Does Trainline save you money? (thetrainline.com)

Member Name: getinmyson

Product:	thetrainline.com
Date:	04/08/09 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: If all goes smoothly, you can save a bundle.

Disadvantages: Cheap, unflexible tickets and add ons may leave you out of pocket.

Firstly, I always buy my train tickets from Trainline due mainly to the fact that I always hear that it is the cheapest website. Therefore I cannot compare with sites such as the First Great Weston. However, I find Trainline easy to use with comeptetive prices, depending on a few important things.

Trainline quickly guides you through the ticket buying process thanks to it's easy to use interface. After selecting the destination and day, and the rough time you want to leave, you then select your journey and proceed to checkout. Simple. To find the cheapest prices, Trainline also offers a "gadget" to help you.

To get the cheapest prices, book well in advance. My 3 hour train journey through london can be up to £20 one way, but can be as little as £7.90 if booked a month in advace. I often book a day in advance due to other commitments and you still will save money from buying on the day, often about £10 off your ticket. You can collect tickets at the pick-up points at stations or have First Class or Next Day delivery of them. Pick up is free.

There are add ons though. Debit Card and Visa Electron are the only free to use cards, otherwise you may incur a £2.50 charge. Also, the cheapest tickets are Advance, which are highly unflexible, and the more felxible the much higher in price. You may end up paying more to change a train due to unforseen circumstances.

However, Trainline is convenient and competitive in price. Keep your wits about you to use it well!

Summary: Use it correctly and you'll save money on your trains. Happy Days!