We are going to London with four children and have been researching train ticket prices for a couple of daytrips. I know the same day return tickets are cheaper, but I have also read that you can get cheaper tickets by booking the day before. Would this be cheaper than getting same day return tickets? Also, I read something that made me understand that you can only get the same day return rates on trains leaving after 9:30. Is this true? We would like to leave earlier on one of our trips. Any information or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

This is a real jungle in the U.K.,Kathy, even worse than the airlines to track down the cheapest or even cheaper fares. <BR>All that you've said in your post is partially correct for some of the train companies, but the rules change rapidly, and most train companies advertise "Specials" just like the Supermarkets do. <BR>Here are some potentially useful train company web sites, which you can browse depending on where you want to go. I've tried to mention the more popular destinations, but you will obviously have your own ideas on this. <BR>North to York www.gner.co.uk <BR>Cotswolds & Stratford On Avon www.chilternrailways.co.uk <BR>East Anglia/Cambridge www.ger.co.uk <BR>Oxford.Cotswolds.www.thamestrains.co.uk <BR>Bath/West Country. www.great-western-trains.co.uk <BR>Windsor/Salisbury/www.swtrains.co.uk <BR>London itself,including River Cruises. <BR>www.londontransport.co.uk <BR>Have fun with that lot, if you need anymore let me know. <BR>Finally, just to give you an idea, there was a post on here yesterday,stating that there was a special offer on London-York for Five Pounds. The normal fare is closer to a hundred at times!!! <BR>

Also try the website www.thetrainline.com which gives prices for the different tickets and a description of the different types of rates.

to follow up on Tony's remarks, last Sunday's NY Times had an article about how confusing all the UK train fares, train schedules, and train passes are, even to seasoned British travelers. <BR>That article also mentioned another resource with live people: <BR>the National Rail telephone information service (44-345) 484950. Can speak to a representative, but be sure to inquire about the lowest available fares.

The good news is that come the autumn, there will be a simplified ticketing system, but until then, you will just have to always ask for the cheapest option. <BR>www.thetrainline.com will help, as will 44 (0)8457 222 333. <BR>Most book ahead tickets are with restrictions. Bargains can be found, but it is best to book early. Some journeys don't need to be prebooked, ie. London - Windsor or Brighton, but anything further afield is worth prebooking. <BR>If in doubt, just spell out your requirements and ask for the cheapest option. In this case, phoning to speak to a real person might be better than just logging on.