Train tickets - How far in advance
 

Hi, <BR>I am wondering how far in advance I should buy tickets from London to Edinburgh...two months, two weeks, three days? Can you buy day of or will the cheap tickets be gone? <BR>Please advise...my travel companion seems to think we can wait until we get there but I seem to believe that for the UK, it is best to buy in advance if you want the best fare. <BR>Thanks!

Try www.thetrainline.com or www.qjump.co.uk. The train line seems to have more information like fares fares to Wales. It also shows more trains tham qjump. Just read the notes with the fare like must travel thru a certain station or during non peak times. Have a great trip!

OOPS... You may purchase your ticket anytime but must make a seat reservation at least 2 hours before the train leaves its starting point. During certain times a reservation is reccomended. You wouldn't want to stand between the coaches all the way to Edinburgh!

STP - The cheapest tickets will be gone.<BR><BR>For the cheapest fares (APEX) you have to book at least 7 days in advance - preferably much more. <BR><BR>Only a limited number of seats are available at the lowest Apex rate - so you should book as far in advance as possible.<BR>Restrictions apply.<BR><BR>Hope this helps ...<BR><BR>Steve

Since you are only looking at travel to Edinburgh, go to www.gner.co.uk. They are the train company that operates on this route and their site explains very well ticket types and advance purchase options; click on ticket types. But yes, early booking and your willingness to be restricted to specific times and specific trains will lead to cheaper fares. Buying a walk up ticket for a busy train could well cost you five times as much as buying a week in advance.

FYI, 2nd class is fine, but if you get a good price for 1st class (say, &pound;60-80 round trip) then go for it. You will be spending about 9 hours, there and back on the train, so it might be worth splashing out on 1st. You could also phone them and get them to work out the best price and deal for you - they are obliged to do so, I believe. <BR>FYI, single = one way, return = round trip. <BR>Try also www.thetrainline.com Trains leave from London Kings Cross and go to Ednburgh Waverley.