The trainline.com and not a sheep in sight. (thetrainline.com)

Member Name: LoolooMe

Product:	thetrainline.com
Date:	09/07/09 (16 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Leads you through the website and is cheaper than the station on the day.

Disadvantages: You must be organised.

What is it ---
An internet train ticket booking software.

What it offers---
Cheap(er) train tickets than tickets bought on the day. It does this by buying in bulk and getting a good price and then selling it back to you.

When to use it ----
Up to two hours before you travel.

Ease of use----
Very easy to check how much it is going to cost you. You can also book mulitple tickets (for the same journey) which are for different people, ie. if one has a special rail card whereas another person doesn't then you don't have to do two transactions as there is a special feature which lets you say how many special rail cards you have.

You can choose what time you are travelling, and if you're nt fussy you can usually find cheaper rates earlier or later in the day.

It is very clear to understand, and gives you the option of looking at singles as well as returns so that you get the best value for money.

If you don't have much knowledge of internet forms you may struggle, as although it does lead you through step by step then there is a lot to answer and for internet forms I generally find that you need to have at least some knowledge of what you are filling in as there is no person to help you.

Disadvantages--
You do have to register (however this makes it easier next time you come to buy tickets as your details are all there).

There are some small hidden costs such as a credit card charges and mailing.

They advitiser that they are cheaper than at the station on the day, but they also imply that they are cheaper overall and infact nationalrail.com is a much better place where you can compare ticket prices from all of the online ticket selling sites.

You must travel at the time you selected. If not (even if you travel earlier you will be fined).


Should you use it?---
Yes if you have computer experience (if you are on this site happily then I would say you do).
Yes if you have had a check around or don't mind so long as it is cheaper than at the station on the day
Yes if you are organised (the earlier you book then the cheaper it is)


What to do if that train ticket is still too expensive?
-Catch a coach -National Express. It might take longer and not be as nice to travel in and be exposed to moterway delays, but if you really have to be there for the mates/partners/family's graduation/birthday/wedding then it will get you there.

Summary: A great way to save thoose extra pounds and pennies.