General Chat

Does anyone know if there is a Club 55 offer for stations in England, please?
My friend has a great offer for travelling to Swansea from Wolverhampton ( and return) but I can't seem to find an England equivalent from southern area ( north part of Hampshire ) to Swansea.
Can anyone spot a bargain fare for me please?

Gwyn

Gwyn, when are you planning on going?

Return journey on Monday 12th October arriving Swansea noon-ish.
From Fleet in Hampshire.

Gwyn

And from where?

What time you looking at getting back?

It doesn't matter too much, but hope to have a good few hours with friends in Swansea, so hopefully not leaving there before about 6pm-ish.

Am staying with in-laws to cut down train fare from our far-flung spot here near south coast.

Gwyn

http://www.thetrainline.com/buytickets/combinedmatrix.aspx?Command=TimeTable

Cheapest way I can see is by getting two singles the 8.08 from Fleet changing at Basingstoke and Reading costing £25.55 and coming back either the 6.28 or 7.28 changing at Reading, Farnborough north to Farnborough Main costing £12.50 each.

A return on the same trains is £78.

Apparently you have to walk from Farnborough North to Farnborough Main.

hope that this helps.

Thanks for your hard work Helen.
That's quite a save, if I buy 2 single journeys.

My friend was getting confused with all the different prices, but got a Club 55 deal for her journey, -£15 return. She has to go a slightly odd route, but said she would enjoy the adventure for such a good offer.

Gwyn

I don't know Farnborough, but I'm sure I'll manage.

'Better wear sensible shoes for walking then'.

Gwyn

I've never heard of Club 55. Never thought to ask do you have a railcard? You will need to book it on line through the page that I gave you.
hope you have a lovely time.

I'd never heard of Club 55 either, until today!
I don't have a current card, but am going up to the station tomorrow to probably get one.
I have a photocard, 'somewhere safe', which I can't find, so have 2 photos to take to the station with me.

Another friend is over from Italy. We haven't seen her since early 1970s., so there'll be lots of talking while we catch up, ..Lol.

Train fares can be confusing.My son has a 16-25 young persons railcard which entitles him to a 1/3rd of rail travel which was great for when he was at college, as from September 2008 it could only be used after 10.00 a.m which was no good as he needed to get the 8,05 train.
He needs to go on a course next week good we thought he can use his card, it would appear it is not quite that simple, he will need to get 6,05 train which means he can't use his card getting that train it will cost over £102, if he travels after 9.00 a.m it will cost £57.90, if he travels after 10.00 using his rail card it will only cost £38. How can they justify so much difference in price.
Sorry about going on.

Belinda

Belinda

It's bewildering, to say the least.
I hope your lad finds a suitable way to travel to his course.

About 2 years ago a few of us met in Swansea. I travelled there by car, but needed to return to Folkestone area by train.
I was quoted over £50 for the single journey.
I was fortunate that the man at the station where I'd gone for information was really helpful and told me that if I would travel on a particular train, he could reserve a seat, - aisle or window, facing front or back, my choice...all for £13.56.
I took it.
What a difference !

Gwyn

He decided to travel on sunday so he can use his card with an extra nights accommodation it is still cheaper.

Belinda

what is CLUB 55 -is it for over 55`s?

From First Great Western web site

"55 or over?

With Club 55 you can travel anywhere off-peak on the First Great Western network for just £25 Standard Class return, or £45 First Class return.

Also, why not try our new Club 55 Plus tickets?

For an extra £5, we've extended travel into South Wales, courtesy of Arriva Trains Wales for £30 Standard Class return or £50 First Class return.

Your ticket is valid for return travel up to one calendar month from the date of outward travel.

So why not take a short break, visit family and friends or take a trip to the shops? With great value train fares, there are plenty of reasons to get out and about on the network. And remember, you can use this offer as many times as you like between 6 September and 13 November 2009."

First Scot Rail also have a Club 55 offer valid for journies in Scotland only.

You need to have proof of age with you when you travel.

There are plenty of cheap train fares out there if you know where to look.

I would not necessarily look at the Train Line, look at individual operators web site and sometimes it pays to break the journey down but if you do and get timed train tickets, one delay could make your other tickets invalid.

Alan

I did see it advertised for Great Western trains ...so you may well get a deal from Reading.

Val

I went into Canterbury station today and found a very helpful member of staff.- willing to look at all different options, as Fleet isn't a main station, so not very straight forward.
I now have my tickets for 12th, ...with seats reserved.and a printout of travel instructions.
Total cost £25

Thank you all for your help and comments.

Gwyn