduled tickets
an Oyster card will not cover London to Penzance
https://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/
if they buy advance tickets that are changeable they'll have to pay for any difference in their re-scheduled tickets
an Oyster card will not cover London to Penzance
https://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/
Jan 15th, 2015, 12:45 PM
#3
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They can save like sofarsogood says tons of money over a walk-up same day fare (though some discounts may still be available so ask) - they can always get on these trains IME - but the deep discounted tickets can go weeks early so that have to book in stone - often severe restrictions on changes or refunds.
and note that at times for as low as 5 pounds on weekends especially they can upgrade to first class (on some lines not sure about this one) and get much much bigger seats and usually free drinks and snakcs the whole way - look at the cost of first class too and if it ain't much more than Standard Class go for first -a world of difference IME - much more than on Continental trains.
For lots of good info on British trains check these IMO superb sources: wwwseat61.com - the Bible on discounted tickets written by a Brit who was in the railway business for years I think; and www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.
The line after Exeter goes right along the coast sit on the left side of the train going out if possible. Flooding at times however can close that part of the line IME.
and note that at times for as low as 5 pounds on weekends especially they can upgrade to first class (on some lines not sure about this one) and get much much bigger seats and usually free drinks and snakcs the whole way - look at the cost of first class too and if it ain't much more than Standard Class go for first -a world of difference IME - much more than on Continental trains.
For lots of good info on British trains check these IMO superb sources: wwwseat61.com - the Bible on discounted tickets written by a Brit who was in the railway business for years I think; and www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.
The line after Exeter goes right along the coast sit on the left side of the train going out if possible. Flooding at times however can close that part of the line IME.
Jan 15th, 2015, 01:11 PM
#4
If they are made of money - and the trip isn't in Summer when the train might be sold out - sure they can walk up and buy a fare on the day.
Not only should they book ahead, they should book as far ahead as they can.
Oysters only cover London. Penzance is 300+ miles from London.
Not only should they book ahead, they should book as far ahead as they can.
Oysters only cover London. Penzance is 300+ miles from London.
Jan 16th, 2015, 10:01 AM
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If they are made of money - and the trip isn't in Summer when the train might be sold out - sure they can walk up and buy a fare on the day.>
In decades of traveling on British long-distance trains I've never seen a train sold out - at least in first class - never ever in zillions of trips - in Standard class yes but even then I think you mauy be able to buy a ticket and stand and wait for others to get off at subsequent stations, etc.
British trains sell out - not sure of that but if so never ever in first class IME - they will be able to get on a train on the day of travel in first class - of course that would cost on a walk up bases tons and tons of money.
In decades of traveling on British long-distance trains I've never seen a train sold out - at least in first class - never ever in zillions of trips - in Standard class yes but even then I think you mauy be able to buy a ticket and stand and wait for others to get off at subsequent stations, etc.
British trains sell out - not sure of that but if so never ever in first class IME - they will be able to get on a train on the day of travel in first class - of course that would cost on a walk up bases tons and tons of money.
Jan 16th, 2015, 11:12 AM
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Pal, I'm afraid I have seen First Class sold out. This past July, Kings Cross to Edinburgh. Not sure if it was sold out the entire journey but from Kings Cross no seats. In fact they had over sold some seats...apology over the intercom, and some people had to stand, although none of the First Class passengers.
Also, depending on the route, there are not always deals on First Class tickets even if purchased in advance.
The quality of First Class usually depends on the train line. A few are worth paying a bit more, others absolutely not. You'll seldom, if ever, get your money's worth by having free drinks and snacks. Buy your snacks and drinks before you get on the train. Perhaps the only time First Class tickets should be considered worth the price is when you can get a really good price and you're traveling on a longer route.
Also, depending on the route, there are not always deals on First Class tickets even if purchased in advance.
The quality of First Class usually depends on the train line. A few are worth paying a bit more, others absolutely not. You'll seldom, if ever, get your money's worth by having free drinks and snacks. Buy your snacks and drinks before you get on the train. Perhaps the only time First Class tickets should be considered worth the price is when you can get a really good price and you're traveling on a longer route.
Jan 17th, 2015, 02:18 AM
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For clarity, only 4 trains in Britain can possibly 'sell out'.
They're the two northbound and two southbound 'Caledonian Sleepers' between London & Scotland, on which (uniquely) reservation is compulsory.
On all other trains, you can ALWAYS buy an Off-Peak or Anytime ticket without an reservation, get on and sit where you like, and standing in the possible but generally-speaking unlikely event all seats are taken. Trains can NEVER sell out, by definition.
Off-peak and Anytime tickets are unlimited.
The issue is price.
Anytime fare £134.50 (any train)
Off-Peak fare £80.50 (only off-peak trains)
Super-Off-Peak £62 (certain off-peak trains)
Advance fares, pre-booked, start at £18 upwards (booked train only, no refunds)
They're the two northbound and two southbound 'Caledonian Sleepers' between London & Scotland, on which (uniquely) reservation is compulsory.
On all other trains, you can ALWAYS buy an Off-Peak or Anytime ticket without an reservation, get on and sit where you like, and standing in the possible but generally-speaking unlikely event all seats are taken. Trains can NEVER sell out, by definition.
Off-peak and Anytime tickets are unlimited.
