PalenQ

The train had free WiFi and electrical outlets at the seats, and tea on every table.>

I try to take Virgin Trains whenever possible with my first-class passes - there you get seemingly endless complimentary snacks and beverages the whole way - I love first class because I can just hop on any train IME and have lots of empty seats to spread out on - there is IME a huge difference between first- and standard-class on British trains -much more so than on Continental trains and the pass gives complete flexibility to just show up and hop on any train - such tickets, even in Standard Class can cost a ton of money and a fortune in first class.

bvlenci

I was just looking at the senior rail card, because my husband and I are hoping to take a holiday in northern England and Scotland, mostly by train. The rail card costs £30 and saves 1/3 on rail tickets. I assume this savings would be applied to the full price of the tickets; is that so? If it is, it might be more convenient to get advance-purchase discounts instead.

For example, if I look for London to York tickets for a date in May, I can get them for as little as £13.60, whereas if I want tickets for tomorrow, I'd have to pay nearly £50. If the senior rail card gives a discount only on the full-price tickets, that would bring the cost down to £35, but it would still be a lot more expensive than buying the tickets well in advance.

On the other hand, buying tickets well in advance has its risks. Last year we were planning this same trip, but we had to cancel it because of a family illness. We were able to cancel all the hotel reservations (except one) without cost, but we lost the money we'd spent on discounted train fares. Also the air fare, of course, but those were cheap Ryanair tickets.

In any case, if the ticket prices were otherwise more than £90, this senior rail card would save money. The card is good for a year, so obviously the longer you'll be in the UK the more the card would save.

I received an offer in the mail today for a "two together" railcard, which offers the same 30% discount for any two people who always travel together. It also costs £30 and is also good for one year.

janisj

You get the discount off most fares - so advance tix are cheaper w/ the senior card as are walk up fares. Plus the discount is enough that it may mean booking first class is an option.

chartley

The Senior Railcard gives a discount on whatever ticket you buy. So if you buy a discounted ticket, you still get the same percentage discount, but off the discounted price.

Discounted tickets are available until shortly before the day of departure, but the cheapest tickets may sell out. Personally, I never buy a ticket until I am sure of the date and time that I want to travel. It is also worth looking at the difference between First class and standard class ticekts. This is much smaller outside the peak travelling hours, and so it can be worth paying for the extra space and free refreshments. This also depends on the route and railway company concerned.

sofarsogood

<<If the senior rail card gives a discount only on the full-price tickets,… >>

The railcard gives one-third off advance fares as well. So the cheap fares become even cheaper.

PalenQ

Are there are blackout times or periods to use the Senior Discount or can you use it on any train anytime for any fare?

Curious and thanks for any answer. I assume there are some rush hour times you cannot use it?

thursdaysd

Yes, there are blackouts. Just takes a simple search....

http://www.senior-railcard.co.uk/usi...card/faqs/135/

PalenQ

thanks thursdaysd - seems limited mainly to SE English before 9:30 am Mon-Fri so not much of a deal - not like in France where whole days in say August are blacked out for Senior Cards or used to be.