jroberts

I need to get from Liverpool England to S. Kensignton Station in London on a Friday late afternoon/evening. What is the best/cheapest way to do so? Looks like Virgin is the train service but I can't make an advanced reservation because I won't know what time until I'm actually there. Is there a better way than just walking up and buying a one way ticket? Also, where do I get off and pick up the tube to S. Kensington?

Palenque

do NOT just walk up and buy a ticket or you could pay literally hundred bucks or more than even just by going the day before or asking for a discounted ticket - i was on a train from London to Manchester recently and the train conductor told everyone to check their ticket was for that train because if it were not the fare was something like $230 they would be charged - you can even buy on the day of travel i believe some discounted tickets

But go to the station as soon as you get to Liverpool and ask about all the various fares and conditions, etc. But do not just walk up and buy a full fare ticket as they can be really really expensive

All you need to know is at www.nationalrail.co.uk- will give you all the fares and conditions and advance purchase requirements, if any- so it is all there - peruse that and you will be informed to make the right choice. Flying to Heathrow may be cheaper and Heathrow is right on the Tube line to S Kensington.

Buses are always really cheap it seems but could take much longer- even walk up fares i think are usually cheap.

flanneruk

There are no planes from Liverpool to anywhere in London.

The train is the only serious option (driving takes at least twice as long, and on a Fri eve longer stll): Euston is the only place to get off, and on a Fri eve, getting a cab to S Ken will usually take longer than getting the tube to Green Park and changing. Do NOT be tempted to get the tube from Euston Square which old maps imply offers a direct service to S Ken.

TimS

If you take a Virgin train from Liverpool to London, you will arrive at Euston station. Take the Victoria line to Green Park. Transfer to the Piccadilly line and take it to South Kensington.

Palenque

Or check on flights from nearby Manchester to London

jroberts

We are flying frm JFK to Liverpool, spending 2 days then heading to London for 8 nights. We will purchase the Oyster card (or paper card) when we arrive in London...? It won't work before we get into London correct? I'm guessing there is no cheaper option like buying a "card" that will work on the train from Liverpool into London and then the major transportation (tube & bus) while in London for 8 nights? We are also going to head to the Cotswold region. Does this change what I should purchase as our means to transportation?

alanRow

As you say "we" then buying a 7 day Zone 1-2 Travelcard each from the TRAIN STATION booking office at Euston will be cheaper than an Oystercard AND allow you to use the offers on www.daysoutguide.com which will rapidly save you more than the cost of the Travelcard.

Even if "we" is actually "I" a 7 day Travelcard would be cheaper

GeoffHamer

An "anytime" one-way ticket from Liverpool to London costs £122.50. This can be bought at the station and will allow you to catch absolutely any train.
An "off-peak" one-way ticket is £65.20. This can be bought at the station and allows you to catch most trains - the main exception seems to be those leaving Liverpool before nine in the morning. Note that if you get on the train without a ticket, the train staff are entitled to charge the "anytime" fare, whichever train you catch.
There are cheaper fares if you want to book in advance and restrict yourself to a specific train. You can also get a discount at certain times with a railcard if you're under 26 or over 60 or travel with children (www.railcard.co.uk).

PatrickLondon

Some of the national rail companies might sell you a London travelcard as part of your ticket deal for the train to London, so it might be worth asking about that when buying your train tickets from Liverpool. I don't know, but somehow I don't expect Virgin trains to offer much of a bargain on it, beyond the convenience. For reference, if you buy a 7-day card in London, it should be £25.80 for zones 1 and 2 (which is all you are likely to need).

johngerard

When did Liverpool recommence New York flights & who are they with. Globespan tried the route a few years ago & failed. Ryanair are looking at the route. Not aware of any one else.

Palenque

If paying 122 pounds for the one way that would be about $185 or so but there is currently a 3-consecutive day BritRail Pass that costs $199 p.p. - of interest say if you were planning a day trip from London within a few days of arrival. Passes can be used on any train in U.K. anytime - just hop on. But Geoff's pointing out the 68 pound tickets with a few restrictions is probably your best deal. For lots on British trains and passes- www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com

janisj

the others are sorting out your train issues, but I had the same question as johngerard . . . .

Which airline flies from JFK to Liverpool? Or are you connecting from someplace like Amsterdam or Paris and from there into Liverpool?

Palenque

Flight Liverpool New York : look for and book Flights
Only direct flights (no change). Flying from: Depart: .... Destination airport: Flight from Liverpool New York (JFK, EWR, LGA) ...
flights.idealo.co.uk › Travel › Flights › Flight Routes

jroberts

No direct flight We are flying from JFK to Amsterdam (for a 2 hour layover) then on to Liverpool. It's a little extra flying time but the ticket was only a few dollars more - I think it was less than $40.00. We wanted to visit Liverpool and realized it was cheaper to connect in Amsterdam than take the train back and forth and our layover is about as long as the train ride its self! We're flying Delta. Paid $757.00 including all taxes round trip (direct flight home - LHR to JFK)

johngerard

National express takes 5 hours to 6.40 hours depending on time of departure to get to London. Departure point is 10 minute walk from Lime Street station where they have a depot. Price is 9 to 12 pounds & there are about 8 departures in a day to pick from.