The issue is price.
Anytime fare £134.50 (any train)
Off-Peak fare £80.50 (only off-peak trains)
Super-Off-Peak £62 (certain off-peak trains)
Advance fares, pre-booked, start at £18 upwards (booked train only, no refunds)
Jan 17th, 2015, 02:49 AM
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<<The quality of First Class usually depends on the train line. A few are worth paying a bit more, others absolutely not. You'll seldom, if ever, get your money's worth by having free drinks and snacks. Buy your snacks and drinks before you get on the train. Perhaps the only time First Class tickets should be considered worth the price is when you can get a really good price and you're traveling on a longer route.>>
I always go 1st class, where available - for the extra few quid it's usually quieter and you get more space.
Some companies give free wifi and generous catering, but not First Great Western - no wifi and you get only free tea/coffee/OJ and biscuits. Where you make your money back is on Virgin or East Coast routes on weekdays - time departure for around noon and you get coffee when the train departs, a top up, 2-3 rounds of the drinks trolley (and they are generous with the wine), nuts, sandwiches/salads, cake, crisps, then another round of coffee. We got off the London/Edinburgh train fairly sozzled. Time departure for early evening and substitute the sandwiches for a hot meal - even better value. Add all that up, and you really can make back the 1st class supplement in freebies.
I always go 1st class, where available - for the extra few quid it's usually quieter and you get more space.
Some companies give free wifi and generous catering, but not First Great Western - no wifi and you get only free tea/coffee/OJ and biscuits. Where you make your money back is on Virgin or East Coast routes on weekdays - time departure for around noon and you get coffee when the train departs, a top up, 2-3 rounds of the drinks trolley (and they are generous with the wine), nuts, sandwiches/salads, cake, crisps, then another round of coffee. We got off the London/Edinburgh train fairly sozzled. Time departure for early evening and substitute the sandwiches for a hot meal - even better value. Add all that up, and you really can make back the 1st class supplement in freebies.
Jan 17th, 2015, 10:47 AM
#12
if they are getting the noon train out of Paddington, it'll probably have a restaurant car and if they buy 2nd class tickets in advance, they can spend most of the journey in 1st class comfort if they take lunch.
if they want to be sure of a 1st class seat and lunch, then they need to buy first class tickets and go straight to the restaurant car and sit down. when you've eaten, you move back to your reserved seats [and yes, please do reserve] whether in first class or second.
you can check on the website if your train is going to have a restaurant car. Silver service and good food, albeit at a price, but it's the closest you get to luxury on a train nowadays unless you get on the Orient Express.
because they are going to be getting the noon train [presumably they will have been staying in London beforehand] there's no reason for them to miss the train and therefore they could buy and book well in advance, thus [hopefully] saving the cost of the meal!
if they want to be sure of a 1st class seat and lunch, then they need to buy first class tickets and go straight to the restaurant car and sit down. when you've eaten, you move back to your reserved seats [and yes, please do reserve] whether in first class or second.
you can check on the website if your train is going to have a restaurant car. Silver service and good food, albeit at a price, but it's the closest you get to luxury on a train nowadays unless you get on the Orient Express.
because they are going to be getting the noon train [presumably they will have been staying in London beforehand] there's no reason for them to miss the train and therefore they could buy and book well in advance, thus [hopefully] saving the cost of the meal!
Jan 17th, 2015, 06:07 PM
#15
>>so is the plan to arrive at LHR in the morning and then go straight to Paddington to get the train?<<
Ooh do hope not!
An overnight flight, train to Paddington, wait for the next train, and then a 5 or 6 hour train ride. That would be one hecka loooooooong day . . .
Ooh do hope not!
An overnight flight, train to Paddington, wait for the next train, and then a 5 or 6 hour train ride. That would be one hecka loooooooong day . . .
Jan 18th, 2015, 08:41 AM
#18
I don't think going straight to the train would be as dire as all that. I'm not good for much when I arrive anyway, so getting on a train where absolutely nothing is required of me and napping is a possibility, sounds not too bad to me. Nap, snack, read, nap again sounds like a decent way to wile away a jet-lagged day. Better than using a day that could actually have been productive...IMO.
Jan 18th, 2015, 09:03 AM
#19
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But if buying a discounted ticket you often cannot change nor refund those so if planning on taking plane to transfer to train station you'd have to build in a lot of fudge factor time for late planes - unfamiliarity with getting to the station, etc or just plan to buy a full-fare ticket then perhaps make a reservation if in 2nd class just to be sure you got a seat and then if missing the train that ticket can be used on any other train I believe.
Jan 18th, 2015, 09:20 AM
#20
"..you'd have to build in a lot of fudge factor time..."
Yes, agreed. But I build in wiggle room everywhere. If the flight is transatlantic, in my experience arrival times are more reliable than many and generally early morning. It does need to be taken into account but I still think it's a viable option. I'd certainly buy an advance ticket and have done, for a rail journey after arrival, and never had to buy another on the day.
Yes, agreed. But I build in wiggle room everywhere. If the flight is transatlantic, in my experience arrival times are more reliable than many and generally early morning. It does need to be taken into account but I still think it's a viable option. I'd certainly buy an advance ticket and have done, for a rail journey after arrival, and never had to buy another on the day.
