Nottingham to London 2 days a week

[ForTheLoveOf]

Hello all,

I know someone who is currently driving from Nottingham into London twice a week (there and back each day) as the train is so ridiculously expensive that it is cheaper to drive into Outer London and then do the last stretch on the Tube.

However this is obviously taking its toll and is quite unsafe considering the early start and late finish required to avoid traffic. Is there anyone who can suggest any ticket that would be cheaper than taking 2 SORs each week via Grantham? Effectively it needs to cost ~£90 a week to cost the same as the car.

I welcome any PM's for any loopholes that might otherwise be closed if publicised! (No, I'm not a Pricing Manager and I don't intend to share any loopholes in case they get closed!)

Thanks!

 

[gordonthemoron]

catch the train in Milton Keynes?

 

[ForTheLoveOf]

catch the train in Milton Keynes?

To or from Milton Keynes? What ticket would be best from there - a season, some split or a simple SOR?

 

[gordonthemoron]

From Milton Keynes, day return or travelcard. My ex, who lives in Nottingham did that when travelling to London

 

[Starmill]

Effectively it needs to cost ~£90 a week to cost the same as the car.

Is that really a realistic aim? Driving in this country is generally far cheaper than using intercity trains if you don't book 12 weeks in Advance.

An Anytime Return from Peterborough to London Terminals on GN services only is £59.50. Two of those per week is £119.

Northampton may also be an option, from where an Anytime Day Return is £60.50 and they have the benefit of morning peak non-stop London services which might be rather more attractive than using Great Northern. The 0742 from Northampton runs non-stop to London Euston taking just 46 mins.

 

[ForTheLoveOf]

Is that really a realistic aim? Driving in this country is generally far cheaper than using intercity trains if you don't book 12 weeks in Advance.

An Anytime Return from Peterborough to London Terminals on GN services only is £59.50. Two of those per week is £119.

Northampton may also be an option, from where an Anytime Day Return is £60.50 and they have the benefit of morning peak non-stop London services which might be rather more attractive than using Great Northern. The 0742 from Northampton runs non-stop to London Euston taking just 46 mins.

Thank you - I am just trying to find some alternatives. £90 a week includes the fuel, parking, and Tube into London. It doesn't account for things like wear and tear or servicing, so naturally it isn't a level playing field. However, I'm just trying to see if there is an easier and safer way to get into London that's reasonably priced!

 

[Starmill]

I see, good stuff. Do they need to be in central London for 0830-0900 sort of time?

If they were to go for Milton Keynes, it's a touch cheaper but after the 0714, which gets to London Euston in 36 minutes, there is a lack of fast trains. There is a 0731 taking 41 mins, a 0755 taking 44 minutes and a 0759 taking 56 minutes. These are all fastest available (i.e. non-overtaken) trains. If they could make it to Milton Keynes for the 0714, the Virgin Only Anytime Day Return at £36.60 would suit perhaps. This is rather limiting on their return, however. Otherwise an Anytime Day Return for all trains is £41.30.

Bletchley is an option with cheap parking, but the jounrey from there will be even slower. I think Northampton provides the best price : speed ratio, perhaps someone local can advise of parking options there.

 

[Starmill]

What about Tamworth? I see that there is a £20 Advance on the 0615 Tamworth to London Euston many days next week. Could be combined with an Off-Peak Single the other way at £32.50 for any afternoon WMT service. £90.50 for a single valid for the 1757 VT though, arriving 1859.