Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Europe (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/)
-   -   Manchester to London (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/manchester-to-london-630077/)

jab2006 Jul 11th, 2006 07:43 AM

Manchester to London
 
We are flying into Manchester on a Tuesday morning and want to go straight to London. How do you recommend getting there inexpensively? Thanks!

PalQ Jul 11th, 2006 07:52 AM

reserve discounted tickets on the train at: www.thetrainline.com or www.nationalrail.co.uk - tickets bought on day of travel could cost dozens of pounds more - retrieve your ticket at the station. Buses may be cheaper but can take longer and are not as comfy as the train.

PalQ Jul 11th, 2006 07:54 AM

Afterthought - cheapest tickets may not be refundable - check the site and see the difference in prices for walk up tickets and advance online reservations - but as airlines can be late if doing the discounted route leave a few hours fudge factor time so if your flight is late you don't forfeit your ticket - check ticket conditions on the sites.

gertie3751 Jul 11th, 2006 08:06 AM

I always get the bus
http://www.nationalexpress.com/home/hp.cfm

It's much cheaper than the train and easier to figure out. Goes from central Manchester to Victoria bus station in central London.

flanneruk Jul 11th, 2006 08:08 AM

When using the train sites, use "Manchester airport" as your startpoint. It's sometimes quicker to get the train to Wilmslow and change there than to go into town. Also check for web-only specials on the Virgin site.

BUT, cheapo planes might be cheaper. Check fares with Jet2 to Gatwick, Air Berlin to Stansted and VLM to London City. Although VLM's usually pricey, remember London City's on the tube system, whereas the other two require an expensive overground train into town.

Lastly, if you're returning via MCR, you might actually find booking a return to LHR on BA or bmi is the easiest option and no dearer. Depending on your previous carrier, you might also be able to through-check your bags from wherever you started the journey if you travel on with BSA or bmi.

Unfortunately, only you can work out which of these options will be best for you.

jab2006 Jul 11th, 2006 09:37 AM

Thank you all for your suggestions!


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 01:08 PM.