thetrainline.com (thetrainline.com)

Member Name: jacqueline101

Product:	thetrainline.com
Date:	09/09/09 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: train tickets at reduced prices

Disadvantages: can be a little complicated to use at first

I have been using thetrainline.com to book train tickets for the last couple of years. It is a website with information on train times in the UK and you can also book tickets on it. I usually use thetrainline to book train tickets in advance, for longer journeys, to places such as, London, Brighton, Manchester and Bath. For shorter, more local journeys, I would use it just to look up train timetables, then go and get the tickets at the station before travelling. I have found that booking tickets as far ahead as possible can save quite a lot of money (there is more information on this subject on moneysavingexpert.com). For this to work, you need to know when you will want to travel and to book on a specific train with the best fares, which you will have to stick to, or you could end up paying more if you decide to get a different train later. More flexible tickets tend to cost more.

When looking for train tickets, you will need to put in information regarding where you want to travel to, which date(s) and the time of day you wish to travel at. Then a list of possible trains comes up on the next page. This can seem quite complicated, as there are so many different tickets available, and many of them are really expensive, especially the first class ones. If you have a Railcard, there is also the option to use this for a discount. I always click on the link that says 'two singles could be cheaper than a return' to see the single tickets. I look for the cheapest ones that suit when I want to travel. This usually works out to be cheaper than buying a return. The best priced tickets are to be found when booking well in advance, as tickets are available from twelve weeks ahead. I have booked tickets to London and Brighton from Manchester, and from Brighton to Bath, using singles for each journey, and have saved a lot using this method.

When you have chosen which tickets you want, and if you want a window or table seat, you then proceed to payment. I pay with a Visa card, as this is free (credit cards have a small charge) and opt to have the tickets sent to me by first class post (this costs £1.00). You can also collect them at a station if you wish to, or pay more for faster delivery than first class. I have found the delivery is always very prompt and efficient. Cashback is also available through Top Cashback and My Shopping Rewards for thetrainline.com.

There is also a service on the website for booking business tickets, Eurostar and international tickets, hotels and West End theatre shows.

I have found that thetrainline.com takes a little time to get used to. Once you have become familiar with all the tickets that are available, and know what you want to purchase, it will get easier and quicker, and you should be able to find some tickets at prices much lower than you would pay if buying at the station on the day of travel.

Summary: save on train tickets when booking in advance